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When the majority of the country doesn't have internet access, a "currency" that you can only transact in via the internet seems like a poor choice. It makes it

When the majority of the country doesn't have internet access, a "currency" that you can only transact in via the internet seems like a poor choice. It makes it a lot easier for the government to track people though given that they are getting their citizens to download the government-sponsored wallet, which I'm sure is convenient for them. My guess is that most people in El Salvador will download the wallet, get their $30, and then abandon it and just continue to use USD.

Torwald 5y ago
> When the majority of the country doesn't have internet access, a "currency" that you can only transact in via the internet seems like a poor choice. If the shops have WiFi that's enough. Also, public WiFi. Still, your point stands to a certain extend, connected to your next line: > It makes it a lot easier for the government to track people There is indeed a danger to the democratic process here. But I don't know if the solution is to just not do crypto. I don't know what would be best. > My guess is that most people in El Salvador will download the wallet, get their $30, and then abandon it and just continue to use USD. My guess BTC takes off over there.
avnigo 5y ago
> When the majority of the country doesn't have internet access The Chivo application works for free over cellular data without the need for a data plan. WiFi public hotspots aren't hard to come by either, especially in stores. If anything, getting more people online would be a good thing. > It makes it a lot easier for the government to track people though given that they are getting their citizens to download the government-sponsored wallet It should be noted that you don't have to use the government-sponsored wallet, but that is how they're distributing the $30 drop. For all intents and purposes, you could get the drop and delete the application.

Torwald 5y ago

> When the majority of the country doesn't have internet access, a "currency" that you can only transact in via the internet seems like a poor choice. If the shops have WiFi that's enough. Also, public WiFi. Still, your point stands to a certain extend, connected to your next line: > It makes it a lot easier for the government to track people There is indeed a danger to the democratic process here. But I don't know if the solution is to just not do crypto. I don't know what would be best. > My guess is that most people in El Salvador will download the wallet, get their $30, and then abandon it and just continue to use USD. My guess BTC takes off over there.

avnigo 5y ago

> When the majority of the country doesn't have internet access The Chivo application works for free over cellular data without the need for a data plan. WiFi public hotspots aren't hard to come by either, especially in stores. If anything, getting more people online would be a good thing. > It makes it a lot easier for the government to track people though given that they are getting their citizens to download the government-sponsored wallet It should be noted that you don't have to use the government-sponsored wallet, but that is how they're distributing the $30 drop. For all intents and purposes, you could get the drop and delete the application.