Proof of keys day: giving extra meaning genesis block day

Proof of Keys Day is an annual event that takes place on January 3rd, coinciding with the anniversary of the mining of Bitcoin’s genesis block. The concept was introduced by Trace Mayer, a bitcoin investor and podcaster, to encourage Bitcoin holders to withdraw their funds from exchanges and take personal control of their private keys.
 

The first Proof of Keys Day was celebrated on January 3rd, 2019, marking the 10th anniversary of Bitcoin’s genesis block. The day serves as a reminder for individuals to assert their financial sovereignty by moving their bitcoins from exchanges to personal wallets, ensuring that they have exclusive access to their funds.
 

The philosophy behind Proof of Keys Day aligns with the principles of Bitcoin, emphasizing independence from third-party intermediaries and promoting a trustless value-transfer system. It also serves as an educational opportunity, teaching new investors about the importance of holding their own private keys and the various types of bitcoin wallets available, particularly hardware wallets which are considered one of the most secure storage options.
 

Proof of Keys Day has become an important tradition within the bitcoin community, reinforcing the core values of autonomy and security that are central to the ethos of Bitcoin.