Read_876 - Plunging Currencies, CBDCs, and New Bitcoin Freedom Tools [FFR67]

Apr 15, 2025

Discover the chilling effects of financial repression in authoritarian lands like Russia and Turkey. The discussion dives into the role of Bitcoin as a beacon of hope and empowerment, particularly through innovations like Stratum V2 mining pools. Learn about the surge in solo Bitcoin mining and the new Tap2Pay feature for efficient transactions. Insightful critiques on Central Bank Digital Currencies illuminate the contrasting needs of developing countries versus richer regions. Uncover Bitcoin's transformative potential, enhancing economic freedom and privacy.

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INSIGHT

Store of Value Focus

Guy Swann suggests not using Bitcoin as a medium of exchange if unnecessary.
He argues this supports Bitcoin's growth by bolstering its value and funding development.

ADVICE

Supporting Bitcoin's Growth

Buy Bitcoin when its value is low to support those using it for essential needs.
This helps stabilize Bitcoin's value and fosters the development of necessary tools and infrastructure.

INSIGHT

Organic Medium of Exchange Evolution

A robust store of value naturally evolves into a medium of exchange.
Forcing Bitcoin's use as a medium of exchange before widespread adoption is counterproductive.

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What does financial repression look like in real time — and how are people fighting back with Bitcoin?

In this episode, I read the Human Rights Foundation’s Financial Freedom Report #67, a roundup of the latest developments in monetary control, state surveillance, and Bitcoin tools empowering those under authoritarian regimes. From currency collapses in Turkey to smart contract-enforced CBDCs in Russia, we explore the chilling precision of financial control systems being deployed around the world. But it’s not all bleak — this report also highlights powerful tools like Stratum V2 mining pools, Cashew’s tap-to-pay e-cash, and HRF-supported grassroots adoption efforts in Pakistan and beyond.

I follow the read with a Guy’s Take on the medium-of-exchange debate — and why using Bitcoin as a store of value may be more radical than it seems.

Check out the original article: HRF’s Weekly Financial Freedom Report #67 (Link: https://hrf.org/latest/hrfs-weekly-financial-freedom-report-67/)

Host Links

⁠Guy on Nostr ⁠(Link: http://tinyurl.com/2xc96ney)
⁠Guy on X ⁠(Link: https://twitter.com/theguyswann)
Guy on Instagram (Link: https://www.instagram.com/theguyswann)
Guy on TikTok (Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@theguyswann)
Guy on YouTube (Link: https://www.youtube.com/@theguyswann)
⁠Bitcoin Audible on X⁠ (Link: https://twitter.com/BitcoinAudible)
The Guy Swann Network Broadcast Room on Keet (Link: https://tinyurl.com/3na6v839)

Check out our awesome sponsors!

HRF: The Human Rights Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies. Subscribe to HRF's Financial Freedom Newsletter today. (Link: https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter)
OFF: The Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) is an international human rights conference series hosted and produced by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). Bringing together the world’s most engaging human rights advocates, journalists, artists, tech entrepreneurs, and world leaders, we aim to share their stories and brainstorm ways to expand freedom and unleash human potential across the globe. Don't miss this year’s Oslo Freedom Forum in May. (Link: https://oslofreedomforum.com/event/oslo-freedom-forum-2025/)

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