Using bitcoin under a ban

[Pablo-wood]

A lot depends on the individual who is using Bitcoin. Also it depends on how a government is treating the ban. Does it have a punitive clause into it or not. So it's situational.

Like in North Korea I don't think any individual will be brave enough to use something that is banned. But in many other countries where no punitive measures are taken, people will be using it unless they get caught for financial misconduct or by the tax authorities.

Countries like North Korea are very strict with their laws especially does related to finance. It is really challenging for them been that they  are in  an authoritarian regimes, as such  using something like Bitcoin, which represents decentralization and financial autonomy, can be seen as a serious offense not just a legal violation but even a political one.

This is where bravery and smartness plays out. It will be useless being brave to use a commodity that is banned without knowing how to save them without being caught or traced.

[Digifann1]

A lot depends on the individual who is using Bitcoin. Also it depends on how a government is treating the ban. Does it have a punitive clause into it or not. So it's situational.

Like in North Korea I don't think any individual will be brave enough to use something that is banned. But in many other countries where no punitive measures are taken, people will be using it unless they get caught for financial misconduct or by the tax authorities.

Countries like North Korea are very strict with their laws especially does related to finance. It is really challenging for them been that they  are in  an authoritarian regimes, as such  using something like Bitcoin, which represents decentralization and financial autonomy, can be seen as a serious offense not just a legal violation but even a political one.

This is where bravery and smartness plays out. It will be useless being brave to use a commodity that is banned without knowing how to save them without being caught or traced.

These countries are very rare and for the general rule are not worth talking about. Most countries where Bitcoin is or could be made illegal are not strict or dangerous like that to their own population.

Is it brave or suicidal? A bit of both, honestly. You’re staking personal freedom on a belief in permissionless money. If you’re prepared for the risks—legal and otherwise—then you’re living the ethos of Bitcoin at its core. Just make sure you’ve thought through the worst-case and have a plan to stay safe.

People break all kinds of laws for stupid reasons all the time. Breaking a law to use Bitcoin is doing the right thing for the right reasons, pretty brave.

[Plaguedeath]

Depend on the risk and reward.

I live in a country where Bitcoin is legal, so I have no hesitation to learn and value the risk-reward. If I were live in country where Bitcoin is illegal, I might not value the risk-reward since I will exclude it from the beginning.

With my current knowledge, I will keep invest in Bitcoin even my country ban it, I will find the possible way to make me undetected.

[qwertyup23]

These days, a lot of countries are actually being more accepting of bitcoin than they ever were before. I feel that it’s more likely for a country to accept bitcoin now than to ban them. But hypothetically your country bans bitcoin, will you still use bitcoin?

It would heavily depend upon the implementation and execution of that law in my country on how stringent they would be. Additionally, if the penalty of such act composes of only civil liability (only monetary compensation and damages), then I would most likely still use BTC for my investments.

I asked this question to myself then realized that using bitcoin even without the approval of the government is exactly what bitcoin is for. I will only be realizing bitcoin’s full potential, am I not? Ths is what bitcoin’s true purpose is. Should you be scared to use bitcoin to its fullest extent?

The goal of BTC is not to remove any form of government control over its citizens- but more of the freedom of payment in our day-to-day transactions. Satoshi envisioned BTC to be the currency used in order to prevent the usage of any payment intermediaries in taking part in our financial affairs.

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

If the government is strict with the execution of their law regarding the total ban of both the usage and ownership of BTC, then we have no choice but to comply. With rules follow penalties that can be both civil and criminal.

[Rockstarguy]

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

There are many purposes why Bitcoin exists, and if the government bans Bitcoin, it will be difficult to buy or sell Bitcoin, especially on exchanges, because all of the exchanges won't be functioning in the country. Nobody would want to accept Bitcoin for their business.

 Since it is like this, there is nothing you can do about it because you can't challenge the government to use Bitcoin by all means. If you already have some Bitcoin with you, it is an opportunity to hodl Bitcoin because the government ban won't last for a long time. If there is any way to get Bitcoin without falling into the government's trap, get more Bitcoin and hodl.

[bitzizzix]

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

There are many purposes why Bitcoin exists, and if the government bans Bitcoin, it will be difficult to buy or sell Bitcoin, especially on exchanges, because all of the exchanges won't be functioning in the country. Nobody would want to accept Bitcoin for their business.

