Sweden, Norway rethink plans for cashless societies over fears that fully digital payment systems would leave them vulnerable to Russian security threats
Sweden, Norway rethink plans for cashless societies over fears that fully digital payment systems would leave them vulnerable to Russian security threats
Rise in hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks blamed on pro-Russia groups prompt Nordic neighbours to backpedal
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.
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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.
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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.
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[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”.
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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.