[aragot]

I mean any kind of payment is traceable (except at HSBC), so nothing to focus on about 'electronic'. If you want privacy, you need laws to prevent data collection and use, and you need that law to come from an alternative power from governments. Hard problem.

[roel_v]

Are you seriously going to claim that electronic payments are just as anonymous as cash?

"If you want privacy, you need laws to prevent data collection and use"

No. You need to create a situation where it's exceedingly hard to track things you want privacy about. 'Laws' can't stop a societal tidal wave.

"and you need that law to come from an alternative power from governments."

Then it's not a law, is it? I'm not even sure what direction you're thinking in, what sort of power could enforce something like that? Are you saying the checks and balances in the trias politica aren't strong enough?