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Cryptocurrency Bitcoin: "huge thing"
Photo: JIM URQUHART / REUTERS
In the fight against hackers who hijack computers with malware and then blackmail those affected, US experts are proposing significantly stricter regulation of crypto currencies such as Bitcoin. One of the core elements of the plan is the provision that crypto transactions may no longer be conducted anonymously in the future, as the Reuters news agency learned in advance from people familiar with the matter. Among other things, crypto exchanges should have to find out more about their customers, and license requirements for owners of electronic currencies and rules for money laundering should be tightened. A new special department of the Ministry of Justice should specialize in the seizure of cryptocurrencies, a currently difficult process.
"That would be a huge thing," said a senior official from the Homeland Security Department, who refused to be named. “This is a world that was specifically created to be anonymous. But at some point you have to give up something in order to be able to guarantee everyone's safety. ”The task force includes representatives from the Federal Police FBI and the Secret Service, which is also responsible for certain financial offenses in the USA. Big technology and security companies are also involved. Some of the proposals would require new legislation.
In the USA, the state and business are fighting against a wave of blackmail software - called "ransomware" - in which the victims' data is encrypted.
To get them back, the hackers demand cash payments, often in the form of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
In addition to companies and authorities, hospitals and schools are also affected.
Two members of the expert group recently put the amount extorted last year at almost $ 350 million - tripling compared to 2019.
mik / Reuters