Overview

Presented by: Sarah Holmes, Financial Literacy Specialist

This workshop provides a clear, non-technical overview of digital identification systems and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Participants will learn what these systems are, why governments and institutions are exploring them, and the potential risks, ethical concerns, and long-term implications for privacy, autonomy, financial freedom, and civil liberties. The goal is not fear—but informed awareness and empowered decision-making.

Welcome & Grounding

• Welcome and facilitator introduction
• Workshop intentions:
  • Education, not persuasion
  • Critical thinking and informed choice
  • Respect for diverse perspectives
• Brief grounding exercise (optional):
  • “Pause and Notice”: breath + awareness of agency
• Overview of what will be covered

What Are Digital IDs & CBDCs? (Foundational Overview)

Topic: Establish shared understanding and vocabulary

Digital Identification (Digital ID)

• What Digital ID systems are
• How they differ from traditional ID
• Common features:
  • Biometric data
  • Centralized databases
  • Interoperability across services
• Where Digital ID is already being used globally

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

• What a CBDC is (and is not)
• How CBDCs differ from:
  • Cash
  • Bank deposits
  • Cryptocurrencies
• Stated goals by governments:
  • Efficiency
  • Financial inclusion
  • Fraud reduction
  • Monetary control

Key Risks & Concerns

Topic: Overview of well-documented risks in a structured process

1. Privacy & Surveillance

• Data aggregation and tracking
• Transaction-level visibility
• Loss of anonymity traditionally associated with cash
• Potential for misuse or mission creep

2. Centralization of Power

• Single points of control or failure
• Reduced individual autonomy
• Risk of policy enforcement through technology

3. Financial Control & Programmability

• Programmable money:
  • Spending restrictions
  • Expiration dates
  • Conditional access
• Account freezing or restrictions without due process
• Impact during emergencies or political instability

4. Cybersecurity & System Failure

• Hacking risks
• Data breaches
• System outages and access denial
• Dependence on digital infrastructure

Social, Ethical & Human Rights Implications

Topic: Explore long-term and systemic impacts

• Digital exclusion:
  • Elderly populations
  • Rural communities
  • Unbanked individuals
• Consent and coercion:
  • Opt-in vs opt-out systems
• Impact on freedom of expression and association
• Equity concerns:
  • Differential enforcement
  • Algorithmic bias
• Historical examples of financial control and social credit systems (high-level, factual)

Public Discussion & Critical Thinking

Topic: Participants will be encouraged to encouraged to do their own research

Guided Reflection Questions:

• What freedoms matter most to you in daily life?
• How does convenience trade off with autonomy?
• Who controls the rules—and how easily can they change?
• What safeguards would you require to feel safe?

Small Group or Full Group Discussion (optional)

• “What questions would you want answered before supporting these systems?”
• “What protections would need to exist?”

Alternatives, Safeguards & Personal Resilience

Topic: Participants will move from concern to empowerment

Possible Safeguards

• Strong privacy laws
• Transparent governance
• Decentralization options
• Legal due process protections
• Cash preservation policies

Personal Resilience & Preparedness

• Maintaining financial flexibility
• Digital literacy skills
• Understanding consent and terms of use
• Staying informed through diverse sources

Closing & Resources

Topic: Participants will leave the workshop informed and ready to take the next step

• Key takeaways:
  • Awareness is empowerment
  • Questions are healthy
  • Choice matters
• Resource suggestions:
  • Independent research organizations
  • Civil liberties groups
  • Policy tracking tools
• Closing reflection:
  • “What is one question you will continue to explore?”