Bitcoin - Future

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Since Bitcoin is a new emerging technology which is underway, unforeseen developments can make its existence and continuation difficult. Concerning its security and future, there are numerous questions which no one can answer. How far can we trust Bitcoins? Are they a bubble that is going to burst? Are they a passing phenomenon and a fad that would fizzle out over a period of time? Or are they going to stay put and perhaps dominate other currencies in future?

As of now, bitcoins are mostly unregulated, however this may change. Governments are worried about losing taxes and control over the currency. They may bring legislations to regulate bitcoin which may hugely impact the advantages that bitcoins have over other currencies. The volatility of bitcoin prices is one huge issue. The wild fluctuations in its index is sign of such volatility. In recent years, bitcoin prices have risen exponentially and after some corrections have dipped but still they are on the high side. Many expect that the price will further increase.

Favoring Growth Factors

The things that favor the growth of bitcoin adoption are as follows −

• There are limited number of bitcoins.

• The awareness about bitcoins is growing and so their acceptance and adoption.

• The number of bitcoin transactions is increasing day by day.

• A large number of wealthy people do not want government's regulations on their wealth and would rather prefer storing in bitcoins.

Next halving is scheduled to occur in 2020. This will further decrease the rate of supply of bitcoins while bitcoin usage would have increased manifold by 2020. As of now, the number of bitcoin transactions is way behind the number of credit card transactions and the former has to significantly increase to realize the full potential of bitcoins.

Some of the issues which have to be tackled to help bitcoin's growth are as follows −

• Bitcoin transaction time or the time required to get confirmations is still on the high side as compared to credit or debit card transactions.

• The security of Bitcoins has become a major issue. As the usage of Bitcoin is increasing, hacking of bitcoin wallets and even exchanges has been more widespread.

• As of now Bitcoins are too technical for common people and are not so user friendly. It is difficult for people to understand why bitcoin prices are so volatile, why transaction time is so high and how they should safeguard their bitcoins.

Governments of several countries including India are discouraging legal use of Bitcoins as they understand that Bitcoin is a parallel financial system beyond their control. However, countries like Japan, Australia and several European countries have made Bitcoin legal as they realized that they cannot stop the usage of bitcoins. Some countries have banned bitcoin exchanges. People are using global exchanges to hide their transactions. Meanwhile India and China have been discouraging Bitcoin transactions. China has tried to ban all Bitcoin Exchanges in their country while India has not banned any exchange. Zebpay and Unocoin are Bitcoin Exchanges that are under operation in India. They require submission of KYC documents before executing any Buy or Sell transaction.