**News Flash: Edward Snowden on Decentralization and Blockchain at Bangkok Conference**

Edward Snowden, famed privacy advocate, recently spoke at Near’s Redacted conference in Bangkok, focusing on decentralization's role in countering AI-driven surveillance. He highlighted concerns about venture capital's influence on blockchain projects, using Solana as an example. Snowden argued that heavy VC funding can compromise a network's independence, though he acknowledged Solana's potential for future growth. He also championed open-source tools as vital for maintaining individual autonomy in a centralized world, urging users to embrace these technologies for empowerment.