Ep 30. President Zelenskyy; Bitcoin Beach

President Zelenskyy; Bitcoin Beach:

In this episode of 60 Minutes season 54, episode 30, viewers are taken to Ukraine to meet the new president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy was a comedian and television star before he became the president and he brought new energy to Ukrainian politics. Correspondent Holly Williams speaks with Zelenskyy about his efforts to end the war in Ukraine's east and tackle corruption in his government. Williams also travels to the frontlines of the conflict in eastern Ukraine to explore what's at stake in the ongoing battle between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists.

Next, 60 Minutes travels to El Salvador to visit a beach town that's become known as Bitcoin Beach. There, correspondent Laurie Segall meets ordinary Salvadorans who are using the cryptocurrency to buy groceries, pay bills, and even start businesses. Segall speaks with Bitcoin enthusiasts who explain how the technology has changed their lives and brought international attention to their community. She also speaks with skeptics who worry about Bitcoin's volatility and lack of regulation.

The episode also includes a segment on "smishing," a new form of cyber-attack that targets people's cell phones. Correspondent Jon Wertheim speaks with security experts who explain how criminals use text messages to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting victims. Wertheim also speaks with a woman who fell victim to a smishing scam and lost her life savings.

Finally, the episode features a segment on the Chinese government's use of facial recognition technology. Correspondent Scott Pelley visits a province in China where facial recognition cameras are everywhere, even in people's homes. Pelley speaks with Chinese citizens who worry about the government's vast surveillance apparatus and the potential abuses of power that come with it. Pelley also speaks with experts who warn that China's use of facial recognition technology could be a model for authoritarian regimes around the world.

Throughout this episode of 60 Minutes, viewers are taken around the world to explore some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. From Ukraine's struggle for peace and democracy, to El Salvador's embrace of cryptocurrency, to the new threats posed by cybercriminals and authoritarian regimes, this episode offers a compelling look at the challenges we face in the 21st century.