In early 2023 on @GBNews I warned that central bank digital currencies could become programmable money. Money that can be limited, directed, monitored or linked to policy goals. At the time, many people thought this sounded extreme. The Bank of England’s Digital Pound Lab is now trialling use cases involving programmable payments and smart contracts. Across the EU, the Digital Euro is moving forward, while member states are required to provide EU Digital Identity Wallets by the end of 2026.  In the UK, digital ID, age verification and the Online Safety Act are all expanding the infrastructure for digital authoritarianism. Financial freedom depends on preserving the ability to transact without permission. Bitcoin is a peaceful way to opt out. Speaking about this on stage at @BTCPrague. Details below. View quoted note →