Bitcoin is proving to be a powerful tool for resisting authoritarian financial control, offering individuals an alternative to the risks of manipulated fiat currencies, according to a senior Human Rights Foundation (HRF) executive. Speaking at the Bitcoin Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Alex Gladstein, HRF’s chief strategy officer, emphasized BTC’s role in protecting citizens against oppressive regimes. “With Bitcoin, the ability of these leaders to do these things is completely decimated,” Gladstein said, describing BTC as “bad for dictators.” Bitcoin Shields Individuals From Hyperinflation Addressing what he described as a “hall full of American leaders,” Gladstein explained that Bitcoin, when used correctly and without linking to personal identities, becomes much harder for governments to track. This makes it difficult for authorities to freeze or seize funds, a common tactic used by authoritarian regimes to control their populations. Gladstein emphasized that those who self-custody their BTC are shielded from tactics often used by dictators, including asset freezes and hyperinflation. “If you’re self-custoding your Bitcoin, governments can’t delete or freeze your stuff, and they certainly can’t hyperinflate you,” he stated, underlining BTC’s value as a hedge during periods of hyperinflation and economic instability . He added that BTC has already helped many people in countries facing authoritarian control, describing it as a technology that has “saved or rescued” lives by providing financial freedom. Ukraine’s Pro-Democracy Movement Gladstein recounted how the HRF first recognized BTC’s potential during Ukraine’s 2013 pro-democracy protests against then-President Viktor Yanukovych. Many activists involved in the demonstrations, which would later evolve into the Maidan Square movement, faced frozen bank accounts as they organized for democratic reforms. “This was very early in Bitcoin’s life cycle; Bitcoin was worth like a hundred bucks at the time; we were very skeptical that this would work,” Gladstein said, reflecting on HRF’s cautious yet open-minded approach to using BTC. Despite uncertainties, the HRF proceeded with Bitcoin , successfully delivering funds to activists when traditional financial channels were blocked. “It got the value to them where traditional money couldn’t go,” Gladstein noted. Since joining HRF in 2007, he has focused on advancing human rights globally, particularly in regions under authoritarian rule, positioning BTC as a vital tool for protecting financial freedom. The post Bitcoin Offers Protection Against Authoritarian Regimes, Says Human Rights Foundation Executive appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .
