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How Bitcoin saved WikiLeaks from financial collapse
In 2010, WikiLeaks shook the world when it published the war logs in Afghanistan and Iraq, revealing shocking truths about those conflicts. This act of transparency led to a violent attack from the US government. However, Bitcoin played a crucial role in ensuring WikiLeak’s survival amid relentless attacks.
Read on to learn how Bitcoin saved WikiLeaks!
WikiLeaks’ groundbreaking leaks
The publication of the war diaries in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with the harrowing “Collateral Murder” video, propelled WikiLeaks to the forefront of the world stage. But the revelation sparked intense scrutiny and marked the start of 15 years of retaliation against WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange.
Technological and financial censorship on WikiLeaks
In late 2010, WikiLeaks faced serious attacks aimed at shutting it down. A denial of service attack forced the website to migrate from Swedish servers to Amazon servers in the United States. However, pressure from members of the US Congress led Amazon to shut down the site. Shortly thereafter, the domain service was suspended, further crippling WikiLeaks’ online presence.
The US government has also targeted WikiLeaks’ finances. Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, Bank of America and Western Union all stopped processing WikiLeaks donations, and Swiss PostFinance closed Assange’s personal account. This financial blockade reduced WikiLeaks’ revenues by 95%, bringing it to the brink of collapse.
The Bitcoin Solution to WikiLeaks’ Financial Problem
As WikiLeaks struggled financially, early Bitcoin enthusiasts suggested using the cryptocurrency to bypass traditional financial systems. Although Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto initially opposed the idea, fearing unwanted attention, WikiLeaks began accepting Bitcoin donations in June 2011. The move proved vital, yielding more than 4,000 BTC, currently worth $244 million.
By adopting Bitcoin, WikiLeaks gained a way to receive funds without censorship. This change not only saved the organization from financial ruin, but also demonstrated the power of decentralized finance in defending against unjust financial blockades imposed by governments.
In conclusion, Bitcoin’s intervention was crucial in saving WikiLeaks from financial destruction. By providing a censorship-resistant funding source, Bitcoin has helped WikiLeaks continue its mission of transparency and free speech despite immense pressure and attacks.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has finally arrived in Australia after being freed by a US court. Assange pleaded guilty to espionage charges and was sentenced to prison, allowing him to return home.
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