Why has not any government stopped Bitcoin?

[nrnahid]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

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[tsaroz]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Many of the government around the world would gladly stop bitcoin if they could. Bitcoin is a decentralized currency that's traded P2P. As everything happens on the internet and has no physical form and official value, there's nothing a government can do to stop it's transaction. They can make it difficult to buy bitcoin with cash, redeem bitcoin to cash and in some cases prohibit buying goods and services using bitcoin but they can never stop a P2P trade.

[imstillthebest]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Many of the government around the world would gladly stop bitcoin if they could. Bitcoin is a decentralized currency that's traded P2P. As everything happens on the internet and has no physical form and official value, there's nothing a government can do to stop it's transaction. They can make it difficult to buy bitcoin with cash, redeem bitcoin to cash and in some cases prohibit buying goods and services using bitcoin but they can never stop a P2P trade.

the op know that fact . infact he didnt say anything online but he only said that offline money changers because that are possible to ban by local governments .

@op , why they didnt stop bitcoin ? because bitcoin is unstoppable if its being used online and bitcoin is too useful , so why would they stop it ? 

but actually there are those that already ban bitcoin  . they ban physical stores , exchangers and other crypto based business offline .

[coin-investor]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

They can restrict or give warnings or ask people to stop using and transacting Bitcoin but there is no way for any government to stop Bitcoin from trading or owning Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, it's decentralized, anonymous and internet-based, the best they can do is to regulate it and taxed them, the government can make a profit from regulating this exchange, if the government can regulate casinos and online gambling sites, why not these exchange, it will add revenue to their coffers.

[CryptoBry]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

First and foremost, when one is doing business with Bitcoin akin to money changing there is a law in almost any country for that and if one is not be careful in following the law there is a strong possibility that the government can be charging that person with violation of the law...this is not necessary because the government is discouraging anyone from involved with Bitcoin because even if one is not dealing with Bitcoin he must work for necessary permits in doing business.

Second, on the other hand there are really some government who are actively campaigning that their people not be involved with Bitcoin by making the cryptocurrency illegal and by prosecuting those who are found violating the directive. However, any government could not directly stop Bitcoin and I think this reality has already sunk with many of the top governments we have. As we have seen in the past many years, they can make it very difficult to own and trade Bitcoin but this does not stop those who are doing things discreetly.

The fact that some governments are dissuading their people from cryptocurrency is just another way of saying that indeed this technology can really be a big disruption to the traditional way of doing things. And this is one of the many aims of Bitcoin.

[malevolent]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

If they could, they would have already done it. But in many countries they're still making it more difficult to exchange fiat money for bitcoins and vice versa, especially if you reach the volume and frequency of transactions that you're seen as a business, even more so if you use a bank account to send or receive transactions. In some oppressive countries you may even need a license if you deal with fiat money, but fortunately that is not the case everywhere.

[judeafante]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

They should have done it when Bitcoin is just starting out but they cannot because it is decentralized and anonymous and they didn't know back then how to start, and when they finally know how to, it's already popular and many people are now adopting it, to late to start and even if they want to now, they need a lot of resources and funds to do it, they can try to regulate but not stop, it's futile to stop it.

[dothebeats]

They simply can't. One does not simply ban the use of a decentralized currency expecting that it won't get used anywhere, especially in their own domestic soil, for furthering their own agenda in their own fiat money. We may have seen governments go hard against traders/dealers for the past two years, especially the disappearance of local tellers in LocalBitcoins that used to be one good hub for P2P transactions but we know that they still exist, albeit in the realms within sight and reach of the governments. They can press the situation harder to make people avoid the use of bitcoin and discourage bitcoin-cash and vice-versa txs but it will still flourish, much like underground economies still teeming with life in most countries (the black markets, if you would.)

[teosanru]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Pretty Interesting question. But the answer is pretty simple. Government has stopped drugs but it hasn't been eradicated completely because it happens through hidden channels either out of the trace of government or generally even the law keepers collude with the accused and the network continues to grow. Same is true in case of bitcoin the channel through which cryptocurrency payments happen are actually unstoppable for any governments. because a simple internet, mobile/laptop & a thin bitcoin client would do the job of sending and receiving bitcoins. Moreover crypto is used for money laundering and tax evasion but people doing this the most are politicians themselves. So it's pretty difficult to stop bitcoin.

[gentlemand]

There have been plenty of government clampdowns. Look at places like Bangladesh and China. Elsewhere I've heard enough officialdom being neutral at worst. They're all aware that it has a lot of future potential and sending it elsewhere might hurt them eventually.

And what many here often think of as negative scaremongering from banks and governments - telling people they could lose it all and they're on their own if anything goes wrong as there's no one answerable - is, erm, the truth.

[error08]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Many governments have done it, for the countries which prohibited cryptocurrency, at least they could pass a law to prevent citizens convert bitcoin into cash through a big exchanger, but they can't prevent someone to do over the counter transaction, just like any other prohibited things. Moreover, exchanging bitcoin into cash and vice versa is not a crime such as trading narcotics which must be banned. People will always do it when there is an opportunity to, as long as there is no evidence to stop them.

[Lucius]

Bitcoin realistically cannot be stopped completely, but it can be severely damaged by banning crypto exchanges and mining farms. These two play key elements in normal functioning of Bitcoin, shut them down and everything turns into a game that completely moves underground, away from the public eye.

The question of why Bitcoin has not been stopped yet actually has a very simple answer, there is still no need for such measures, ie Bitcoin does not pose a threat to the global financial system at the moment. With a current market cap around $150 billion, Bitcoin is just a joke currency - for example only the US annual budget is about $4.7 trillion.

Do you know what Congressman Brad Sherman (US) say about Bitcoin comparing it to Libra?

“Bitcoin is a small baby here. You can’t buy a pack of gum for a Bitcoin. It has to have to an off ramp so that you can then convert it into a sovereign currency,”

[magneto]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

What do you mean? Governments have been trying to stop bitcoin since its inception, I'm not sure why you'd think the opposite.

In fact, China has basically ousted their entire booming crypto industry despite the fact that it was most likely insanely profitable at the time with all of the miners, exchanges, and ICOs just raking in huge amounts of profit. They've explicitly banned exchanges and ICOs IIRC as well as making Alipay/Wechat pay make their users aware of much harsher crypto restrictions.

So it's not that they haven't tried or that they're not trying, it's simply because the even the worst restrictions that governments can come up isn't able to circumvent the decentralised nature of the blockchain, which is ultimately why they can't just "shut it down".

[1Referee]

The question of why Bitcoin has not been stopped yet actually has a very simple answer, there is still no need for such measures, ie Bitcoin does not pose a threat to the global financial system at the moment. With a current market cap around $150 billion, Bitcoin is just a joke currency - for example only the US annual budget is about $4.7 trillion.

Do you know what Congressman Brad Sherman (US) say about Bitcoin comparing it to Libra?

“Bitcoin is a small baby here. You can’t buy a pack of gum for a Bitcoin. It has to have to an off ramp so that you can then convert it into a sovereign currency,”

I don't necessarily think Bitcoin's market cap being low or high is the actual problem, but the use of it. If Bitcoin's market cap is in the trillions, but people still don't use it for anything other than a long term store of value hodl (similar to how people use Gold), governments will not bother to start cracking down on it.

The part you quoted sums it up perfectly; as long as you don't have a reason to NOT use the dollar, the government is fine tolerating Bitcoin. Only when people are discarding the dollar and start paying everything in Bitcoin, and stores restock their shelves by using Bitcoin too, etc the odds will stack against the governments, and that's when they will pull out their banhammer.

Brad's words don't seem to be too aggressive, but the context definitely is. I sense a sinister undertone there.

[Theb]

Ever since the growth of the crypto industry what I have noticed is that the most of the governments have been open-minded with the industry and thankfully they have actually separated the crimes being committed using crypto and crypto itself. Back then you will see bans taking place as the ultimate solutions related to crypto crimes happening but now when a considerable amount of people are involved which is using crypto on regular activities not related to any illicit activities. It's too late for them to make ban as a solution especially when countries like Japan and South Korea and even particular companies like Samsung are taking advantage of the crypto industry. A ban as a solution for them would just mean a step backwards that can ruin an economical opportunity for them.

[AverageGlabella]

I don't necessarily think Bitcoin's market cap being low or high is the actual problem, but the use of it. If Bitcoin's market cap is in the trillions, but people still don't use it for anything other than a long term store of value hodl (similar to how people use Gold), governments will not bother to start cracking down on it.

The part you quoted sums it up perfectly; as long as you don't have a reason to NOT use the dollar, the government is fine tolerating Bitcoin. Only when people are discarding the dollar and start paying everything in Bitcoin, and stores restock their shelves by using Bitcoin too, etc the odds will stack against the governments, and that's when they will pull out their banhammer.

Brad's words don't seem to be too aggressive, but the context definitely is. I sense a sinister undertone there.

The value of Bitcoin is irrelevant and the only thing governments would care about (and the banks) would be whether or not its gaining traction with the masses. Even if it became a threat to the banks and the government wanted to stop it they could not outright stop it. The only real thing that they can do to effect Bitcoin would be to regulate it or ultimately ban the currency from being used in their country but Bitcoin is this beautiful thing which gives you a decentralized platform to use and can avoid censorship in my eyes we should not be worrying about governments cracking down on Bitcoin but the governments should be worrying about how they are driving people to use platforms like Bitcoin because of their censorship. There is a reason why China dominates the markets its because their government censors everything and the people are not putting up with it clearly.

[Lucius]

I don't necessarily think Bitcoin's market cap being low or high is the actual problem, but the use of it. If Bitcoin's market cap is in the trillions, but people still don't use it for anything other than a long term store of value hodl (similar to how people use Gold), governments will not bother to start cracking down on it.

Good point, but I think they (governments) also take into account the total value of Bitcoin, although this information is incorrect due to the fact that a good part of Bitcoin is forever lost. So from that perspective Bitcoin looks pretty harmless, and can hardly compete with the dollar or the euro when it comes to practical use on a daily basis.

The key point is that they have the tools to do damage to Bitcoin; the only question is whether they will and when they do it.

[BitHodler]

Moreover, exchanging bitcoin into cash and vice versa is not a crime such as trading narcotics which must be banned.

It depends though. I don't think there is much wrong with people buying and selling cannabis for example. It's a plant that requires little to no chemical manipulation, which can't be said about those dealing coke or heroin.

I'm really glad that in Canada and the US cannabis is less frowned upon these days, where some states have already legalized use and sales, of course within a regulated environment. It should have happened years ago already, but better late than never I guess.

[darkangel11]

Many governments have done it,

Not that many and most of those who did are third world piss poor countries nobody visits like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, or Vanuatu. Nobody outside of their countries cares what they ban or allow inside their borders.

Moreover, exchanging bitcoin into cash and vice versa is not a crime such as trading narcotics which must be banned.

Drugs exist for thousands of years and they were never the reason for a society's collapse. Banning drugs is good for the government because it gives them all the benefits. Allows them to confiscate and sell drugs themselves, steal money they suspect come from drug trades, make sure more people are "productive" because the government itself is not so it has to rely on the work of others.
I'm not an addict myself but I will always argue with people who have strong opinions about these things.

