Space Force Major Urges US to Collect Bitcoin

Major Jason Lowery of the US Space Force has proposed an unconventional approach to cybersecurity and national defense in his MIT master’s thesis. He suggested that the US should stockpile Bitcoin as a self-defense weapon.

According to Lowery’s “Softwar,” Bitcoin’s proof-of-work system can serve as a less destructive avenue for power competition in the cyber domain. It may be similar to the role played in chess matches and the Olympics during the Cold War.

Lowery recommends using Bitcoin as a cybersecurity tool, drawing on the pre-Bitcoin development of proof-of-work by computer scientist Adam Back.

The goal is to design programs that only respond to external signals accompanied by sufficiently large transactions recorded on the Bitcoin network. By this, Lowery means that software systems can better protect the United States against certain types of cyberattacks.

Space Force Major’s thesis calls for the US to store Bitcoin and cultivate a domestic Bitcoin mining industry. It also calls for extending Second Amendment protections to the technology, treating it as a self-defense weapon.

While Lowery’s proposal is innovative and thought-provoking, it faces significant technical and political challenges.

The anti-crypto army is gaining political support

One of the most notable challenges is the current US government’s efforts to stifle crypto innovation. This effort has contributed to a decrease in the country’s share of web3 developers. Consequently, leading to the loss of millions of jobs in the technology sector.

Regulatory measures by the US government have caused concern among the crypto community. Many crypto developers and web3 companies have been forced to move their operations abroad.

For Lowery’s vision to gain traction, crypto proponents must overcome these bureaucratic and political hurdles. This may involve engaging in public discourse, lobbying and working with legislators who understand the benefits of embracing blockchain technology.

The ultimate outcome will depend on the ability of crypto advocates to navigate these challenges and build support for their cause.

While it remains to be seen whether Lowery’s proposal will be adopted, it serves as a reminder of the potential for crypto and blockchain technology to play a central role in the future of cybersecurity and national defense.