Bitcoin: the currency of cyberspace

The recent global expansion of the use of virtual currency became an object of debate at the last three United Nations Internet Governance Forums (IGF) for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Capitalization, rapid and geographic expansion of the use of cryptocurrencies drew attention to researchers, mobilized repre- sentatives of civil society, and entrepreneurs in various parts of the world, which showed interest on the development of innovations driven by the ex- pansion of globalized use of this new type of economic activity. This work has as main objectives: to analyze how the recent financial crisis of capital- ism influenced the emergence and the geographical expansion of the uses of cryptocurrencies; reflect on services and activities that use cryptocurrencies, bitcoins and blockchains, and discuss the challenges posed by the growth of the uses of cryptocurrencies