Spreading bitcoin awareness; Your personal security matters first

[lovesmayfamilis]

I don't know where you live right now OP, but in my country owning Bitcoin is not a crime, it's currently legal to own a bitcoin here, as long as you don't use it as a currency. Centralize exchange are free to advertise their platform and to give proper education about bitcoin and crypto, so there is no need of secrecy to discuss bitcoin.

I wish anywhere you live, you will be able to discuss and buy Bitcoin freely very soon.

You can be called lucky since you live in a country where Bitcoin is allowed. I am different in that in my country, Bitcoin is in the gray zone; it is not clear what could happen tomorrow. And that is why I see no reason to tell people what I do or why I do it. After all, if you follow the adage, then money loves silence, people can sometimes misjudge Bitcoin, thinking that if someone has it, then there should always be a lot of it, and therefore you can use the wrench method to pick it up. The Internet is vast, and people's interests are just as vast. Those who are interested in Bitcoin can easily find the correct information on the network; there is no need to teach someone, much less impose it.

[robelneo]

So before spreading bitcoin awareness, first of all take care of your own security First. If you can then leave the advocacy for that period. Bitcoin Uniqness will surely pave way for itself like it has been doing through the years.

Unfortunately for many Bitcoin is not promoted that way and adopted that way Bitcoin is promoted as a way to make a profit for them they invest more even to the point of getting a loan or selling their properties, the figure is surprising when you find out that many investors have not read Bitcoin whitepaper they understand the market price and prefer to look on the market chart than understand the underlying concept behind Bitcoin, for this reason many do not know security and protection of their wallet.
The most important thing is you have to understand, what Bitcoin is, First by reading Satoshi Nakamoto's writing and Bitcoin whitepaper every Bitcoin believer and holder should start here and and make it their reference.

[Odusko]

The essence of Bitcoin is to provide privacy and freedom and if these two important Bitcoin features are not taken seriously,  people may run into trouble holding Bitcoin be it in banned countries or where Bitcoin is already adopted.
Privacy from both hackers and criminals who you exposed to by advocating for bitcoin, making them aware of the your bitcoin involvement and so on, this can have much negative effect more that it positive impact on the people in question,  i don't advocate publicly for Bitcoin adoption, but i always make sure my privacy is protected and only make few people around me know about Bitcoin and the advantage it offers it, users.

[Rengga Jati]

One of the main aim of bitcoin from its inception by satoshi is not just to protect our money but also to protect the user. Therefore by spreading bitcoin awareness in countries or communities that it’s government are against it, should be done cautiously. Because once the government decides to take strict actions against the users, some of the advocates that spread it publicly or use it in their businesses will easily be traced and could be convicted for breaking the law, and I don’t think even Satoshi will appreciate that.

Of course, if it is done in a country that is against Bitcoin and we do it openly, this will be dangerous for us. because of that, we must also understand how the law in that country is related to cryptocurrency, both in terms of its use in any case. because sometimes, there are different laws in the country related to crypto, like in other countries. I can use it to invest, but I can't or it's illegal to use it as a legal tender, and I risk being prosecuted if I use it openly. This is true, we must understand and be careful when it comes to Bitcoin spreads. But if the law in the country allows and there are no problems, then it will be better to make more and more people aware and interested in Bitcoin. what must be considered is that we should not show off our assets to attract possible crimes.

[GiftedMAN]

I don't know where you live right now OP, but in my country owning Bitcoin is not a crime, it's currently legal to own a bitcoin here, as long as you don't use it as a currency.

Wow, I'm shocked your country will not allow you to use bitcoin as a currency, which was the main reason it was founded before all other purposes.  Being used as a store of value is still acceptable, but not being acknowledged as a currency makes its use in your country appear unjust to me.

I think it's to protect the official currency, using anything but the government official currency is illegal here, including foreign currency like USD and EURO, same rules for Bitcoin. We are allowed to keep USD or other foreign currency in our Bank account but if we used it for transaction as currency it's against the law. Probably got jailed, but I don't know there is never any such case.

In  this case, how do we now say that bitcoin is acceptable in your country when it can not be used for transactions? From your explanation, bitcoin is not illegal to be owned by an individual in your country but it is illegal to be used for transaction that means it is not generally accepted rather your local fiat currency is the only recognise ligal currency that can be used for transactions right? I don't mean to doubt you but maybe you will need to explain very well so that myself and other members can understand you better.

Like in my country Nigeria, bitcoin is seen as illegal here but  the government did not ban individuals from making online transactions that's why you see a lot of people doing bitcoin transactions without the interference of government.

[icalical]

I don't know where you live right now OP, but in my country owning Bitcoin is not a crime, it's currently legal to own a bitcoin here, as long as you don't use it as a currency.

