Sweden and Norway rethink cashless society plans over Russia security fears
www.theguardian.com
Rise in hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks blamed on pro-Russia groups prompt Nordic neighbours to backpedal

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”.

[…]

  • NIB@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    Noone uses cash in Sweden, except for maybe drug dealers and super old people(and the occasional tourist). Most businesses dont even accept cash anymore.

    It isnt just the convenience of not having to carry cash, it is also much safer. Much lower risk of getting robbed, for both individuals and businesses.

    • lazynooblet@lazysoci.alEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      Cash is still used a lot. Especially for second hand small purchases. Not everyone wants to do the PayPal dance at a car boot.

    • endofline@lemmy.caEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      Until you forget changing 6 digit pin of your credit card before you travel to the country which accepts 4 digit normally. You’re f…d, the only way is to get call your family to make moneygram / western union transfer (or if you can do make such an order on your own). If you wonder which country I live, it’s the same country which has one of the highest banknotes 1000 CHF.

    • Lemminary@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      Much lower risk of getting robbed

      Maybe that works in Sweden, but in other places you get shot if you’re not carrying money with you 😅

      • stephen01king@lemmy.zipEnglish
        0·
        2 months ago

        I think those places need more support systems to reduce the number of people that becomes desperate enough to do that.

        • Lemminary@lemmy.worldEnglish
          0·
          2 months ago

          We have plenty of support systems, but we have too much corruption. I think we’re working on that now with our first female prez.

    • jagged_circle@feddit.nlEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      Not true. When I was in Sweden a couple years ago, I used cash. From Malmo to Kiruna (and lots between). I only encountered one place where I was forced to pay with card and couldn’t just go across the street to pay with cash.

      Fortunately its not a cashless society, they just came dangerously close to becoming one.