crypto-anarchy
A concept introduced by Timothy May describing a new form of anarchy enabled by cryptography and the internet, allowing anonymous and untraceable interactions beyond state control.
1 chapter across 1 book
Blockchain and the Law: The Rule of Code (2018)Primavera De Filippi and Aaron Wright
This chapter introduces the regulatory challenges posed by decentralized, blockchain-based systems, tracing their origins to the cypherpunk vision of crypto anarchy. It explains how blockchains operate as tamper-resistant, decentralized databases enabling pseudonymous economic transactions and autonomous smart contracts, while highlighting their potential to disrupt traditional legal, financial, and governmental frameworks. The chapter emphasizes the dual-use nature of blockchain technology, which can both support lawful services and facilitate illicit activities, thus complicating regulatory efforts.