New Technologies, New Risks?: Innovation and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (World Bank Working Papers)

New financial and communication technologies offer a great opportunity to improve the lives of people everywhere. For instance, millions of impoverished people now have access to the financial system through stored value cards or mobile phones. However, some are concerned that governments are not always aware of these innovations in their jurisdictions. This has prompted fear that fast-moving terrorist groups could expand funding undetected. The fear has led some countries to take a restrictive stance on the technologies' use, either by outright prohibition or by placing unnecessary limitations that deter market development. Authorities are therefore challenged to tackle the double-sided nature of technological advancement: promoting security and economic growth. 'New Technologies, New Risks? Innovation and Countering the Financing of Terrorism' explores how money flows via these mediums, risks they pose, and how governments have mitigated the risks.