Silk Road: One Year On

CoinDesk examines how Silk Road rocked the bitcoin world and created shockwaves that are still being felt today.

AccessTimeIconOct 3, 2014 at 1:41 p.m. UTC
Updated Feb 9, 2023 at 1:25 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now
Silk-Road-Article-Banner-v3
Silk-Road-Article-Banner-v3

A year has passed since the FBI shut down black marketplace Silk Road and arrested its alleged founder, Ross William Ulbricht.

Much has happened in the bitcoin world since these events, yet the shadow of Silk Road still hangs over the industry.

Twelve months later, it remains an influence on bitcoin’s mainstream perception, the proposed regulation targeting the industry and the entrepreneurs and developers working in the space.

Whether you believe Silk Road to be another speed bump on bitcoin’s road to mass adoption or a black mark that could threaten its future, it is never far from the discussion. Meanwhile, Ulbricht’s case is still ongoing and online, bitcoin-enabled drug bazaars are flourishing more than ever.

This week, to mark the anniversary of Silk Road's end, CoinDesk takes a look at how the site rocked the bitcoin world and created shockwaves that are still being felt today.

will bring you a collection of features, interactive timelines and articles about Silk Road, Ross Ulbricht and the mysterious world that is the dark web.

You'll gain insight into what the big names in the bitcoin space really think about Ulbricht’s ongoing legal battle and you’ll hear from his mother, Lyn, about why, one year later, she won’t stop fighting for her son’s freedom.

Not only that, but you’ll get the chance to learn more about the dark web and how this corner of the Internet appears to be growing, despite Silk Road’s demise and the attempts of law enforcement agencies.

Look out for part one of Silk Road: One Year On later today.

To refresh your memory of the full Silk Road story, check out our interactive timeline below:

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.