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Texas proposes a digital currency backed by gold as a bridge towards the adoption of cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin. This initiative aims to offer security to skeptical investors, facilitating entry into the world of Bitcoin and decentralized assets.
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The proposal from Texas could revolutionize the adoption of Bitcoin
Texas is preparing to write a new chapter in the history of cryptocurrencies with a bold proposal: a digital currency issued by the State and backed by gold reserves.
The initiative, led by Cody Harris, a member of the Republican Party in the Texas House of Representatives, represents an innovative step to bridge the gap between the traditional financial system and the growing ecosystem of criptovalute.
Presented for the first time in April 2023, the idea of a digital currency backed by gold took shape through two bills introduced by Senator Bryan Hughes and Representative Mark Dorazi.
The objective is simple yet revolutionary: to create a digital token in which each unit represents a fraction of a troy ounce of gold, held in specific state trusts.
During the North American Blockchain Summit on November 21, Harris described this initiative as a “springboard” towards Bitcoin and other decentralized assets.
In an informal conversation with David Duong from Coinbase, he emphasized that a state-issued digital currency could offer investors a reliable and secure alternative, helping them to familiarize themselves with the world of cryptocurrencies.
The proposal from Texas is born with the intent to address the concerns of the more skeptical investors:
“A digital currency backed by gold would provide a level of comfort that tokens issued by private startups cannot offer.”
The project does not aim to compete with Bitcoin, but rather to serve as a gateway for those who wish to explore the cryptocurrency market without feeling exposed to the perceived risks of decentralized platforms.
The digital currency of Texas could attract especially those who see in cryptocurrencies an uncertain and complex world.
A state product, based on a physical resource like gold, would represent a tangible and reliable option to dip one’s toes into the sector, with the possibility to delve deeper later on.
The criticism of CBDC
Despite the enthusiasm for the gold-backed currency project, Harris expressed concerns regarding central bank digital currencies (CBDC).
During his speech at the summit, he described CBDCs as “harmful to the nation and the State of Texas,” highlighting the risks related to surveillance, loss of privacy, and the potential control of the government over financial data.
According to Harris, the implementation of a CBDC could strengthen the distrust towards decentralized cryptocurrencies. Thus making a joint effort necessary to prevent the federal government from using them as a tool of control:
“If we understand the implications of CBDCs, we can more easily explain to citizens why alternatives like Bitcoin are a better choice.”
In any case, if approved, the digital currency of Texas could have significant repercussions both locally and globally. On one hand, it would represent a strong signal of financial and technological innovation for the State.
On the other hand, it could provide a replicable model for other jurisdictions seeking to integrate blockchain technologies and physical resources like gold.
This initiative could also accelerate the adoption of Bitcoin and other decentralized cryptocurrencies, offering a gradual transition for investors.
Harris believes that a currency backed by gold can serve as a “financial educator” for those who still do not trust the decentralized market, paving the way for greater financial inclusion.
English (US) ·