Bitcoin Pioneer Hal Finney Posthumously Wins New Award Named for Him

The Human Rights Foundation has announced the posthumous recognition of computer scientist and privacy advocate Hal Finney, a key figure in the early days of Bitcoin, as the inaugural recipient of the Finney Freedom Prize.

Fran Finney, his widow, will accept the award on Hal’s behalf and plans to donate the monetary prize of 1 bitcoin (BTC) to a yet-to-be-named charity. Hal Finney passed away in 2014 due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

HRF Chief Strategy Officer Alex Gladstein emphasized that the award aims to honor individuals who make significant contributions to Bitcoin, with Hal Finney standing out for his unparalleled dedication. “Obviously we can’t give it to Satoshi. So, beyond that, it’s Hal. No one even comes close to his contributions,” said Gladstein in an interview with CoinDesk.

In her pre-recorded acceptance speech, Fran Finney expressed her husband’s theoretical enthusiasm for the growth of the Bitcoin ecosystem and his humble acknowledgment of being the first recipient of the award in his name.

The Human Rights Foundation has allocated an additional 32 bitcoin from its treasury, worth over $2 million at current prices, to sustain the awards program well into the future. “Our view is that in 40 years, it’ll probably be the world’s largest cash prize,” remarked Gladstein.

Moving forward, the foundation plans to announce a new laureate on January 10 for the next three years, coinciding with “Running Bitcoin Day,” commemorating Hal Finney’s historic tweet about downloading the Bitcoin software. Subsequent awards will coincide with Bitcoin halvings, approximately every four years.

The initial four awards, including Finney’s, retroactively recognize individuals who made significant contributions to Bitcoin between each of the first four halvings. The subsequent awards will be granted to those who contribute most in the intervening four years.

A “Genesis Committee” comprising seven individuals has been appointed to oversee the nomination process until 2028, with each member nominating their successor for a four-year term. This ensures the continuity and integrity of the prize over the long term.

Hal Finney’s legacy in the Bitcoin community extends beyond his involvement in its creation. A cryptography expert, Finney made notable contributions to the development of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) and advocated for digital privacy and freedom throughout his career.

Despite speculations linking him to Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, Finney’s impact on the cryptocurrency landscape is undeniable. His contributions to Bitcoin and the broader realm of digital privacy and freedom serve as a testament to his enduring legacy.