AI and Bitcoin: Predicting the Future of Cryptocurrency
The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) requiring a currency might seem far-fetched. However, according to BitMEX co-founder, Arthur Hayes, it is not only plausible but highly probable. In a recently published essay, Hayes discusses why Bitcoin (BTC) could be the chosen currency of AI, arguing that it provides the most logical means for AIs to execute economic calculations and transactions. AI’s Need for an “Always-On” Payment System AI, by its nature, requires a payment system that is continuously available, fully digital, and completely automated. The reason behind this need is the critical requirement of AI to constantly pay for two forms of “food” that are essential for its operation—data and compute power. The traditional banking sector, being mostly analogue and divided, falls short in providing this kind of 24/7 service. However, a blockchain-based system is inherently capable of delivering this type of functionality. As Hayes points out, with a blockchain-based payment system, AI can receive payments electronically in very small increments as needed. Importance of Censorship-Resistance and Transparency In addition to constant availability, an AI payment rail must also be censorship-resistant and have a set of rules that are clear and transparent from the outset. This is crucial to avoid the risk of de-platforming, a concern that is high and undesirable for an AI, which does not intrinsically understand human laws or the often “opaque and intentionally unintelligible” rules of the traditional banking system. Bitcoin, with its inherent properties of censorship resistance and transparency, fits this bill. As Hayes explains, Bitcoin’s rules can only be changed by a majority decision across the entire network, and no singular entity can arbitrarily change the network rules. The Limitations of Fiat Currency and Gold While it’s technically feasible for fiat currency and gold to circulate on digital, decentralized networks using stablecoins, the reserves backing these tokens must be held by centralized entities. Therefore, stablecoins are susceptible to freezing and censorship by their issuer, which can cause disruptions for AI’s continuous operation. Bitcoin’s Value Over Time Another factor favoring Bitcoin is its capability to maintain its value over time, particularly against AI’s “electricity foodstuffs”. Bitcoin’s supply is programmatically capped at 21 million coins and it is mined using electricity, which directly “defines the value of Bitcoin over time”. The argument that Ethereum (ETH) could be a better money than Bitcoin due to its deflationary supply dynamics post the Merge is refuted by Hayes. He maintains that ETH has other applications unlike Bitcoin and fiat currency, which are primarily used as money. According to Hayes, the singularity of Bitcoin’s utility is what makes it an excellent choice for AI. In conclusion, the notion of AI needing a currency to operate, and that Bitcoin could fulfill this need, adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on the future of cryptocurrencies. It’s a fascinating thought that intertwines the future of AI and cryptocurrency, both of which are transforming the world as we know it.
