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A comment on Facebook’s Libra is still dead – Diem to be sold off for spare parts. Parent comment

Re:Facebook’s Libra is still dead – Diem to be sold off for ... by archontes on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @10:12AM (#30086432)
You don't think there's a first amendment argument for mining bitcoin?

Could the government legally restrict me from solving a math problem?

If mitigating the CO2 produced by using some energy isn't priced into that energy, that's the fix. We absolutely need to incorporate externalities into prices.

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Re:Facebook’s Libra is still dead – Diem to be sold off for ... by JumpCrisscross on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @11:15AM (#30087336)
> You don't think there's a first amendment argument for mining bitcoin?

No, in the same way there isn’t for money laundering or wire fraud.

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Re:Facebook’s Libra is still dead – Diem to be sold off for ... by mminer237 on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @11:50AM (#30087936)
Yes, of course the government can outlaw solving certain math problems. Anything on a computer can be represented by math. "Solving a math problem" can create Bitcoins or hack a computer system or recreate CSAM or recreate copyrighted or patented works or send a threat to someone.

Calculating a hash for Bitcoin and then broadcasting it assumedly has the same level of First Amendment protection as calculating a hash for someone else's password and then broadcasting it.

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