Bitcoin Policy Institute Partners with U.S. State Department to Advance Global Digital Freedom

Highlights:

• BPI joins State Department program to support global digital freedom, privacy, online expression, and responsible AI policies.
• Its experts will work with diplomats on surveillance risks, encryption tools, privacy protections, and technology governance.
• The partnership does not involve government Bitcoin purchases, new crypto rules, or official Bitcoin payment adoption.

The Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) has joined the U.S. Department of State’s new Freedom Tech Excellence Program as a founding partner. The program will bring private-sector experts into diplomatic work focused on online expression, privacy, digital surveillance, and artificial intelligence governance.

The Bitcoin Policy Institute, also known as BPI, announced the partnership on July 24. The organization said its employees will receive assignments to work alongside State Department experts. Their work will support efforts to protect digital freedoms around the world.

The State Department describes the Freedom Tech Excellence Program, or FTEP, as a partnership with private organizations committed to digital freedom and freedom of expression. Other founding partners include Palantir Technologies, Anduril Industries and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

We are proud to announce that BPI is a founding partner in the @StateDept's new Freedom Tech Excellence Program.

FTEP brings private sector experts like BPI into the State Department to advance diplomatic efforts on key issues including online freedom of expression,… pic.twitter.com/0dVONHuI8A

— Bitcoin Policy Institute (@bitcoinpolicy) July 24, 2026

BPI Experts Will Work with State Department Officials

BPI said the program will connect its specialists with U.S. diplomatic teams working on major technology issues. These areas include online freedom of expression, privacy-enhancing technologies, efforts to counter digital surveillance, and responsible AI governance. Privacy-enhancing technologies are tools that help protect personal information and private communications. Encryption is one example. It converts information into a protected form that unauthorized users cannot easily read.

Responsible AI governance focuses on creating clear rules and safeguards for artificial intelligence. These policies can help governments manage the risks of AI while supporting its responsible use. Through FTEP, BPI employees will share their knowledge with State Department officials. They will also gain direct experience in foreign policy and international development.

The partnership focuses on expert cooperation and policy support. The announcements did not describe a U.S. government Bitcoin purchase, a new cryptocurrency regulation, or the use of Bitcoin as an official payment method.

Bitcoin Policy Institute Connects Open Networks with Digital Freedom

BPI has argued for several years that freedom-focused technologies should play a larger role in American foreign policy. The institute believes encryption and open monetary networks can support journalists, dissidents, and ordinary people living under authoritarian governments. Open monetary networks allow people to transfer value through digital systems without depending fully on a single central operator. BPI’s work mainly focuses on Bitcoin and its possible role in financial freedom, human rights, and public policy.

The institute said, “freedom tech belongs at the center of American foreign policy.” Its participation in FTEP gives BPI an opportunity to present that view while working directly with U.S. government specialists. However, BPI did not provide details about its specific assignments. The announcement also did not name any countries, projects, budgets, or deadlines connected to its work under the program.

Freedom Tech DC Summit Set for September

BPI will continue the policy discussion at its Freedom Tech DC summit in Washington. The event is scheduled for September 22 and 23. The summit will bring together policymakers, technology builders, and researchers. They will discuss the future role of freedom-focused technologies in U.S. policy.

The State Department partnership places Bitcoin policy within a wider discussion about digital rights, privacy, free expression, surveillance, and responsible AI. It also gives BPI a formal role in connecting private-sector technology knowledge with U.S. diplomatic efforts.