Changes between Version 6 and Version 7 of PublicBitcoins

Timestamp:

05/02/13 20:28:02 (12 years ago)

Author:

garcon du monde

Comment:

changed anonymity sections

PublicBitcoins

@@ -13 +13 @@
 == Busting the myths ==
 
- * '''''Bitcoin is an anonymous, online currency'''''
+ * '''''Bitcoin is anonymous'''''
 
-False. Bitcoin is neither anonymous nor an online currency. Bitcoins are simply a mathematical depiction of a cryptographic algorhythm that has several unique properties allowing it to be used as a currency - that is, something that measures and is able to transmit value. It does ''not'' do this anonymously: every transaction can be followed through, and if it is possible to identify who the owner of a 'wallet' is, then it becomes possible to deduce financial paths as well. This has been written up [http://eprint.iacr.org/2012/584.pdf in more detail (pdf)] elsewhere. 
-
-
+False. Bitcoin is '''not'' anonymous. It ''may'' be used in anonymous ways, but as [http://anonymity-in-bitcoin.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/bitcoin-is-not-anonymous.html?showComment=1311562003966#c3981060857259811711 has been indicated], it may be used in anonymous ways if the user knows the correct methods. 
 
 
@@ -30 +28 @@
 == Preserving privacy with bitcoins ==
 
-Despite what was said above about privacy, we still believe that bitcoin can offer better privacy preservation than traditional methods of transferring money. Specifically, there is less monitoring - as it is not centrally regulated by any single entity - and there is arguably more anonymity, too. 
+Despite what was said above about privacy, we still believe that bitcoin can offer better privacy preservation than traditional methods of transferring money. Specifically, there is less monitoring - as it is not centrally regulated by any single entity - and there is arguably more anonymity, too, especially if combined with other means such as using [http://tor.eff.org tor] and never associating online activities with your real identity. 
 
-One generic way of providing some obfuscation is, once you've exchanged your local currency into bitcoins, to then pass them around between a number of different 'wallets' before transferring them onto someone else. Unfortunately, this ''is'' just obfuscation, as the [http://eprint.iacr.org/2012/584.pdf paper (pdf)] we mentioned earlier indicates. 
+One generic way of providing some obfuscation is, once you've exchanged your local currency into bitcoins, to then pass them around between a number of different 'wallets' before transferring them onto someone else. Unfortunately, this ''is'' just obfuscation, as several [http://arxiv.org/abs/1107.4524 research] [http://eprint.iacr.org/2012/584.pdf papers (pdf)] indicate. 
 
 A better way can be to [https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins trade Bitcoins locally], paying by cash, not providing your real identity. Make sure you buy from someone with a positive track record and you have checked the latest exchange rates.