"Will there be a major turning point in the domestic encryption policy one day in the future?"
This was a question raised by a reader at the end of an article.
Several years ago, I also thought that our country might suddenly have a major turning point in encryption policy in the coming year.
But over the years, as my observation has become more and more careful and in-depth, I feel that this idea of mine was probably too naive.
We have all heard the saying "science has no borders". I used to extend this saying to the field of technology, understanding that technology also has no borders.
But now I believe that technology does have clear national borders.
As for encryption technology, some of its inherent functions (such as no need for permission, anti-censorship, global free flow, etc.) are actually not suitable for a certain type of country.
In such countries, even if encryption technology can have a period of growth, it is only because its inherent functions have not yet triggered the border, and once it triggers the border, its growth process will inevitably come to a halt.
Unless the conditions change, it is wishful thinking to expect a major reversal in the development of encryption technology in such countries.
If we put aside national sentiment and look at the characteristics of encryption technology itself, it seems that only certain countries in the world are the most suitable for encryption technology and crypto assets.
Because in those countries, there has always been a force that is highly vigilant against overly centralized power since the establishment of the country. It is because of this force that two types of values have been formed:
One is that a strong government can lead the country forward;
The other is that a small government is the fundamental way to stimulate the creativity of the whole people and create the future of the country.
The interaction and competition between these two values has jointly promoted the progress of a country.
And encryption technology precisely needs the objective environment created by the second type of value.
Although the second type of value does not always dominate the country's progress, it always has the opportunity to play a role in a certain period of time, and during this period, it creates a relaxed and free environment.
Once encryption technology encounters such an environment, its opportunity for rapid growth comes. And if the country in such an environment also has a strong financial foundation, an excellent market environment, and outstanding scientific and technological talents, it is difficult for this country not to become the global encryption capital.
In the recent series of information released by Trump, we can clearly see some substantive actions he has taken on encryption policy.
For example, there are reports that he may set up a government department specifically responsible for encryption affairs.
In addition, whether it is him, his deputy, or the already announced cabinet members (such as the Secretary of the Treasury), they all have a very friendly attitude towards crypto assets.
I believe that when Trump chose these people, he may not have specifically examined their attitudes towards encryption technology and crypto assets, but rather, as the old saying goes, "birds of a feather flock together", people with common values naturally come together. Because he has such values himself, the people he chooses naturally have similar values.
Therefore, I am more and more convinced that his cabinet will have some highlights in encryption policy in the future.
There is another thing that, although not directly related to Trump, I feel is closely related to his upcoming inauguration:
On November 22, Pennsylvania passed the "Bitcoin Rights Act" with a high vote, and subsequently proposed the "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act".
If this "Reserve Act" is passed, it means that Pennsylvania will include Bitcoin as part of the state's reserves. With the precedent of Pennsylvania, I believe that more Republican-controlled states may pass similar bills.
In fact, whether or not the federal government includes Bitcoin as a reserve, as long as a considerable part of the US states include Bitcoin as a reserve, it will be a great boon for Bitcoin.
Recently, many media have said that the recent surge in Bitcoin has already discounted the good news that the Trump administration is about to release.
I don't think so, I still feel that the climax will be next year, and this round of Bitcoin's climax will not be rushed through this year.
