Unchained Why Bitcoin Now: David Chaum and Adam Back Reflect on the Crypto Wars - Ep.186
Aug 18, 2020
Join David Chaum, the visionary behind eCash, and Adam Back, creator of Hashcash, as they dive into their roles in the digital currency landscape long before Bitcoin emerged. They reflect on the riveting 'crypto wars' of the 90s and the fight for cryptographic freedom. The duo shares insights on eCash's innovative blind signatures and Hashcash's proof-of-work model, addressing their initial thoughts on Bitcoin and its future. Together, they explore how these early innovations shaped the cryptocurrency world we know today.
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RSA T-Shirt Protest
- Adam Back printed the RSA encryption algorithm on a T-shirt to protest US export restrictions on cryptography.
- This act highlighted the absurdity of the regulations and contributed to the fight against them.
Secret Cryptography Conference
- David Chaum organized a secret cryptography conference to challenge the US government's attempts to control cryptography.
- This bold move, risking jail time, is credited with liberating cryptography and led to the founding of the International Association for Cryptologic Research.
eCash's Early Challenges
- David Chaum's eCash, a privacy-focused digital currency, faced challenges due to the technological limitations of the time.
- Despite interest from major banks and companies, its adoption was hindered by the complexities of early internet infrastructure.