Edward Snowden’s Token2049 Speech: A New Threat to Free Speech

superex · September 24

OnSeptember 18, 2024, Edward Snowden, the whistleblower behind the PRISM revelations, delivered a keynote speech at the Token2049 conference titled “The Next Threat to Speech.” In his address, Snowden pointed out that despite the drastic changes in the world over the past decade, the violation of citizens’ privacy by intelligence agencies has not decreased. In fact, it has become even more covert and widespread with advances in technology. Mass surveillance is now a reality. However, this is where encryption technologies, particularly Bitcoin, come into play. These systems were designed to counter the worst possible outcomes, avoiding inevitable compromises to privacy and freedom.

As a participant in Token2049, SuperEx was present for Snowden’s speech and offers its own reflections and interpretation.

In his speech, Snowden emphasized that modern surveillance techniques have become far more complex than traditional methods of eavesdropping or data collection. For example, intelligence agencies now track metadata to build a highly accurate picture of a person’s activities, relationships, and even habits — without the need for content itself. This kind of large-scale data collection and behavior analysis is increasingly threatening free speech in unprecedented ways.

Snowden further argued that many centralized platforms and companies have unknowingly become accomplices in this surveillance ecosystem. Whether it’s social media platforms or communication tools, these companies are exploiting user data, and in some cases, even collaborating with governments and intelligence agencies. According to Snowden, this surveillance is no longer solely for security purposes but is increasingly used to manipulate public opinion and social behavior, gradually eroding individual freedoms.

In this context, Snowden stressed the unique value of decentralized technologies like Bitcoin.

He stated：

“ Recently, I’ve seen suggestions that we no longer need to discuss Bitcoin’s anarchist roots, or its privacy-preserving, censorship-resistant design, because it makes billionaires uncomfortable. They want to invest in things that can be regulated, controlled, and made to serve their interests.

I believe this is completely wrong. We must discuss the fundamental principles and values of cryptocurrency — this is what makes it special. I don’t care if this makes billionaires uncomfortable, nor do I care if it slows down JPMorgan’s capital flows. They don’t get a vote. Frankly, whether they like it or not, they’re already on this train. The era of the dollar is over. As Orton once said, devaluation is already baked into our economic model. We see this in the changes in money supply and deficit spending. It may not happen this year or next year, but looking at historical trends, the outcome is clear: We are at the end of the fiat money era.”

Simply put, Bitcoin was not designed to solve the immediate issues of the existing financial system. Instead, it was created to address the worst-case scenario of a fully out-of-control surveillance society. With Bitcoin, individuals can securely transfer value without relying on intermediaries, thereby protecting their privacy and autonomy. This is the essence of encryption technology and the most fundamental defense of freedom.

At SuperEx, we deeply resonate with Snowden’s perspective. His speech underscored the fact that in an era where surveillance is omnipresent, the importance of decentralized technology goes far beyond the financial realm. SuperEx has long been committed to empowering users with true autonomy through its Free Market. This autonomy not only applies to asset management but extends to rights over data privacy and freedom of speech. We firmly believe that Free Market is more than just an innovative product — it represents a new industry paradigm and trend: a decentralized, self-sovereign, and transparent future.

Snowden also warned that the future of encryption technology will likely face increasing regulatory pressures. Governments will tighten their scrutiny and attempt to curb the growth of these technologies through legislation or technical means, aiming to regain control over users’ data. Thus, Snowden urged the crypto community and developers to stay vigilant and ensure that the direction of encryption technology remains aligned with its original purpose — safeguarding users’ freedom and privacy.

SuperEx strongly agrees with this sentiment. As we drive the development of decentralized technologies, it is critical that users maintain control throughout the process. This is the core mission behind Free Market: to create a truly user-driven free market. Looking forward, SuperEx will continue to champion this vision, ensuring that every user in this decentralized world has both a voice and the rights they deserve.