AIR

Calm_Lemonade

AIR has been deemed a security. Pay up, you degens

MrRGnome

The fact that people need someone to admit for this to be true to understand it means they aren't verify - which explains why they don't understand the same is true for nearly every other hardware wallet out there. If you want to protect yourself AIR GAP AND VERIFY.

Colekaine

$AIR token. It got into legal trouble then lived up to its name and evaporated into thin air.

MrRGnome

This is such ridiculous news. Trezor is exactly as bad as ledger in regards to firmware capacity to be malicious. USE AN AIR GAP AND AUDIT WHAT TRANSACTS THE GAP!

Intelligent_Page2732

first rumours are emerging that the government is gonna charge for $AIR

KirkwallRS

Hell yeah brother. Just got me a cold card and I'm gonna run that shit AIR GAPPED with my Bitcoin core client. I'm excited

BoldManoeuvres

98% backed by THIN FUCKING AIR

_-oIo-_

*and the* ***buyer offered to pay using crypto****, and* ***instructed*** *them to download the Trust Wallet app.* *The payment was done* ***using ETHM****, and the seller* ***instructed*** *them to* ***convert to Old Air Token (AIR)****. Now this person tries to swap their AIR on Pancakeswap,* How many signs of alarm bell ringing are enough?

Calm-Cartographer677

Soon to be followed by the AIR tax, making people pay for the air they breathe and take from others.

MineralPoint

WRONG! ALL OF CRYPTO IS PoS, that's everything, all of it. They mean all of crypto. It's clear now, anything even remotely related to crypto. For fucks sake, AIR...their going to ban AIR because of crypto. Thanks Brandon.

CrazyTillItHurts

Wait until you find out how much radiation a coal plant just pumps INTO THE AIR

DCC808

*cough* AIR-DROP free monies!!! *cough*

Geolinear

Move over, expensive avocado toast - breathing clean $AIR is the new luxury millennials are spending their money on.

GapingFartLocker

I DONT KNOW WHY BUT TODAY SEEMS LIKE ITS GONNA BE A GREAT DAYYYYYY THERES SOMETHING IN THE AIR THAT MAKES IT FEEL LIKE THINGS AEE GOMNA GO MY WAY [THE BIRDS ARE CHIRPING TWEETLEEEDEET ](https://youtu.be/WRu_-9MBpd4)

Alanski22

If it’s $AIR I’m in!

Icy_Debate_385

The future is AI powered [https://airevolutioncoin.com](https://airevolutioncoin.com) Get some fresh $AIR

Icy_Debate_385

Why did the cryptocurrency check into an Airbnb? To get a little bit of "AIR" BnB! Ba Dum Tsss

Baccatelaurel403

AI REVOLUTION $AIR https://airevolutioncoin.com

Right-Shopping9589

If bots can breath in AIR..... actually YES

annuallyincline

I heard that AIR/BNB is the perfect investment for people who want to experience the thrill of making money while also not being able to find a decent place to stay. Sign me up! 

JERMYNC

Cries a little *DAMN THEM* *SHAKES FIST IN AIR*

brando2131

https://twitter.com/LukeDashjr/status/1609721769350336513?s=20&t=U-WU9d837f3Lfu5XC2LRZQ He says he's got no way of securing a new wallet (as someone was considering donations) That makes me think he wasn't, or doesn't want, to use cold storage. Otherwise that shouldn't be an issue if he can generate a new wallet, AIR GAPPED, in his situation.

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

midipoet

> THOSE FUCKER, MFs! WHY THEY ARE STILL SUCKING AIR?! Because they are representative of everything the cryptocurrency sector has become.

Tavionnf

Changed it to 'WHY THEY ARE STILL SUCKING AIR' which isn't much better lol. Think OP is serious

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

BANNANAHAMMA

So a big "Trust me, bro" AIR?

