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Why is everyone so worried about Facebook’s Libra cryptocurrency?

Analysis: The tech giant’s plans to launch its own currency might soon be the least of regulators’ concerns, writes Anthony Cuthbertson

Thursday 12 September 2019 22:11 BST
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Facebook hopes to launch its Libra cryptocurrency in 2020, but is facing significant resistance from regulators around the world
Facebook hopes to launch its Libra cryptocurrency in 2020, but is facing significant resistance from regulators around the world

Facebook is once again in trouble with authorities, though this time it is for something that is yet to even happen. On Thursday, France said it would block any attempt to launch or develop the firm’s Libra cryptocurrency.

This rebuff is the latest setback for the serially scandalous social media company, in what is arguably the most ambitious project it has ever undertaken.

It all began at the start of 2018, when CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that his annual “personal challenge” for that year would be to explore and understand cryptocurrency. Six months later, he had set up a taskforce to develop what could eventually become a new global currency to rival the dollar.

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