Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor, is urging blockchain developers to prioritize enhancing privacy in Bitcoin amidst the shutdown of crypto mixing services due to pressure from the U.S.
In a recent post on X, Snowden emphasized the urgent need for privacy measures at the protocol level in Bitcoin. He highlighted his decade-long advocacy for enhanced privacy and warned developers that time is running out, especially in light of ZkSNACKs’ decision to shut down Coinjoin, a popular crypto mixing service set to cease operations on June 1.
ZkSNACKs, the team behind Wasabi Wallet, cited mounting pressure from U.S. law enforcement as the reason for discontinuing support for Coinjoin.
The closure of Coinjoin comes on the heels of New York federal prosecutors accusing Samourai Wallet founders of facilitating illegal transactions exceeding $2 billion. This crackdown signifies a broader effort by U.S. authorities to target suspicious crypto wallets and mixers, as previously reported by crypto.news.
Snowden also highlighted concerns raised 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. He echoed Goitein’s warnings, expressing fears that the NSA is on the brink of exerting control over the internet.
Summary Review: Edward Snowden’s call for enhanced privacy measures in Bitcoin underscores the importance of addressing privacy concerns at the protocol level. The closure of Coinjoin and the broader crackdown on crypto mixing services highlight the growing pressure from U.S. authorities on privacy-focused tools within the cryptocurrency space. As discussions around privacy and surveillance continue, it’s crucial for developers to prioritize privacy-enhancing technologies to safeguard users’ privacy rights and ensure the continued integrity of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
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