Bitcoin
Bitcoin, Cypherpunks and financial freedom at BTC Prague
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – 05/26/2012: Tourists gather in “Staromestske Namesti”, the main square of… [+] the suburb “Stare Mesto” with “Tynsky chram”, the Tyn Church, at night. Photo by Frank Bienewald
LightRocket via Getty Images
BTC Prague 2024 is one of the most influential exclusive bitcoin events in Europe. Held in the historic city of Prague, the event aims to strengthen connections within the European bitcoin space and beyond. The Czech Republic’s communist past provided a suitable backdrop for discussions about financial freedom.
The event started with Trezor Day, featuring important announcements. Trezor introduced Trezor Safe 5, an easy-to-use hardware wallet that combines enhanced security with convenience. They launched Trezor Expert, a service that offers custom integration for self-custody. CEO of Trezor Matěj Žák discussed the risks of centralized exchanges, noting: “Only 2% hold bitcoin in a hardware wallet. Centralized exchanges are a honeypot for hackers, risking fees and losses.”
Les Femmes Orange, a community that promotes women’s participation in the bitcoin space, has had a lasting impact. The event, overlooking the Charles Bridge, brought together more than 100 women for networking and discussions. Organizer Rachel Geyer noted the importance of creating supportive and inclusive environments, stating: “Les Femmes Orange spreads the transformative power of bitcoin, balancing masculine and feminine energies to create a harmonious and prosperous future.”
Nostr it also had a strong presence with a dedicated stand, highlighting its importance in decentralized social networks. Unlike traditional platforms that control what users see through algorithms, Nostr uses an open-source protocol, giving users the freedom to choose and customize their content. The decentralized nature of Nostr ensures resilience against censorship and promotes privacy and self-sovereignty.
Several panels at BTC Prague focused on topics critical to the future of bitcoin. In “Building Bitcoin
Bitcoin
Revolution for Fun and Profit”, Erik Cason, a cypherpunk, spoke of the need for conviction in promoting bitcoin. Quoting Albert Camus, he said: “The only way to deal with a world without freedom is to become so free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” Cason encouraged the audience to lead the way into a new digital era, building profitable ventures while embracing struggle as part of the journey.
The “Onboarding the Next Billion People” panel discussed the challenges and opportunities in expanding Bitcoin’s user base. Road noted: “When the Internet started, no one told people how to use it properly. With bitcoin, we can own a part of the network.” The panel discussed the need to simplify bitcoin adoption and address ideological barriers.
Michelle Weekly talk, “Protecting Bitcoin from Fiat Corruption,” explored the corruption enabled by fiat systems. She argued that the immutable nature of bitcoin counters this issue, stating: “Corruption is just a lie or a series of lies, and the scale is determined by the number of people willing to participate. Weekly emphasized the importance of truth and transparency in the bitcoin ecosystem.
A session on bitcoin education explored its role in advancing community understanding and trust. Hosted by Sofia Princethe discussion counted Reyna Chicas of Mi Primer Bitcoin, Isabella Santos from Get Based, and Ariana Dixon, manager of the Bitcoin Roatan Center. Isabella noted the impact of the scams, saying: “Many associate everything with bitcoin when it is actually cryptography. This is why a good education is so important.” Ariana shared her journey from skepticism to advocacy, emphasizing the need to simplify bitcoin education. Reyna said patience and collaboration are key, adding, “Don’t judge. Acknowledge people’s bad experiences.” Sophia concluded: “Bitcoin education gives people the opportunity to opt in or out.”
“Mining: The Energy Revolution” addressed changes in the bitcoin mining sector. Sam Taber, CEO of Bit Digital, addressed the industry’s scrutiny, stating: “No other industry is put under the microscope like bitcoin miners. Not the banking sector, not even dryers. In California, dryers use more energy than Bitcoin mining.”
Adam backReflecting on the Cypherpunk movement, he said: “The Cypherpunks were interested in privacy and self-sovereignty, but they also understood that financial transactions are part of everyday life. In the physical world, you pay with money and other people cannot see the that you have bought and I judge you for your choices. You lose that privacy with the internet.”
This sentiment resonated with the general themes, discussing the importance of privacy and individual freedom in a digital world.
A standout side event of the conference was “Satoshi Rockamoto,” which showcased talent in the bitcoin space beyond technology. With DJs, live music and special appearances from bitcoin superstars, it was a memorable celebration of creativity and community spirit.
BTC Prague 2024 showcased innovative developments and held important discussions reinforcing the collaborative energy required to educate, build and scale bitcoin. The event highlighted the power of community and the pursuit of innovation in building a robust and inclusive bitcoin future.