Digital authoritarianism is no longer a distant concept. Around the world, governments and institutions are expanding digital surveillance through biometric systems, digital IDs, financial monitoring, internet shutdowns and increasingly restrictive online regulation. The question is no longer whether these tools exist, but how citizens continue to communicate, organize and transact when those systems can be used to control them. Our latest Bitcoin Policy UK blog explores the emerging ecosystem of "freedom technology" that is providing practical alternatives. We examine: 
• How Bitchat enables communication during internet shutdowns. 
• Why Citizen Lab's work exposing spyware has become essential for journalists, activists and dissidents. 
• How Cashu is restoring financial privacy through Chaumian ecash on Bitcoin. 
• Why Agora is building peer-to-peer humanitarian funding that cannot easily be censored. 
• How Bitcoin education helps activists use these tools safely through privacy, self-custody and peer-to-peer transactions. Freedom technology is not simply about privacy. It is about resilience. It is about ensuring that communication, financial access and civic participation cannot be switched off by governments or institutions. As more countries expand digital control, these technologies are becoming increasingly relevant - not just for those living under authoritarian regimes, but for anyone concerned about preserving individual liberty in the digital age. Read the full article in our blog https://bitcoinpolicy.uk/blog-1/f/how-freedom-tech-is-pushing-back-against-digital-authoritarianism

The UK says it wants innovation in digital payments, but current tax rules still treat everyday Bitcoin spending as a capital gains event. Our response to HMRC argues that if stablecoins deserve lighter treatment as payment instruments, Bitcoin should not be excluded from the same logic. The audio version is now live. https://fountain.fm/episode/3JBYV0xdBP2msy5BsdCX

Bury St Edmunds is fast becoming the UK Bitcoin hub! Local businesses in Bury accepted Bitcoin payments, and the historic Guildhall hosted debates plus a pop up sats market. Great to see grassroots adoption actively sponsored by BHODL. Their CEO shared his thoughts on his first visit to the town with Suffolk News. “The (BSEBTC) event itself ran like clockwork and struck a lovely balance between celebrating the town and discussing wider issues around saving and spending with Bitcoin.” Bitcoin Policy UK Director Violet Ward shared her perspective on the social impact: “People can feel that the world is changing economically, politically and socially, and that’s why interest in Bitcoin and freedom technology is growing. Events like this matter because education, community and open discussion are going to be incredibly important in the years ahead.” Thank you to the BSEBTC for delivering a fabulous event. Full coverage from Suffolk News: https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmunds/news/enthusiasts-and-internationally-renowned-speakers-descend-on-9467912/