Bitcoin will not be stopped, that's a fact. You can only stop people from trading fiat for bitcoin and this will only work for electronic payments. You can never stop cash trades, just like there was no way to stop alcohol in the times of prohibition. When people want something they will get it and no bans or laws will stop them.

[error08]

Many governments have done it,

Not that many and most of those who did are third world piss poor countries nobody visits like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, or Vanuatu. Nobody outside of their countries cares what they ban or allow inside their borders.

Not only third world poor countries, but there are also Egypt, Marocco, Bolivia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Colombia, and China.
Some of those probably not banning exchangers but at least governments not allowing banks and financial institutions to facilitate bitcoin transactions.

[sandra_x]

Bitcoin cannot be stopped by any government. Bitcoin was designed to be censorship-resistant. Areas where there are currently some kind of bann on bitcoin, it is hard to surveilance on users, the common thing is to deny users banking facilities. Also, there is the argument that bitcoin is a form of free speech (digital), which makes it legally difficult to place an outright ban on it in places like the US

[pixie85]

Many governments have done it,

Not that many and most of those who did are third world piss poor countries nobody visits like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, or Vanuatu. Nobody outside of their countries cares what they ban or allow inside their borders.

Not only third world poor countries, but there are also Egypt, Marocco, Bolivia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Colombia, and China.
Some of those probably not banning exchangers but at least governments not allowing banks and financial institutions to facilitate bitcoin transactions.

China banned financial institutions from exchanging Bitcoin. It's not banned in China! You can own it and trade it. You can also exchange it with other people but you can't start an exchange business there and there are no exchanges in China only in Hong Kong which has its own laws. It's the same in India.

In Saudi Arabia it's not banned at least according to some sources. They only issued a warning to banks. The EU central bank did the same and it's still legal in the EU.

[bozo333]

I am not sure whether you are reading your newspaper for your reading the newspaper sites about the cryptocurrency. There are plenty of court notice to the companies whoever running the crypto based business in their country.
Only few countries giving opportunities for blockchain industry and they are getting more reputation as well as emerging in blockchain industry.

[robelneo]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Government is losing the battle because Bitcoin has something that people wants that the government can't provide, and because of this they cannot stop it, people will find a way, they know that the world needs Bitcoin and blockchain and they know they can gain financial liberation here, after ten years they can try to stop it, but the support of other countries will beat them in the end. 

[pankajgupta]

Bitcoin is a virtual currency. It has no physical existence. It is a decentralized currency. Nobody has control over it. It has no physical existence. It is peer to peer transactions. No. govt. can ban it. What they can do only is prohibit or ban the conversion of bitcoin to their own country currency.
Peer to Peer transaction remain continue.

[carter34]

They couldn't do that because it will become an effort in futility. The first reason that can't be done is because it isn't under their control. Bitcoin is separated from third party interference and government is a third party. It is individual base currency, that is, it is not monitored.

[ReiMomo]

They couldn't do that because it will become an effort in futility. The first reason that can't be done is because it isn't under their control. Bitcoin is separated from third party interference and government is a third party. It is individual base currency, that is, it is not monitored.

Same thought of what is posted above of yours. In short, bitcoin is decentralized form of currency. This digital currency is no one owns and even the government has no right to stop on it. That's why there are few countries implemented regulation when it comes to cryptocurrencies and they did not allow crypto exchanges to continue their business, just like country of China before. Even though how banning they are going to implement people who will know in bitcoin can still have and hold their own, because of anonymity.

[MURONDI]

some countries are trying to prevent the growth of bitcoin, but no country can stop bitcoin because bitcoin is digital, like when the government limits internet access to something that is prohibited, there must still be people who can access it, unless there is a government that wants to disable the internet, then bitcoin access will be paralyzed. 

[7788bitcoin]

Many of the government around the world would gladly stop bitcoin if they could. Bitcoin is a decentralized currency that's traded P2P. As everything happens on the internet and has no physical form and official value, there's nothing a government can do to stop it's transaction. They can make it difficult to buy bitcoin with cash, redeem bitcoin to cash and in some cases prohibit buying goods and services using bitcoin but they can never stop a P2P trade.

There is a problem with all these P2P model, if you are using fiat currency to purchase USDT and then trade those with bitcoin and you are doing the same process vice versa and if a government wants to really stop these kind of trade then it is really possible. The countries that impose the ban have the ability to come up with legal actions against bitcoin traders and if they identify unusual transaction then you can be monitored if you are trading huge amount of money even with P2P.

[audaciousbeing]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

The problem with government not stopping bitcoin is not that they cannot its because they don't want to. Government of countries can be so radical that anything they want can be forced down people throat depending on how far they are willing to go. Although, when it comes to bitcoin, they might not achieve 100% compliance but they can achieve some maximum result and the rest of people would stay away because of fear that they might be punished. I have seen a country shut down its internet because they want to ensure certain action and ordinary citizens in that country could not access internet in within that period. The reason why government does not want to go that route is one, the commercial value of those involved in bitcoin or its related activities is not enough to attract that kind of enforcement and secondly because they don't want to lose out of what is to take sway in the nearest future.

[erickastella]

maybe in my opinion with the presence of bitcoin the government also benefits from companies that develop blockchain technology then if their company succeeds they will pay taxes to the government, maybe the government there prohibits the use of bitcoin for transactions in the real world because it is anonymous and very difficult to trace very vulnerable to crime.

[rodel caling]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Bitcoin is came from the new technology it's called digital money, government can't stop people investing in bitcoin specially those  people knows the potential of bitcoin become world currency, my own reason and opinion until the new technology exist nobody can stop bitcoin as decentralized crypto currency as new form of money in the future government, and how government charge people using bitcoin being anonymous user.

