The Bitcoin Foundation recently announced they had hired a firm to lobby the US congress on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in general.
The firm, Thorsen French Advocacy, was hired to “introduce Bitcoin and the Bitcoin Foundation to key lawmakers and staff, explaining the benefits that Bitcoin offers for global financial inclusion, consumer privacy, monetary stability and human liberty”, the Bitcoin Foundation said in a press release at the time.
However, the Bitcoin Foundation’s choice to hire Thorsen French is a concerning one for the community.
Alec French’s History
Alec French is one of the two founders of Thorsen French. According to his bio on the Thorsen French website, he has “fifteen years of federal policy experience [including] extensive stints in the government, corporate, and trade association worlds.”
He was involved in efforts involving “a variety of internet, telecommunications, and entertainment industry issues, such as copyright protection, patent reform, trademark dilution, media consolidation, internet privacy, media violence, internet security, spyware, and spam.”
However, the real red flag comes up when it states “Alec played a key role in successful negotiation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.” The DMCA has been criticized by a number of freedom-oriented groups on the basis that it will affect research and stymie innovation.
Carl Thorsen’s History
Carlyle P. Thorsen is the other half of Thorsen French’s namesake. He has had an extensive lobbying career as well, working in a number of capacities.
But the one that should stand out the most to bitcoiners, internet enthusiasts, and freedom-minded individuals in general, is his involvement in the Patriot Act. “Carl received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service, the Department’s highest commendation, for his work on The Patriot Act of 2001.”
The Patriot Act, of course, is the piece of knee-jerk post-9/11 legislature which has generated a tremendous amount of controversy since its inception.
Lack of Transparency
There may be good reasons for why these two individuals were involved in such dubious acts. Perhaps they were part of the negotiation team which reined in some potentially more damaging elements. But for us commoners, we may never know.
The Bitcoin Foundation, of course, has said little on their appointment other than to say that Alec French “has a deep background in technology policy issues”. This lack of transparency is part of the reason for the criticism the Bitcoin Foundation often receives from the community, and why some individuals have taken action toward replacing them.
Do you trust this group to lobby on behalf of Bitcoin? Do you trust them to have our best interests in mind?
Do You Trust The Lobbying Group Hired By The Bitcoin Foundation?
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