Physical Bitcoin for the 3rd World

[BitCheques]

Dollar bills can be more secure as the tech to print it is much higher,,, we are talking material and I thought something like radio is underused layer that has high access in undeveloped places.

Here's an interesting article about btc via ham.

https://news.bitcoin.com/no-internet-no-problem-how-to-send-bitcoin-by-amateur-radio/


Here's a satellite transceiver for $150:

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/satellite-transceiver-breakout---swarm-m138---hookup-guide/all

Swarm charges $5/mo per location.


CAR requires ham operators to be licensed:

https://www.qsl.net/oh2mcn/tl8.htm

Hopefully Sango will waive this for btc.


Here's an interesting history of physical bitcoin to November 2020:

https://bcmint.com/blogs/news/history-of-physical-bitcoin

To my knowledge, all of these coins are preloaded.

[BitCheques]

I find this a better path, although, yes, you have to do proper research here too.
I think that you can easily require a smartphone with NFC, it may be easier for everybody. I don't know though if only the merchant has to have the hardware, or will the customer have to have it too (in order to avoid troubles).

Satochip based hardware wallet works on NFC and its companion code is open source. Although I can guess it's not 100% what you need, you may gather some knowledge also from taking a look there. Just an idea...

A plastic trifold card could be laser-etched and sealed automatically instead of printing on paper. A mini laser engraver can be purchased for under $200:

https://m.geekbuying.com/item/DAJA-DJ6-Mini-Laser-Engraver--496695.html?Currency=USD&matchtype=e&device=m&msclkid=8b00561be227195b138c349484fd34a0&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20US&utm_term=4575617652408320&utm_content=best%20seller&ref=w

The nfc chip can be added in a later edition.

[BitCheques]

Adapt the keypair generator to a 3d printer that prints the private key QR inside and forgets it immediately as the card is printed. The public QR can be printed on the top (4th) layer along with an anti-counterfeiting device of some sort. The inner QR code can only be accessed once. Here is a basic thingiverse QR:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:46884

This would solve both the durability and privacy problems.

Putting this mechanism inside of a solar powered vending machine could open the possibility of selling BitCheques in the 3rd world - and elsewhere. It may even be patentable.

Anyone interested?

[BitCheques]

I discovered a very interesting patented technology that is very much in line with the goal of having a physical form of bitcoin that is readily exchangeable without Internet access:

https://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30895797/www.offline.cash?p=eyJzIjoiUVdWcTV1dUtmVnBXLWtYY1daVlRHcHhJOHY0IiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDg5NTc5NyxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwczpcXFwvXFxcL3d3dy5vZmZsaW5lLmNhc2hcXFwvI2J1eT91c2VyQ29kZT13d2psa2pzXCIsXCJpZFwiOlwiMDM5OWE1NzY2NzQ3NDFhNGJiZGVmNWFiOTNiYzYzODNcIixcInVybF9pZHNcIjpbXCJmNGFkOTM5YjBiMjE1OTQzZDUyMWNmNjU3Nzk5ZWYzYzQwYjY0Njg3XCJdfSJ9

If you can find any bug in this note, let me know. I will be investigating it in detail. It looks like a lot of thought has been put into this technology.

[Theones]

The Central African Republic has just declared Bitcoin to be legal tender, but 90% of the population doesn't have ready access to the Internet. I am exploring safe ways to use Bitcoin without having to connect to the Internet for every exchange. Ideally a paper wallet could be created in a manner that prevents anyone from memorizing or recording the private key before it is sealed.

I am also exploring a smart contract that guarantees (via escrowed funds and/or multisig) that no funds are released until the BitCheques are opened.

well this is the problem everywhere. People in almost every country are unaware of Bitcoins and crypto. Also even if the people have access to internet. They want to buy video packages to watch youtube video rather than learning skills and understanding what currency will be in modern world.

[hZti]

If I think about all of this, wouldn't one of the main issues with the lack of internet connection be faked physical bitcoin bills? If you can not scan a qr code or validate in another way that there is really bitcoin behind it, how would you know that it is not simply a copy or a complete fake. So yes, in theory you could make bitcoin usable for people without internet with this system, but in reality it is actually not possible since you can't verify.

