If we think privacy and fungibility is important, we need to work harder on that

[ABISprotocol]

Recently there has been work on ZeroLink by nopara73 (and others), and 'Ricochet,' which is itself already incorporated into the Samourai wallet. So the question certainly arises:  If we think privacy and fungibility is important, why haven't we been working harder on making this happen in Core?

I would submit that now is a good as time as any to revive the open discussion, and provide some code contributions, here:

https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/issues/6568

If 2018 is really the year in which this could happen, let's not squander the opportunity.

[1714656307]

1714656307

[Valle]

The only way to introduce that in bitcoin without hardforks is to use a sidechain. Say, based on MimbleWimble.

[ABISprotocol]

The only way to introduce that in bitcoin without hardforks is to use a sidechain. Say, based on MimbleWimble.

Actually, no, CT for example can be a softfork change to Segwit.  That is just one way to go about it.  A hard fork is not a prerequisite. 

[Kprawn]

The only way to introduce that in bitcoin without hardforks is to use a sidechain. Say, based on MimbleWimble.

Actually, no, CT for example can be a softfork change to Segwit.  That is just one way to go about it.  A hard fork is not a prerequisite. 

Do you really want to softfork to add that functionality as a default? I agree with Valle and rather add that as a "extra"

feature as a sidechain transaction. If Bitcoin goes full anonymity by default, it will get banned all over. {yes, the die hard

supporters wants that, but the average Joe are satisfied with pseudo-anonymity} 

[OmegaStarScream]

We also have TumbleBit but honestly, I don't think privacy should be the first priority as Bitcoin is already pseudonymous, scalability should be the first thing to work on. Mostly the lightning network and then MAST, Schnorr etc.

[Carlton Banks]

Do you really want to softfork to add that functionality as a default?

A soft-forked change cannot be mandatory, it will always be opt-in, by definition.


Enhancing Bitcoin privacy is a must, and not for "die-hard" reasons. The privacy of transacting in a form of money affects it's effectiveness in performing the role of being money. The goal is to implement and popularise a form of independent electronic money, and so compromising Bitcoin's money characteristics is obviously anathema to that goal.

[Coin-Keeper]

Do you really want to softfork to add that functionality as a default?

A soft-forked change cannot be mandatory, it will always be opt-in, by definition.


Enhancing Bitcoin privacy is a must, and not for "die-hard" reasons. The privacy of transacting in a form of money affects it's effectiveness in performing the role of being money. The goal is to implement and popularise a form of independent electronic money, and so compromising Bitcoin's money characteristics is obviously anathema to that goal.

Agreed.  I am always surprised that users might be happy with "partial" anonymity.  I can achieve full privacy but it takes a bunch of effort and lots of internet experience to achieve it.  Why not make it easy and in fact default?

[cr1776]

Do you really want to softfork to add that functionality as a default?

A soft-forked change cannot be mandatory, it will always be opt-in, by definition.


Enhancing Bitcoin privacy is a must, and not for "die-hard" reasons. The privacy of transacting in a form of money affects it's effectiveness in performing the role of being money. The goal is to implement and popularise a form of independent electronic money, and so compromising Bitcoin's money characteristics is obviously anathema to that goal.

Agreed.  I am always surprised that users might be happy with "partial" anonymity.  I can achieve full privacy but it takes a bunch of effort and lots of internet experience to achieve it.  Why not make it easy and in fact default?

Agreed^2.   People tend to think, “I have nothing to hide”.  And they forget that is really, “I have nothing to hide right now”.  One never knows the type of despot who could take over.  Most people in Venezuela thought they had “nothing to hide” 25 years ago, then a socialist dictator took over and I’m sure many then realized, it is a good thing to have because he destroyed the country.  Ditto Cyprus. 

It happens everywhere and those are just the big things.  Do you really want your landlord to know you got a raise, or your boss knowing your rent?