Cryptocurrency Explained With Pros and Cons

what is Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that uses cryptography to keep transactions secure and to control the creation of new units. Unlike traditional currencies, which are issued by central banks and governments, cryptocurrencies are decentralized and run on a distributed ledger technology called blockchain.

Cryptocurrencies are created through a process called mining, which involves solving complex mathematical problems using specialized hardware. Once a block of transactions is verified, it is added to the blockchain, which serves as a public ledger that records all transactions in the network.

Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, which was the first cryptocurrency to be created, Ethereum, which is known for its smart contract capabilities, and Litecoin, which was designed to be faster and more efficient than Bitcoin.

Cryptocurrencies have gained popularity over the years due to their potential to offer a more secure, faster, and cheaper way of conducting transactions. However, they are also highly volatile and subject to market fluctuations, making them a high-risk investment.

How Does Cryptocurrency Work?

• Transactions with cryptocurrency are recorded on a public digital ledger called blockchain.
  • This ledger is maintained by a network of computers around the world, and each new transaction is verified and added to the blockchain by these computers.
  • This decentralization and use of cryptography make it difficult for anyone to manipulate the currency or the transactions recorded on the blockchain.
• To use cryptocurrency, individuals or businesses must first acquire a digital wallet, which is a software program that stores the user's public and private keys.
  • These keys are used to send and receive cryptocurrency, and they are also used to verify transactions on the blockchain.
• Users can acquire cryptocurrency through a process called "mining" which involves using computer power to solve complex mathematical equations, which validate and record transactions on the blockchain, in return for a certain amount of cryptocurrency.

What is Blockchain Technology?

• Blockchain technology is a decentralized, digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers.
• Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant's ledger.
  • The decentralized nature of technology ensures that no single entity can alter or delete previous transactions, providing a high degree of security and transparency.
• Blockchain is the foundation of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, but it has many potentials uses beyond digital currencies.

What are Some Examples of Cryptocurrencies?
Bitcoin (BTC):	It is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009. Bitcoin was invented by an unknown person or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto and was released as open-source software in 2009. It is considered the first decentralized cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has no single administrator, and the currency can be sent electronically from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain.
Ethereum (ETH):	Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, opensource blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It uses its own cryptocurrency, Ether, as a means of payment for transaction fees and services on the Ethereum network. It also has a built-in programming language that enables developers to create and deploy their own decentralized applications on the Ethereum network.
Litecoin (LTC):	Litecoin (LTC) is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency and open-source software project. It is inspired by and nearly identical to Bitcoin (BTC) but with faster transaction confirmation times and a different hashing algorithm. It is designed to process small transactions faster and more efficiently than Bitcoin.
Ripple (XRP):	Ripple (XRP) is a digital asset and cryptocurrency that is designed to facilitate fast and inexpensive international money transfers. It is built on the Ripple Protocol, a decentralized open-source protocol for facilitating cross-border payments. Ripple can be used to transfer any currency, including USD, EUR, and Bitcoin, and it can also be traded on digital currency exchanges.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH):	Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is a cryptocurrency that was created as a result of a hard fork from Bitcoin in 2017. It has a larger block size limit (8MB) compared to Bitcoin (1MB), allowing for faster and cheaper transactions. It is considered by some to be a "purer" version of Bitcoin, as it adheres more closely to the original vision of Bitcoin as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.

What is the Legal Status of Cryptocurrency?

• In India:
  • The legal status of cryptocurrency in India is currently in a state of flux.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued several warnings against the use of cryptocurrencies, stating that they pose risks to investors and are not legal tender.
  • In 2018 the Supreme Court struck down a circular of Reserve Bank of India, which bans financial institutions from dealing in digital or cryptocurrencies.
  • In 2022, the Government of India mentioned in the Union budget 2022-23 that-the transfer of any virtual currency/cryptocurrency asset will be subject to 30% tax deduction.
    • The Govt has also set up a panel to explore the potential use of blockchain technology and the possibility of issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
• Elsewhere:
  • At present, El Salvador and the Central African Republic (CAR) are the only two countries in the world where Bitcoin functions as a legal currency.
  • However, many countries have taken steps to recognize and regulate the use of certain cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.
    • Some countries, such as Japan and South Korea, have issued regulations for cryptocurrency exchanges.
    • Nations like Germany and Switzerland, have recognized Bitcoin as a "legal means of payment."
  • Other countries, such as China and Russia, have taken a more cautious approach and have imposed restrictions on the use of cryptocurrencies.

What is India’s Central Bank Digital Currency?

• The Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot launched by the RBI in the retail segment has components based on blockchain technology.
• CBDCs are a digital form of paper currency and unlike cryptocurrencies that operate in a regulatory vacuum, these are legal tenders issued and backed by a central bank.
• It is the same as a fiat currency and is exchangeable one-to-one with the fiat currency.
• Digital currency refers to the digital version of the Indian rupee, which is also known as the digital rupee or e-rupee.

challenges to cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies have gained popularity in recent years, but they are not without their challenges. Some of the major challenges facing cryptocurrencies include:

Volatility: Cryptocurrencies are known for their highly volatile prices, which can fluctuate significantly in a short period. This makes it difficult for businesses to accept them as a form of payment, as they may not be able to accurately price their goods and services.

Regulation: Cryptocurrencies are not yet regulated in many countries, which makes it difficult for businesses and individuals to know how to legally use them. This lack of clear regulation also makes it easier for criminals to use cryptocurrencies for illegal activities.

Security: Cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets are susceptible to hacking attacks, which can result in the loss of funds. This risk of theft makes it difficult for individuals to trust cryptocurrencies as a reliable form of payment.

Adoption: Despite the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, adoption rates are still relatively low. This makes it difficult for individuals to use cryptocurrencies as a form of payment in everyday life, as they may not be widely accepted.

Scalability: The scalability of cryptocurrencies is limited, which makes it difficult for the technology to handle a large number of transactions. This can result in slow transaction times and high fees.

Energy consumption: The process of verifying transactions in a cryptocurrency network, known as mining, is energy-intensive and contributes to climate change. This high energy consumption is a significant challenge for the sustainability of cryptocurrencies.

Way Forward

• Clarity on the legal status of cryptocurrencies is important for their widespread adoption and use. When governments provide a clear framework for cryptocurrency, it creates a more stable environment for businesses and individuals to invest in and use them. This can also encourage innovation and growth in the industry.

  • The examples of countries like El Salvador and the Central African Republic recognizing cryptocurrencies as legal tender show that it is possible for governments to embrace this new technology and create a favorable environment for it to thrive.

• The RBI has started a blockchain-based Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot program. The government should take this into consideration because cryptocurrency is based on blockchain technology as well.
• Launching cryptocurrency with a strong regulatory framework can ensure its proper use, prevent fraud and illegal activities, and increase consumer protection. On the other hand, a complete restriction of cryptocurrency may stifle innovation and limit its potential benefits to society.
• The classification of cryptocurrencies as either goods or asset classes is still unclear and subject to change in many countries, including India. Currently, software is considered a good and can be taxed as such under Indian law. Profits and earnings from the sale of cryptocurrencies are considered taxable income, but only after the legalization of cryptocurrencies.