[Theones]

If I think about all of this, wouldn't one of the main issues with the lack of internet connection be faked physical bitcoin bills? If you can not scan a qr code or validate in another way that there is really bitcoin behind it, how would you know that it is not simply a copy or a complete fake. So yes, in theory you could make bitcoin usable for people without internet with this system, but in reality it is actually not possible since you can't verify.

There are many problems in the 3rd world country - one of the main issues is illiteracy and then the access to internet and there is non availability of smartphones to keep a track of the things. So the physical bitcoin won't be successful anytime sooner.

[BitCheques]

If I think about all of this, wouldn't one of the main issues with the lack of internet connection be faked physical bitcoin bills? If you can not scan a qr code or validate in another way that there is really bitcoin behind it, how would you know that it is not simply a copy or a complete fake. So yes, in theory you could make bitcoin usable for people without internet with this system, but in reality it is actually not possible since you can't verify.

These notes have currency-grade anticounterfeiting technology. It would take at least an official North Korea style hack to duplicate. Unlikely.

The patented time lock technology assures that the funds will be available at maturity regardless of the number of people who hold the bill in the interim.

The bills can be verified at any point with the built-in chip.

[BitCheques]

There are many problems in the 3rd world country - one of the main issues is illiteracy and then the access to internet and there is non availability of smartphones to keep a track of the things. So the physical bitcoin won't be successful anytime sooner.

Well, that's kind of the point, isn't it? The purpose of the notes is to make bitcoin as easy to use as fiat without the likely abuse (debasement) by government officials - which plagues fiat.

The technology is built into the note which alleviates the need to memorize passwords, pass phrases, or any other access keys. It also puts full custody in the hands of the bearer instead of a third party.

Just exchange the bill for a product or service like fiat.

It's cash.

[nullama]

~snip~
There are many problems in the 3rd world country - one of the main issues is illiteracy and then the access to internet and there is non availability of smartphones to keep a track of the things. So the physical bitcoin won't be successful anytime sooner.

Access to the Internet is done through smartphones in places like Africa.

Many people don't have a computer or laptop, but they do have a smartphone. Any cheap Android phone is capable enough to do anything really.

This was a thing in early 2010s, the poor countries basically skipped the PC era, and went straight into smartphones, mostly because they are extremely cheap comparatively (not a flagship of course).

Internet access through 3G at least, is almost everywhere

[BitCheques]

So many of the people without electricity have a mobile phone, which means they go somewhere to charge it. It's also one of the most expensive countries for mobile data.

Even though "cheap" cellphones are more common than desktops and laptops, poverty inhibits Internet accessibility.

[BitCheques]

I discovered a very interesting patented technology that is very much in line with the goal of having a physical form of bitcoin that is readily exchangeable without Internet access:

https://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30895797/www.offline.cash?p=eyJzIjoiUVdWcTV1dUtmVnBXLWtYY1daVlRHcHhJOHY0IiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDg5NTc5NyxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwczpcXFwvXFxcL3d3dy5vZmZsaW5lLmNhc2hcXFwvI2J1eT91c2VyQ29kZT13d2psa2pzXCIsXCJpZFwiOlwiMDM5OWE1NzY2NzQ3NDFhNGJiZGVmNWFiOTNiYzYzODNcIixcInVybF9pZHNcIjpbXCJmNGFkOTM5YjBiMjE1OTQzZDUyMWNmNjU3Nzk5ZWYzYzQwYjY0Njg3XCJdfSJ9

If you can find any bug in this note, let me know. I will be investigating it in detail. It looks like a lot of thought has been put into this technology.

This topic (Offline Cash) has its own thread which includes links to a FAQ and detailed description:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5401680.0

Please check it out as these high tech notes get ready to be rolled out. I have been in communication with Cameron Robertson, the inventor. Very promising technology!

[Mr.right85]

The Central African Republic has just declared Bitcoin to be legal tender, but 90% of the population doesn't have ready access to the Internet. I am exploring safe ways to use Bitcoin without having to connect to the Internet for every exchange. Ideally a paper wallet could be created in a manner that prevents anyone from memorizing or recording the private key before it is sealed.

I am also exploring a smart contract that guarantees (via escrowed funds and/or multisig) that no funds are released until the BitCheques are opened.

