Bitcoin

by Noah Berlatsky (Editor)

Overview

Bitcoin is a type of decentralized digital currency accepted by many vendors as a legitimate form of payment for goods and services. While its use has been normalized by many organizations, nonprofits, and payment service providers, this cryptocurrency has also drawn criticism due to the relative ease with which it could be used as an instrument for criminal activity. Editor Noah Berlatsky has compiled a collection of essays that discuss Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Discussion includes whether the currency should be banned, whether it should be regulated, whether it favors the wealthy over the poor, and whether it is a real currency.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780737773156
Publisher:	Greenhaven Publishing LLC
Publication date:	02/11/2015
Series:	At Issue Series
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	15 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

1 An Explanation of Bitcoin Adam Serwer Dana Liebelson 10

2 Bitcoin Points to the Future of Cryptocurrency Molly Wood 18

3 Bitcoin Is Insecure and Overhyped Jim Edwards 22

4 Bitcoin Is Doomed Because Transactions Are Irreversible Nicholas Weaver 27

5 Bitcoin Transactions Are Reversible Eli Dourado 33

6 Are Bitcoins Making Money Laundering Easier? Katherine Mangu-Ward 37

7 The Mt. Gox Disaster Has Seriously Damaged Bitcoin Michael Lewis 42

8 Bitcoin Shrugs Off Mt. Gox's Death Rattle Andy Greenberg 48

9 Bitcoin Is Built on and Promotes Privilege and Inequality Annie-Rose Strasser 52

10 Bitcoin Promotes Equality and Freedom Meghan K. Lords 56

11 Government Eyes Regulation of "Bitcoins" Kavya Sukumar 66

12 With or Without Government Regulation, Bitcoin Is Pointless Mark Gimein 70

13 The United States Should Ban Bitcoin Joe Manchin 73

Organizations to Contact 77

Bibliography 81

Index 86