BOE Chief Dispels Motorway Conspiracy Fears Over Digital Pound

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey sought to dispel fears that a digital version of the pound will turn into a surveillance tool for UK authorities after its proposals were attacked by conspiracy theorists online and on motorway bridges.

Bailey said in a text of his speech at the Mansion House in London this evening that digital money must be “controlled and programmable by owners and users, not by prying authorities,” insisting the BOE’s work on a so-called central bank digital currency won’t invade the privacy of Britons.

He specifically highlighted anti-CBDC graffiti on motorway bridges as its project attracts ...