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In Nevada desert, a technology firm aims to be a government

Tech Companies-Governments-Nevada
Posted at 8:55 AM, Feb 15, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-15 11:55:59-05

CARSON CITY (AP) — A cryptocurrency company that owns a swath of land in rural Nevada wants the state to grant technology businesses the power to form local governments.

Jeffrey Berns is CEO of Blockchains LLC and wants to build a "smart city" that runs on blockchain, which is a digital ledger known mostly for recording cryptocurrency transactions.

The company claims local government isn't equipped to oversee such a development and wants power over everything from schools to law enforcement on its land. These so-called innovation zones have backing from the governor but have been met with skepticism and intrigue by state lawmakers.