Edward Snowden urges privacy updates in Bitcoin amid Coinjoin closure

As a researcher with a background in cryptography and privacy, I strongly agree with Edward Snowden’s call to action for blockchain developers to prioritize implementing privacy measures at the protocol level for Bitcoin. Snowden’s experience as a former NSA contractor has given him unique insight into the capabilities and threats posed by government surveillance agencies.


As a researcher focusing on digital currencies and privacy, I would encourage blockchain developers to bolster Bitcoin‘s confidentiality features in light of the recent crackdown on crypto mixing services under US pressure, as advocated by Edward Snowden.

Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA), is advocating that blockchain developers place greater emphasis on integrating privacy features directly into Bitcoin’s code. This recommendation comes in light of the recent shutdown of Bitcoin mixing services within the United States.

As a researcher following the developments in the cryptocurrency world, I’ve come across an intriguing post on X from Snowden on May 3. In this post, Snowden emphasized his decade-long concern with Bitcoin developers regarding the importance of ensuring privacy at the protocol level. This call to action came in response to ZkSNACKs’ announcement about the impending closure of Coinjoin, a crypto mixing service that will cease operations on June 1. Essentially, Snowden is urging developers to prioritize privacy features within Bitcoin itself, as the absence of such measures could result in significant consequences for users seeking anonymity.

For a decade, I’ve been advocating to Bitcoin developers that it’s essential to incorporate privacy protections into the protocol itself. This is my last call for action on this matter. Time is running out.

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) May 2, 2024

The creator of Wasabi Wallet, ZkSNACKs, has recently made known their intention to discontinue support for Coinjoin due to escalating scrutiny from American law enforcement agencies.

The service’s closure comes after New York federal prosecutors accused Samourai Wallet founders of illicit transactions valued at over $2 billion, suggesting a broader clampdown by US authorities on crypto wallets and mixers involved in dubious activities. According to an earlier report by crypto.news, the gravity of the allegations points to a more extensive US crackdown on such wallets and mixers.

As a crypto investor, I’m always keeping an eye on the latest news that could impact the market. Recently, Edward Snowden raised some red flags about X in his latest revelation. He mentioned concerns brought up by Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, regarding proposed reforms to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. I share Goitein’s apprehensions, and Snowden’s warning only adds to my unease. The NSA’s potential actions could be a game-changer for the internet as we know it, and we might be just days away from witnessing this shift.

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2024-05-03 15:28