Growing Sentiment Against CBDC Has States Create New Laws

BluShark Media
6 min readMay 13, 2023

TL:DR

  • Texas and Florida introduce bills to ban central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in their states, citing concerns about government surveillance, control over private transactions, and threats to privacy.
  • Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Ron DeSantis have expressed distrust in CBDCs, emphasizing the potential risks of increased government oversight and intrusion into individuals’ financial affairs.
  • The actions reflect a broader skepticism among policymakers regarding CBDCs’ impact on privacy, individual freedoms, and the potential to eliminate competing forms of digital currency. However, proponents argue for the benefits of increased financial inclusion and efficiency.

Texas Is anti-cbdc

Texas is making a bold move by introducing a bill to ban the use of central bank digital currency (CBDC) within its jurisdiction. The bill, brought forth by the 88th Legislature, raises concerns about the potential risks and consequences associated with CBDCs. It argues that retail CBDCs, which establish a direct relationship between the Federal Reserve and consumers, could lead to unprecedented levels of government surveillance and control over private cash holdings and transactions.

The introduction of this bill in Texas follows a similar action taken by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who recently signed a bill banning CBDCs within the state. Senator Ted Cruz has also expressed his distrust in CBDCs, stating that their implementation would be “profoundly dangerous” to society.

Critics of CBDCs highlight the risks of centralized collection of transaction data, which can compromise privacy and security. While proposals to minimize these risks may reduce transparency for regulators seeking to detect illicit activities, the implementation of a CBDC could make countless U.S. citizens more vulnerable to intrusive federal oversight and security threats.

It is worth noting that Texas Senator Ted Cruz previously introduced a bill in March to ban the Federal Reserve from adopting a central bank digital currency. Florida’s move to restrict the use of CBDCs reflects concerns shared by other states, as they aim to protect their residents against potential risks associated with CBDCs.

Florida’s anti-cbdc law

The new law in Florida prohibits the use of a U.S. federal CBDC as money within the state’s Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). It also bans the use of CBDCs issued by foreign governments and encourages other states to implement similar prohibitions in their commercial codes. Governor DeSantis cited concerns about a massive transfer of power from consumers to a central authority if a U.S. CBDC were to be issued.

Furthermore, the potential introduction of a CBDC is seen as a threat to other digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies, as it could be an attempt to control and eliminate their usage. This highlights the ongoing tension between centralized digital currencies and decentralized cryptocurrencies.

The bill in Texas and the actions taken by Florida and other states reflect a growing sentiment among government officials regarding CBDCs. It raises questions about the future of digital currencies and their impact on financial systems and individual privacy. As these debates unfold, it will be crucial to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of CBDCs and find a balance that preserves financial innovation while safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

The bill introduced in Texas to ban central bank digital currency (CBDC) is part of a broader trend of states taking a stance against the adoption of CBDCs. Critics argue that CBDCs pose significant risks to privacy, individual freedoms, and the overall financial system. By prohibiting the use of CBDCs within their jurisdictions, states like Texas and Florida are signaling their concerns about the potential implications of government-controlled digital currencies.

One of the main issues raised by opponents of CBDCs is the direct relationship they establish between the Federal Reserve and consumers. This could lead to unprecedented levels of government surveillance and control over private cash holdings and transactions. The bill in Texas specifically highlights the risks of centralized collection of transaction data, which could compromise privacy and security. These concerns are echoed by Senator Ted Cruz, who has expressed his distrust in CBDCs and warned about the dangers they pose to society.

Florida’s move to ban CBDCs within the state’s Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) aligns with the efforts of other states to protect their residents from potential risks associated with CBDCs. The fear of a massive transfer of power from consumers to a central authority is a key factor driving these actions. Governor DeSantis believes that the introduction of a U.S. CBDC would aim to control and eliminate other digital assets like cryptocurrencies, which offer a decentralized alternative.

While the introduction of CBDCs could have potential benefits, such as increased efficiency and financial inclusion, it is crucial to address the concerns raised by opponents. Striking a balance between innovation and safeguarding individual rights and freedoms is paramount. As the debate surrounding CBDCs continues, it is important for policymakers to thoroughly evaluate the potential risks and benefits and engage in transparent discussions with the public.

The actions taken by Texas and Florida reflect a broader conversation about the future of money and the role of digital currencies. As technology continues to advance, governments and regulators must carefully navigate this evolving landscape to ensure that the financial system remains secure, inclusive, and respectful of individual privacy. The outcome of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for the future of finance and the balance of power between individuals and central authorities.

The debate surrounding central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is gaining momentum as more states take a stance on the issue. Texas and Florida have recently introduced bills to ban CBDCs, citing concerns about government surveillance, control over private transactions, and threats to individual privacy and financial freedom. These actions reflect a broader skepticism among some policymakers and lawmakers regarding the potential risks associated with CBDCs.

One of the main arguments against CBDCs is the direct relationship they establish between the central bank, in this case the Federal Reserve, and consumers. Critics argue that this could lead to an unprecedented level of government oversight and control over individuals’ financial activities. The Texas bill emphasizes the risks associated with the centralized collection of transaction data, which could potentially compromise privacy and expose individuals to security threats.

Senator Ted Cruz has voiced his concerns about the implementation of CBDCs, describing it as “profoundly dangerous” to society. He highlights the potential for increased surveillance and intrusion into citizens’ financial affairs. Cruz also raises questions about the impact on transparency and the ability of regulators to detect illicit activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that restricts the use of CBDCs within the state. DeSantis sees CBDCs as a threat to other digital assets, like cryptocurrencies, which offer a decentralized alternative beyond the control of central authorities. He believes that CBDCs could be used to crowd out and eliminate competing forms of digital currency that the government cannot control.

The actions taken by Texas and Florida reflect a growing concern about the potential risks associated with CBDCs, particularly in relation to privacy and individual freedoms. However, it is worth noting that CBDCs also have potential benefits, such as increased financial inclusion and efficiency. Proponents argue that a government-backed digital currency could provide a secure and reliable means of conducting transactions, especially in the digital age.

As the debate continues, it is essential for policymakers to carefully consider the implications of CBDCs and strike a balance between innovation and safeguarding individual rights. Transparency and public engagement are crucial in shaping the future of digital currencies. The outcome of these discussions will shape the trajectory of financial systems and determine the balance of power between central authorities and individuals in the digital economy.

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BluShark Media

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