Cryptocurrency
is a type of digital currency that uses cryptography for security and
anti-counterfeiting
measures Cryptocurrencies use decentralized control as opposed to centralized electronic
money/centralized banking systems. The decentralized control is related to the use of bitcoin's block
chain transaction database in the role of a distributed ledger.
measures Cryptocurrencies use decentralized control as opposed to centralized electronic
money/centralized banking systems. The decentralized control is related to the use of bitcoin's block
chain transaction database in the role of a distributed ledger.
As a counter-culture movement
that is often connected to cypherpunks, cryptocurrency is essentially a fiat
currency. This means users must reach a consensus about cryptocurrency's value
and use it as an exchange medium. However, because it is not tied to a
particular country, its value is not controlled by a central bank. With
bitcoin, the leading functioning example of cryptocurrency, value is determined
by market supply and demand, meaning that it behaves much like precious metals,
like silver and gold. or specifically of digital
currencies. Bitcoin became the first decentralized
cryptocurrency in 2009.Since then, numerous cryptocurrencies have been
created.These are frequently called altcoins,
as a blend of bitcoin alternative.
Gavin Andresen, bitcoin's
technical lead, told Forbes.com that cryptocurrency is designed to bring back a
"decentralized currency of the people," taking centralized banks out
of the equation. Because bitcoins must be cryptographically signed each time
they are transferred, each bitcoin user has both public and individual private
keys.
Cryptocurrency transactions
are anonymous, untraceable and have created a niche for illegal transactions,
like drug trafficking. Because the currency has no central repository, law
enforcement and payment processors have no jurisdiction over bitcoin accounts.
For cryptocurrency supporters, this anonymity is a primary strength of this
technology, despite the potential for illegal abuse, as it enables a shift in
power from institutions to individuals.