Ex-Coinbase CTO Warns G7 Countries Will Seize Crypto, Cites Apple, Microsoft, Google as ‘Risk Factors’

Balaji Srinivasan shares that countries could soon seize crypto thanks to Apple, Google, and Microsoft’s dominance.

3D printer printing Bitcoins out of a magic box splashed with pink paint.
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  • Ex-Coinbase CTO made some chilling predictions about the developing world. 
  • Srinivasan shared that countries could seize crypto for economic recovery.
  • The executive cited Google, Microsoft, and Apple as the biggest risk factors for crypto. 

Ex-Coinbase’s CTO Balaji Srinivasan is once again sounding the alarm, raising concerns over the fate of the global economy and modern civilization. 

Previously the former executive burned a million dollars to capture everyone’s attention and warn them about the slow death of the US economy. 

Now, the Bitcoin pundit has gone on the record to make chilling predictions about the global economy, highlighting some of the world’s largest companies as the biggest risk factors in the impending doom that looms on the horizon. 

The Impending Doom of Asset Seizure

In an interview on the Impact Theory podcast, Balaji Srinivasan made some shocking claims about the fate of the developing world. The ex-Coinbase CTO revealed that the world’s leading countries, specifically the G7, are grappling with financial difficulties, which could push them to consider asset seizure as a means of economic recovery. 

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Balaji cautioned that, unlike previous instances where governments relied on inflation to stabilize their economies, they could likely target their citizens’ digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies. 

The outcome of such a scenario poses a crucial question – Can developing countries seize digital assets? 

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According to Balaji Srinivasan, the answer to this question could determine a critical branch point in history. If developing countries successfully seize digital assets, it would pave the way for the implementation of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and similar systems, granting governments unprecedented control over citizens’ financial lives. 

Conversely, if asset seizure proves unattainable, communities will have the power to hold cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, enabling them to crowdfund societies, startups, and more.

The former Coinbase CTO emphasized that the key determinant in unfolding this narrative lies in the hands of Google, Apple, and Microsoft. 

The Big Three Control Everything

During the podcast, Balaji Srinivasan warned that Google, Apple, and Microsoft are the biggest risk factors endangering digital assets. He argued that these companies have significant control over users’ data and personal information. 

According to the Bitcoin pundit, governments could potentially exploit Apple’s software updates, Microsoft operating system, and Google’s cloud storage services, among other services. Under the government’s orders, these companies could be compelled to scan users’ devices, search for private keys, and subsequently surrender users’ assets.

The prospect of such violations of individual privacy and property rights will raise concerns and warrant vigilant scrutiny. Interestingly, Balaji believes cryptocurrencies have the power to disrupt the global economy.

Political Disruption

Drawing attention to the disruptive potential of cryptocurrencies, Srinivasan drew parallels to the Arab Spring in 2010, a turning point in history where the political importance of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook rose. These platforms played a major role in the toppling of governments. 

Building upon this analogy, he suggested we are on the cusp of another transformative period. Cryptocurrencies have soared to unparalleled heights, boasting a trillion-dollar market capitalization and mainstream adoption. 

Countries like El Salvador have already embraced Bitcoin as their legal tender, and others are following suit. Additionally, governments and banks are releasing their own CBDCs to counter the competitive threat posed by cryptocurrencies. 

Just as social media platforms evolved from a niche element to the mainstay of political discourse, cryptocurrencies are also on track to assume a similar role in shaping the global narrative. 

On the Flipside

  • Cardano Founder Charles Hoskinson believes the SEC’s recent attack against Binance is motivated by a hidden agenda of enforcing CBDCs.
  • Speaking of control, the world’s largest asset manager BlackRock has applied to release a Bitcoin ETF
  • The SEC recently sued Coinbase for offering unregistered securities. 
  • Recently rumors spread that MetaMask, a popular crypto wallet, would start withholding taxes.

Why This Matters 

In the grand scheme of things, the potential for asset seizure of cryptocurrencies stands at a crossroads, and the outcome could shape global economic development, governance, and individual empowerment. Citizens must stay vigilant and ensure their democratic values are safeguarded. 

Read more about Polygon 2.0: 

How Polygon 2.0 Transforms Ethereum with Its New Value Layer

Read what Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson has to say about CBDCs: 

Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson Claims SEC-Binance Case Is an “Agenda for CBDC Implementation” 

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Author
Insha Zia

Insha Zia is a senior journalist at DailyCoin covering crypto developments, especially in the Cardano ecosystem. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering, he delivers high-quality articles with his technical background and expertise in data analysis and programming languages, aiming to educate and inform readers accurately, transparently, and engagingly. Insha believes education can drive mass adoption of the crypto space, and he is committed to giving DailyCoin readers a better understanding of the technology.