Nadim Kobeissi: An Internet of Desperate Protagonists
A number of the most pertinent subcultures surrounding security, information security and cryptography/cryptocurrency circles increasingly appear to be led by, for lack of a better term, fictional characters. Whether in cryptocurrency circles, privacy movements, or cybersecurity investigations, the apparent need to see oneself and to set oneself as a protagonist of a grand narrative, akin to characters from films or television series, is often rewarded. This chronic delusion is not just harmless escapism; it fosters a dangerous lack of nuance and a self-righteous attitude that often tramples over others and misleads many, sometimes even influencing policy.
One glaring example of this desperate protagonist syndrome manifests in the realm of cryptocurrency. Developers relentlessly pursue projects that aim for extreme privacy without adequately addressing practical concerns. For these individuals, the main impetus appears to be fulfilling their own need to manifest as digital revolutionaries, with fundamental issues that undermine the viability of their endeavors coming in second.
They fail to recognize that institutions controlling financial transactions are far more entrenched and formidable than those governing speech. While secure messaging apps can operate with relatively less friction due to the decentralized and less regulated nature of communication, the financial sector is a different beast altogether. Banks, governments, and international regulatory bodies have established a labyrinth of controls designed to monitor, regulate, and, if necessary, suppress financial transactions.
