“Privacy is one of the biggest problems in this new electronic age.” -Andy Grove
The Need For Privacy
Privacy is a necessity. Not many folks out there would say it’s even up for debate. Sure- some might argue that “we shouldn’t have anything to hide”, but even those people have immovable principles when it comes to the value of privacy in certain aspects of life. It’s one of the most cherished of freedoms. A place entirely our own.
With the rise of decentralized technology, it should be a key focus… right?
The Attack On Privacy
Privacy is one of those things in the space that is a point that both sells the tech and argues against its credibility. A key focus indeed. It seems, however, the focus isn’t as much on retaining privacy so much as it is in the way of transparency. At least for regulators.
Law makers around the world are throwing every bit of restriction they can at decentralized entities. As a threat to the fiat and forex systems around the globe, it’s really the only thing they can do to keep the balance of power the way it is. The biggest threat they hold is taking away the privacy and autonomy that users hold over their assets. Centralized exchanges hold a huge percentage of the total crypto supply, and self custody is suffering in places where freedom is under attack.
They attack privacy to keep an eye on you. KYC. Who has what assets on what exchange? When a wallet address attached to a name is known on a ledger, well that’s the exact opposite of privacy, but that’s precisely where they want you. Self custody is key- even better if you’re on a privacy network.
Sunset of Privacy (PRV)
This piece is not only about privacy, but a tribute to a key player in the privacy sector of the blockchain industry. We are in the final days and weeks for a network that has provided freedom, opportunity and a private space to store, trade and earn digital assets. Citing “the careful consideration of recent events related to other crypto privacy products” Incognito announced their sunset.
Incognito built a community on the basis of privacy being a fundamental human right. A decentralized network comprised of thousands of nodes and millions of users that valued their right to privatized transactions. The Devs are incomparable with their attentive communication and troubleshooting- always being there to reassure and help the community. With their native token PRV (Privacy) and the surrounding ecosystem, they sure as heck made their mark in the sphere, and it’s heartbreaking to see them go.
It’s most certainly a sad occasion that inspired writing. Nonetheless, this particular project is due the utmost respect. Incognito and all who brought this vision to life and as far as it has come, we salute you.
Ways To Stay Private
So is Privacy dead? PRV might be sunsetting, but the battle for privacy wages on. Through Incognito and other resources, we became well acquainted with others that shared the same values and vision.
A list of credible Privacy Networks includes but is not limited to:
Only to name a few. There’s plenty of others out there. As the market grows, and as regulations increase, you can expect that more will come along as well.
There’s no shortage of ways to stay private on the blockchain. Cryptocurrency overall is a privacy focused industry. Decentralization couldn’t happen without privatization.
Privacy networks, however, kick things up a notch. Their goal is to leave no trace. They have key components to their systems that allow for a more privatized environment overall. Though ledger transparency is a selling point for the technology, privacy networks agree that this aspect is easy to sacrifice in order to make for a more private space.
Privacy:
Privacy is a necessary and vital human right. Privacy is under attack. Privacy (PRV) is dead- but only if we allow it to die.
