‘Open-source’ CBDCs aren’t going to protect you from government

As a seasoned crypto investor with a deep understanding of the blockchain industry, I strongly believe that open-source coding is an essential aspect of trust and transparency in cryptocurrency projects. However, when it comes to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), relying on open-source code alone is not enough to mitigate the risks.


As a crypto investor, I’ve been observing the growing skepticism towards central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) every day. Despite some policymakers’ efforts to allay concerns by adopting open-source coding for CBDCs, I believe the risks outweigh the benefits. Let me clarify, transparency in CBDCs is a commendable move, but it doesn’t provide a magic solution.

If you’re versed in cryptocurrency, you’ll recognize the significance of openly sharing the code for a project. But for those new to this field, let me explain: Open-source coding means making the underlying code publicly accessible instead of keeping it hidden as proprietary information or a trade secret. An illustrative example is Bitcoin (BTC), whose code can be freely inspected by anyone.

Releasing a project as open source brings numerous benefits. For example, it allows for outside scrutiny, which could potentially uncover hidden vulnerabilities that the initial creators might have missed. On the other hand, it also carries the risk of revealing any malicious code that was concealed within the project.

As a researcher studying the cryptocurrency landscape, I’d like to highlight how the transparency of Bitcoin’s codebase is a significant advantage. By making the code publicly accessible, we can confirm that the 21 million supply cap is a fundamental aspect of the system, rather than just a marketing claim. This level of openness builds trust among users, as they can independently verify the underlying rules and mechanisms of the project.

As a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) analyst, I’ve come to realize that open-source coding isn’t a panacea for the challenges we face. While it offers numerous benefits, such as transparency and community collaboration, it also comes with unique problems specific to CBDCs. Thus, it is essential to approach its implementation thoughtfully, taking into account potential risks and complexities.

Last year in Brazil, the central bank made public the code for its experimental CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency). Within a mere four days, concerned individuals discovered that this digital currency contained built-in surveillance and control mechanisms within its coding. In contrast, if a decentralized cryptocurrency displayed such features, users could respond by creating a new version of the blockchain or simply avoiding its usage. However, what options do CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) users have when dealing with a CBDC that represents the quintessence of government-controlled money?

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed that people have the power to express their opinions, but central banks are frequently guided by unelected authorities who aren’t accountable to the general public. We could opt for alternative currencies, but governments often strive to suppress competition in the monetary sector. While transparency is valuable in comprehending the intricacies of the system, it doesn’t directly empower citizens seeking to alter the existing framework.

As a researcher delving into this topic, I’d like to highlight an intriguing aspect using the U.S. code as an example. You only need to explore title 12, chapter 35, sections 3413 and 3414 to discover that these legal provisions encompass twenty distinct exceptions. These exceptions enable the government to bypass your financial privacy rights. Gaining insight into these exceptions is undeniably beneficial for comprehending the intricacies of the government’s extensive financial surveillance system. However, mere transparency doesn’t suffice to address the underlying issue.

As an analyst, I’ve come across another instance where the open-source nature of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) doesn’t guarantee problem-solving magic. Let me explain using Norway as an example. The Norwegian central bank made their CBDC project’s code open source, but they encountered a unique challenge: what is open source today may not remain so tomorrow.

The US experience provides evidence that earlier declarations do not guarantee a commitment to open-source technology for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The Federal Reserve has been exploring CBDC research and experiments for years, including their collaboration with MIT on “Project Hamilton.” This project resulted in an open-source CBDC model. However, it’s important to note that the Federal Reserve is not obligated to adhere to the findings of Project Hamilton or any open-source model. In fact, the Federal Reserve appears to have moved away from this specific project.

At this point in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) evolution, we’re only witnessing their infancy. These initial implementations provide valuable insights, yet policymakers’ commitment to transparency is not a magic solution to every challenge that comes with introducing a CBDC.

Open-source technology’s role is pivotal in cryptocurrency creation, yet it’s essential not to overlook the significant influence of decentralized cryptocurrencies. They empower individuals with the ability to act upon valuable information, fueling a groundbreaking shift in our perception of money and finance.

A CBDC cannot duplicate that advantage in straightforward terms. The issues run deeper than just the debated actions of central banks and touch upon the essential query concerning the extent of a government’s authority. At heart, the concern with CBDCs lies in their potential to concentrate monetary control more than ever before, potentially granting the government nearly unrestricted influence over citizens’ economic decisions.

Nicholas Anthony is a guest columnist for CryptoMoon and a policy analyst at the Cato Institute’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives. He is the author of The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Attack on Crypto: Questioning the Rationale for the Cryptocurrency Provisions and The Right to Financial Privacy: Crafting a Better Framework for Financial Privacy in the Digital Age.

The content of this article is meant to provide basic knowledge and isn’t intended to serve as legal or financial guidance. Any perspectives, viewpoints, or opinions shared within are those of the author, not necessarily aligned with CryptoMoon’s.

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2024-05-11 02:17