Ulbricht, Trump, and the Pardon That Shook the Digital World

When Donald Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind the Silk Road—a dark web marketplace that revolutionised online crime—it sent shockwaves through both the tech and legal worlds. For some, Ulbricht is a visionary who championed libertarian ideals of online freedom. For others, he’s the architect of a dangerous platform that facilitated illegal activities on an unprecedented scale. Trump’s controversial pardon has reignited debates about justice, accountability, and the ethical boundaries of presidential power. What does this decision mean for the future of cybercrime, the rule of law, and the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility in the digital age? In this post, I’ll unpack my thoughts on the story of Ross Ulbricht and examine the broader implications of pardoning a pioneer of crypto-crime and more importantly what parents and teachers can do to adddress this dangerous precedent/ president! The Silk Road and Ulbricht’s Pardon Ross Ulbricht created the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace infamous for facilitating illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and more. While his supporters argue for clemency based on his harsh double life sentence and claim his platform was about libertarian ideals of freedom, a pardon sends a message about accountability for enabling illegal behaviour. A pardon for Ulbricht has: The January 6th Insurrectionists Pardoning individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack—widely viewed as an assault on democracy—similarly signals a disregard for the rule of law. These individuals committed acts of violence, sought to overturn a legitimate election, and threatened elected officials. Such pardons have: The Slippery Slope These pardons collectively contribute to a “slippery slope” towards societal lawlessness by: Broader Implications While presidential pardon power is constitutional, its misuse destabilises trust in governance. If the rule of law appears selective, it erodes the principles that underpin a functional, just society. By excusing individuals whose actions challenge democratic norms or public safety, the precedent for lawlessness and impunity is set, with long-term consequences for the country. Such actions have sparked intense public and political debate, with many questioning whether the ideals of equality, justice, and democracy are being upheld. What A Time to Be Alive I find myself constantly saying to my friend Nicky on Whatsapp as we share dangerous & distressing news, ‘Gosh, what a time to be alive’ as all the norms of decency, democracy and society rail guards seem to be falling off the wagon at a rate of knots. (sorry for all the mixed metaphors!) So, staying true to my practical approach—just as I did while raising my own children—I turn every situation into a valuable ‘talk and teach’ moment. What Parents Can Do Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s understanding of accountability, justice, and democratic values, especially in complex and controversial situations. When events like pardons for individuals such as Ross Ulbricht or the January 6th insurrectionists occur, parents can use these moments as opportunities to educate and guide their children. Here’s what parents can do or say: 1. Start an Open Conversation Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings about these events. Ask questions like: This creates a safe space for discussion and helps you gauge their level of understanding. 2. Explain Accountability and Justice Tailor your explanation to your child’s age and maturity: 3. Teach Critical Thinking Help your child analyse the situation critically by asking: 4. Emphasise Core Values Use this as a chance to reinforce family values, such as honesty, fairness, and respect for others: 5. Discuss the Importance of Democracy Explain how decisions like these can impact democratic systems: 6. Model Positive Behaviour Show your children how to take action constructively: 7. Encourage Empathy and Perspective-Taking Help children understand how these decisions affect others: By addressing these topics thoughtfully, you can equip your children with the tools to navigate complex issues, develop their own informed opinions, and understand the importance of accountability and justice in society. Feel free to repost to parents, family or teachers and schools if you find my blog thought provoking and helpful