Bitcoin mining facilities in the United States operated by Chinese companies have attracted scrutiny from national security experts worried about potential threats. Investigations center on risks of Chinese intelligence operations or control over critical infrastructure.
Concerns first emerged when a Chinese firm built a large mining operation in Wyoming near sensitive locations, sparking fears about spying. The energy-intensive mines also create infrastructure strains.
While some entities seem independent, ownership ties back to China and its government in several cases. One company upped US-bound mining gear shipments 15x in five years despite appearing unaffiliated.
Chinese Bitcoin mines now operate in at least 12 US states, collectively consuming as much energy as 1.5 million households. Their growth contradicts Bitcoin’s decentralization principles.
With China banning mining in 2021, US sites have become attractive despite the security issues. Experts warn China could leverage control of mining power during a conflict to damage US critical infrastructure.
The foreign influence risks posed by Chinese-owned Bitcoin mining operations raise far-reaching concerns for US officials beyond just cryptocurrency. It highlights unanticipated risks of new technologies.
