Digital currencies

Slock.it says its current project will enable people to exchange the ownership of devices connected to the Internet of Things.

Brave, founded by JavaScript creator and former Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich, intends to issue a cryptocurrency to fund the development of a new way to buy and view digital ads.

If the Federal Reserve and other central banks began issuing their own digital currencies, they could benefit consumers, boost the economy and fight financial crime. But not without risks to cybersecurity, individual privacy — and possibly bank profits.

The question is more than academic. At stake is the role blockchain technology can play in lowering the costs of raising money.

The fast-moving innovations enabled by blockchain technology defy the ability of state governments to regulate the distributed ledger space constructively and efficiently.