Privacy is normal. It is about freedom, control and the right to live without being constantly monitored. Why does privacy matter if you have 'nothing to hide'? We’ve updated the Bitcoin Policy UK Privacy Toolkit and released a new podcast episode to support it. The episode explains why privacy is fundamental to the freedom to speak, transact and live online. The toolkit sets out practical steps to protect your data, money and freedom online. Podcast: https://fountain.fm/episode/SBBQnxsA6HAIWnRgacWB Updated Toolkit: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/aea8e937-fd18-400f-afd9-c3513112c757/downloads/6dabfdf5-3f1d-4ff3-b97e-dea9a2fa395a/BPUK%20Privacy%20Toolkit%2020June2026.pdf @Susie Violet Ward @fnew

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

Bitcoin Policy UK

How Freedom Tech Is Pushing Back Against Digital Authoritarianism

Around the world, governments and corporations are expanding tools of digital control, from facial recognition and biometric surveillance to mandat...

@Susie Violet Ward @HRF

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 @fnew @Susie Violet Ward

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 @fnew shared his thoughts on his first visit to the town with Suffolk News. “The @Bury St Edmunds Bitcoin (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 @Susie Violet Ward 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:

Suffolk News

Enthusiasts and internationally renowned speakers descend on town for Bitcoin celebration

Bitcoin enthusiasts and internationally renowned speakers from across the country descended on a town to mark the first recorded use of the currency.

Happy Bitcoin Pizza Day! On this day in 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made history by sending 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. This was the first real world Bitcoin transaction. What started as a pizza order became the moment Bitcoin proved its power as peer-to-peer money. Today, the UK Bitcoin community is celebrating in style at The Pizza Day Thing in Bury St Edmunds, with artisan pizza, free bar, panel discussions, Lightning demos and local vendors accepting sats at the historic Guildhall. A huge thanks to @Bury St Edmunds Bitcoin for putting on such a brilliant event. You can still get tickets here: https://www.bsebtc.co.uk/event-details/the-pizza-day-thing Hopefully see you in Bury!!

We have submitted our response to HMRC’s consultation on the taxation of stablecoins. Our position is clear: if the government recognises that stablecoins used for payments deserve different tax treatment, the same principle should apply to Bitcoin when it is used to buy goods and services. The current CGT system creates unnecessary complexity for consumers and businesses while generating very little meaningful revenue. Buying a coffee with Bitcoin should not require detailed tax calculations and reporting obligations. We are calling for a usage-based exemption for cryptoasset payments, including Bitcoin, alongside a modern framework that supports innovation, economic growth, and digital payments infrastructure in the UK. The UK has an opportunity to become a global leader in crypto payments policy. We should seize it. Read more in our blog where you can find our consultation response

Bitcoin Policy UK

Why Bitcoin Policy UK Is Calling for Smarter Crypto Tax Rules

At Bitcoin Policy UK, we recently submitted our official response to the HM Revenue and Customs’s recent consultation on the taxation of sta...

@Susie Violet Ward @fnew

Bitcoin is the best performing asset of the decade… ...but most companies are still stuck with 2017 narratives pushed by mainstream media. This is why it’s fantastic we’re finally having this conversation at AccountEx London at the ExCel. Our Director, @Susie Violet Ward Violet Ward, will be moderating a panel on why accountants need to put Bitcoin on their balance sheets. Huge thanks to Caroline Hobden and the AccountEx team for making this happen! Really looking forward to discussing this with my fellow panelists Dan Howitt, Jordon Walker & James Dewar. Panel: 14 May - ExCel London at 2:20pm Register below: accountex.co.uk/london/

