This whole process has really surprised me, but it’s good news, so excited to share!

In the summer of 2023, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) launched a Bitcoin Bounty program aimed at funding software developers to create new tools and features for Bitcoin tailored to the needs of dissidents and human rights advocates challenging authoritarianism worldwide. These bounties ranged from UX improvements to privacy upgrades and open-sourcing closed and permissioned systems.

There were 11 bounties in total, each with specific objectives. The deadline was Dec. 31, 2024.

We are excited to announce that every single bounty was claimed and that the resulting tools and upgrades are now empowering human rights activists daily across popular apps such as Blue Wallet, Zeus, Stack Wallet, Iris, Coracle, Keeper, Bull Bitcoin, Cake Wallet, and more.

This program highlights the impact of collaboration between human rights activists and software developers to create better tools for freedom. HRF is proud to have played a role in this effort and looks forward to continuing similar programs in the future. Special credit goes to the Oslo Freedom Forum, where much of the critical interaction between developers and activists occurred.

This wave of bounties was inspired by a successful pilot project in 2021, executed in partnership with Strike and Jack Mallers, which supported developers like Will Cassarin and Calle. Their innovations later gave rise to important advancements such as zaps in Nostr and the Cashu ecash protocol.

We learned a lot through this process and look forward to doing similar things in the future.

There’s so so much to be gained from mixing political dissidents with developers!

Imagine being a nation that doesn’t produce anything, telling all the producers what to do.

Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs would backfire massive. What it means in practice is higher prices for consumers, massive inflation to keep purchasing power up, a further weakening currency, LESS foreign investment, not more - because they also have to rely on imports to produce in US…

The producer only needs to raise prices to make up the losses…

Just bought the book. Going dig it into it. Thank you and Congratulations! I hope everything goes well 🙏

My baby is due in April, so right there with you. I’m reading that book “turtles all the way down” vaccine science and myth. Allegedly one of the most well cited books on this topic. We will likely take a blended approach to vaccines and an alternative schedule to allow baby detox time.

As it's getting closer to show time, the vaccination decision for my baby is weighing heavily on me. There is a 0% chance I will allow them to do the full schedule. She won't be receiving the Hep B or the COVID shots for sure, but the other ones I need to do more research on. Are there any parents out there who can share their experiences? Are there any resources you can recommend to help me be better informed and make a better decision for my child? Currently, I'm in Puerto Rico, where they will treat you like a criminal for not giving your child all the vaccines. They will even harass you with child services, from what I've read, if you don't have a religious exemption. First time dad..... Can you tell? 😂 #asknostr