[marcbitcoins]

Most countries won't stop it because they realized that Bitcoin is an opportunity and not a threat. Like China in which they banned bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges in 2017 but now their President Xi Jinping just commented that the country should "seize the opportunity" of bitcoin's blockchain technology therefore instead of a threat to the country they see it now as an opportunity to help their economy to become stronger and more stable.

[Ridwan Fauzi]

Most countries won't stop it because they realized that Bitcoin is an opportunity and not a threat. Like China in which they banned bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges in 2017 but now their President Xi Jinping just commented that the country should "seize the opportunity" of bitcoin's blockchain technology therefore instead of a threat to the country they see it now as an opportunity to help their economy to become stronger and more stable.

Any information regarding it?

As far as I know Xi Jinping just have interest to developt their industry with blockchain system but not bitcoin. Bitcoin just a currency/cryptocurrency that use blockchain as a ladger, which is mean both function are different.

And I just thinking, when the government try to adopt blockchain for their system (because its utilitation is really broad different with bitcoin just can be use as a currency or place of investment) not necessarily they accept or adopt bitcoin well.

[qwertyup23]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

In fact, there are countries who are advocating against the utilization of bitcoin since it has been regarded as an 'unrecognized, high-risk asset' due to its decentralization. In addition, the lack of any authority with its regulation makes every transaction anonymous, and the government does not want anything that they cannot control.
Bitcoin cannot be simply stopped due to a number of users using it. If majority of the countries, who contain a large number of users, suddenly prohibits and imposes laws against transacting using bitcoin, expect it to be stopped at one point. But for now, the merit that it provides overwhelmingly outweighs the burden.

Most countries won't stop it because they realized that Bitcoin is an opportunity and not a threat. Like China in which they banned bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges in 2017 but now their President Xi Jinping just commented that the country should "seize the opportunity" of bitcoin's blockchain technology therefore instead of a threat to the country they see it now as an opportunity to help their economy to become stronger and more stable.

That is actually true. Before, China was against Bitcoin but it says a lot about the reversal of their decision on banning it. They have realized its economic impact and benefits to the public and to the economy.

[TIDOVEE]

If The government of my country have the opportunity they may only threaten to stop bitcoin and make some money from the users and consistently keep hunting bitcoin users to generate money to their pockets. But presently many are yet to understand the nitty gritty of bitcoin. Bitcoin is decentralized and that had been the shielding effect from the government so far.

[chaoscoinz]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, financial advisor or a representative of such professions. I am here to post my two cents (opinion) on the thread topic. If seeking legal or financial advice, please consult with your local professional!

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies a-like, can't be stopped if they haven't broken any laws. I don't think that the Blockchain and cryptocurrency could be taken down unless it somehow posed a harming threat to the governments and parliaments. How would they stop it? If anything, they could slow it down tremendously by stunting its growth, as simple as banning crypto to fiat trading period.
   Unless cryptocurrency violates some form of law or policy, theres not much you can do until it has crossed the line in some way, shape, or form.

[Oneandpure]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Government is losing the battle because Bitcoin has something that people wants that the government can't provide, and because of this they cannot stop it, people will find a way, they know that the world needs Bitcoin and blockchain and they know they can gain financial liberation here, after ten years they can try to stop it, but the support of other countries will beat them in the end. 

Bitcoin is not popular in one country where make government can banned bitcoin but almost country have know whit bitcoin and many people around the world make bitcoin become their investing assets for the future, although one country banned bitcoin still have thousand country available using bitcoin as currency payment and digital investment assets.

[senin]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Government is losing the battle because Bitcoin has something that people wants that the government can't provide, and because of this they cannot stop it, people will find a way, they know that the world needs Bitcoin and blockchain and they know they can gain financial liberation here, after ten years they can try to stop it, but the support of other countries will beat them in the end. 

One government is unlikely to cope with bitcoin. However, if governments unite, they can practically stop bitcoin. In any case, they are able to drive it into the shadows, and if necessary establish criminal liability for its use. These measures will be enough to cryptocurrency practically died. So far, for governments, cryptocurrency does not pose any threat to global financial stability, and this has been repeatedly noted by their various commissions. Therefore, cryptocurrency should not conflict with governments, it is better to establish mutually beneficial cooperation.

[cutesgirl]

Bitcoin still not become competitor for government and there are not their people have made a loss by bitcoin and why government still legal using bitcoin only for investing assets, when bitcoin have make something terrible in one country I think government brave for banned using bitcoin as investing but if bitcoin keep giving positive side maybe government will make bitcoin become legal currency payment.

[malevolent]

Bitcoin still not become competitor for government and there are not their people have made a loss by bitcoin and why government still legal using bitcoin only for investing assets, when bitcoin have make something terrible in one country I think government brave for banned using bitcoin as investing but if bitcoin keep giving positive side maybe government will make bitcoin become legal currency payment.

If it becomes big enough to become a competitor to a major government's fiat currencies, then it will already be too late to 'ban' it.

[The Cryptovator]

You should know your answer as well if you know what is Bitcoin and how it works. Since Bitcoin is a decentralized currency so it's not hand of any central government to ban it totally. Government only able to block some website about crypto related, but even they do it people will start using VPN. So that's the reason even major countries against bitcoin but they are not able to ban it. They could implement rules against bitcoin users, but it's quite complicated to find them on real life.

Governments should welcome instead of ban so users will not use it on black markets.

[Ryker1]

[snip]
Governments should welcome instead of ban so users will not use it on black markets.

Well, that sounds good if the government doesn't ban bitcoin all over the world and unite each other with the same motive in adopting Bitcoin. But there are some countries who hate Bitcoin because they think that it will harm the financial global economy including the banking system. BUT, in fact, bitcoin has no threat to the economy only the government is afraid. Indeed, we have nothing to do with this, because each country has its own jurisdiction and we should obey as a good citizen.

