Bitcoin Protects Against Authoritarian Economic Control Says Human Rights Foundation

Bitcoin is increasingly being recognized as a crucial financial tool for individuals living under authoritarian regimes, offering protection against government overreach and economic instability. This perspective was highlighted by Alex Gladstein, the chief strategy officer of the Human Rights Foundation, during the Bitcoin Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 29, 2025. Gladstein emphasized that Bitcoin’s decentralized nature prevents dictators from manipulating or confiscating assets, describing it as “bad for dictators.”

Gladstein articulated how Bitcoin serves as a robust defense against authoritarian economic control. He explained that when individuals maintain self-custody of their Bitcoin wallets, governments lose the ability to freeze assets or impose hyperinflationary policies. This is particularly critical in countries experiencing economic turmoil, where fiat currencies rapidly lose value. Gladstein stressed that Bitcoin’s fixed supply and decentralized architecture make it resistant to the inflationary tactics commonly employed by oppressive regimes, thereby preserving citizens’ purchasing power and financial autonomy.

Gladstein underscored the significance of using Bitcoin without linking it to personal identification, which complicates government surveillance and control. By maintaining control over private keys, users can protect their wealth from confiscation and censorship. This approach not only enhances privacy but also empowers individuals to transact freely without fear of government interference. The Human Rights Foundation’s experience demonstrates that Bitcoin’s privacy features are instrumental in enabling activists and ordinary citizens alike to circumvent authoritarian restrictions.

Reflecting on Bitcoin’s practical applications, Gladstein recounted the Human Rights Foundation’s initial engagement with the technology during Ukraine’s 2013 pro-democracy protests. At that time, Bitcoin was valued at approximately $100, and many activists faced frozen bank accounts amid political unrest. The foundation’s early experimentation revealed Bitcoin’s unique ability to facilitate financial transactions where traditional banking systems failed. This early success highlighted Bitcoin’s potential as a tool for democratic resilience and economic freedom in volatile environments.

Since 2007, the Human Rights Foundation has championed the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly in countries under authoritarian rule. Gladstein’s remarks at the summit reaffirmed the foundation’s belief in Bitcoin as a transformative technology that can rescue individuals from economic oppression. By providing an alternative to state-controlled currencies, Bitcoin offers a pathway to financial inclusion and empowerment for marginalized populations worldwide.

Bitcoin’s decentralized and inflation-resistant properties position it as a critical asset for individuals living under authoritarian regimes. As Alex Gladstein highlighted, the ability to self-custody Bitcoin and maintain privacy is essential in combating government overreach and economic instability. The Human Rights Foundation’s early adoption and ongoing advocacy underscore Bitcoin’s growing importance as a tool for financial sovereignty and human rights protection globally.