Senator Elizabeth Warren is raising the alarm about a potential new way foreign governments could spy on the US: crypto mining facilities.
Spying on Military Operations
Warren believes that countries like China, Russia, and Iran could be using these facilities to gather intelligence on US military operations. She’s concerned that the powerful equipment used for mining cryptocurrencies could be secretly repurposed for espionage.
More Than Just Spying
Warren isn’t just worried about spying. She also points out that foreign-owned crypto mining facilities could pose a threat to the US energy grid.
Treasury Department’s Concerns
The Treasury Department has echoed these concerns, stating that there’s a general worry that sophisticated equipment near sensitive facilities could be used for espionage.
Calls for Action
Warren is urging Congress to pass laws to protect national security against these threats. She wants to give the Treasury Department the tools it needs to prevent foreign countries from using crypto to evade sanctions and launder money.
Warren’s History of Crypto Criticism
This isn’t the first time Warren has expressed concerns about cryptocurrency. She’s been a vocal critic of the industry for years, arguing that it’s a haven for criminals and a threat to the financial system.