On Bitcoin's fourth halving day, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) introduced the Finney Freedom Prize, aimed at recognizing Bitcoin's role in advancing global financial freedom. The prize celebrates significant achievements in both Bitcoin and human rights, reflecting the vision of Hal Finney, who viewed technology as a tool for liberation.

The inaugural award was posthumously presented to Hal Finney, acknowledging his groundbreaking contributions during Bitcoin's early years from 2009 to 2012. Accepting the award on his behalf, Finney's widow, Fran Finney, opted to donate the prize to charity, ensuring his legacy inspires future generations to explore Bitcoin's potential for personal and collective freedom.

Hal Finney, who passed away in 2014 due to ALS, was a vocal advocate for civil liberties and played a pivotal role in Bitcoin's early development. He was the first person, following Bitcoin's mysterious creator Satoshi Nakamoto, to engage with the software and conduct Bitcoin transactions.

The Finney Freedom Prize will be awarded every four years on subsequent Bitcoin halving days, totaling 28 awards over the next 110 years. Supported by a 33 BTC fund established by HRF, each laureate will receive 1 Bitcoin (BTC) along with a physical award. The selection process for future recipients will be overseen by the Genesis Committee, comprised of prominent figures in the Bitcoin community, such as Farida Nabourema, Lisa Neigut, and Obi Nwosu.

Candidates will be evaluated based on their educational efforts about Bitcoin, technological contributions, advocacy for decentralization, and endeavors to improve Bitcoin's accessibility, particularly in repressive environments.