Amid debates over a bill pushed by the House of Representatives regarding the fate of TikTok in the U.S., concerns are rising over Chinese Bitcoin mining operations within the country. The bill targets TikTok and its Chinese owner, ByteDance, citing security threats posed by Chinese government ties.
While TikTok dominates discussions due to its widespread use, another sector, Bitcoin mining, poses a more immediate security risk. Chinese miners established a strong presence in U.S. states like Arkansas and Wyoming after China banned cryptocurrencies in 2021.
Chinese firms, renowned for producing ASIC chips used in mining, now own about a third of U.S. mining infrastructure, according to research by Anita Nikolich from a blockchain intelligence firm.
The primary concern stems from the connection between mining facilities and the energy grid, raising potential risks that could impact consumers across the nation. Recent intelligence reports highlighted China’s ability to compromise critical infrastructure.
A New York Times investigation uncovered links between Chinese-owned mining companies in the U.S. and the Chinese government, sparking worries about their influence on national grids.
Nikolich’s research suggests this issue spans multiple states, emphasizing the delicate balance between attracting investments and limiting foreign ownership in critical infrastructure.
Despite some dismissing concerns as fearmongering, recommendations include boosting chip manufacturing to counter China’s control and enhancing oversight on foreign investments in the energy sector.
As the Bitcoin halving approaches and mining operations shift towards A.I., the focus on TikTok by lawmakers appears to divert attention from the potential security risks associated with Chinese Bitcoin mining in the U.S.
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