International Modern Media Initiative now accepting Bitcoin

[mog]

Greetings all,
Here in Iceland we've been working on the most comprehensive Freedom of Speech laws of any country in the world. Developed at the start with input from WL, these laws should act to turn Iceland into a real life data haven. You can read more about what we've been working on immi.is. We've recently begun accepting donations via Bitcoin using walletbit as a transaction processor, since competing currencies in Iceland are currently illegal. Please let anyone you know who cares about digital freedoms and international law know they can now help contribute to this cause.
Takk Fyrir!

p.s. direct link to donate page https://immi.is/index.php/donate

[Largo]

Can you tell us which 'competing currency' is illegal in Iceland?

[mog]

All actually, it's written into the law here that there can be no competing currencies or units used for transactions. While it's not actively enforced, things like bitcoin are very cleanly enumerated by the law here.

[Largo]

What about USD etc, isnt that a competing currency too then?
Are you allowed to use USD inside Iceland?

Maybe its only about minting coins yourself or things like that.

I would be surpriced if Bitcoin was already covered by your laws and clearly illegal.
What about World of Warcraft gold, Second Life Lindens, Gold stored 'online', etc, are they really all illegal?

Or is it more like you arent really sure and want to avoid finding out if it gets you into trouble?

I mean, if you are concerned about freedom of speech, you should also be concerned about freedom to pay (with whatever you want).

Not trying to attack you, its fine if you prefer to recieve FIAT currency from walletbit to avoid problems, im just curious...

[mog]

What about USD etc, isnt that a competing currency too then?
Are you allowed to use USD inside Iceland?

No USD and foreign banknotes are allowed under the law. here is an english translation of the law, look at article 154: http://eng.innanrikisraduneyti.is/laws-and-regulations/nr/1145

I would be surpriced if Bitcoin was already covered by your laws and clearly illegal.
What about World of Warcraft gold, Second Life Lindens, Gold stored 'online', etc, are they really all illegal?

As defined in the law they are not circulated as legal tender.

Or is it more like you aren't really sure and want to avoid finding out if it gets you into trouble?

This statement comes off as extremely flippant. We're an organization responsible for crafting legislation here and therefore must abide by the existing laws here, even if difficult or we don't agree with them. Towards that end we utilize lawyers to make sure nothing we do can be construed as against the law.

I mean, if you are concerned about freedom of speech, you should also be concerned about freedom to pay (with whatever you want).

I couldn't agree more, freedom of pay is actually an extension and critical part of freedom of speech.