In recent days, Italy has witnessed a true digital payment block: a series of disruptions has paralyzed the POS systems of Nexi and other circuits, bringing merchants and consumers to their knees.
This episode, which has caused enormous disruptions, raises a fundamental question: are we really ready to blindly trust such a centralized and vulnerable system? And, provocatively, wouldn’t it be time to give crypto a chance?
The problem of centralized systems like Nexi: an opportunity for crypto
Nexi is one of the main operators in electronic payments in Italy, and its role is fundamental to ensuring fast and secure transactions. However, the interruption of services has shown the weaknesses of a structure that, although innovative, depends entirely on centralized providers like Worldline.
When something goes wrong – a technical fault or, as in this case, roadworks that damage the network cables – the entire system collapses.
A similar problem is unthinkable for crypto, which do not rely on a single point of control. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies are based on decentralized blockchains, which means that no isolated event can cripple the entire network.
It is this resilience that makes crypto an increasingly attractive solution in a world where POS blackouts, like the one from Nexi, are not so rare.
Cryptos represent a new paradigm for payments. Unlike Nexi and other traditional operators, which rely on physical infrastructures, blockchains operate thanks to a global network of distributed nodes. This means that even in the event of technical issues in one part of the world, transactions can still be processed elsewhere.
Furthermore, with the increasingly widespread adoption of solutions like Lightning Network for Bitcoin or Ethereum smart contracts, crypto payments have become fast and convenient, even for small amounts. All you need is a smartphone and an Internet connection to make a transaction, without the need for physical POS or centralized infrastructures.
And Nexi? It risks falling behind
Nexi is undoubtedly a leader in the traditional payments sector, but the advent of crypto represents a challenge that cannot be ignored. The company has recently shown interest in digital and blockchain solutions, but the pace of innovation in the crypto world is much faster than that of the traditional financial sector.
If Nexi does not adapt quickly, it could face a loss of confidence from users, increasingly attracted by the freedom and security offered by crypto.
The interruption of POS has shown that, in a centralized system, even a small incident can turn into a national disaster. On the contrary, crypto offers a resilient alternative, capable of withstanding unforeseen events of any nature.
It is no mystery that Italy is among the most backward countries in Europe in the adoption of advanced financial technologies.
However, the blackout of Nexi’s POS could be the wake-up call we needed. Payments in crypto, even if still not widespread, represent a valid alternative to traditional systems, with advantages in terms of security, speed, and independence.
Perhaps the time has come to stop seeing crypto as a technological curiosity or a simple investment opportunity. In an increasingly interconnected world, they are the solution to the limitations of a centralized system that, as demonstrated, can fail when we need it most.
