David Friedman describes a type of encryption based, fully anonymous eCash [daviddfriedman.com] (scroll up a few lines) in his draft of Future Imperfect. The system would allow banks to issue a type of digital certificate that could be used as money, without revealing the buyer to the seller, the seller to the buyer, or the either to the bank. It also keeps government from messing with the money supply.
The whole draft is very interesting reading, but this is one of the most interesting parts. This is what I'm hoping the future of money will be like. The best part is we don't have to rely on "powerful people making powerful decisions" in order to implement it.
Don't hold your breath. Governments stand to lose a lot if a system like this comes to be. Anonymous transactions are impossible to tax. "Powerful people" can make "powerful decisions" regarding the placement of angry men with powerful rifles between you and any bank issuing such certificates, and would to protect their main stream of revenue, taxes on income and sales!
Anonymous eCash (Score:2, Interesting)
The whole draft is very interesting reading, but this is one of the most interesting parts. This is what I'm hoping the future of money will be like. The best part is we don't have to rely on "powerful people making powerful decisions" in order to implement it.
Re:Anonymous eCash (Score:1)