US State Department Partners with Bitcoin Think Tank for Digital Freedom Initiative

The US State Department has launched the Freedom Tech Excellence Program (FTEP), a new initiative aimed at advancing digital freedom and freedom of expression. The program, which has been named after its founder Palantir Technologies, will send private-sector employees to the State Department to participate in diplomatic efforts.

The Bitcoin Policy Institute, a nonprofit think tank that promotes sound Bitcoin policy through research, education and direct engagement with policymakers, is one of the founding partners of the FTEP. The institute said it will be sending experts to the State Department to support diplomatic work on issues including online freedom of expression, privacy-enhancing technologies, countering digital surveillance, and responsible AI governance.

The program's goal is to provide private-sector employees with direct exposure to foreign policy and development work while contributing their expertise in emerging fields where the State Department lacks sufficient capacity. Founded in 2021, the Bitcoin Policy Institute aims to promote sound Bitcoin policy through research, education and direct engagement with policymakers.