Blockchain. Does it protect personal privacy? Is it a tool that can evade the law? How should we think about the relationship between blockchain technology and individual privacy? In this first of a series of podcast episodes about blockchain and privacy, we turn our spotlight on the first use of U.S. Government sanctions against a cryptocurrency mining company. On April 20, 2022, the U.S. sanctioned the Russian-Swiss Bitriver conglomerate, as part of its response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Consider how blockchain and privacy interact and what it means for the future of this technology, the use of cryptocurrency, and the ongoing contest between government and personal privacy. If you have ideas for more interviews or stories, please email info@thedataprivacydetective.com.