Online vs. Offline CBDCs — The Privacy Battle Dividing the EU
The EU is divided over the design of its proposed digital euro, with a key conflict emerging between online and offline functionality. The Council of the EU supports a hybrid model that includes both online and offline capabilities. In contrast, privacy-focused members of the European Parliament advocate for an offline-only version, arguing it offers stronger, cash-like privacy by enabling peer-to-peer transactions without centralized tracking. They warn that an online system could allow excessive surveillance of consumer spending. The European Central Bank and European Commission favor the hybrid approach but face opposition from data protection authorities concerned about data minimization. With negotiations set for 2026, the outcome will determine the balance between privacy and functionality in the EU's digital currency.
ccn.com12/25 11:10
