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.
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.
Estonia can do it, even under constant russian harassment. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/e-estonia-the-worlds-most-advanced-digital-society
What’s the point though? Other than hurting poor people, that is.
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.
