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Censorship Resistance

Why is Censorship Resistance important to building a better internet?

Censorship resistance helps create an open society where individuals can communicate and access information freely, supporting democratic principles and human autonomy in an increasingly digital world.

Freedom of Expression and Communication​

Censorship resistance ensures individuals can express themselves freely without fear of censorship or retribution, particularly in societies where governments or powerful entities attempt to control speech that challenges the status quo. This allows for open discourse and the free exchange of ideas, which is essential for societal progress and democratic values.

Financial Independence and Sovereignty​

One of the primary benefits of censorship resistance is that it allows people to own and transfer assets without requiring approval from authorities. This creates a limit on governmental control over individuals' financial activities, which is crucial as even well-intentioned governments can become corrupt, target minorities, or evolve into dictatorships.

Protection Against Corruption​

Censorship resistance protects against corruption and manipulation by ensuring transactions and data cannot be altered or controlled by any central authority. The transparency and immutability of censorship-resistant systems make it difficult for individuals or organizations to engage in fraudulent activities or manipulate financial systems for personal gain.

Privacy Protection​

While blockchain ledgers are often public, censorship resistance supports the concept of privacy by allowing individuals to communicate and transact without fear of surveillance. Bitcoin's pseudonymous founder, Satoshi Nakamoto, demonstrates this principle—we know their bitcoin holdings but not their identity.

Financial Inclusion​

Censorship-resistant cryptocurrencies enable financial inclusion by providing access to financial services for the unbanked or underbanked populations. In regions where traditional banking systems are inaccessible or unreliable, cryptocurrencies offer an alternative means of transacting and storing value.

System Resilience​

Censorship-resistant blockchains cannot be easily shut down. Major networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum are designed to withstand attacks, as taking control would require enormous resources (controlling 51% of the network's hash rate) with no guarantee of success. This resilience ensures the continued operation of these networks despite potential opposition.

Promoting Innovation and Truth​

Censorship resistance fosters innovation and creativity by enabling the free sharing of ideas and information. For discovering truth and fighting injustice, the ability to communicate without censorship is vital. When information flows freely, new solutions to social, economic, and political challenges can emerge.