One truth we ought to realise is that, we are simply filling the gaps in the various systems of our world. Come a laps in a particular system, individuals look for means to make that situation better and that's what brought about the evolution of bitcoin. To fill the laps in the traditional monetary system of our world.
Most times, we view bitcoin to be some revolutionary currency for which, it has come to sweep fiat away and be what is acceptable all around the globe but this in itself is highly impossible. Its sadly not going to happen given that bitcoin have got some lapses too.

The technology of the Internet is not accessible by the visually impaired once around us and as such, bitcoin too. They can't own a wallet not to talk of a private key. Then, we talk about the issues of network which is lacking in most parts of our world. These are fill ups for fiat thus to say, they are both needed for a better functional society.

[BitCheques]

Your argument is extremely fuzzy, Are you saying that bitcoin notes won't work because you think that they are not easy for the visually impaired to use?

[mayfair_coin]

This is a very good thing because if people have physical coins rather than electronic form in their pockets, then they will be able to use them very easily because they will have their private keys as well as public ones in their coin and that would be a great option as a security feature available in coin

[uneng]

So many of the people without electricity have a mobile phone, which means they go somewhere to charge it. It's also one of the most expensive countries for mobile data.

Even though "cheap" cellphones are more common than desktops and laptops, poverty inhibits Internet accessibility.

It is something which can be only overcome within time. You know 10 years ago internet access was much more scarce than now. But at this moment, areas where internet didn't reach before already have connectivity, while places where there was internet access, but it was precarious, have developed quality a lot. It's a process which takes time to happen, unfortunatelly, and we have to wait...

To create physical bitcoin doesn't look a good idea, because it's not supposed to work like this. Bitcoin demands internet access, so people can deal in real time person to person, without involving any central middlemen and barter systems.

The new generations have an essential role in poor areas, so they can introduce the older ones to technology. We have been seeing this on this forum from times to times in different threads, especially at Bitcoin Discussion board. A week ago I've seen an african teacher who bought a laptop with signature campaign income to teach his students about bitcoin and blockchain. Step by step things are improving thanks to these people.

[BitCheques]

To create physical bitcoin doesn't look a good idea, because it's not supposed to work like this. Bitcoin demands internet access, so people can deal in real time person to person, without involving any central middlemen and barter systems.

A holder of bitcoin cash is not restricted from cashing in if he wants. No one is stopping him. Bitcoin cash simply allows the use of bitcoin offline. It is even environmentally friendly because offline transactions do not require electricity - which has been a big concern lately.

[uneng]

To create physical bitcoin doesn't look a good idea, because it's not supposed to work like this. Bitcoin demands internet access, so people can deal in real time person to person, without involving any central middlemen and barter systems.

A holder of bitcoin cash is not restricted from cashing in if he wants. No one is stopping him. Bitcoin cash simply allows the use of bitcoin offline. It is even environmentally friendly because offline transactions do not require electricity - which has been a big concern lately.

But the holder will need to trust a kind of authority who will say what is the legal bitcoin cash and what isn't. This central authority is going to replace blockchain function, which inevitably demands internet connection to work guaranting legitimacy to every transactions in a decentralized concept.

To have a central regulator issuing bitcoin cash officially raises a lot of doubts about the legitimacy of the process. For transparency and autonomy purposes it's better to simply work to connect people to internet faster as possible. Contact the government's agents, contact crypto businesses which will be benefited by the spread of internet access, contact philanthropist organizations which give assistance to third world countries.

[BitCheques]

In order to correct any misconceptions about the security and integrity of Bitcoin Cash, and regarding its level of decentralization, I am providing a link to a detailed description. Please review this carefully before commenting:

https://offline.cash/pages/bitcoin-note-security-overview

[BitCheques]

Now that I have discovered an exquisite counterfeit-resistant note that requires 2 signatures to be redeemed, I am interested in discussing ways to reduce the need to electronically verify the note to the point where anyone who receives the note will instantly know that it is valid. In this way it can be used like cash.

1) Before the note is circulated, it will need to be loaded so that no one inadvertently receives an empty note. In order to remove arbitrary trust, it will need to be guaranteed at face value by the issuer - probably via an escrow contract. A government entity with unlimited funds would be ideal.

2) When a bill is redeemed, it will need to be irreparably destroyed in order to eliminate circulation of the emptied note. This will also require an escrowed guarantee of some sort, preferably automated via oracle as well. A notary or other verifiable witness will likely be needed before the second signature is made.

Solidity?

Tapscript?

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5402259.0