In the fast-paced world of Web3, where meme tokens can skyrocket overnight and DeFi protocols handle billions, privacy often takes a backseat—until it doesn't. A recent tweet from Web3Privacy Now highlights this perfectly, featuring a clip from Loring Harkness, Head of Commercial at Brainbot and a key figure in Shutter Network. His message? "We should continue building and not lose heart." It's a rallying cry for developers in the space, especially as authoritarianism rises globally.

The Tweet That Sparked the Conversation

The tweet shares a short video clip where Harkness reflects on his journey into crypto privacy. Posted on September 19, 2025, it links to a full interview on YouTube titled "The Coup That Made Me a Cypherpunk." In the clip, Harkness explains how he wasn't always a privacy advocate. His "aha" moment came from a personal experience in Myanmar during the 2021 military coup. There, he saw firsthand how surveillance and data mining by authorities targeted activists, pushing many to turn to cryptocurrencies for safety.

For those new to the term, a cypherpunk is someone who uses cryptography to promote privacy and social change—think early Bitcoin adopters fighting for financial freedom. Harkness's story is a stark reminder that privacy tech isn't just for paranoids; it's a lifeline in oppressive regimes.

From Coup Survivor to Privacy Builder

Diving deeper into the full interview on YouTube, Harkness recounts harrowing tales from Myanmar. Activists converted their savings to crypto, memorized seed phrases (those 12-24 word backups for wallets), and fled across borders. One story stands out: an activist escaped to Thailand with nothing but a seed phrase, later recovering funds to rebuild their life. This isn't sci-fi; it's real-world utility of blockchain.

This experience propelled Harkness into Shutter Network, a project using "commit-reveal threshold encryption." In simple terms, this tech lets users commit to actions (like bids or votes) without revealing them immediately, preventing front-running—where someone sees your transaction and jumps ahead for profit. In meme token trading, this could mean fairer launches and less manipulation by bots.

Shutter Network applies this to Ethereum's mempool (the waiting area for transactions), encrypting them to stop malicious MEV (Maximal Extractable Value), where miners or validators reorder transactions for gain. It's also used for fair onchain games, secure DAO voting, and even digital red envelopes like Shutter Hong Bao.

Why Privacy Matters for Meme Tokens

You might be wondering: what does this have to do with meme tokens like Dogecoin or the latest frog-themed coin? A lot, actually. Meme tokens thrive on hype, community, and speculation, but they're riddled with risks like rug pulls, pump-and-dumps, and transaction snooping. Privacy tools can shield traders from doxxing (revealing identities) and ensure fair play.

Harkness points out that "degens"—short for degenerate gamblers, the risk-takers fueling meme coin mania—are unwittingly learning sovereignty. By jumping into volatile markets, they're grasping self-custody and pseudonymous transactions. He sees speculation as a training ground for future cypherpunks, turning fun into fundamental skills for a privacy-centric Web3.

But adoption is tricky. Most privacy tools flop due to poor user experience (UX). Harkness advises builders: focus on what users need, not just cool tech. Release early, iterate based on feedback, and don't over-polish. Shutter Hong Bao, for instance, launched in alpha despite being rough around the edges, sparking real-world use and improvements.

Key Takeaways for Blockchain Practitioners

• Privacy Isn't Secrecy: It's about selective disclosure—sharing what you want, when you want. In meme ecosystems, this could mean anonymous contributions to community funds or protected airdrops.

• Rising Threats: With increasing authoritarianism, even in unexpected places, privacy tech is becoming essential. Harkness never thought he'd see such changes, but here we are.

• Build with Heart: Despite challenges, keep pushing. The tweet's core message resonates: people may not value privacy now, but circumstances change fast, and suddenly, it's priceless.

If you're into meme tokens, check out Shutter Network's tools—they could be the edge you need in this wild market. And for more on Web3 privacy, follow Web3Privacy Now or dive into their academy resources.

This story isn't just inspiring; it's a blueprint for resilient building in blockchain. As Harkness says, don't lose heart—the future of Web3 depends on it.