Silencing Samourai and the War on Privacy
- Date
- 2026-01-08
- Location
- Event starts at 7. Doors Open at 6. Directions, when facing the front of the building, you will want to go into the side door on the left side of the building, in the alleyway, you should see the sign. You will need to knock, ring the bell or you can message our telegram group and someone will come open the door for you. You can join Telegram here: http://tinyurl.com/TelegramLOTR, Denver, CO, USA
- Host
- Liberty on the Rocks Denver
About this event
Privacy is no longer an abstract principle for internet idealists or a technical niche for power users. As tools, developers, and communities come under increasing pressure, the questions around financial privacy, censorship, and personal freedom are becoming immediate, practical, and deeply relevant. This meetup is a chance to dig into those questions through the lens of Silencing Samourai and the War on Privacy. Expect a grounded, in-person evening in Denver with discussion, community, and space to connect with people who care about privacy in a serious way. About the Event At its core, this is a community gathering focused on the broader implications of attacks on privacy-preserving technologies and the people who build and use them. The title points to a bigger conversation: what happens when privacy tools are treated as threats, and what that means for open-source development, individual rights, and the future of permissionless systems. The format is designed to be accessible whether you are deeply involved in privacy conversations or just starting to ask sharper questions. This is not framed as a polished corporate panel or a high-pressure conference environment. It is a meetup setting, which means there is room for real conversation, perspective-sharing, and thoughtful engagement. Because this is also a social and networking event, the value goes beyond the topic itself. You are not only coming to hear ideas discussed; you are coming to meet other people in Denver who are paying attention to the same trends and who want to think clearly about what comes next. What to Expect The evening begins with doors opening at 6:00 PM, giving attendees time to arrive, get oriented, and start conversations before the event gets underway. The event itself starts at 7:00 PM, so there is a built-in hour for informal networking and settling in. You can expect a mix of: Informal community conversation before the main event starts Discussion centered on privacy, censorship, and the implications of the Samourai case Opportunities to meet others interested in privacy, freedom tech, and adjacent topics A social meetup atmosphere rather than a formal, transactional event experience The tone is likely to appeal to people who prefer substance over spectacle. Instead of broad slogans, the topic invites more specific questions: how do legal and political pressures shape privacy tools, what responsibilities do communities have when core infrastructure is targeted, and how should individuals respond when private digital behavior is increasingly scrutinized? There is also a practical benefit to the meetup format itself. In-person events create room for side conversations, follow-up questions, and nuanced exchanges that rarely happen online. If you have been wanting to talk with others about privacy in a more candid setting, this is the kind of environment where those conversations can actually happen. Why Attend If you care about privacy, this event gives you a place to explore the issue with people who understand that it matters in the real world. The subject is timely, but the value is not limited to one headline or one case. The deeper takeaway is a better grasp of the social and political environment surrounding privacy-preserving tools and communities. You should attend if you want more than surface-level commentary. This meetup offers a chance to think through the stakes with others who are engaged, curious, and likely bringing their own knowledge and perspective. That makes the room more useful than simply reading reactions online after the fact. You may leave with: A clearer understanding of why actions against privacy tools matter beyond a single project Better context for current debates around surveillance, financial privacy, and digital autonomy New local connections with people who share similar concerns and interests A stronger sense of where you stand on the balance between privacy, regulation, and open technology Even if you are still developing your view, showing up matters. Events like this help turn passive concern into active community, and active community is often where better thinking and better action begin. Practical Details This is an in-person event in Denver, USA. Doors open at 6:00 PM MST on Wednesday, January 7, and the event starts at 7:00 PM. If you want time to meet people before things begin, plan to arrive during the door-open hour. The entrance instructions are important. When facing the front of the building, use the side door on the left side of the building, in the alleyway. You should see the sign there. To get in, you will need to knock, ring the bell, or message the Telegram group and someone can come open the door for you. Telegram access for entry coordination and updates is available here: http://tinyurl.com/TelegramLOTR A few useful tips before you come: Arrive a little early if you are unfamiliar with the location or want extra networking time Use the side-door instructions carefully so you do not end up waiting at the wrong entrance Join the Telegram group ahead of time in case you need help getting in Come ready to talk as much as listen; the community aspect is a big part of the event If this topic has been on your mind and you want a room where people are willing to engage it directly, this meetup is a strong reason to get out in person.
Who should attend
If you have been looking for a thoughtful local conversation about privacy, power, and the future of open systems, you will likely feel at home here. - You care about **financial privacy, digital rights, or civil liberties** and want to discuss these issues with others who take them seriously. - You follow developments around **privacy-preserving tools, surveillance, or regulation** and want a space to think beyond headlines and hot takes. - You are part of the **broader crypto, Bitcoin, or freedom-tech community** and want to connect those interests to the real-world pressure facing privacy tools. - You enjoy **meetups with actual conversation** and prefer community-driven events over formal or heavily produced programming. - You want to **meet people in Denver** who are engaged with privacy topics and open to deeper discussion, collaboration, or ongoing connection. - You are newer to the topic but curious, respectful, and ready to listen, ask good questions, and learn from the room.