Complete conference is here:
http://newamerica.net/events/2014/new_coin_of_the_realmBarry Silbert's panel is below:
http://youtu.be/xsN1SoM8ASYPublished on Feb 12, 2014
Cryptocurrencies: The New Coin of the Realm?
Let's Get Real: Will You Ever Use Bitcoin at Walmart?
In 2009, the mysterious and pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto launched Bitcoin, the world's first online cryptocurrency. Backed by no government or hard assets, the currency's value has skyrocketed and plunged repeatedly. And yet, a diverse group of entrepreneurs, businesses and would-be money launders has followed Bitcoin's trajectory avidly. The receptivity indicates a real demand for an Internet-centric medium of exchange, without banks and without fees. Yet the rise of "criminal eBays" like the Silk Road, which allow for the anonymous purchase of illegal items with the cryptocurrency, have also brought the digital cash to the attention of government authorities. Beyond monitoring illicit activity, should regulators have a role in this new financial system? Could Bitcoin-or another cryptocurrency-become a universal alternative currency? Will we ever be able to use a cryptocurrency at our local bodega?
Participants
Jim Harper
Director of Information Policy Studies, Cato Institute
Member of the Bitcoin Foundation
@Jim_Harper
Constance Choi
General Counsel, Payward Inc. (Kraken Exchange)
Secretariat, DATA (Digital Asset Transfer Authority)
Jerry Brito
Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University
@jerrybrito
Barry Silbert
Founder, Bitcoin Investment Trust
Founder & CEO, SecondMarket, Inc.
@barrysilbert
Moderator:
Katherine Mangu-Ward
Managing Editor, Reason
Future Tense fellow, New America Foundation
@kmanguward