CointestMod

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

osoese

Yeah, seriously don't fomo into it and let them degens keep all the reddit avatar NFTs to themselves!! Besides, the twitter NFT mob is already looting their stash and making it set records on opensea. pfffft who the heck needs to participate in that crap AIR? 1 \[Image\] Spooky Season: poieeeyee x Reddit Collectible Avatars 0.33 ETH 524 ETH

Oneloff

>Didn't it used to be Exactly, past sentence. That is long gone my friend, we are now backed by... Everything, essential, abundance, invisible, cold, strong AIR. 💨 We simply print when we want!

CointestAdmin

#Privacy Pro-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the Privacy Pro-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #Privacy - Pro Arguments > > Reusing my previous entry [from here.](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfopc9/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_privacy/hf5o1sv/) > > ##What is privacy > - Privacy is a [fundamental human right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_privacy), recognized by the [UN Declaration of Human Rights](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx). > - Privacy depends on - *but is not the same as* - transparency and security: > - "[**Privacy** is individual empowerment to set boundaries: to determine who can access *what* information about me, *where*, *when* and *for what purpose*.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - "[**Security** is the mechanics of how a network or system stores this information.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/02/what-is-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-transformation/)" > - Unfortunately, security is often a black box - we cannot control our privacy if there is no **transparency** into how our information is stored and accessed. > - **[Wanting privacy does not mean you have something to hide!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument)** > - As Edward Snowden explained, "[Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.](https://np.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36ru89/just_days_left_to_kill_mass_surveillance_under/crglgh2/)" > - Governments and companies are not transparent about what information they collect - so how do you know if you have something to hide in the first place? > > - [Irrelevant information may be used to discriminate or oppress](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3327646). Or there may be [errors in the collected information, which is common in the justice system](https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/secrecy/you-may-have-nothing-hide-you-still-have-something-fear). > > - Do you trust the government has your best interests in mind when they have [secret programs to collect citizens' data in bulk](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-heinrich-newly-declassified-documents-reveal-previously-secret-cia-bulk-collection-problems-with-cia-handling-of-americans-information)? > > - On the corporate side, [**surveillance capitalism** monetizes private human experience - especially metadata that "aren't required for product and service improvement"](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/shoshana-zuboff-q-and-a-the-age-of-surveillance-capital.html). > > - [The extensive collection of our personal data has a 'cooling effect' on free speech and social behaviors.](https://www.socialcooling.com/) > > ##Privacy and crypto > - Privacy is a central tenet of **crypto**currency - a financial system using cryptography to promote self-determination. Privacy is at the core of cryptocurrency's [cypherpunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypherpunk) origins: > > >"[We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money](https://www.activism.net/cypherpunk/manifesto.htm)". > > >"[Privacy and anonymity are the most important aspects of electronic cash.](https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf)" > > - Blockchains boast security and transparency - they "[empower users to decide which data they are willing to share, and with whom.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/)" > > - However, most blockchain networks today - with the notable [exception of Monero](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og15vb/rcryptocurrency_cointest_rcc_top_favorites/h4pk7q4/) - are not private by default. > - Bitcoin is pseudonymous: "[the protocol doesn’t know your real name but transactions can still be linked to you in a myriad of ways.