E294: On Privacy…Get Off Zero
E294 Introduction
The topic of digital privacy is one that I have been personally circling around for quite a few years. Watching how Bitcoiners and cypherpunks ( young and old) navigate this topic.
I am a Gen Xer and grew up in the early days of technology and I have been a man who has put convenience of using technology ahead of my own privacy (as most all of us had). I have been a die-hard Apple user since I was a young man and have enjoyed how seamlessly the user interface is with all the Apps I regularly use.
But with my initiation into Bitcoin (and it is a true initiation and chapter in a Hero’s Journey) has come a growing awareness.
That my love of ease and convenience has made me an easy mark for surveillance and even control. In any centralized system, whoever controls the central node sets the terms. And if the terms are to continually watch and push inputs at you, for instance, then that is what you will get. Without getting too Orwellian out of the gate….centralized control IS thought-control. Do you like constantly being watched and programmed? Eh, maybe not so much.
“But it is so convenient….” Yep, that is the rub.
There is a growing movement afoot called Freedom Technology. Open source, encrypted, impossible to control. And it all fits in nicely with Bitcoin, a decentralized ledger meant to put control of your money in your hands. It is early in the game but it is obvious that digital privacy along with Bitcoin and other decentralized systems that are emerging have a mutually beneficial relationship. To understand one is to take steps in understanding them all.
This decentralized revolution is quietly but surely making its way to the stage. You may not see it or think you need to understand it but I believe this will be talked about for decades to come.
The decentralized, open source movement reminds of Shawshank Redemption where Andy writes to Red “If you’ve come this far, perhaps you’re willing to come a little further.” I am speaking for myself as Red as much as you dear Basecamper. Another topic we will open with today but will surely be finding good guests in the episodes and seasons to come. Enjoy!
Philip Charter Bio-
My guest today is Philip Charter. Philip is a totally human writer working in the Bitcoin space. He helps Bitcoin companies stack gains through expert articles, meaningful stories, and laser-focused copy. Here is my interview with Philip Charter.
E294 Final Thoughts-
I love Philip’s message of getting off Zero. I think with complex topics like Bitcoin and digital privacy. The get off Zero approach gives you permission to muck around and learn at your own speed.
Personally, my get off zero involved running a Bitcoin node but also using Bitwarden to keep my most important passwords and info in a military-grade encrypted vault. But I will continue to learn about privacy, now looking into Proton mail and VPN suite and Graphene OS for phones. I will keep you posted.