Bitcoin Protects Protestors From Oppressive Regimes: Find Out How
• In 2022, the Canadian government began to crack down on protestors by freezing bank accounts, prompting people to turn to Bitcoin for assistance.
• Organizations like GoFundMe attempted to pass money raised for the protestors along to causes that they aligned with, leading to an uproar.
• Recently, the Iranian government announced that it would be freezing the bank accounts of women who refuse to wear hijabs in public, with one protester already having been executed.
The start of 2022 has been tumultuous, especially in Canada. Protestors across the country have been met with extreme government crackdowns, with their bank accounts being frozen and their freedom of expression stifled. In response, many have turned to Bitcoin to help them survive, as it allows them to skirt the restrictions imposed by traditional outlets. Organizations like GoFundMe have even attempted to pass funds raised for the protestors along to causes that they aligned with, leading to an uproar and the eventual refunding of the money.
The situation has been amplified in Iran, where the government has announced that it will be freezing the bank accounts of women who refuse to wear hijabs in public. This has been met with threats of imprisonment and execution, with one protester already having been hanged by the Iranian government.
It is becoming increasingly clear that traditional outlets are not able to offer the same protections as decentralized solutions such as Bitcoin, as Ethereum insists on enforcing Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) sanctions on its base layer. As the world continues to become more connected and more reliant on technology, it is essential that people are able to freely express themselves without fear of retribution. Bitcoin has provided a safe haven for those who are struggling to find a voice in oppressive regimes, and it is essential that this is protected and preserved.