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > - Blockchain analytics firms ([like Chainalysis](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/chainalysis-doubles-valuation-to-2-billion-with-benioff-backing.html)) specialize in deanonymizing crypto activity and sell this data to corporations and law enforcement agencies. > > > - But even if you don't transact with a private by default chain like Monero, there are [steps you can take to better preserve your crypto privacy](https://bitcoin.org/en/protect-your-privacy). Additionally, it's important to recognize the limitations of true anonymity: > > >"[no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Moreover, privacy is never a static thing but evolves continuously and in response to the battle between those who build tools to protect privacy and those who build tools to destroy it.](https://medium.com/human-rights-foundation-hrf/privacy-and-cryptocurrency-part-i-how-private-is-bitcoin-e3a4071f8fff)" > > - Crypto projects are currently hard at work building these tools, with development on privacy centric protocols like [Taproot](https://braiins.com/blog/explain-like-im-not-a-developer-taproot-privacy), [Mimblewimble](https://medium.com/grin-mimblewimble/factual-inaccuracies-of-breaking-mimblewimbles-privacy-model-8063371839b9), [Lelantus Spark](https://firo.org/2021/08/24/presenting-lelantus-spark.html), [Halo 2](https://electriccoin.co/blog/announcing-zip-224-bringing-halo-2-to-zcash/), and [zk-SNARKs/zk-STARKs](https://docs.ethhub.io/ethereum-roadmap/privacy/). > > - And sometimes pseudonymity is enough. [The legacy financial system is deeply discriminatory](https://www.newamerica.org/family-centered-social-policy/reports/racialized-costs-banking/the-racialized-costs-of-banking/) and [has been for a long time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining). > - Decentralized finance protocols, in contrast, do not discriminate against users looking to create an account, earn yield, or get a loan based on demographic information like race and gender. > > ##We can rebuild him. We have the technology. > > - Blockchain technology offers an improved model over many legacy centralized systems for securely storing, sharing and verifying private data. > > - [Centralized systems have centralized risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Equifax_data_breach), while decentralized systems place both control and responsibility in the hands of individuals. Andreas Antonopoulos raised this point in his 2014 testimony before the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce when he said: > > >"[when an organization such as Home Depot or Target is hacked and they lose 60 million consumer identities, the reason that represents such an enormous impact is because they were storing 60 million user identities in the first place. Instead, if each one of those 60 million consumers had to be individually attacked, targeted, and hacked successfully, the possibility of that happening is much, much lower.](http://qntra.net/2014/10/andreas-antonopolous-testifies-before-canadian-senate-committee/)" > > - Some of the centralized systems that blockchain technology could enhance the privacy of include: > - [Electronic health records](https://hbr.org/2020/06/what-blockchain-could-mean-for-your-health-data), which [are an archaic system](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02876-y) susceptible to [data breaches](https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2021-healthcare-data-breach-report/). > - [Notarization, certification and execution of documents and contracts](http://libres.uncg.edu\/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_Blockchain_2017.pdf). > - [The trust inherent to using cloud storage solutions](http://scet.berkeley.edu\/wp-content/uploads/AIR-2016-Blockchain.pdf). > - [Encrypted messaging](https://decrypt.co/21804/a-blockchain-messaging-app-for-the-truly-paranoid), [given issues](https://www.propublica.org/article/how-facebook-undermines-privacy-protections-for-its-2-billion-whatsapp-users) with [supposedly secure messaging apps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/14/3-things-to-know-before-quitting-whatsapp-for-signal-or-telegram-or-apple-imessage-after-backlash/). > - And lastly, one of the applications I find most interesting would be to [encrypt identity, to push control of identity to the users themselves, enhancing privacy protection by allowing users to manage all of their sensitive, identifying data.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/05/08/could-blockchain-solve-our-growing-privacy-issue/) > > - Microsoft has been [working on decentralized identity verification since 2017](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-decentralized-id-blockchain/), and recently [launched a Decentralized Identifier \(DID\) network \(ION\) on the Bitcoin mainnet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access-management/decentralized-identity-blockchain). ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6sx7i/general_concepts_round_privacy_proarguments/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_Privacy) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds.

