The full audio version of “The Case for Electronic Cash” by Jerry Brito.

Abstract

Cash is more than a method of payment. It is a fundamental tool for individual privacy and autonomy, and it is necessary for an open society. This paper shows that a cashless economy is a surveillance economy. It also argues that removing the option to freely transact without intermediation greatly limits our economic self-determination, placing our economic lives in the hands of financial institutions and governments. This paper presents several case studies demonstrating the dangers of a completely intermediated payments system and concludes that electronic cash is a tool that should not only be tolerated, but fostered and celebrated.

Today we begin the long, and rewarding journey through Jerry Brito’s & Coin Center’s Report on “The Case for Electronic Cash.” This is an incredible work present several case studies to explore the trade offs of privacy and individual autonomy, the nature of an open society, the consequences of a fully intermediated society, and how cash plays a critical role in it all.

Continuing with Part 2 of “The Case for Electronic Cash” from Jerry Brito and CoinCenter.org. The consequences of total dependence upon financial intermediaries and how it is already affecting people today.

The conclusion of The Case for Electronic Cash by Jerry Brito. Today we close out this amazing piece with the moral case for why we should not only refrain from demonizing and restricting digital cash, but we should foster and celebrate it!