In 2010, WikiLeaks published classified documents revealing hidden aspects of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The political impact was immediate and intense. In response, major financial institutions including PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard blocked donations to the organization, cutting off its ability to receive funds and continue its operations. With traditional payment systems no longer an option, WikiLeaks began looking for alternatives. Around that time, members of the Bitcoin community suggested a solution. Although Satoshi Nakamoto expressed concern about drawing attention to Bitcoin too early, the momentum was already building. In 2011, WikiLeaks publicly adopted a Bitcoin donation address. Supporters around the world contributed directly, bypassing banks and middlemen. Over time, the address received around 4,000 BTC. This moment was more than a technical workaround. It was the first time Bitcoin showed its power on a global stage as a tool for financial freedom. What started as a decentralized payment network became a symbol of resistance against censorship and control. It sparked conversations about sovereignty, open systems, and the right to transact without permission. Bitcoin became a statement. What does Bitcoin mean to you? A tool, a protest, an opportunity, or something else? What do you think it will become in 10 years? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
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