BPUK Announces New Chapter for Co-Founder & Chief Policy Officer, Freddie New Today we announce a new chapter for our co-founder, Freddie New. Over the last three years, Freddie has helped shape Bitcoin Policy UK into a credible and constructive voice for Bitcoin policy in the United Kingdom. His work has included: 
- Helping secure Bitcoin’s recognition as property in UK law 
- Contributing to 12 government consultations 
- Leading the production of 28 policy papers, reports and open letters 
- Representing BPUK with policymakers and at major political events As CEO of B HODL, Freddie will now focus fully on building Lightning Network infrastructure and supporting Bitcoin’s evolution as a medium of exchange. We’re incredibly grateful for his contribution, leadership and friendship throughout this journey. We’re excited to see what comes next. For BPUK, the mission continues. @fnew @Susie Violet Ward

The Privacy Toolkit: Simple Steps to Protect Your Freedom Privacy is often misunderstood as something only “suspicious” people care about. In reality, it is one of the foundations of personal freedom in a digital society. Every online search, card payment, app download, and social media interaction contributes to a growing profile about who we are, what we believe, and how we live. That data can be sold, leaked, misused, or weaponised, and increasingly, it is. That’s why we’ve published a new Privacy Toolkit at Bitcoin Policy UK. The guide is designed to be practical, simple, and accessible for everyone, from complete beginners to those seeking stronger digital self-sovereignty. It covers: 
• Password security and 2FA
• Privacy-focused browsers and email
• Secure messaging and VPNs
• Bitcoin and financial privacy
• Decentralised social media
• Tools to reduce surveillance and data exposure You don’t need to become a “ghost” online. But small steps can make a significant difference. Privacy is not about hiding wrongdoing. It is about maintaining the freedom to speak, think, and transact without unnecessary surveillance. Access the Privacy Toolkit here: https://tinyurl.com/37x5s9d8  @Susie Violet Ward @fnew

The Bank Of England is considering restrictions on self hosted wallets in the UK. “These proposals risk expanding data collection, eroding privacy, increasing costs, adding friction, and limiting access through banks and intermediaries.” - @Susie Violet Ward “This would be of such monumental, such overweening, stupidity, that it is hard to formulate a sensible response.” - @fnew The UK cannot become a leading digital assets hub while thinking self custody is a bug to fix. You cannot stop people from controlling their own private keys. Good piece from Cointelegraph covering the growing backlash to these proposals. H/t to Aaron wood. Full article:

Cointelegraph

Stablecoin Industry Opposes Bank of England’s Unhosted Wallet Ban

Banning the use of custodial wallets for stablecoins could hinder major use cases like remittances, according to some industry observers.

From Vegas to Westminster Bitcoin 2026 Las Vegas wasn’t about hype. It was about power. 30,000+ attendees.
 US regulators signalling a shift.
 Energy + Bitcoin now central to geopolitics. Meanwhile, the UK? Drifting. Three takeaways: * Mining = energy strategy * US policy is accelerating * Freedom vs surveillance is the real debate Britain is at a crossroads: Sleepwalk into control or lead on sovereignty. Read the full blog here:

Bitcoin Policy UK

From Vegas to Westminster: What Bitcoin 2026 Means for the UK

The Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas is the world’s largest gathering of bitcoiners bringing together builders, thinkers, and believers ...

@Susie Violet Ward @The Bitcoin Conference

The Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas is the world’s largest gathering of bitcoiners bringing together builders, thinkers, and believers to focus on innovation, financial freedom and the adoption of sound money. It also showed the global struggle for digital sovereignty, rising government overreach, expanding KYC requirements, and the crossroads we now face between institutionalisation and free, neutral money.

Bitcoin Policy UK

From Vegas to Westminster: What Bitcoin 2026 Means for the UK

The Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas is the world’s largest gathering of bitcoiners bringing together builders, thinkers, and believers ...