[suvo05]

At the beginning the just overlook the  BTC, they underestimated the power of it. And there are some GOV, who had no idea what bitcoin is until BTC reached 15k$+. All of them were very late to react. Now BTC became the major part of the Global economy if some GOV ban it now then their citizens, owning BTC have to face huge loss, hence the economy of the country will get affected.

[MuffinMaster]

Governments have done all necessary step they can to ban usage of crypto in there respective areas. Some countries like china have banned crypto exchanges, some have issued advisories. They cant totally stop it because its not in there reach to stop it. Anybody can trade crypto anonymously, a strength that always terrifies the law enforcement agencies.

[hv_]

Single gov tried.

Only if US China and EU act together...

See what happened to similar projects like Liberty Reserve...

> stay clean or a lot will pay for

[Spider A4]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Many government continues try to stopped Bitcoin but they can not it because it's a decentralized platform so that government unable to shut down.
Personally i knew that in my country making a law to warn all of the people's for not using cryptocurrency.

Any government can't control Bitcoin so how can be stopped Bitcoin.They able to announced illegal and who use it under the law will be able to punish them.

[jessyj48]

If bitcoin can be stopped it would have stopped years ago when thing were very hard then, now that Bitcoin have overcome many hardship its now impossible to stop, secondly its not a centralized coin that can be control by the government or powerful people

[hv_]

If bitcoin can be stopped it would have stopped years ago when thing were very hard then, now that Bitcoin have overcome many hardship its now impossible to stop, secondly its not a centralized coin that can be control by the government or powerful people

Nope.

Bitcoin was / is too small and they got hold on some of the crimes like silk road . If devs / miners go the dark road they ll stop it imo

[oleg8791]

The answer is evident. Bitcoin is decentralized system. It was designed to be unstoppable. 

[tabas]

The answer is evident. Bitcoin is decentralized system. It was designed to be unstoppable. 

Yes, they can regulate transactions incoming to their jurisdictions but there's no way for them to stop it. Bitcoin is an unstoppable train and even some countries already expressed their ban to it, others might want to follow those steps or not because it isn't enough to stop it.

[sovie]

The answer is evident. Bitcoin is decentralized system. It was designed to be unstoppable. 

Governments have taken all steps they can to stop cryptocurrency use from spreading. Its because of this decentralized nature they were not able to completely stop its use. This is where we see power of spreading the control to multiple entities, the system become robust and censorship free.

[hv_]

The answer is evident. Bitcoin is decentralized system. It was designed to be unstoppable. 

Governments have taken all steps they can to stop cryptocurrency use from spreading.  ...

Nope - surlely not. They havn't even started.

Check out last game was against Liberty Reserve - who won ?

[Linkkoin]

[snip]
Governments should welcome instead of ban so users will not use it on black markets.

Well, that sounds good if the government doesn't ban bitcoin all over the world and unite each other with the same motive in adopting Bitcoin. But there are some countries who hate Bitcoin because they think that it will harm the financial global economy including the banking system. BUT, in fact, bitcoin has no threat to the economy only the government is afraid. Indeed, we have nothing to do with this, because each country has its own jurisdiction and we should obey as a good citizen.

The point is that with BTC you can send money wherever you want if you have a correct wallet address, and this includes countries where they do not want your money to be sent to (like North Korea/Iran or specific individuals being on the bank wire transfer ban under UN security council decisions). It requires more effort to track it. and as well you can make OTC transaction for huge amounts, what potentially could mean you are hiding from taxes.

[malevolent]

Nope - surlely not. They havn't even started.

Check out last game was against Liberty Reserve - who won ?

Liberty Reserve was centralized company, of course it wasn't difficult to shut them down. There is no need for an explicit Bitcoin ban to cause harm, various AML/KYC regulations are enough if they make it difficult to exchange fiat money for Bitcoin or vice versa.

[hv_]

Nope - surlely not. They havn't even started.

Check out last game was against Liberty Reserve - who won ?

Liberty Reserve was centralized company, of course it wasn't difficult to shut them down. There is no need for an explicit Bitcoin ban to cause harm, various AML/KYC regulations are enough if they make it difficult to exchange fiat money for Bitcoin or vice versa.

The more devs and ppl try to make Bitcoin more ano, anarcho and crime finance, exchanges runaway, ....

The more we can expect govs will collaborate, exactly what happened with Liberty Reserve, no matter how many exchanges / fiat banks / miners are here

[Baoo]

Well, it is true that many governments are trying so hard in order to break Bitcoin through many ways like, banning Bitcoin in their countries and spreading some fake news, controlling the media  ..ect but they always fail to achieve this ambition due to blockchain technology is so secure and  the community of Bitcoin are spreading in the entire world ( Together stronger ) .

In fact,  we all know that Bitcoin has a better properties or characteristics than FIAT like, Euro, Dollars, Yen.. ect, the most important are the transaction speed , the low value of fees, the security of the wallet ..ect.
So it is so difficult to stop this new era I would think,  and the governments should accept these facts to be honest.

[imstillthebest]

Well, it is true that many governments are trying so hard in order to break Bitcoin through many ways like, banning Bitcoin in their countries and spreading some fake news, controlling the media  ..ect but they always fail to achieve this ambition due to blockchain technology is so secure and  the community of Bitcoin are spreading in the entire world ( Together stronger ) .

whats the connection of blockchain that is secure to the banning of government ? 

but the strong community yes it helps counter the banning because people are working together to file an appeal or to convince the government that bans crypto.   but you should not put the blame all on the government because there are people behind the fake news  , controling the media and others that  you describe above .

