“Bitcoin is bad for dictators,” Gladstein told the audience, emphasizing how self-custody allows individuals to protect their wealth from political interference. Without linking their identity to transactions, users can avoid surveillance and censorship, he explained.
Gladstein shared the HRF’s early experience with Bitcoin during Ukraine’s 2013 pro-democracy protests, when traditional financial channels failed activists. At the time, Bitcoin was worth just $100 — but it proved effective in bypassing frozen bank accounts and delivering support to those on the ground.
He noted that in many countries under authoritarian rule, governments weaponize inflation, currency controls, and financial blacklisting to silence dissent. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature, when used securely, gives citizens a financial escape route that is not easily compromised by the state.
As more global regions experience rising authoritarianism and economic instability, Gladstein urged U.S. policymakers to understand Bitcoin not just as a speculative asset, but as a tool of resilience for millions living without access to basic financial freedoms. For the Human Rights Foundation, supporting Bitcoin is part of a broader mission to protect civil liberties and empower individuals in the most repressive environments.
The post Bitcoin Is a Lifeline Under Authoritarian Regimes, Says Human Rights Advocate appeared first on BitcoinLinux.
Go to Source
Author: coinmaker
Sui-based decentralized exchange Full Sail has confirmed a loss of user funds from its automated…
Key Highlights The Ninth Circuit ruled that federal derivatives law does not preempt Nevada’s gaming…
Key Highlights Chainlink CCIP is facilitating TAO’s expansion to Base, allowing the Bittensor token to…
Key Highlights RWA perps are growing fast, with their share of daily on-chain perp volume…
Key Highlights The CFTC ordered former White House teleprompter operator Gabriel Perez to pay $172,539.…
Key Highlights Bitcoin ETFs recorded $201.9 million in outflows on August 28, ending a nine-day…
This website uses cookies.
Read More