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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”.

[...]

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 9 hours ago

Funny that, in the end, germanys stubborn insistent "cash is king" mentality may come out handy in the conflicts to come...

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 day ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

This is not about 'neoliberals' but about foreign malicious actors attacking digital systems for no reason.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 9 hours ago

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.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Nobody's refusing payments in cash. The articles you're linking were during covid, an entirely different context

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

basically the only places that reliably accept cash these days are grocery stores, what are you on about?

[–] [email protected] -2 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 hours ago (1 children)

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?

[–] [email protected] 0 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 minutes ago* (last edited 2 minutes ago)

In Sweden, cash free shops 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.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

Yeah, I live in Sweden and 90% of places I go don't do cash.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

Don't do cash, or would prefer not to do cash? Those are 2 different things.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 hours ago

Do not accept at all.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 4 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

What's the point though? Other than hurting poor people, that is.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 hours ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

More expensive than credit card & POS machine fees? I think probably not.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 41 seconds ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

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.]

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

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.