FF 495: Surveillance, Censorship, and the Fight for Digital Freedom with BitChute Founder Ray Vahey

Ray Vahey is the founder and CEO of BitChute, a video-sharing platform created to champion free expression and resist the increasing push for digital censorship. A software engineer by training, Ray launched BitChute in 2017 in response to growing deplatforming and algorithmic suppression on mainstream tech platforms. Under his leadership, BitChute has grown into one of the most recognized platforms for censorship-resistant content, serving tens of millions of users monthly. Unlike many Silicon Valley CEOs, Ray has taken a bold and principled stand for digital freedom, refusing to install monitoring or compliance tools even under government pressure. In 2025, BitChute became the only major platform to fully withdraw from the UK rather than comply with Ofcom’s demands under the Online Safety Act. This move made headlines worldwide and established Ray as a global thought leader in privacy rights, decentralization, and civil liberties. We have a new show on Lions of Liberty! The Politicks Podcast! Be sure to subscribe to the standalone Politicks Podcast feed. This is the absolute best way to support the show! Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And remember, they’re all Blood Suckers! Subscribe to John’s Finding Freedom Show solo feed to listen to “Pursuit of Freedom,” which is a new podcast series where John shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow the Lions of Liberty: Twitter Rumble YouTube Instagram Telegram Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices