Subscribe now

Technology

Bitcoin's utopia has failed as big players hold all the power

By Leah Crane

17 January 2018

Computer servers

Who are these servers serving?

Bloomberg/Getty

Cryptocurrency seems to be selling out. Bitcoin and other digital currencies were designed to circumvent the centralised control of big banks and instead be managed by its network. But now they are growing similar to the very institutions they’re trying to sidestep.

Decentralisation is key to cryptocurrencies, because there is no Federal Reserve or European Central Bank to lend legitimacy to the cause. Instead, decentralised networks authenticate transactions so no individual user has the power to manipulate the process, but everyone has the power to check it.

However, Emin Gün Sirer

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop