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Money is privacy

Author

Listed:
  • Charles M. Kahn
  • James J. McAndrews
  • William Roberds

Abstract

An extensive literature in monetary theory has emphasized the role of money as a record-keeping device. Money assumes this role in situations where using credit would be too costly, and some might argue that this role will diminish as the cost of information, and thus the cost of credit-based transactions, continues to fall. ; In this paper we investigate another use for money: the provision of privacy. That is, a money purchase does not identify the purchaser while a credit purchase does. In a simple trading economy with moral hazard, we compare the efficiency of money is compared with that of credit, and we find that money may be useful even when information is free.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles M. Kahn & James J. McAndrews & William Roberds, 2004. "Money is privacy," FRB Atlanta Working Paper 2004-18, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedawp:2004-18
    as

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    File URL: https://www.frbatlanta.org/-/media/documents/research/publications/wp/2004/wp0418.pdf
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    Other versions of this item:

    • Charles M. Kahn & James McAndrews & William Roberds, 2005. "Money Is Privacy," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 46(2), pages 377-399, May.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Stacey L. Schreft, 2002. "Clicking with dollars : how consumers can pay for purchases from E-tailers," Economic Review, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, vol. 87(Q I), pages 37-64.
    3. Charles M. Kahn & James J. McAndrews & William Roberds, 2000. "A theory of transactions privacy," FRB Atlanta Working Paper 2000-22, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
    4. Aiyagari, S. Rao & Williamson, Stephen D., 2000. "Money and Dynamic Credit Arrangements with Private Information," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 91(2), pages 248-279, April.
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