January 16, 2018
*ABOUT*
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center on Sanctions and Illicit Finance (CSIF) hosted a conversation on “National Security in the Age of the Blockchain,” on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.
Bitcoin’s popularity is growing as a result of its price skyrocketing in recent months. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology, which is providing new models for financial transactions around the globe. Like many technological developments, this offers potential benefits for the U.S. and our allies. At the same time, it also presents opportunities for states and non-state actors looking to circumvent the current financial system and undermine American interests.
How will blockchain technology impact U.S. national security and the security of our allies? What are the potential threats? How are we leveraging this technology for our benefit? Panelists explored these questions with a focus on shaping recommendations for policy makers that look at both the technology’s regulatory hurdles and strategic opportunities.
CSIF’s Chairman and Senior Counselor Juan Zarate delivered brief opening remarks to contextualize blockchain technology, identifying its economic benefits, its illicit finance risks, and its potential as a tool for bolstering national security. He then moderated a panel discussion featuring Yaya J. Fanusie, CSIF Director of Analysis; Kiran Raj, Chief Strategy Officer at Bittrex and former general counsel at the Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Tom Robinson, Chief Data Officer and Co-Founder of Elliptic, and Jamie Smith, Global Chief Communications Officer at The Bitfury Group and former White House official.
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FROM THIS EVENT: https://www.fdd.org/events/2018/01/16/national-security-in-the-age-of-the-blockchain/
MORE FDD EVENT VIDEOS: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmEsAFBNkqsNqnu5pqqiJ7TZOyrCuvdgK