Edward Snowden: Bitcoin is the Most Significant Monetary Advance
Edward Snowden, the whistleblower turned international fugitive, has expressed his belief that Bitcoin is “the most significant monetary advance since the creation of coinage.” In a tweet, Snowden referred to a quote by Bitcoin’s creator Satoshi Nakamoto, stating that if people don’t understand or believe in Bitcoin, he doesn’t have time to convince them.
Snowden’s History with Bitcoin
Snowden has been a long-term user of Bitcoin and has previously revealed that he used BTC in 2013 to pay for servers hosting leaked materials. He fled to Russia in 2013 after being charged with espionage by the U.S. government for leaking documents about the NSA’s surveillance program.
Bitcoin as a Tool for Reshaping Finance
Snowden believes that Bitcoin should be viewed as a tool for reshaping the world of finance rather than solely focusing on its value. He stated during a virtual appearance at the Bitcoin Amsterdam conference that payments and finance are crucial systems that will shape the future world.
Snowden’s Criticism of CBDCs and Support for Privacy Projects
Snowden has criticized central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), labeling them as “cryptofascist” currencies that deny individuals basic ownership of their money. He has also supported privacy projects and was involved in the creation of privacy coin Zcash. Additionally, he endorsed the legal defense fund of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, who faces money laundering charges related to a sanctioned coin mixing service.
Hot Take: Edward Snowden’s Controversial Stance on Bitcoin
Edward Snowden’s endorsement of Bitcoin as the most significant monetary advance has sparked debate among crypto enthusiasts. While some agree with his perspective on Bitcoin’s potential to reshape finance, others remain skeptical. Snowden’s history as a whistleblower and his involvement in privacy projects add weight to his opinions. However, his criticism of central bank digital currencies and support for privacy coins has also drawn criticism. Regardless, Snowden’s statements highlight the ongoing discussion surrounding the role of cryptocurrencies in shaping the future of finance.