What is Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a digital and global money
system currency. It allows people to send or receive money across the internet,
even to someone they don't know or don't trust. Money can be exchanged without
being linked to a real identity. The mathematical field of cryptography is the
basis for Bitcoin's security.
Bitcoin was invented by someone using the name Satoshi
Nakamoto. A Bitcoin address, or simply address, is an identifier of 26-35
letters and numbers, beginning with the number 1 or 3, that represents a
possible destination for a bitcoin payment. Addresses can be generated at no cost
by any user of Bitcoin.
How Does Bitcoin Work?
Each Bitcoin is basically a computer file which is stored in
a 'digital wallet' app on a smartphone or computer.
People can send Bitcoins (or part of one) to your digital
wallet, and you can send Bitcoins to other people.
Every single transaction is recorded in a public list called
the blockchain.
This makes it possible to trace the history of Bitcoins to
stop people from spending coins they do not own, making copies or undo-ing
transactions.
Why are Bitcoins valuable?
There are lots of things other than money which we consider
valuable like gold and diamonds. The Aztecs used cocoa beans as money!
Bitcoins are valuable because people are willing to exchange
them for real goods and services, and even cash.
Why do people want Bitcoins?
Some people like the fact that Bitcoin is not controlled by
the government or banks.
People can also spend their Bitcoins fairly anonymously.
Although all transactions are recorded, nobody would know which 'account
number' was yours unless you told them.
Is it secure?
Every transaction is recorded publicly so it's very difficult
to copy Bitcoins, make fake ones or spend ones you don't own.
It is possible to lose your Bitcoin wallet or delete your
Bitcoins and lose them forever. There have also been thefts from websites that
let you store your Bitcoins remotely.
The value of Bitcoins has gone up and down over the years
since it was created in 2009 and some people don't think it's safe to turn your
'real' money into Bitcoins.
How are new Bitcoins created?
In order for the Bitcoin system to work, people can make
their computer process transactions for everybody.
The computers are made to work out incredibly difficult sums.
Occasionally they are rewarded with a Bitcoin for the owner to keep.
People set up powerful computers just to try and get
Bitcoins. This is called mining.
But the sums are becoming more and more difficult to stop too
many Bitcoins being generated.
If you started mining now it could be years before you got a
single Bitcoin.
You could end up spending more money on electricity for your
computer than the Bitcoin would be worth.
Why are Bitcoins Valuable?
Why do Bitcoins have value? Bitcoin offers an efficient means
of transferring money over the internet and is controlled by a decentralized
network with a transparent set of rules, thus presenting an alternative to
central bank-controlled fiat money.
Is Bitcoin legal?
To the
best of our knowledge, Bitcoin is not be made illegal by legislation in most jurisdictions.
However, some jurisdictions (such as Argentina and Russia) severely restrict or
ban foreign currencies. Other jurisdictions (such as Thailand) may limit the
licensing of certain entities such as Bitcoin exchanges.
Regulators
from various jurisdictions are taking steps to provide individuals and
businesses with rules on how to integrate this new technology with the formal,
regulated financial system. For example, the Financial Crimes Enforcement
Network (FinCEN), a bureau in the United States Treasury Department, issued
non-binding guidance on how it characterizes certain activities involving
virtual currencies.
Bitcoins in India had only started to gain momentum when a banking ban in
2018 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cooled
off the sentiment.
Advantages
Of Bitcoin –
- Hidden identity: One
of the biggest advantage of Bitcoin technology is securities against
cyber-theft is the ability to keep oneself under camouflage. With bitcoin
technology, you would be able to keep your identity hidden. Since
transactions or accounts under bitcoin technology have nothing to do with
real-world identities, one can only analyze the flow of the transaction.
It wouldn’t be possible to find the real-world identities of anybody. You
would receive or send bitcoins to addresses that are just the chains of 30
characters.
- No gatekeepers: To
use the banking system, you have many gatekeepers who would prevent you
from making the transaction. Under bitcoin technology, you would have to
take responsibility on your own. There would be no gatekeepers and anybody
with the open software can receive or send bitcoins.
- More secured: Another
advantage of bitcoin technology is that It’s almost impossible to hack
your account under bitcoin. Bitcoin funds are securely locked under a
cryptography system. If you’re the owner of a private key, only you can send
crypto-currency i.e. bitcoins. Since it is made by using solid
cryptography and huge numbers, it’s impossible to hack the address.
- Swift and global: One
more advantage of bitcoin technology is that it is super fast. Once the
transaction is initiated, it is propagated instantly to the global
network; and the transaction would be confirmed within a couple of
minutes. And since it is done with a wide global network, the physical
location of the owner doesn’t count. You can send bitcoins to your
relatives nearby or to a friend abroad using this technology. So these are
some of the main advantages of Bitcoin technology.
What are the
disadvantages of Bitcoin?
·
Degree of acceptance - Many people are still unaware of Bitcoin.
Every day, more businesses accept bitcoins because they want the advantages of
doing so, but the list remains small and still needs to grow in order to
benefit from network effects.
·
Volatility -
The total value of
bitcoins in circulation and the number of businesses using Bitcoin are still
very small compared to what they could be. Therefore, relatively small events,
trades, or business activities can significantly affect the price. In theory,
this volatility will decrease as Bitcoin markets and the technology matures.
Never before has the world seen a start-up currency, so it is truly difficult
(and exciting) to imagine how it will play out.
·
Ongoing development - Bitcoin software is still in beta with many
incomplete features in active development. New tools, features, and services
are being developed to make Bitcoin more secure and accessible to the masses.
Some of these are still not ready for everyone. Most Bitcoin businesses are new
and still offer no insurance. In general, Bitcoin is still in the process of
maturing.
Conclusion
The invention of Bitcoin is only the beginning. Some people
are using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies instead of banks, but it still
hasn’t completely replaced banks. What are your thoughts? Do you think that
Bitcoin will replace banks? Or does it need to improve first?
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