[smyslov]

It is the latest Technology so, Stopping Technology means Going back to the Stone Age. If They close the internet forever then they will be able to stop it.
They Can't Do it,You better know why.

Yes that's true if they have a jurisdiction, they can do that, but this is internet based with no office or central figure to target, so they are left with nothing but to target their own people, some countries are successful in doing that, but this is an evolving technology, they can ban today but for how long, administration and government changes but this technology will go on.

[TIDOVEE]

It's just like many of this government are threatened by bitcoin, and many do not know how it actually operates because in my country they have not been able to criticize it since it is not exhibiting any sign of internet fraudulence, once they notice any scan noise around bitcoin, they will do everything to go against it. The government can only tackle bitcoin in their domain and not all over the world, though I imagine how possible it is for all the government involved to come together and decide to stop it. That will be a power above decentralization.

[TopExchanger]

The answer is simple - decentralization. Bitcoin is unstoppable because it's decentralized. Do you know who controls the system? Neither do the government.

[diazepam666]

First of all why it should be stopped by the government???

There is many positive things on blockchain and Bitcoin that should be legally approved and accepted by every government in this world. That is what everyone is expecting in the crypto or community.
Let's hope all will adopt blockchain and make blockchain government throughout this world.

[btccashacc]

Basically, they can stop it by regulating it, but to shut down bitcoin completely it is too impossible since it's uncontrolled and decentralized. Therefore the only way they can do is regulate and banning it. We all know that in some countries crypto has been banned from using it in terms of payment. Some countries also are trying to embrace technology behind bitcoin The Blockchain and starting to build their own crypto.

[YOSHIE]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

You need to know that since Bitcoin was created by Satoshi, many Western governments have to do what, do not know what to do especially with Bitcoin until now.

"Bitcoin is hard to stop".

The fact that there is currently no leader of Bitcoin, even Bitcoin escapes censorship by governments in the world.

Even though there are governments that forbid their citizens from using Bitcoin, in fact, people still favor Bitcoin, because it is caused by Bitcoin having a decentralized network, you need to know again, bitcoin is currently implementing technology so that Bitcoin can be used without having to use the Internet, maybe you don't believe it but that's reality.

I repeat, "individual or country, the government cannot stop Bitcoin", because bitcoin is not controlled by individuals or centrally, with the exception that it may be restricted.

With what's happening now to bitcoin, the government can't do anything, the government, which recognizes illegal bitcoin, is more focused on taxes than its transactions, that's the best for them, instead of stopping it is complete the government chose this option rather than stopping, it can't, the key of Bitcoin is in yourself to stop and continue.

[numismatist]

First of all why it should be stopped by the government???

That's the right question. Since we don't really know everything about Bitcoins origins, it might even have been a project run by an agency.
Doesn't matter. The community runs it todays.

[aioc]

First of all why it should be stopped by the government???

That's the right question. Since we don't really know everything about Bitcoins origins, it might even have been a project run by an agency.
Doesn't matter. The community runs it todays.

They can only try but there is no guaranty that they can, so they would not even try to do that they can do that when it was just starting out and they can save their resources but it's now very popular and very viral, it would take a huge resources to stop it and of course investors will not let government stop them, there is big money to be made here.

[zviadits]

First of all why it should be stopped by the government???

That's the right question. Since we don't really know everything about Bitcoins origins, it might even have been a project run by an agency.
Doesn't matter. The community runs it todays.

They can only try but there is no guaranty that they can, so they would not even try to do that they can do that when it was just starting out and they can save their resources but it's now very popular and very viral, it would take a huge resources to stop it and of course investors will not let government stop them, there is big money to be made here.

It's impossible. It seems to me that stopping crypto is similar to stopping the Internet, it will require an incredible amount of resources and this should be mutually beneficial with most of the world's countries.

[fortunecrypto]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively.

I don't think it's enough, it just keep Bitcoin moving and getting adopted it's Bitcoin who gets the government to surrender because they cannot contain it anymore, you cannot bring down a great technology it will find it's way, because people find it interesting and unique.

[TheNewAnon135246]

The answer is simple - decentralization. Bitcoin is unstoppable because it's decentralized. Do you know who controls the system? Neither do the government.

I doubt they'd be interested in actually stopping Bitcoin, since that would be them destroying innovation. Governments will do their absolute best to (over)regulate Bitcoin by restricting fiat on/off ramps (look at the recent AMLD5 changes).

[Tiews223]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Governments were caught off guard when many used bitcoins. Governments may not be able to stop something that is not in the law. There are no penalties to the emergence of bitcoins as there are no laws that would penalize them. Governments nowadays, should provide a law and provide concrete guidelines together with it corresponding penalties for violators and those who abuse it. In line with this for example, using bitcoins as a means to evade tax or use these bitcoins  for illegal transactions.

[hv_]

Hard to stop compliant systems

Easy to see segwit is not-compliant

That's what reasonable ppl & govs  do

[Kounter]

Because goverments wants to regulate it, not to stop it

[senin]

Bitcoin, like other decentralized cryptocurrencies, spreads bypassing all traditional financial systems via the Internet. To stop Bitcoin, you need to stop the Internet, and so far no government can do it.
Recently, the Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Russia admitted that it is impossible to stop cryptocurrency. Many governments have already considered this possibility, but all of them subsequently abandoned this idea.

[romeojasmin13]

Because goverments wants to regulate it, not to stop it

Some government are trying to ban cryptocurrencies, it proves that they want to stop it, but they are unable to do it.

[lucky_buddha]

As a comparison, think of P2P file sharing/torrent. It can only be moderated to an extent, and I don't think the government would be willing to use that many resources to shut down bitcoin anyways. Besides which, they would have to work towards regulation policies before they had enough reason to shut it down.

