The issue of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is one of the most debated topics in crypto and banking. Along with their opportunities and applications, CBDCs pose serious human rights risks and concerns.
Introduction
Bitcoin has become a benchmark in global politics and elections. Today, in many countries, part of the electorate makes decisions based on the stance of political parties and candidates regarding Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In the United States, most candidates or political activists have taken a stance against central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) for human rights reasons, and candidates’ statements regarding Bitcoin are widely discussed in the media and networks. In Iran, the current parliament has been relatively friendly toward cryptocurrencies. Still, the usual delays in legislative processes, especially the lack of cooperation from the central bank and executive branches, have prevented comprehensive and constructive regulation from being implemented.
In the list of candidates and political parties, the issue of cryptocurrencies is hotter than ever in this election cycle, and we hope that representatives who are elected by the people will have a clear and decisive approach to the development of blockchain and digital assets.
In this issue, we have a conversation with Reza Taghipour about the nearly 10-year delay in following up on the demands of the Leader of the Revolution regarding the development of Web3. The issue is not just governments’ disregard for the future of technology, but also the various obstacles that blockchain technology development companies face.
This issue’s cover image is a decentralized Google created with the AI tool Leonardo. Hossein Ghotbi discusses Google’s investments and entry points into Web3 and blockchain projects in another article. The previous issue introduced Google’s approaches and strategies for blockchain development. It is important to pay attention to this information because smaller companies, especially Iranian companies, need to understand how the biggest web giant is investing to dominate and lead in Web3. In a fast-approaching future, companies that do not embrace Web3, particularly blockchain and artificial intelligence, will be left behind.
The Economic Commission of the Parliament has approved the general outline of the comprehensive digital asset law. Therefore, in a legal analysis, Seyed Mohammad Hosseini has compared the text of the approved bill with the European Digital Asset Law (MiCA).
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are one of the most debated topics in crypto and banking. Along with their opportunities and applications, CBDCs pose serious human rights risks and concerns. This issue includes two interesting articles on central bank digital currencies.
In dealing with Bitcoin, we have often spoken about the fascinating greatness and intellectual beauty that led to its creation. But this time, on the occasion of reviewing Nobel laureate Robert Shiller’s book Narrative Economics, we introduce his view that Bitcoin has no intrinsic value and only emerged from a narrative that defines it. The world of thought is infinite, and we try to avoid placing ourselves and our audience in a one-sided space by exploring diverse viewpoints.
Beyond all else, the topic of DeFi (Decentralized Finance) is even more delightful. In this issue, we delve into DeFi and insurance, introducing prominent projects in this field.
Stay tuned for the next issue!