 Since it is like this, there is nothing you can do about it because you can't challenge the government to use Bitcoin by all means. If you already have some Bitcoin with you, it is an opportunity to hodl Bitcoin because the government ban won't last for a long time. If there is any way to get Bitcoin without falling into the government's trap, get more Bitcoin and hodl.

Of course, there won't be a choice if your country strictly bans Bitcoin, and if you already own Bitcoin, you have no choice but to hold onto it until your government changes its mind, but that could take a very long time due to the uncertainty.
Alternatively, if you already own Bitcoin, you could fly to another Bitcoin-friendly country and exchange your Bitcoin for cash while you're there. And that's only if your country has very strict and harsh laws, as such strict laws carry the risk of severe penalties, meaning anything related to buying or selling digital currencies or Bitcoin would be impossible because all exchanges would be afraid.

[Digifann1]

Depend on the risk and reward.

I live in a country where Bitcoin is legal, so I have no hesitation to learn and value the risk-reward. If I were live in country where Bitcoin is illegal, I might not value the risk-reward since I will exclude it from the beginning.

With my current knowledge, I will keep invest in Bitcoin even my country ban it, I will find the possible way to make me undetected.

The reward of Bitcoin is infinitely more valuable than things that you can measure monetarily. The risk/reward ratio is very favorable because of that. However, it takes an advanced mind to understand and value the freedoms that Bitcoin provides. Bitcoin is the only thing in the whole universe that provides this for humans. If you don't value these things accurately, then of course the ratio is not gonna be favorable to you.

[Wonder Work]

These days, a lot of countries are actually being more accepting of bitcoin than they ever were before. I feel that it’s more likely for a country to accept bitcoin now than to ban them. But hypothetically your country bans bitcoin, will you still use bitcoin?

Bitcoin is illegal in my country, but all the young people are using it. No matter how many restrictions there are, no native looks back now. It can be used in many secure ways, and I myself am using it securely. There is nothing to be done. The system is as strict as it is; we have to follow it strictly. We have to keep pace with how the modern world moves forward.

[TheUltraElite]

I agree with those who say that it is a personal choice. Most people would be willing to take the risk and continue using bitcoin until some punitive measures are taken by the governments.

Of course completely banning something is difficult and most of the times people find work arounds to get over the bans. Because bitcoin is decentralized it is even more tough to actually "ban".

Still I hope in future governments understand the problem and find a middle ground.

[Odohu]

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

I don't think there is anything my government will do that will stop me from using Bitcoin. If I stop using Bitcoin, life will become boring and the future uncertain because I have future plans for Bitcoin. I will only try my best to be discreet with my Bitcoin to ensure I also protect myself from any form of attack from the government.

Anyone that becomes the president of my country have only four years or eight years to be in charge, if he comes with policy or ban, the next person coming will be different so I will carefully endure buying and holding in secrete.

[Happy Annie]

I live in a country where use of Bitcoin and crypto is still illegal. Their is option to convert crypto through binance p2p trading but it's risky because if law enforcement agencies caught you doing this, you will end up in jail. This ban also provide an advantage that since we can't spend our Bitcoins, we accumulate and hold them for long term. I do convert some of Bitcoins by doing a p2p transaction with my friend without leaving any footprint of this transaction, I send Bitcoin to my friend and receive fiat money in cash only.

In countries with cryptocurrency restrictions, this is indeed a good way to hold BTC.

[JollyGood]

This is hypothetical of-course therefore I think common sense should be applied here. If you are in a country where you have been explicitly informed by the leaders that buying, selling and trading Bitcoin is illegal then it makes no sense for you to break the law. You should never commit any crime, it is always best to stay away from criminal activity.

These days, a lot of countries are actually being more accepting of bitcoin than they ever were before. I feel that it’s more likely for a country to accept bitcoin now than to ban them. But hypothetically your country bans bitcoin, will you still use bitcoin?

I asked this question to myself then realized that using bitcoin even without the approval of the government is exactly what bitcoin is for. I will only be realizing bitcoin’s full potential, am I not? This is what bitcoin’s true purpose is. Should you be scared to use bitcoin to its fullest extent?

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

[hero_the_bossman]

I live in a country where use of Bitcoin and crypto is still illegal. Their is option to convert crypto through binance p2p trading but it's risky because if law enforcement agencies caught you doing this, you will end up in jail. This ban also provide an advantage that since we can't spend our Bitcoins, we accumulate and hold them for long term. I do convert some of Bitcoins by doing a p2p transaction with my friend without leaving any footprint of this transaction, I send Bitcoin to my friend and receive fiat money in cash only.

