So in short, a French Neo-Nazi website is using Monero to pay for their disgusting crimes. Surprise, surprise. They’re avoiding these sort of government takedowns, this Google de-listing, and all the other familiar efforts to shut them down. They aren’t just accepting crypto donations, they’re teaching their supporters how to donate with crypto. It’s sickening, but come on, it’s 2019, are we that surprised?

Like you, I am sick and tired of this damn inaction all around us. It’s outrageous to watch Western governments and crypto-exchanges as a whole allow others to take the lead. They’re supposed to be the gatekeepers, right? Yet, here we are.

Why West Sleeps, Hate Grows

Let's be frank. Yet the West, with all its claimed tech supremacy and shiny regulatory sandboxes, is still lagging behind. While they’re busy debating the intricacies of DeFi and stablecoins, hate groups are exploiting the very technology they're trying to regulate. It's a failure, plain and simple. We missed an opportunity to lift up the most vulnerable communities. We underestimated, too, the potential downside of innovation, and allowed our imaginations to run scarily short.

The report detailing all this is behind a paywall, restricted to "government, law enforcement, media, and academia." Fine, that's understandable to an extent. What about equipping the other million of us to see it, and to rise up and resist this corporate abuse? Knowledge is not a privilege, and it certainly should not be when it comes to fighting hate. This is where the West is failing. They are building the wall. Rather, they need to be building a brand communication bridge that will give their community the context required to know what’s going on.

Southeast Asia's Crypto Opportunity Beckons

At the same time, Southeast Asia is turning into a major global crypto powerhouse without much fanfare. A young, connected consumer base, a newfound zeal for entrepreneurship, and the world’s fastest growing technology adoption curve. We’re not hampered by legacy technology or old-school mental models. We still have the opportunity to create a better, more responsible crypto ecosystem from the ground up.

Here's the unexpected connection: our region's fight against corruption can be a blueprint for fighting crypto-funded extremism. In fact, we understand all too well what it means to wage war against opaque networks and illegal financial streams. We have the know-how, we have the passion, and now—thanks to innovative new technology—we have the ability to truly make an impact.

Think about it: what if Southeast Asian developers created blockchain-based identity verification systems that made it harder for extremists to hide their identities? Now, imagine developing AI-powered transaction monitoring tools. Congress should act to require these tools be used to flag suspicious activity and cut the flow of funds to terrorist groups. These aren’t pie-in-the-sky projects—these are realizable targets.

I'm not saying it will be easy. We’ll require smart investment, meaningful collaboration, and a healthy appetite for risk. The potential reward is immense: a crypto ecosystem that is not only innovative and inclusive but resistant to abuse by those who seek to spread hate and violence.

Time to Build, Time to Regulate

This isn't just about technology. Not just through regulation or education — though those are key — but it requires a deeper, more systemic change. Southeast Asian governments need to be ahead of the game when it comes to regulating crypto. They need to avoid stifling innovation but need to make sure it’s used responsibly. To really build the industry, we need to invest in blockchain education. In so doing, we will equip our citizens to understand the technology—and its potential dangers and opportunities.

Join us in making collaborative climate advocacy the name of the game! By aligning the interests of governments, businesses, and individuals, we can all zero in on the same target. Imagine a Southeast Asian task force dedicated to combating crypto-funded terrorism, sharing information, developing best practices, and holding bad actors accountable.

  • Governments: Develop clear regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with security.
  • Businesses: Invest in compliance and risk management solutions.
  • Individuals: Educate yourselves about the risks and benefits of crypto.

I know, some of you might be thinking, "Why should Southeast Asia take the lead on this? Isn't this the responsibility of the West?" My answer is simple: because they're not doing enough. Unlike many of our partners, we have the opportunity to do so in service of defending the world’s first responsible crypto ecosystem. Because, quite simply, we have a moral obligation to do so, to protect our communities from the scourge of hate.

This is not merely a call to action — it’s a charge. For Southeast Asia, this is a critical juncture. It should take this opportunity to make itself a global leader on countering crypto-funded extremism. Let’s show the world that we are not just followers of technology. We are innovators, regulators, and guardians dedicated to building a fairer and more equitable future.

Let's not waste this opportunity. So, we need to build, we need to regulate, and we need to fight back. The future of crypto – and maybe even a whole lot more – hangs in the balance.