The foundational values of cryptocurrency—privacy, self-sovereignty, and decentralization—are starting to fade, and we find ourselves pressed for time to counter this trend.
A Reflection on Privacy
Privileged insights have emerged concerning the era in which my Grandad lived. Before his passing, he shared thoughts on financial privacy that I initially dismissed as old-fashioned. He expressed his distrust of banks and disdain for any oversight regarding his finances. In retrospect, I owe him an apology.
While clearing out his belongings, we discovered hidden envelopes filled with cash, remnants of his cautious ways shaped by his upbringing during wartime London—a time when money was scarce. The concept of privacy was then seen as a fundamental right, untainted by the idea of surveillance.
Fast forward to our current reality: today, data harvesting has become commonplace, and the transparency of our lives is in stark contrast to the safety of anonymity in past decades.
The Erosion of Core Values
Notable figures, like Vitalik Buterin, have experienced public skepticism over privacy-enhancing tools. Buterin famously stated, “Privacy is normal,” highlighting a disturbing societal narrative that associates privacy with secrecy.
However, critics like Susie Violet Ward stress that the need for privacy is universal, comparing it to having curtains in our homes. The essence of being private should not imply guilt or concealment. The 1993 “Cypherpunk Manifesto” by Eric Hughes precisely captures this sentiment, asserting the necessity of privacy for an open society.
As we lose control over our identities and data—whether through the illusion of the “right to be forgotten” or the struggles of maintaining ownership—people increasingly find themselves entangled in systems that demand their personal information just to operate in society.
A Call to Action
Recognizing these trends is crucial, as privacy and self-sovereignty remain vital human rights. To address these issues head-on, Cointelegraph is launching a new show to foster discussions on the erosion of these rights. The series will feature experts and visionaries in the fight for a free and private future, reflecting a belief that cypherpunk values may be diminishing but are not lost.
Not Dead Yet will premiere on January 8, signaling an ongoing commitment to explore how fundamental freedoms can persist amidst increasing encroachments on privacy.
