30-4-2015: 1970 Researchers Predicted Debit Cards Would be Great for Surveillance

"Suppose you were an advisor to the head of the KGB, the Soviet Secret Police. Suppose you are given the assignment of designing a system for the surveillance of all citizens and visitors within the boundaries of the USSR. The system is not to be too obtrusive or obvious. What would be your decision?"
The think tank RAND essentially answered this question with a blueprint for modern payment systems. Taler offers an escape from the financial panopticon.

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