María Corina Machado, a prominent figure in the fight for human rights and a leading voice against the political regime in Venezuela, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Her efforts to advance democracy in her homeland have been widely recognized.
In a 2024 discussion with Alex Gladstein from the Human Rights Foundation, Machado highlighted Bitcoin (BTC) as an empowering technology that offers hope to Venezuelans. She remarked:
“Amidst rampant hyperinflation, many Venezuelans turned to Bitcoin as a means of safeguarding their assets and financing their escape. Today, it transcends government-imposed exchange rates and aids countless citizens. It has grown from merely being humanitarian aid into an essential form of resistance.”
She emphasized that improving conditions for Venezuela’s impoverished population requires secure property rights, stable inflation rates, equal opportunities for all citizens, and transparent governance.
Some critics argue that Venezuela’s opposition is influenced by foreign powers. According to The New York Times, five leaders from this movement met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in May to discuss strategies for altering the country’s leadership.
For those grappling with oppressive currency controls or hyperinflating local currencies worldwide—such as political activists and resistance groups—Bitcoin remains a crucial tool for wealth preservation and circumventing state restrictions.
The Role of Peer-to-Peer Technology in Political Freedom
The rise of peer-to-peer technology is proving instrumental for opposition movements challenging governmental authority across various nations.
The Canadian trucker protests against COVID-19 mandates in 2022 exemplified this when participants resorted to Bitcoin after authorities froze traditional financial avenues—a move later deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge.
CBC News reported that while Canada managed to seize approximately five BTC sent through centralized channels during these protests, over 20 BTC transferred via decentralized methods remained untouched due to its resilience against confiscation efforts.
Nepalese protestors toppled their government following social media restrictions imposed nationwide. So urce: Anonymous
In September ;, protesters i n Nepal embraced Jack Dorsey ‘s Bitchat app amid governmental social media bans . This peer -to- peer encrypted messaging platform leverages Bluetooth connectivity creating mesh networks independent o f internet access ensuring functionality even during complete blackouts .
Magazine : During crises , Tezos co-founder describes Bitcoin humorously as “internet money” .