Privacy
Bug Found in Decoy Algorithm for Privacy Coin Monero
A “significant” bug with the potential to expose users’ transactions has been spotted in the decoy selection algorithm of monero, a cryptocurrency known for providing users privacy. "Monero really [does] have a commitment to being the most private currency [it] can be," host Benjamin Powers said. "And that this all the more discouraging, unfortunately."
Venmo Removes Its Public Feed for Privacy, Safety Remains a Concern
PayPal’s popular payment app Venmo will no longer feature a public, global feed of users’ transactions as part of a move to offer users better privacy controls. This comes on the heels of Joe Biden’s secret Venmo account leaking. “The Hash” panel discusses the importance of privacy as a fundamental part of crypto usage.
US Senators Ask Team USA to Boycott China’s Digital Yuan at 2022 Olympics
As central banks around the world race to establish a CBDC, Republican senators Marsha Blackburn, Cynthia Lummis and Roger Wicker are calling on the U.S. national team to effectively boycott China’s digital currency at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing privacy concerns. “CBDC nationalism could get really ugly,” host Zack Seward said.
European Central Bank Moves to Start Digital Euro Project
The European Central Bank (ECB) said Wednesday it would move from discussion to exploration in its plans to develop a eurozone central bank digital currency (CBDC). “The Hash” panel discusses the outlook for the digital euro, raising concerns over privacy and financial sovereignty.
Why European Parliament Approving Mass Surveillance of Private Communications Matters For Crypto
The European Parliament approved a mass surveillance law that would allow digital companies to scan all users' personal messages on their platforms. "The Hash" hosts dig into the details of the bill as a potential endangerment to the right to privacy and the importance of encrypting data and communication. "In terms of crypto, I'm just thankful that there is strong encryption," host Will Foxley said.
Sam Altman Wants to Scan Your Eyeball in Exchange for Cryptocurrency
Sam Altman, former head of startup accelerator Y Combinator, is starting his own cryptocurrency called "worldcoin." For worldcoin to work, users must let the project scan their retinas, according to Bloomberg. "The Hash" team explore larger issues of privacy.
Hundreds Arrested in FBI Global Sting Operation Via Encrypted App ‘Anom’
A major law enforcement operation has captured hundreds of crime rings and recovered millions in crypto. The operation involved the surveillance of 27 million messages via an encrypted messaging platform, “Anom.” “The Hash” panel discusses how law enforcement used the encrypted app and what it means for data privacy and security.
Alibaba’s Huge Browser Business, UCWeb Is Recording Millions of Android and iPhone Users’ Private Web Habits
Alibaba’s UCWeb private browser, which some say is the fourth largest browser in the world, is in fact not so private after all, as revealed by Forbes. Security researchers found that browsing histories and fingerprinting data are being harvested on UCWeb’s and Alibaba’s servers. “The Hash” team debates the burgeoning world of data privacy.
Cory Doctorow on Privacy, Web3, and Fighting the Surveillance Cartel
The science fiction author and blogger holds forth on how to restore internet freedom in an era when “the whole tech industry’s leadership fits around one table.”
Finance Giant Plaid Reportedly Paid People $500 for Their Employer Payroll Logins
According to a VICE report, fintech giant Plaid paid some people $500 for their employer payroll logins. “The Hash” panel reacts, raising the potential connections to privacy violation and hacking laws.