Bitcoin Goes to Washington: The Case for and Against Digital Currency

The era of Bitcoin may well be at hand. Not only has its value climbed to all-time highs in recent weeks but, for better or worse, Bitcoin has caught the U.S. government's attention.

The digital cryptocurrency has enjoyed a steady growth in popularity since it debuted in 2009, but recent events, such as the FBI's closure of the online drug marketplace Silk Road, have thrust Bitcoin into the spotlight. After gathering testimony from various governmental agencies during the past three months, the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will try to figure out how to handle Bitcoin during a hearing Monday titled "Beyond Silk Road: Potential Risks, Threats, and Promises of Virtual Currencies." Read more...