Bill Gates' 'Nonsense' Crypto Comments Draw Twitter Ire

Bill Gates' 'Nonsense' Crypto Comments Draw Twitter Ire


Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates took aim at cryptocurrencies during a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session Tuesday - much to the ire of some social-media commentators.

Responding to a question about cryptocurrencies, the world's second-richest man said the ability of governments to track money laundering or terrorist funds "is a good thing."

Gates continued, saying:

"Right now cryptocurrencies are used for buying fentanyl and other drugs so it is a rare technology that has caused deaths in a fairly direct way. I think the speculative wave around ICOs and cryptocurrencies is super risky for those who go long."

Naturally, the crypto world was not impressed by this answer.

Reactions on Twitter immediately began dissecting the response on both semantic and technical grounds.

Venture capitalist Anthony Pompliano pointed out that cryptocurrencies are not strictly anonymous, and said the same concerns Gates stated could be applied to traditional fiat currencies.

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