Wow, I'm shocked your country will not allow you to use bitcoin as a currency, which was the main reason it was founded before all other purposes.  Being used as a store of value is still acceptable, but not being acknowledged as a currency makes its use in your country appear unjust to me.

I think it's to protect the official currency, using anything but the government official currency is illegal here, including foreign currency like USD and EURO, same rules for Bitcoin. We are allowed to keep USD or other foreign currency in our Bank account but if we used it for transaction as currency it's against the law. Probably got jailed, but I don't know there is never any such case.

In  this case, how do we now say that bitcoin is acceptable in your country when it can not be used for transactions? From your explanation, bitcoin is not illegal to be owned by an individual in your country but it is illegal to be used for transaction that means it is not generally accepted rather your local fiat currency is the only recognise ligal currency that can be used for transactions right? I don't mean to doubt you but maybe you will need to explain very well so that myself and other members can understand you better.

Like in my country Nigeria, bitcoin is seen as illegal here but  the government did not ban individuals from making online transactions that's why you see a lot of people doing bitcoin transactions without the interference of government.

I don't really understand what is your question here because I think I was being clear. As I said earlier it is allowed to own Bitcoin you just can not u use it as currency meaning you cannot buy anything using Bitcoin here, it is not allowed to be used as payment tools, you can invest and speculate on Bitcoin just like on Stock but not for currency.

[CryptSafe]

I don't know where you live right now OP, but in my country owning Bitcoin is not a crime, it's currently legal to own a bitcoin here, as long as you don't use it as a currency.

Wow, I'm shocked your country will not allow you to use bitcoin as a currency, which was the main reason it was founded before all other purposes.  Being used as a store of value is still acceptable, but not being acknowledged as a currency makes its use in your country appear unjust to me.

I think it's to protect the official currency, using anything but the government official currency is illegal here, including foreign currency like USD and EURO, same rules for Bitcoin. We are allowed to keep USD or other foreign currency in our Bank account but if we used it for transaction as currency it's against the law. Probably got jailed, but I don't know there is never any such case.

In  this case, how do we now say that bitcoin is acceptable in your country when it can not be used for transactions? From your explanation, bitcoin is not illegal to be owned by an individual in your country but it is illegal to be used for transaction that means it is not generally accepted rather your local fiat currency is the only recognise ligal currency that can be used for transactions right? I don't mean to doubt you but maybe you will need to explain very well so that myself and other members can understand you better.

Like in my country Nigeria, bitcoin is seen as illegal here but  the government did not ban individuals from making online transactions that's why you see a lot of people doing bitcoin transactions without the interference of government.

I don't really understand what is your question here because I think I was being clear. As I said earlier it is allowed to own Bitcoin you just can not u use it as currency meaning you cannot buy anything using Bitcoin here, it is not allowed to be used as payment tools, you can invest and speculate on Bitcoin just like on Stock but not for currency.

From what OP has said, I think the government of their nation prefers her citizens to own bitcoin and possibly use it as a means of store of value against using it for payment of goods and services and the major reasons why bitcoin was invented was to serve as a means of digital cash payment where people could exchange it for goods and services.

I just believe the government is trying to project their currency over any other thing that could be seen as a source of payment in their country. Some country has such laws governing their financial institutions and their country as a whole. Do it's not new but for the fact that it is legal to be own means that in the nearest future there is the possibility that it would be legal for payment for goods and services.

[cryptoaddictchie]

Spreading awareness about bitcoin need not to be risky that will eventually put your own security at risk. Just do your part at your own comfort as you can never convince people to believe about bitcoin forcing them to learn especially when their concern is not to break the law made by the government. In fact, this forum alone is a good outlet to spread awareness as we welcome a lot of newbies that are interested to learn about bitcoin and how  it can be used in the real world.

Yes. But we should also consider some restriction on some country. Like the recently ban on Kuwait. That alone, can affect those who wanted to learn bitcoin sicne their country prohibiting now crypto. Im not sure the scope of the ban either users will get punish for that but since doing it will make them repulse on government then they have no choic ebut to obey. Maybe by making simple bitcoin wallet will be considered not allowed to them? Not sure but scenario like this.

[vv181]

This is a great way to increase bitcoin adoption spread to others, but isn’t this done at the detriment of the advocate’s safety and privacy?

That is why it is necessary for Bitcoin advocate to have a precaution before they publicly support and educates to general masses. Having a thorough and secure Operational Security is mandatory, for anyone who wants to deal with bitcoin in general.

Bitcoin Uniqness will surely pave way for itself like it has been doing through the years.