In countries with cryptocurrency restrictions, this is indeed a good way to hold BTC.

We just need to remember to not to do P2P through the CEXes and such, and it's going to be alright probably

[moneystery]

...

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

it's not about being brave or not, it's about his freedom to choose what’s best for him, and i don’t think there’s anything wrong with that as long as he doesn’t harm anyone. however, even if there are strict rules regarding bitcoin usage, he should also be smart enough to avoid government monitoring by continuing to use vpn and p2p when making transactions. that should be safe for him.

[Stalker22]

You are free to use it if you want. Bitcoin doesnt care about governments or bans. But, come on. You are not some rebel visionary "unlocking Bitcoins true potential" or whatever. You are just romanticizing a piece of tech that, frankly, doesnt care about your freedom-fighter fantasies. Bitcoins main purpose? Being a decentralized currency. Thats it. Not a magical banner for overthrowing The Man.

You have to ask yourself: whats the endgame here - street cred on Reddit or Bitcointalk? Seriously, your situation is the only thing that should be on your mind. Getting thrown in jail for a few days or paying a fine? Maybe you think you can handle that. But what if its worse?

[Floxynice]

These days, a lot of countries are actually being more accepting of bitcoin than they ever were before. I feel that it’s more likely for a country to accept bitcoin now than to ban them. But hypothetically your country bans bitcoin, will you still use bitcoin?

I asked this question to myself then realized that using bitcoin even without the approval of the government is exactly what bitcoin is for. I will only be realizing bitcoin’s full potential, am I not? This is what bitcoin’s true purpose is. Should you be scared to use bitcoin to its fullest extent?

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

Has the government ever successfully banned bitcoin completely? I believe people still look for means to still use bitcoin despite the ban. The privacy feature will pose a big challenge to the government to successfully track  citizens who would go against the government's orders.

Whether we are scared of the government or not, it still does not change the fact that you can actually do p2p behind closed doors. It is now left for you to decide if you want to obey the government or not.

[Potato Chips]

TBH, it depends on a couple of things. Like how it's enforced and the repercussions.

If it's lax, and they don't seem to have the resources to enforce it effectively, honestly speaking, I think I could slip some long term holds hahaha but I'd definitely be decreasing my on-chain activity.

On another note, I doubt my country would ban it, especially now that crypto is being more received well compared before. I god hope they do not ban it lol.

[Eternad]

But hypothetically your country bans bitcoin, will you still use bitcoin?

No on a regular basis like trading or exchanging it to fiat but I would still use it for investment purpose.

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

I doubt a government will go that far putting a person in jail just because he is using bitcoin. Here in our country top international CEX like Bybit or OKX are banned by the government but people still prefer using it and they find ways to access the platform. Same with bitcoin, people will keep using it with or without an intervention from their goverment.

[AprilioMP]

I asked this question to myself then realized that using bitcoin even without the approval of the government is exactly what bitcoin is for. I will only be realizing bitcoin’s full potential, am I not? This is what bitcoin’s true purpose is. Should you be scared to use bitcoin to its fullest extent?

If someone kept using bitcoin despite a ban, will he be considered brave? Or will he be considered suicidal? Especially if the government imposes strict bans that could lead you to being jailed simply for using bitcoin.

Not controlled by other parties or third parties, that is the advantage of Bitcoin which shows that Bitcoin does not need institutions or governments to operate.
The answer is still between ready or not if the country of domicile prohibits all activities related to Bitcoin.

If you continue to use Bitcoin as long as internet access exists and the country continues to prohibit Bitcoin, I think the action is still done secretly.
If I do it secretly, maybe fellow Bitcoin users. Apart from that it's difficult.

[joniboini]

I doubt a government will go that far putting a person in jail just because he is using bitcoin. Here in our country top international CEX like Bybit or OKX are banned by the government but people still prefer using it and they find ways to access the platform. Same with bitcoin, people will keep using it with or without an intervention from their goverment.

I mean, we can imagine a world where that happens tbh. Regarding CEX, the government can also add a law that anyone accessing an overseas/banned exchange can be fined too. Whether it's feasible for them to enforce that is another question. If your government is so influential, there's a higher chance the exchange will comply if they ask for their customers' data. But if that does happen, there's also a high chance they'll just apply for permission instead.

At the end of the day, if you're not doing it publicly, not encouraging others to do the same, not having any influential position, I guess it's true that you won't get any punishment just because you use banned assets like Bitcoin (unless it actively destroy what your government is trying to do, like controlled digital asset, etc). CMIIW.