UK Regulator Eases Bitcoin Access - But Is It Really Open? In 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved spot bitcoin ETFs, opening the door for millions of retail investors. At the same time, the UK moved in the opposite direction. Two years later, despite regulatory adjustments by the Financial Conduct Authority, access to bitcoin remains constrained, fragmented, and difficult in practice. Here’s the contradiction: * Regulation aims to protect consumers * But restrictions are pushing them toward offshore and unregulated platforms * Risk isn’t reduced, it’s displaced Add to that: * Banking barriers limiting transfers * Complex investment classifications * Lack of tax-efficient access And the outcome raises an important question: At what point does protection become restriction? Especially when Bitcoin has been one of the best-performing assets of the past decade. If the UK wants to lead in financial innovation, it may need to rethink whether its current framework is achieving its intended goal, or unintentionally undermining it. Read the full blog here:

Bitcoin Policy UK

UK Regulator Eases Bitcoin Access - But Is It Really Open?

In January 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved spot bitcoin ETFs. Millions of retail investors gained regulated, direct expo...

@Susie Violet Ward @fnew

Understanding Bitcoin Easily - Introducing our Learn Bitcoin Basics At Bitcoin Policy UK, our mission is to support informed, balanced, and forward-looking discussion around Bitcoin and its role in the UK economy. We believe that better policy starts with better understanding. That’s why we’ve launched a new “Learn” section on our website — a dedicated space designed to explain Bitcoin clearly, accessibly, and without unnecessary jargon. Bitcoin is often discussed in complex or polarising terms, but at its core it is simply a new form of money. One that operates without a central authority and is governed by transparent, verifiable rules. Our new section covers: 
 • What Bitcoin is and how it works
 • The role of decentralisation and the blockchain
 • Why its supply is limited
 • How ownership and transactions function Whether you are new to Bitcoin or looking to deepen your understanding, this is a clear starting point. Start here:  

Bitcoin Policy UK

Bitcoin Policy UK

We champion good policies that will benefit all those in the UK who hold, use and mine Bitcoin

The Structural Risks Of Bitcoin Treasury Companies “Bitcoin treasury company” has become one of the most widely used labels this cycle—but it’s also one of the most misleading. Public companies now hold over 1.13 million BTC (~5.4% of supply), yet the strategies behind these holdings vary dramatically. Some firms simply hold bitcoin as a reserve asset. Others rely on: 
• Equity issuance
• Debt financing
• Structured instruments
• Market premiums to NAV In bullish conditions, these models can amplify returns. But when market conditions shift, the risks become clear: 
• NAV discounts
• Dilution
• Capital market dependence
• Structural tensions (especially around dividends and realised profits) The key distinction investors must understand: 
Owning bitcoin is not the same as owning a company that holds bitcoin. Corporate exposure introduces layers of: * Governance risk * Capital structure risk * Execution risk The takeaway is simple: 
It’s not the label that matters. it’s the structure behind it. Read more:

Bitcoin Policy UK

The Structural Risks Of Bitcoin Treasury Companies

The term “bitcoin treasury company” has become one of this cycle’s defining phenomena, but the label now covers a wide range o...

@Susie Violet Ward @fnew

Cuba’s Blackout Reveals Grid Flaws Bitcoin May Fix Cuba’s recent nationwide blackout highlights a critical weakness in modern energy systems: centralization. When a single power plant failure can remove over half a country’s electricity supply, the consequences are immediate: disrupted healthcare, food shortages, and economic paralysis. But this isn’t just about Cuba. It’s a global infrastructure challenge. A more resilient model is emerging: 
• Distributed renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) 
• Local microgrids that operate independently 
• Flexible demand from Bitcoin mining to stabilize supply This combination doesn’t just prevent failure, it creates economic viability for renewable projects in regions where traditional grids fall short. Energy resilience, like financial resilience, is increasingly about removing single points of failure. Read the full blog on our website:

Bitcoin Policy UK

Cuba’s Blackout Reveals Grid Flaws Bitcoin May Fix

When Cuba’s electrical grid collapsed in early March, millions of people were suddenly left without power. Homes lost refrigeration, water p...