[Tejapo77]

they can't even though if they try 

[MCVXYZ]

There is a very simple answer...People put their assets into this,they trust and believe in it more and more, even today when its very hard to invest your money in a pandemic-proof business. the most important thing in this case is people and nothing more. I think this is the measure of person's liberty and bitcoin has already proved its safety.

[Lab Breyer]

Because it is Future

[lyka]

Any government can easily stop bitcoin. But no one needs it. Bitcoin acts as a foreign exchange currency for the blockchain industry. And the blockchain industry has needed and still needs breakthrough ideas, building infrastructure, and building the foundation for the subsequent adoption of blockchain worldwide. It can be done imperceptibly, for this purpose it is necessary simply not to interfere with it.
But we all saw how the banks tightened the requirements for exchange and .... everything! Many projects that planned to issue debit cards have ceased operations. Not only that, here is a new example - Pavel Durov's blockchain project is closed.
But blockchain is needed by everyone, and governments too. Therefore, they choose the methods of influence, but are not going to close the blockchain.

[Lorence.xD]

There is a very simple answer...People put their assets into this,they believe in it more and more,even today when its very hard to invest your money in pandemic-proof business and that's why. the most important thing in this case is people and nothing more.I think this is the measure of person's liberty and bitcoin has already proved its safety.

What he is saying is the very reason that the government should take measures to stop bitcoin altogether, maybe the reason for the governing bodies not stopping bitcoin is that they believe that it is a solution in development and they are trying to figure out how to harness and benefit from it. We will never know how the governments truly wants, but I think they see the same thing that a normal person can see and they are just calculating the risk whether it would outweigh the rewards or not. Ulterior motives have been around since the dawn of humanity and we can never comprehend.

[lyka]

If you see why the Austrian authorities banned Silvio Gesel’s “free money” in 1932, you will understand why bitcoin was limited, but not prohibited. A global emission-free economy awaits us all. Sooner or later, the problem of world debts and banks will be solved. Silvio Gesel announced the principle of fair money, and in 1932 an experiment was made in the Austrian city of Wörgl on the use of such money. In essence, this was a presentation for the initiates, since the technology of turnover and accounting for such money did not exist yet.
Now such a technology is a blockchain. But it must be brought to perfection.

[Upgate]

The only thing I think the government can do is to regulate bitcoin, but putting a ban on it totally, it's impossible. The world is moving away from analog into a digital world era and cryptocurrency is leading way for that. Inasmuch you can say, the most secure and fastest way to actualize digital era is to adopt blockchain globally without further delays and sentiment's from the government bodies.

[hahay]

Is that a reality? Because even bitcoin is legal in many countries and of course the government will not stop bitcoin because what will happen is an increase in the actual use of bitcoin, at least bitcoin will be a great opportunity in the future to be used in terms of payments and other transactions because with digital transactions this is a solution to cut off the spread of any virus on this earth.

[Lorence.xD]

The only thing I think the government can do is to regulate bitcoin, but putting a ban on it totally, it's impossible. The world is moving away from analog into a digital world era and cryptocurrency is leading way for that. Inasmuch you can say, the most secure and fastest way to actualize digital era is to adopt blockchain globally without further delays and sentiment's from the government bodies.

The regulation is the best compromise a country can do to get on the good side of bitcoin, we may never know what are the authority's ulterior motive but that is an assurance that bitcoin holder are safe within the confines of the country. The only thing that a government that can get when they ban bitcoin and other cryptocurrency altogether is a growing hate and disdain from their people and as a wise and smart politician, I would rather get on the good side of things.

[Upgate]

Bitcoin popularity has gone all over the globe since her creation. The government didn't known that bitcoin will blossom in such a way that it will be difficult to control is circulation. They only thing they can do against bitcoin is not to be in full support of it, by telling their citizens not to invest in it cos they can't trace bitcoin transactions in case someone lost his or her money.

[YOSHIE]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively. Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

if you visit my country you might not believe what happened with Bitcoin there.
from presidents to ordinary people, who use Bitcoin.

"How do you forbid all your family "not" can eat and sleep in your home". It is impossible...

In the Bitcoin stronghold that trades and invests, not just you here, starting from the president of the board members, the people, law enforcement, police, judges, involved and tempted by Bitcoin, so, how to ban and who prohibits...the answer is definitely not there..

You see in the news, the media, it's just a trick of the government to the people, as if Bitcoin is not good, the fact they are all in droves to buy Bitcoin.

[Ozero]

There are several reasons for this.
First, the G7 and G20 states have come to the conclusion that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies do not pose a threat to the stability of the global financial system. Therefore, no common efforts by states to ban the circulation of bitcoin have yet been made.
Secondly, it is unlikely that states will be able to fully control their decision to ban the circulation of bitcoin. They can severely restrict its circulation by administrative measures, but they cannot prohibit and track transactions between people. To do this, you need to turn off the Internet, and no one will go for it.

[hv_]

They might stop all of it, cause the defi shit and scams we see


https://twitter.com/brucefenton/status/1293959332510470145?s=20

https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/7035314/Complaint.pdf

[dansus021]

One think comes to my mind is Bitcoin is unstoppable and government just scared because so many transcation point to the illegal things such a drug dealer and dark web things and based this

https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/7035314/Complaint.pdf

there's some transaction about funding terrorism. in my country it self there's some rule about it like its prohibited use bitcoin for buying anything. so u can still use bitcoin but u can't spend it. maybe some country will implemented this rather ban it.

