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Sweden, Norway rethink plans for cashless societies over fears that fully digital payment systems would leave them vulnerable to Russian security threats (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

149 comments fedilink hide all child comments

cross-posted from: https://feddit.org/post/4262252

A combination of good high-speed internet coverage, high digital literacy rates, large rural populations and fast-growing fintech industries had put the Nordic neighbours on a fast track to a future without cash.

[...]

But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and a subsequent rise in cross-border hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks blamed on pro-Russia groups have prompted a rethink.

[...]

The Swedish government has since completely overhauled its defence and preparedness strategy, joining Nato, starting a new form of national service and reactivating its psychological defence agency to combat disinformation from Russia and other adversaries. Norway has tightened controls on its previously porous border with Russia.

[...]

[Norway's] justice and public security ministry said it “recommends everyone keep some cash on hand due to the vulnerabilities of digital payment solutions to cyber-attacks”. It said the government took preparedness seriously “given the increasing global instability with war, digital threats, and climate change. As a result, they’ve ensured that the right to pay with cash is strengthened”.

[...]

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[–] [email protected] 21 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

We have cash?

o_O

Haven't used it for years.

[–] [email protected] 17 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (4 children)

It's still legal tender so they have to accept it. They don't like it, but they do. Last time I visited Norway I held up the line at the grocery store trying to buy candy with cash that had been gifted to me. I'm not sure the cashier knew what to do with it.

Edit: many people telling me they are not required. From what I could find, cash is still "tvunget betalingsmiddel", but there are some broad exceptions. Ref. So, I don't think I was out of line expecting to pay cash at the grocery store. However, that was the only time I paid cash when I visited last time, so yeah, it's basically cashless already.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 2 weeks ago

Shops in Sweden very often state that they don't accept cash - and it's perfectly legal for them to make that choice.

[–] Gloria 12 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

legal tender

As far as I understood it in the last 20 years, it is only legal tender for debt facing the goverment. No private business has to accept cash. They do not have to accept cards either. If they wish, they could demand payments only in acorns or bottle caps if they wanted to. Only govermental Institutes (eg. for taxes, fines, etc.) have to always accept cash so you can always free yourself from outstanding debits without needing a bank account as bank wiring or credit cards are a private 3rd party business that can not be guaranteed for every citizen (as banks can arbitrary decline service to people).

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

At least in Germany legal tender means "valid for payment of any obligation", also private ones. But if a shop says "we don't accept cash" then they're not entering a sales contract with you unless you agree to pay in another way, without contract no payment obligation to them so they're not required to accept anything, and if there is a contract, well, you agreed to the terms.

I don't think the same would fly for e.g. rental or utility contracts, though. Any contract that isn't agreed upon and fulfilled while you're standing in front of the cashier.

[–] sugar_in_your_tea 1 points 2 weeks ago

Yeah, i think that's the same in the US.

As in, if they commit to accepting your business, they must accept cash. But they can also refuse to do business with you if you insist on using cash. Or something like that.

For example, in the past, you'd pump gas before paying, which meant you had a debt to the fuel station, so they'd be required to accept cash to settle that debt. However today, you need to prepay, so they can simply refuse to accept your business if you refuse to use one of their accepted payment options.

That said, my understanding is that they're not obligated to make change for you. So you'd need to show up with exact change (or extra) to settle a debt if the company doesn't want to take it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

Thankfully, Monero denies nobody

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 weeks ago

They do not have to accept it

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 weeks ago

I took a bus in Malmö over ten years ago (on the seaside to the railway station), they didn't accept cash or card, only some mobile payment. Got a free ride.