How Bitcoin Saved WikiLeaks From Financial Collapse After Governments Blockaded Donations

WikiLeaks面临经济崩溃，缘于政府向金融机构施压，要求其阻断捐赠。比特币成为WikiLeaks的救命稻草

After facing financial collapse due to government pressure on financial institutions to block donations, WikiLeaks turned to Bitcoin as a lifeline. The move highlighted the potential of cryptocurrency for bypassing traditional financial control. WikiLeaks faced a relentless onslaught from the US government after detonating a bombshell with the release of the Afghanistan and Iraq War Logs in 2010. The organization's prominence came at a cost, sparking a 15-year battle against retaliatory measures. By late 2010, WikiLeaks was battered by denial-of-service attacks, forcing them to shift servers and enduring pressure from US officials that led Amazon to shut down their hosting. Simultaneously, WikiLeaks' domain service was suspended, severely impacting their online presence. The US government also launched a concerted effort to financially cripple WikiLeaks, with major institutions like PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Bank of America, and Western Union halting the processing of donations to the organization. Switzerland's PostFinance went a step further, closing Julian Assange's personal account. This blockade devastated WikiLeaks, slashing their revenue by 95% and driving them to the brink of collapse. However, a solution emerged from the world of cryptocurrency, as early Bitcoin supporters suggested using it to bypass traditional financial systems and support WikiLeaks. Despite initial concerns from Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, WikiLeaks began accepting Bitcoin donations in June 2011, a move that proved to be pivotal. This decision brought in over 4,000 BTC, which is valued at approximately $244 million at the present time. Bitcoin adoption provided WikiLeaks with a censorship-resistant financial lifeline, saving them from financial ruin and showcasing the strength of decentralized finance in countering unjust government actions. By enabling unrestricted funding, Bitcoin empowered WikiLeaks to uphold its mission of transparency and free speech despite relentless opposition.

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