Sweden, Norway rethink plans for cashless societies over fears that fully digital payment systems would leave them vulnerable to Russian security threats
Sweden, Norway rethink plans for cashless societies over fears that fully digital payment systems would leave them vulnerable to Russian security threats
Rise in hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks blamed on pro-Russia groups prompt Nordic neighbours to backpedal
A combination of good high-speed internet coverage, high digital literacy rates, large rural populations and fast-growing fintech industries had put the Nordic neighbours on a fast track to a future without cash.
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But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and a subsequent rise in cross-border hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks blamed on pro-Russia groups have prompted a rethink.
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The Swedish government has since completely overhauled its defence and preparedness strategy, joining Nato, starting a new form of national service and reactivating its psychological defence agency to combat disinformation from Russia and other adversaries. Norway has tightened controls on its previously porous border with Russia.
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[Norway's] justice and public security ministry said it “recommends everyone keep some cash on hand due to the vulnerabilities of digital payment solutions to cyber-attacks”. It said the government took preparedness seriously “given the increasing global instability with war, digital threats, and climate change. As a result, they’ve ensured that the right to pay with cash is strengthened”.
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Neoliberals prioritising the interests of the rich (and only care if those are under threat) while ignoring their impact on the poor? Say it ain't so!
This is not about 'neoliberals' but about foreign malicious actors attacking digital systems for no reason.
Lol, of course it's about neoliberals, since they only care now that "the economy" (the bank accounts of the rich) is in danger, but couldn't have cared less when it was only the poor and already marginalised in society that they were marginalising further with their decisions.
We all already know Russia is run by a war mongering dictator, him threatening and harming others shouldn't come as a surprise, or news, to anyone.
Two (or more!) things can be true, and terrible, at once, and pointing out one (especially one that liberals are generally uncomfortable acknowledging) doesn't somehow nullify the other, just like criticising democrats doesn't mean someone supports conservatives, it just means criticising the one not already lightyears beyond criticism, like a literal fascist or dictator.
Funny that, in the end, germanys stubborn insistent "cash is king" mentality may come out handy in the conflicts to come...
This works only as long as you have cash in your purse. If are running out of cash, your bank probably won't hand out new cash, as the accounting software may be affected too.
Perhaps then its the best to handle it like the vietnamese part of my family: Deposit large stashes of cash scattered around the house and the houses of family members...
Estonia can do it, even under constant russian harassment. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/e-estonia-the-worlds-most-advanced-digital-society
This article has been published on 24 February 2020, exactly 2 years before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They may change their mind like Sweden and Norway are doing.
[Edit typo.]
fair enough, but still https://e-estonia.com/where-is-our-digital-state-heading/ so long as russia doesnt try any drastic new tricks like space-nuke EMPs, they will be doing alright if they know what they are doing.
When countries try to remove cash I always think how easy it sill be to control the protests when the goverment could turn off your money.