Bill Gates, Senior Founder of Microsoft Corporation, Caused Fury Reddit users, declaring that cryptocurrencies are "a rare technology that caused deaths in a pretty direct way," during an "Ask Me Anything" session on Reddit on February 27th.

"The main feature of crypto currency is their anonymity, I do not think it's a good thing, the government's ability to find money laundering, tax evasion and Terrorist financing is a good thing, and at the moment crypto-currencies are used to buy fentanyl and other drugs, so it's a rare technology that has caused deaths so I think that the speculative wave around ICOs and cryptocurrencies is very risky for those who go long, "writes Gates

While online drug purchases are increasing, the vast majority of consumers are buying still illicit substances. traditional methods. According to a global drug survey conducted in 2017, regardless of country, less than half of drug users buy substances via the black web in a given country. The overall median percentage of drug users who use the dark network is 10.1%

Gates' remarks led to severe criticism from the Redditors participating in the discussion. While some advised Gates to re-read the Bitcoin white paper, others blamed him for what was perceived as an attempt to influence cryptomarket with his celebrity status:

"… [I] f Bill Gates says he does not like crypto because of the way the cash flow is shaded … a lot of ears get up, "said a user s & # 39; calling Hoticewater

When one of the users pointed out that fiat Currency can also be used for illegal activities such as money laundering, tax evasion, Terrorist financing and the purchase of drugs.Gates said the physical presence made it more difficult activities and illicit transfers:

"Yes – anonymous money is used for that kind of thing but you have to be physically present for the t ransfer, which complicates things like kidnappings.

Back in 2015 on the position of the founder of Microsoft vis-à-vis cryptocurrences was far mo re optimistic. In an interview with Erik Schatzker on Bloomberg TV's Smart Street show, Gates categorically said that "the bitcoin is better than the currency …"

Also, as part of the l & # 39; "Financial Services for the Poor" initiative, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation sponsored the development of Blockchain infrastructure for traders in Kenya to accept cryptocurrencies.

Although Gates remains skeptical about cryptocurrencies, the underlying blockchain technology also remains an area of ​​interest of Microsoft Corporation, which has gone from the front without its direction as a chief executive officer. Last year, Microsoft participated in several blockchain-related business initiatives, such as Microsoft Azure or Coco Framework.

The company recently announced that it was looking to integrate Blockchain IDs into its Microsoft Authenticator application. Microsoft decided that Blockchain technology and protocols were well suited to the task of their project; create a secure and decentralized form of digital identity.