How can I start a Bitcoin group/meetup without jeopardizing our safety? \ stacker news ~bitcoin

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How can I start a Bitcoin group/meetup without jeopardizing our safety?

724 sats \ 17 comments \ @cyphercosmo 16 Dec bitcoin

I was reading this post from 2023 on Bitcoin meetups and I want to do it in my town as I don't know many Bitcoiners, it would be nice to meet the ones hiding and to orange pill some new fellow buidlers.

Howerver, the country I'm staying has lots of violence and crime, I'm afraid to become too public with this topic and me or others from the group could be targeted for our Bitcoin.

How can I start, run, and advertise a Bitcoin group/meetup without jeopardizing our safety?

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42 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bitcoiner1 16 Dec

Maybe an online event is a first step.

Once you build a small community, you could start doing a face to face event, no cameras allowed.

63 sats \ 3 replies \ @Coinsreporter 16 Dec

I think you should start writing or posting about Bitcoin anonymously if you're so concerned about safety.

0 sats \ 2 replies \ @cyphercosmo OP 16 Dec

I agree, I just wonder how people like @jimmysong, Antonopolous, and other known Bitcoin educators are able to do it safely.

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @Coinsreporter 16 Dec

As I said if you're concerned about safety, you need these things. Safety is kind of a thing, the more you think of it, the more it weakens your mindset of freedom. May be those people have means to safeguard them and their stack or it may be that their concern to safety is less than yours

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @cyphercosmo OP 16 Dec

I doubt that, these guys are hardcore Bitcoiners from the early days and on top of that they travel the world to places that are not known for being the safest.

Maybe their secret is to never speak where they live? And when someone announces in advance they will be somewhere they need to watch out while getting to or leaving the place.

50 sats \ 1 reply \ @Enemy_of_the_state 16 Dec

Vetting the people you are creating the meetup with.

I doubt the type of crime is very sophisticated where they are reading bitcoin forums looking for targets? Is it just migrants stabbing people in the street?

Are you worried about an attack on your home/family, or violence occurring at the meetup?

Know what type of threat is likely to occur, and you can take measures to mitigate the threat.

If someone targets you specifically, it is very difficult to overcome the element of surprise, unless you have people with you that have some pew pew or at least some empty handed skills. (Look at the United Healthcare CEO - no chance at all unless he was wearing body armor, and even then just sneak up behind for a head shot)

100 sats \ 0 replies \ @cyphercosmo OP 16 Dec

I like the suggestion of vetting people, in a way I (or whoever wants to do the same) have to do a threat modelling session and try to come up with ways to mitigate the risks.

I doubt the type of crime is very sophisticated where they are reading bitcoin forums looking for targets? Is it just migrants stabbing people in the street?

Well, if it's open and someone is suspected to be wealthy in Bitcoin, they could give/sell that info to someone who could steal, ransom, etc.

Are you worried about an attack on your home/family, or violence occurring at the meetup?

Mostly myself, home, and family.

Great answer! Thanks for contributing to the discussion @Enemy_of_the_state

42 sats \ 0 replies \ @JuanGalt 16 Dec

Maybe the way to start is to upgrade your security such that you are personally not concerned about the relevant risks. Such as using multi location multi-sig. Which counters kidnapping. And always signaling that you are not rich or anything.

Or start a financial education. Financial literacy meetup and simply have an active Bitcoin dimension.

Finally if your location is so insecure that this is not possible. Then maybe you are due for a town upgrade.

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @LowK3y19 16 Dec

Organize a modern day bitcoin speakeasy

21 sats \ 1 reply \ @chaoticalHeavy 16 Dec

the country I'm staying has lots of violence and crime

I would bring a concealed weapon and assume everyone there is packing heat.

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @cyphercosmo OP 16 Dec

Based take

21 sats \ 2 replies \ @DesertDave 16 Dec

I just started a group and didn't even consider this. Although I don't feel at risk where I am..

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @cyphercosmo OP 16 Dec

Even if it's a safe place I think you should consider, this might be boosted when you are in a hostile environment like me but can also happen in places where we feel safe given the wealth Bitcoiners are holding these days.

Maybe I'm too paranoid.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @DesertDave 16 Dec

My situation is pretty unique.

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @Butterfinger 16 Dec

Create a simplex annonimous group

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @rebel_nomad 16 Dec

I'd try paying anonymously with a prepaid debit card, using a spoofed social media account/persona that is somewhat complete.

Then keep referring to that "mysterious group owner" who is very supportive, but who can never make it him or herself ;-)

OR you could have someone using their own ID and card for meetup.com, someone who would be a virtual host from outside the country. I'd be happy to help with that, I've been in a similar situation for too long...

All of this is assuming that you kinda need to use meetup.com of course!

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @ObiJuanCoinobi 16 Dec