Tribe Vibe - The Cryptography Edition

Aug 29, 2024

Hello Tribe Vibers!
The censorship industrial complex has been in overdrive of late. This past week saw the arrest in Paris of Telegram founder Pavel Durov. The right to privacy and free-speech is the absolute cornerstone of a free society. In a digital age this is usually enforced cryptographically. So this week, we take a look at all things cryptography.

Editorial Note

Coming up:

👩‍🎓 Bitcoin 101: Cryptography
🗞News: The latest Bitcoin News
👩‍💼Women in Business: Where the action is happening
🚀 Founders: The must-have tools for your Bitcoin-powered business
🐣Moms: Tips on how to teach your kids about Cryptography
🎧 & 🎥Vibe of the Week: This week’s podcast episode

🎓 Bitcoin 101: Cryptography

🔐 What is cryptography?:
Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for securing communication and information from unauthorised access or alteration. It involves the use of mathematical algorithms to encrypt data, converting it into a form that can only be read by those who possess the correct decryption key. Cryptography ensures data confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation (someone denying that they took an action), making it a critical component in protecting sensitive information in digital communications.

Bitcoin uses cryptography to secure transactions, control the creation of new units, and verify the transfer of assets within its decentralised network.

Cryptography is also fundamental to securing communications, particularly in the context of end-to-end encryption (E2EE).

📈 Trending Topics in the News

1. Telegram Founder is Arrested

The Scoop🕵️‍♂️: Pavel Durov, the Russian native and founder of Telegram was arrested in Paris last week on charges of terrorism, trafficking and money laundering. At the time of writing, Durov was released, pending indictment.
Why you should care🚨: Durov’s alleged offence was using cryptography to secure end-to-end communications, frustrating the French administration by refusing to provide backdoor access to the platform. Rumours suggest that French President Macron invited Durov to dinner in Paris, in what would be a case of entrapment. Cryptography is essential for privacy and security. Privacy is a human right and should not be infringed upon. Meanwhile, the UAE, where Durov holds citizenship, was reportedly working to secure his release.
Speculation is growing that the UAE might legally request access to Durov's communications with Macron to verify if he was indeed lured to Paris under false pretences for arrest. Read Balaji’s thread here.
📚 You can read our full write up what happened last week here.

2. Bitcoin on the Ballot

The Scoop🕵️‍♂️: Last week RFK Jr announced that he was dropping out of the race in swing states to avoid becoming a spoiler candidate, while remaining in the race in states where either Trump or Kamala has a secure majority. If he gains 5% of the vote in those states, he will be able to form a much needed third party that can run in the 2028 elections. Shortly after his announcement, he joined former President Trump at his rally in Arizona and gave Trump his endorsement. They have agreed to collaborate on “Making America Healthy Again” and work together to end the forever wars. A few days later, former Democrat congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced that she was endorsing President Trump. You can listen to her full speech explaining why here - it’s worth it.
Why you should care🚨: Democrats are leaving their party in droves and defecting to the Republican side. But what really matters, is that just about all of them have endorsed Bitcoin:
- Trump
- Gabbard
- RFK Jr
- Ramaswamy
Did we miss anyone? This bodes incredibly well for an America that respects and enforces the right to hold, transact and self-custody bitcoin. Avengers assemble!

🚀 Founders - Holding Bitcoin in your Company Treasury

In recent years, more corporate treasuries have begun allocating to Bitcoin as a hedge against economic uncertainties like inflation, currency debasement, and high interest rates. Companies such as MicroStrategy and Block Inc. have embraced Bitcoin for its verifiable scarcity and potential as a store of value, seeing it as a strategic asset that can diversify portfolios and protect against financial instability. Founders take note! 📚 Read Fidelity’s latest piece exploring this trend.

💼 Women in Bitcoin

Networking

After a short summer break, we kick off our monthly networking sessions again next week. Sign up to the Access Tribe community to meet with other women in this industry and grow your bitcoin network!

Learning Bitcoin - Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Victoria, BC (that’s in Canada btw) is hosting a learning-focused Bitcoin event in the beautiful Crystal Garden, September 28th. You can catch several Access Tribe members on the women’s panel 🧡
👉 Get your tickets here.

👩‍👧‍👦 Bitcoin for Kids - Cryptography

🎓 Teach your kids the basics of the cryptography with this FREE Khan Academy course. Intro video below:

🎧 & 🎥 Vibe of the Week - Michelle Weekley, Director of Product at Byte Federal: 🎧

Computer Scientist, Michelle Weekley knows a thing or two about shady government agencies and their assorted NGOs, having worked for a time in Foreign Direct Investment. We chatted to her last week about the corruption in international organisations and her views on Trump.
Follower her here…if you dare: https://x.com/michelleweekley