Edward Snowden calls for privacy enhancements in Bitcoin as Coinjoin shuts down.
Edward Snowden is urging blockchain developers to prioritize privacy measures in Bitcoin after the shutdown of crypto mixing services due to pressure from the United States. In a recent post on the platform X, Snowden emphasized the importance of privacy at the protocol level and expressed concern about the closure of Coinjoin, a popular crypto mixing service set to cease operations on June 1. The decision to shut down Coinjoin was made by ZkSNACKs, the developer behind Wasabi Wallet, due to increased pressure from U.S. law enforcement.
This move comes in the wake of New York federal prosecutors accusing the founders of Samourai Wallet of engaging in illegal transactions worth over $2 billion, signaling a broader crackdown on suspicious crypto wallets and mixers by U.S. authorities. The severity of the charges highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to combat illicit activities in the crypto space.
In addition to discussing the closure of mixing services, Snowden also drew attention to 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. Both Snowden and Goitein warned about the potential implications of these reforms, with Snowden stating that the NSA is on the verge of gaining control over the internet.
The crackdown on crypto mixers by U.S. authorities, as well as the proposed reforms to surveillance laws, highlight the need for enhanced privacy measures in blockchain technology. Snowden’s call to action for blockchain developers to prioritize privacy at the protocol level reflects the growing importance of protecting user privacy in the digital age.
