A combination of good high-speed internet coverage, high digital literacy rates, large rural populations and fast-growing fintech industries had put the Nordic neighbours on a fast track to a future without cash.
[…]
But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and a subsequent rise in cross-border hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks blamed on pro-Russia groups have prompted a rethink.
[…]
The Swedish government has since completely overhauled its defence and preparedness strategy, joining Nato, starting a new form of national service and reactivating its psychological defence agency to combat disinformation from Russia and other adversaries. Norway has tightened controls on its previously porous border with Russia.
[…]
[Norway’s] justice and public security ministry said it “recommends everyone keep some cash on hand due to the vulnerabilities of digital payment solutions to cyber-attacks”. It said the government took preparedness seriously “given the increasing global instability with war, digital threats, and climate change. As a result, they’ve ensured that the right to pay with cash is strengthened”.
[…]
Neoliberals prioritising the interests of the rich (and only care if those are under threat) while ignoring their impact on the poor? Say it ain’t so!
This is not about ‘neoliberals’ but about foreign malicious actors attacking digital systems for no reason.
Lol, of course it’s about neoliberals, since they only care now that “the economy” (the bank accounts of the rich) is in danger, but couldn’t have cared less when it was only the poor and already marginalised in society that they were marginalising further with their decisions.
We all already know Russia is run by a war mongering dictator, him threatening and harming others shouldn’t come as a surprise, or news, to anyone.
Two (or more!) things can be true, and terrible, at once, and pointing out one (especially one that liberals are generally uncomfortable acknowledging) doesn’t somehow nullify the other, just like criticising democrats doesn’t mean someone supports conservatives, it just means criticising the one not already lightyears beyond criticism, like a literal fascist or dictator.
Nobody’s refusing payments in cash. The articles you’re linking were during covid, an entirely different context
Yeah, I live in Sweden and 90% of places I go don’t do cash.
Don’t do cash, or would prefer not to do cash? Those are 2 different things.
Do not accept at all.
basically the only places that reliably accept cash these days are grocery stores, what are you on about?
I have yet to encounter a place that will refuse to take my cash if I tell them I have no other method of payment. They may not be eager to, but they can’t stop you from leaving.
what? you’re not magically allowed to take stuff for free just because you can’t pay for it lmao, if they don’t accept cash and you only have cash, you don’t get to buy things there.
are you just making things up?
Was mostly referring to restaurants and other services. But in general, no I have yet to experience any place flat out rejecting my business if I pay in cash. I’m not sure what’s with the downvotes, I’m merely sharing my personal experiences.
In Sweden, cash free shops (kontantfri butik) and gastronomy are not uncommon. You can either pay by Swish, which is the cash-less system of the Swedish banks and everybody with a Swedish bank account is free to use, or with credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard). VPay / EC / Giro cards, that have been until recently common in e.g. Germany may work often but not always. Additionally, in pubs and bars, it is common to pay when placing the order, before you get your drink, i.e. not in the end before you leave.
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This works only as long as you have cash in your purse. If are running out of cash, your bank probably won’t hand out new cash, as the accounting software may be affected too.
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Estonia can do it, even under constant russian harassment. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/e-estonia-the-worlds-most-advanced-digital-society
This article has been published on 24 February 2020, exactly 2 years before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They may change their mind like Sweden and Norway are doing.
[Edit typo.]
fair enough, but still https://e-estonia.com/where-is-our-digital-state-heading/ so long as russia doesnt try any drastic new tricks like space-nuke EMPs, they will be doing alright if they know what they are doing.
What’s the point though? Other than hurting poor people, that is.
Handling cash is expensive and difficult for shops, so it might make sense to not require shops to accept cash.
I guess certain crimes also become harder.
Not sure I support it, but I see that there are points to it.
More expensive than credit card & POS machine fees? I think probably not.
I was quite surprised when I first had to handle large amounts of cash. Securely transporting it to and from a bank is quite a hassle, and making sure you always have enough change is as well. Idk about the specific economics of it, but it’s easy to underestimate for those of us who don’t have to deal with it at scale.
Had a lot of robberies of cash transports in Sweden earlier. Haven’t heard of one in the last 20 years or so.
When countries try to remove cash I always think how easy it sill be to control the protests when the goverment could turn off your money.
