As with every other category of digital technology, the challenge before those building on Bitcoin is whether or not to be an enabler of extralegal violation of individual liberties. Obvious in ways, but approaching existential importance, nevertheless.

Why?

The “and now we add AI” trend is hyper-accelerating the direction of established and emerging payments players in the direction of omniscient surveillance. See my previous note on Stripe.

It’s no longer as simple as “It’s Bitcoin or tyranny.” If we aren’t careful, we could end up with both.