American billionaire investor Tim Draper has called out the Indian government over its purported plan to ban bitcoin and all forms of cryptocurrency. 

Proposed Bitcoin Ban

On July 14, blockchain lawyer Varun Sethi published to Twitter an unofficial draft of a bill circulating the Indian government that would ban the use of cryptocurrency. 

In addition to prohibiting the use of bitcoin, the bill seeks to impose a 10-year prison sentence on Indian citizens who “mine, generate, hold, sell, transfer, dispose, issue or deal in cryptocurrencies.” The bill does allow one caveat for the digital rupee, which is a token issued and backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). 

Pathetic and Corrupt

In response to the proposed ban, Tim Draper took to Twitter to vent his feelings against the Modi government. 

Draper, who is known for his massive investments in Baidu, Skype, and Tesla, has become a bitcoin bull over the years, in addition to issuing some of the more far-fetched price predictions.

The American investor has also been an active presence encouraging developing countries to consider the benefits of bitcoin and digital currencies. More recently, he advocated the utility of bitcoin to the Argentine government, a country that has been combating fiat hyperinflation for years. 

Others Weigh In

Other high profile individuals have voiced their disapproval over the Indian government considering a bitcoin ban, including Barry Silbert who predicted the decision having the opposite effect on bitcoin adoption. 

John McAfee also chimed in with his belief that governments have little control over the use of bitcoin. 

Supporters of the Ban

However, not everyone took kindly to Draper’s harsh criticism of the Modi government. Given the rise in cryptocurrency-related scams over the past two years, some Indian citizens believe banning bitcoin will be a net positive for the country. 

While Draper may be stirring national sentiment related to cryptocurrency, it’s worth noting that the Indian government has yet to impose a ban of any sort. However, given the amount of rhetoric over the last several months and the more recent emergence of the drafted bill, it appears the Modi government is indeed contemplating decisive action against bitcoin and digital currencies.