160 - Is the CIA Spying on Crypto? with Annie Jacobsen

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Feb 27, 2023

Annie Jacobsen, an investigative journalist known for her work on national security and government secrecy, delves into the intriguing intersections of crypto and intelligence agencies. She discusses the potential surveillance implications of cryptocurrencies and whether the CIA is spying on these decentralized platforms. Annie also explores how emerging crypto movements might challenge traditional power structures, drawing parallels between past grassroots movements and today's digital finance landscape. Tune in for a blend of humor and insight into the future of liberty in the age of surveillance.

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INSIGHT

Crypto as a Non-State Actor

Intelligence agencies likely view cryptocurrency as a non-state actor.
This is because it's decentralized and pseudonymous, resembling groups they consider threats.

INSIGHT

Jurisdictions of Agencies

The military focuses on international threats, while intelligence agencies like the CIA operate overseas.
The FBI handles domestic law enforcement, investigating crimes after they occur.

ANECDOTE

Satoshi's Identity

The podcast hosts discuss Satoshi Nakamoto's anonymity.
Annie Jacobsen suggests intelligence agencies either know Satoshi's identity or consider crypto a non-state actor.

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Annie Jacobsen is an investigative journalist and author writes about war, weapons, government secrecy, and national security. She’s written books on the secrets of Area 51, and the Pentagon’s military science R&D efforts over the decades.

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------ Our guest Annie Jacobsen has spent her career interviewing and studying intelligence agencies.

The 2023 crypto movement is sufficiently large enough that it has certainly attracted the attention of every intelligence agency out there. We want to learn about how the world’s intelligence agencies might have or are interacting with the crypto community.

Is the CIA spying on crypto? Our guest Annie gives us her thoughts.

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------ Topics Covered

0:00 Intro 8:00 Three Letter Agencies 14:40 Annie’s Work 17:33 Crypto Patterns 20:48 State vs. Non-State Actors 27:35 Satoshi 33:18 Government’s Crypto Interest? 38:05 The Different Intelligence Communities 46:56 North Korea-Linked Lazarus Group 51:46 Untapped Crypto Lands 56:20 The Internet Analogy 1:02:26 The Intelligence Community Crypto Strategy 1:04:45 CIA Hedge Fund 1:12:03 Is My Friend in the CIA? 1:19:46 Totalitarian Tools 1:23:58 Is Crypto a Win for the Intelligence Community? 1:28:15 How Should We Perceive the Intelligence Community? 1:31:16 Closing & Disclaimers ------ Resources:

Annie Jacobsen https://anniejacobsen.com/

----- Not financial or tax advice. This channel is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. This video is not tax advice. Talk to your accountant. Do your own research.

Disclosure. From time-to-time I may add links in this newsletter to products I use. I may receive commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. Additionally, the Bankless writers hold crypto assets. See our investment disclosures here: https://www.bankless.com/disclosures