We surely still have to "sell" it. No matter how good a product or service is, if there is none of anyone who knows about its utilization, it does not mean anything. At the very least, the awareness of bitcoin should be spread. I'm pretty sure many Bitcoin users and communities have already been doing that. Even if one country fully banned and restrict bitcoin usage, there might be legal steps that can be achieved to legally advocate for it. With a note that the country itself is not purely an authoritarian regime.

[palle11]

One of the main aim of bitcoin from its inception by satoshi is not just to protect our money but also to protect the user. Therefore by spreading bitcoin awareness in countries or communities that it’s government are against it, should be done cautiously. Because once the government decides to take strict actions against the users, some of the advocates that spread it publicly or use it in their businesses will easily be traced and could be convicted for breaking the law, and I don’t think even Satoshi will appreciate that.

I think that it is the aspect of the security of the person that should be important and not the government aspect because people who advertise or teach people are able to freely do that since the government has not placed a ban on it. The government don't make retrogressive laws, that is laws to punish for crime already committed. If they did the teaching of bitcoin or advertising it for P2P on their business when it is not a crime then the government will not come after them if they now decide to make it a law. It is past and they won't be responsible for action in the past if the law didn't exist. However, our concern should be if the public or armed rubbers now target them as bitcoin hodlers. But what I believe about advertising bitcoin is whether people take it upon their shoulder or not to go around the neighborhood to preach for it, bitcoin will get to the height that it will get without that because it is decentralized and digital, people visiting internet will get the knowledge too.

[BD Crypto]

So before spreading bitcoin awareness, first of all take care of your own security First. If you can then leave the advocacy for that period. Bitcoin Uniqness will surely pave way for itself like it has been doing through the years.

What you have said is really a nice point. Because in my country we are facing such a crucial period as government is against of Bitcoin or Cryptocurrency. They made it illegal and not getting stronger against it. Government are sharing announcements that any time cryptocurrency is illegal to be related with and may cause you punishment. Already few got arrested because of money laundering through cryptocurrency. But still now no one is arrested for just their personal use of Bitcoin.

This scinerio isn't same everywhere as we know many countries are crypto friendly though they haven't been legalized it yet. To make your own safety it's really important not to share your crypto involvement with others including relatives or family members. We should obey government rules to be a good citizen. So we should wait for the good days to share it with others in own way.

[nakamura12]

This is what people should do when they want to spread what Bitcoin is all about and its uses. The things you mentioned doesn't need to be that way in some countries like mine where some of the e-wallet in my country supports cryptocurrency. About the app, I can use it to buy, sell BTC, store BTC, store my fiat money and also use it for payment method. Keeping my wallet safe is still needed though but my privacy won't be a problem. You should make a note that it may be different in some countries and spreading about Bitcoin won't be a problem or risky compared to other country where it is banned.

[BitcoinPanther]

I have found and read through numerous threads on the forum about the spreading of bitcoin awareness and adoption by many forum members. Two of the widely used methods from this threads that I have read are; Class room teachings and using bitcoin as a payment method for ones business. This is a great way to increase bitcoin adoption spread to others, but isn’t this done at the detriment of the advocate’s safety and privacy?

I do not think that there is an impending danger if a person decided to promote information about Bitcoin.  As long as the person does not reveal his financial status and details about his finances.

One of the main aim of bitcoin from its inception by satoshi is not just to protect our money but also to protect the user. Therefore by spreading bitcoin awareness in countries or communities that it’s government are against it, should be done cautiously. Because once the government decides to take strict actions against the users, some of the advocates that spread it publicly or use it in their businesses will easily be traced and could be convicted for breaking the law, and I don’t think even Satoshi will appreciate that.

I don't think that it is the user's privacy as the main purpose of Bitcoin, its main purpose is to enable  the peer to peer transaction without the involvement of the third party financial institution.  If Satoshi aim for privacy then why does he made the blockchain transparent to the public?

I feel like bitcoin should be spread in these kind of communities secretly and cautiously to avoid exposing our privacy and hampering our security. It should only be thought to people that show interest and not going to schools to teach them because that is like breaking the laws of the community or country, and bitcoin or Satoshi himself is not have law breakers or criminals as it’s users or advocates just like how the media and government portrays it.

I believe Bitcoin can be promoted normally.  There is no need for discreet method since to promote Bitcoin we can just state the information about Bitcoin and the basic function of it.  We don't need to announce our wallet address or tell the public that we have Bitcoin.

So before spreading bitcoin awareness, first of all take care of your own security First. If you can then leave the advocacy for that period. Bitcoin Uniqness will surely pave way for itself like it has been doing through the years.

I agree we should be vigilant in exposing our Bitcoin holdings but I believe anyone can promote Bitcoin without risking themselves by simply focusing on the information about Bitcoin and not how much Bitcoin they have.

[Botnake]

In my country, the government is not really all out support for bitcoin, but if you try to discuss with few people around about bitcoin, other people won’t even care and definitely it’s not a crime in our country. However, if you offer to discuss bitcoin in a public school, or convincing the people around to get acquainted with bitcoin, that’s a different thing. You will eventually become the target of the government and charge you some penalty of breaking its law. Bitcoin is our future, but seeing most of the countries government are still one sided, then it’s safe to just keep bitcoin on our own.

[Distinctin]

Teaching Bitcoin to everyone isn't a crime! people who don't like Bitcoin can leave, no one force you to sit down until the teacher out. It's different if your country declare buy, sell and hold Bitcoin is a crime, anything connected with Bitcoin is crime, not only teach to other.

Although I always said privacy and security are very important, but it's up to each person. Bitcoin is an asset, one of your wealth. Publicity yourself if you have Bitcoin surely attract criminals, but there are many people don't care about it because they want to become popular and get paid by exposing their privacy.

Teaching bitcoin is never bad, the only thing it gets bad is that when you teach bitcoin to a lot of people when all you know bitcoin is prohibited in your country. So that can be considered a crime, breaking your government’s law. That’s the reason why I don’t publicize that I am into bitcoin because I know I will always be the bad one, but I always discuss bitcoin with my friends whenever they ask to. At least I know I’m doing my part but not in a large audience.

[nurilham]

So before spreading bitcoin awareness, first of all take care of your own security First. If you can then leave the advocacy for that period. Bitcoin Uniqness will surely pave way for itself like it has been doing through the years.

That's why we must know well several things firstly.
1. The legality (status) of Bitcoin in our country.
2. Who the object (people) that we want to share the information about Bitcoin.
3. How the circle of the objected people is.

At least, we must learn 3 things above. If no problem with them, then it is okay to spread the bitcoin awareness among the people in our country.

Anyway, spreading the awareness is a must. We can't expect it will find its own way, it should need efforts. Not every people have the same level of awareness, some of them need something to ensure their perception about Bitcoin. If people still feel afraid about Bitcoin, there will be awareness among them.

[rachael9385]

In every country the government is like the eye of the country, like in my country Nigeria the government has ban crypto currency (Bitcoin) from some years back till now the government haven't made any reasonable comments about Bitcoin, so if the country is like this I don't advice anyone to proclaim the awareness of Bitcoin and moreover your safety is more important than anything, although given an advice to a relative about Bitcoin isn't a bad idea because if anything happens you can solve it within your selfs so it's more safer to tell Bitcoin to outsider's, in some countries you mignt even get arrested for investing in Bitcoin because you are going against the government. live to tell about Bitcoin because Bitcoin will speak for its self when the time is right, people will see the glory of Bitcoin and invest in it when the time is right and that might be the the price is around $100k and that time is near.

[Viscore]

I don’t think those who dare to get out from their comfort zone and decide to spread awareness about bitcoin have not thought of their safety and security at first. Of course that’s already expected. However, my only point is that it’s useless to keep educating and convincing people to learn about bitcoin when they don’t have the willingness to learn about it in the first place. Though they might listen but it will only pass through onto the next ear so all our time and efforts will just go into waste. That’s why I don’t teach bitcoin just to spread awareness, but I make sure that if they come to me with their eagerness to learn and dream of bringing changes in their lives, then I would really help them without asking for returns.

[ZAINmalik75]

Agreed, Because we are taught that first save yourself then save other. Reason is if we can not save ourself then how can we able to safe other. But ban on cryptocurrency is only few countries now. I also hesitate to talk openly about my interest in BTC in public even in my friends too. But there are other factors too due to which i hesitate.

But i agree with your message, and we should really follow it like its one of our norms. But there is another thing included too, like if you are living in a village which is far away from big cities or at least far away from the authorities head quarters who mostly handle such cases. Then they also try not to make any step against such influencers. Because they know what they will find from them like they are not going to find millions of dollars in stead few dollars maybe.

But, we should hire some lawyer before such thing happen. I have seen many people try to hide there identities and i think i should learn from them too.

[BIT-BENDER]

Although I am not a fan of those that just comes to the forum and tell us tales some goes ahead to post pictures of a class room with the image of children clearly shown. It's actually wrong because most times the consent of those in the images wasn't seek, it's always right to do the right thing.

Also I don't agree with you that anyone genuinely spreading the word Bitcoin and Crypto-currency doesn't care about their own security. They are not stupid and have had good knowledge of Bitcoin to a certain extent and if a Bitcoin knows he should protect his wallet definitely would have the basic knowledge of protecting themselves too.