Bitcoin is a matter of national security — deputy CIA director

Deputy CIA director Michael Ellis' comments reflect Bitcoin's maturation as an asset but conflict with the cypherpunk philosophy.

The US Central Intelligence Agency is increasingly incorporating Bitcoin (BTC) as a tool in its operations, and working with the cryptocurrency is a matter of national security, Michael Ellis, the agency’s deputy director, told podcast host Anthony Pompliano.

In an appearance on the market analyst and investor’s show, Ellis told Pompliano that the intelligence agency works with law enforcement to track BTC, and it is a point of data collection in counter-intelligence operations. Ellis added:

"It's another area of competition where we need to ensure the United States is well-positioned against China and other adversaries," Ellis said.

Read more