solomonsatoshi

You are in denial. The fiat debt slavery cartel operates via the issuance of fiat debt finance created out of THIN AIR then charged at interest PLUS principle to the citizens or nation states so enslaved. The FDSC harvests the bounty of citizens and nations via this mechanism- when interest rates increase the harvest is bountiful- when in the 1980s net debt was 1/4(according to your unsourced assertions) what it is today, the price of debt topped out around 20%. Now that debt levels are more than 4x greater the cost of servicing the total debt would reach the same level at just 5% average interest rate. The end is nigh- the FED fiat debt slavery cartel has reached the limits of its viability- its rentseeking parasitic usury is close to paralysis. USD vs DCEP vs BTC Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets.

bigharrydong

"Redemption through Sin" Google it. These are the bankers at that hearing. But those national bank CEOs are not at the top of the food chain. The federal reserve is above them and the "Bank for International Settlement" is above all. Google the "Bank for International Settlement" The only way to bring these assholes down is for the 8 billion debt slaves to know how banking works. That they make money out of THIN AIR.

NannetteRowse

Speaking of a project with almost all features is $3AIR, you can Earn, stake and generate income.

NannetteRowse

Speaking of a project with almost all features is $3AIR, you can Earn, stake and generate income.

MaximumSandwich5

>Only AIR is free We pay for air through our taxes. Nothing is free.

ShreyashKesar

AIR is free.. *as of today

seaorsun

Only AIR is free.. dont fall to free easy mony

NannetteRowse

Speaking of a project with almost all features is $3AIR, you can Earn, stake and generate income.

NannetteRowse

Speaking of a project with almost all features is $3AIR, you can Earn, stake and generate income.

NannetteRowse

In selecting a platform to invest in, I only go with unique projects. The only blockchain platform with connectivity in mind is $3AIR and they intend providing internet connections. https://3air.io

NannetteRowse

I got to find out that $3AIR is also giving out whitelist to early adopters, https://3air.io check them out of you can just 15 spaces left.

NannetteRowse

a web 3 project I am 100 percent sure if is $3AIR, you can check it out with lots of features and great VC backing it up.

NannetteRowse

Yeah web 3 is the future that’s why I chose to bag $3AIR for now, project seems to be using web 3 tech to create broadband internet for millions in AFRICA

NannetteRowse

I bought $3AIR, and I bet you lots of VC are behind that token with lots of features.

NannetteRowse

A project with millions of people show you it's potential continue growth meaning continue volume and finally continue rise in price. $3AIR

NannetteRowse

$3AIR have made it easy by using crypto, credit cards, bank transfers or cash to access decentralized lending, borrowing and yield farming. You can check out the platform.I no https://3air.io

NannetteRowse

Speaking of a project with almost all features is $3AIR, you can Earn, stake and generate income.

NannetteRowse

Providing a frictionless experience into WEB3, accessible to anyone is $3AIR.

NannetteRowse

In estimation 3 billion people cannot access blockchain services because they are not connected to the internet. But $3AIR will ensure this is archived by providing broadband internet connection.

NannetteRowse

In selecting a platform to invest in, I only go with unique projects. The only blockchain platform with connectivity in mind is $3AIR and they intend providing internet connections. https://3air.io

NannetteRowse

I bought $3AIR, and I bet you lots of VC are behind that token with lots of features.

NannetteRowse

A project with millions of people show you it's potential continue growth meaning continue volume and finally continue rise in price. $3AIR

NannetteRowse

$3AIR have made it easy by using crypto, credit cards, bank transfers or cash to access decentralized lending, borrowing and yield farming. You can check out the platform.I no https://3air.io

NannetteRowse

Speaking of a project with almost all features is $3AIR, you can Earn, stake and generate income.

NannetteRowse

Providing a frictionless experience into WEB3, accessible to anyone is $3AIR.

NannetteRowse

In estimation 3 billion people cannot access blockchain services because they are not connected to the internet. But $3AIR will ensure this is archived by providing broadband internet connection.

NannetteRowse

In selecting a platform to invest in, I only go with unique projects. The only blockchain platform with connectivity in mind is $3AIR and they intend providing internet connections. https://3air.io

NannetteRowse

I got to find out that $3AIR is also giving out whitelist to early adopters, https://3air.io check them out of you can just 15 spaces left.

NannetteRowse

a web 3 project I am 100 percent sure if is $3AIR, you can check it out with lots of features and great VC backing it up.

NannetteRowse

Yeah web 3 is the future that’s why I chose to bag $3AIR for now, project seems to be using web 3 tech to create broadband internet for millions in AFRICA

FloraO

Happy birthday in advance 🎂. You can gift yourself some #3AIR token for your birthday. You should check it out https://3air.io

FloraO

They have $3AIR token and also an NFT Marketplace with creations by African Artists. And you can also stake to earn rewards.

FloraO

#3AIR is a project that is revolutionizing the crypto space, has Learn to Earn initiative, wants to ease the connection of people in places like Africa to the internet and so much more

muhdaliay

Whats that? 3AIR

FloraO

There are reliable projects that allow you to stake for rewards like 3AIR. You can check it out https://3air.io