The trust machine
The technology behind bitcoin could transform how the economy works
BITCOIN has a bad reputation. The decentralised digital cryptocurrency, powered by a vast computer network, is notorious for the wild fluctuations in its value, the zeal of its supporters and its degenerate uses, such as extortion, buying drugs and hiring hitmen in the online bazaars of the “dark net”.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The trust machine”
From the October 31st 2015 edition
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