Summary
Iran Unchained has released a streamlined version of its platform, designed to send cryptocurrency to anti-government activists in Iran. The NGO’s “V2” site is based on the Gitcoin platform and allows donors outside the US to bypass fundraising limits and send money directly to activists’ wallets. The founder aims to keep the funds hidden from Iran’s Islamic Republic while also proving to the US Treasury that the crypto donations are not supporting illicit causes. Iran Unchained, registered as a nonprofit in Wyoming, complies with laws and reports to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Key Points
- Iran Unchained has launched a new version of its platform, making it easier to send crypto donations to anti-government activists in Iran. The platform allows donors outside the US to avoid fundraising limits and send funds directly to activists’ wallets.
- The founder of Iran Unchained aims to keep the funds hidden from Iran’s Islamic Republic while ensuring the US Treasury that the donations are not funding illicit causes. The organization follows compliance laws and reports to OFAC, providing assurance that it is on the right side of sanctions laws.
- Iran Unchained was established in 2023 with the goal of overthrowing Iran’s Islamic Republic and installing a secular government. The platform has supported various initiatives, including internet provision, humanitarian aid, NFTs from Iranian artists, and sending Iranian developers to Ethereum conferences.
- Donations to Iran have faced challenges due to “overcompliance” in the fiat realm, where banks and funding platforms avoid dealing with OFAC-sanctioned states to avoid liability. Iran Unchained provides an alternative for donations that comply with regulations.
- The platform uses a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) consisting of Iranian individuals to vote on grants. Successful grants are listed on the NGO’s homepage, along with crypto wallet addresses for direct donations.
- Crypto has been increasingly used for cross-border aid, such as providing support during Ukraine’s conflict with Russia and aiding Israel after attacks in October. Iran Unchained’s platform contributes to this trend.