@Susie Violet Ward @fnew

10,000 BTC for two pizzas in 2010. That single spend kicked off the biggest debate in bitcoin: Can bitcoin only be a store of value, or must it also become real money we use every day? @Susie Violet Ward and @fnew will be debating this on Pizza Day in Bury St Edmunds. See you there 22 May. Who's coming? Drop a comment below. Tickets are available here: https://www.bsebtc.co.uk/event-details/the-pizza-day-thing

How Regulation And Data Collection Are Creating Physical Security Risks New analysis highlights an emerging challenge at the intersection of regulation, data collection and personal security in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Bitcoin transactions are transparent by design and operate under pseudonymity. However, as identity-linked datasets grow through regulatory reporting requirements, KYC frameworks and repeated data breaches, that transparency can become a physical security risk for individuals. Research examining 309 publicly documented crypto-targeted physical attacks between 2014 and early 2026 shows a sharp escalation: • 76 attacks recorded globally in 2025, a 77% increase from 2024 
 • Nearly half involved confirmed torture or physical violence 
 • Weapons were involved in over 50% of cases Many incidents involve coercion to obtain private keys or force transactions, often referred to as “wrench attacks”. At a policy level, this highlights an uncomfortable tension: measures intended to increase financial oversight can also centralise highly sensitive identity and wealth data, potentially creating new vulnerabilities. As discussions around crypto regulation continue globally, it is increasingly important to consider how data aggregation and irreversible digital assets interact with real-world security risks. Our latest article explores this emerging threat:

Bitcoin Policy UK

How Regs And Data Collection Are Creating Physical Security Risk

London, UK - 22nd March 2026. Bitcoin transactions are transparent by design, operating under pseudonymity where activity is visible but identity i...

@Susie Violet Ward @fnew

When AI Agents Start Paying, Lightning Demand Will Soar A major shift in Bitcoin adoption may be unfolding, and it’s not being driven by institutions. According to Freddie New and his AI agent Claudia, autonomous AI agents are emerging as a new class of economic actors capable of transacting, earning, and interacting at machine speed. The challenge? 
Traditional financial systems were never designed for non-human participants. The opportunity? 
The Lightning Network provides a permissionless, programmable payment layer that enables AI agents to transact instantly without banks, KYC, or intermediaries. This creates a powerful dynamic: 
 • AI agents can make hundreds of micropayments per hour
 • They can both buy and sell services
 • They may generate exponential demand for Lightning infrastructure While much of the market remains focused on price and treasury strategies, a new payment economy is quietly forming, one built for machines. This two-part piece explores what this means for infrastructure providers, investors, and the future of digital economies:

Bitcoin Policy UK

The Lightning Infrastructure Play: AI Agents and the Next Demand

The next major wave of Bitcoin adoption may not come from institutions or retail investors but from machines, according to Freddie New, Chief Polic...

@fnew @Susie Violet Ward

Digital ID and Surveillance Systems: Why the UK Should Think Twice The UK government’s consultation on digital identity presents the proposal as a modernisation effort designed to make public services easier to access. But the implications may be far broader. In a detailed consultation response submitted by @fnew, Chief Policy Officer at Bitcoin Policy UK, the organisation warns that the architecture being proposed could become one of the most significant expansions of state surveillance infrastructure in modern British history. The proposed framework would link identity verification, biometric data and access to government services into a single system that could eventually become the primary gateway for interacting with the state. While framed as voluntary and convenient, history shows that administrative systems often become unavoidable through practical necessity once embedded into everyday processes such as employment verification and access to services. The consultation also raises broader concerns around: • Data security risks associated with large identity databases 
 • The potential for function creep and expanded surveillance 
 • Digital exclusion for vulnerable populations 
 • The existence of privacy-preserving alternatives As digital identity systems are debated around the world, it is essential that policymakers carefully consider the long-term consequences of the infrastructure being created. Our latest blog explores the issue in detail and outlines why this debate is ultimately not just technological, but fundamental to British values:

Bitcoin Policy UK

Digital ID: Convenient or Surveillance? Why UK Should Think Twice

London, UK - 15th March 2026. The UK government’s consultation on “Making public services work for you with your digital identity&#x2...

@Susie Violet Ward