[Saisher]

Bitcoin popularity has gone all over the globe since her creation. The government didn't known that bitcoin will blossom in such a way that it will be difficult to control is circulation. They only thing they can do against bitcoin is not to be in full support of it, by telling their citizens not to invest in it cos they can't trace bitcoin transactions in case someone lost his or her money.

They have not able to stopped it when it was just starting out now it's become viral how they are going to do it now, it's going to be useless and a lost effort on their effort if they try to do it now, and even if they have a warning with so many videos and open information about Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency on it's beauty, they will likely support Bitcoin and eventually invest on it.

[husencoe]

many people are involved in bitcoin transactions because the mechanism is easy and fast, so they don't care about government restrictions because the system that government intervenes is too complicated and too long.

[Oppo57]

The government has banned the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. The government is working hard to get its people to move away from bitcoin. But the government does not have the power to curb bitcoin. In almost all countries, there is a problem when cashing bitcoin.

[Tamim121]

Because of decentralization, no government can control bitcoin. Also can't trace its transaction. Government can't get any charges or taxes. For this reason some government stopped or say it illegal in their country.

[pilosopotasyo]

The government has banned the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. The government is working hard to get its people to move away from bitcoin. But the government does not have the power to curb bitcoin. In almost all countries, there is a problem when cashing bitcoin.

They have a chance when it was starting out ten years ago, but now that Bitcoin is very popular and there are traders and holders in many countries and these are first world countries so it's almost impossible now to ban Bitcoin the closest they can do is to regulate Bitcoin ansd impose taxes, so instead of banning Bitcoin they should just, make it a revenue generating project.

[Defimwh]

From what i've seen and heard, they tried but until now they can't really do much. infact some government already ban transaction with cryptocurrency and restrict the user, that's pretty much what they can do and they already did it.

[Upgate]

How can it be possible for government to ban what they can't control or get held on. Bitcoin is decentralized which means you can't trace it, control it or know where the transaction is being carried out on.
The only way the government can stop bitcoin is by making it illegal globally. Which will be impossible

[hv_]

How can it be possible for government to ban what they can't control or get held on. Bitcoin is decentralized which means you can't trace it, control it or know where the transaction is being carried out on.
The only way the government can stop bitcoin is by making it illegal globally. Which will be impossible

Why impossible? Dont' fool yourself.

[oprahwindfury]

First thing is Bitcoin is legal in some countries and luckily some are using bitcoin as their daily payment method and options.Except countries Like india will ban this if this is at their hand.We know about bitcoin that this is a decentralised  currency that trades by p2p and it has public demand as it is simple and helpful.So people are sticking with bitcoin.That's  why Government Can not stop bitcoin yet.

[hv_]

Seems they are after it. At least those 'cryptic' parts, additions, hooks that gets things darkside points

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-william-p-barr-announces-publication-cryptocurrency-enforcement-framework

[vlast01]

Governments have done enough to dissuade common people from using Bitcoin extensively.

Because Internet is to vast and government can't  stop people from using Bitcoin extensively the only thing that they can do as of now is to control/monitor on bitcoin transactions.

Being charged with operating unlicensed money changing businesses is a possibility if you engage in cash-bitcoin conversion.

Every people do have different views on bitcoin and so are the government, It is possible to ban it on a certain country and on some point but they don't have the power to end it at all.

[Onuohakk]

First of all why it should be stopped by the government???

There is many positive things on blockchain and Bitcoin that should be legally approved and accepted by every government in this world. That is what everyone is expecting in the crypto or community.
Let's hope all will adopt blockchain and make blockchain government throughout this world.

So many industries is diverting to Blockchain mode of operation. Which enables them to get things done without much manpower. Blockchain is fast and easy to operate on.
Government banning crypto will be kinda of difficulty to accomplished. Crypto can only be regulate.
We're in the verge of digital era, no more analog settings. Blockchain is leading the way of advanced technology and government has no option to legalize bitcoin

[Argoo]

How can it be possible for government to ban what they can't control or get held on. Bitcoin is decentralized which means you can't trace it, control it or know where the transaction is being carried out on.
The only way the government can stop bitcoin is by making it illegal globally. Which will be impossible

States have very broad powers and capabilities in relation to the circulation of cryptocurrencies. The financial sphere has always been the sphere of exclusive powers of the state, here they dictate their conditions.
We see ripple's price drop immediately when the SEC filed a lawsuit against two Ripple Labs executives last December. In addition, cryptocurrency exchanges located in the United States have also refused to trade this coin. This is despite the fact that the SEC has no complaints about ripple itself. So the opportunities for governments to influence a decentralized cryptocurrency are enormous and should not be neglected.

[Streets 2.0]

If you do not believe in one world government, then this statement is incorrect. Many people know that there are countries where there is a total negative attitude towards bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies from the very beginning, their appearance. And this attitude somewhere has already begun to change for the better, somewhere the opinion has completely changed and bitcoin has become legal and taxed. The flexibility of government is a sign of the wisdom of the people who work there. In my opinion, we are close to the moment when the legal circulation and circulation of cryptocurrency will be recognized and approved at the United Nations level, then all members of the world community will join this. Regular money is rapidly losing popularity - this is inevitable.

[Banprox]

Bitcoin is a decentralized token. No one can trace its transaction. A Government can ban bitcoin from his country. But no government can stopped it. Because no one can that power to stop bitcoin. Bitcoin is run now by its own style and character. 

[Streets 2.0]

The answer to this question is very simple. When Bitcoin first appeared, only advanced netizens and programmers knew about it. The community did not grow as fast as it does today. And then bitcoin was worth nothing - most often it was treated with humor from there and all these stories about sold pizzas and so on. However, time passed and its price increased - when it reached significant heights - financial markets began to pay attention to it and already behind them - governments, but it was too late to try to do something, even if they could do something there was a chance missed.