The pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto first emerged in 2007, becoming known as the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin. As Bitcoin has grown in popularity, many have been credited as being the person being the mysterious pseudonym; among them is Craig Wright, who now claims that people can prove that he is the creator behind Bitcoin.
“Proof Is Always the People”
In a recent interview, controversial Australian computer scientist Craig Wright strengthened his assertions that it is in fact him behind the invention of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin.
When asked if he was indeed the figure behind the alias “Satoshi Nakamoto”, Wright responded: “proof is always people.” Wright seemed to claim that there are those who know him to be the founder of the world’s largest cryptocurrency, saying: “I had family, I had friends,” but emphasized that being the founder of Bitcoin “actually makes life harder.”
Wright Claims Keys Don’t Prove Anything
Wright’s inability to send a message from the private key that matches the public key of Bitcoin’s ‘Genesis Block’, the name given to the first block ever mined, is a major reason for why his claims thus far have gone largely ignored. However, in defending his inability to send a message using those keys, Wright argues “you can’t prove with keys. If I own your car keys, that doesn’t mean I own your car. Honestly, that is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Things went awry when Wright’s interviewer, Hamish Macdonald, requested further proof of his claim. After swearing, Wright advised Macdonald to “pick up a law book, look what proof is.”
On the Flipside
- Wright was accused of submitting “false evidence” in his 2019 libel lawsuit against Peter McCormack, in which he was awarded exactly £1 in damages.
Why You Should Care
Wright’s inability to send a message from the private key that matches the public key from Bitcoin’s Genesis Block is the reason why his claims have not been accepted.
Get the full details of Wright’s lawsuit against Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) in:
Dr. Craig Wright Sues Coinbase and Kraken for Misrepresenting Bitcoin
Read more on Wright’s claims to being Bitcoin’s Founder:
Craig Wright Wins Whitepaper Lawsuit Over Bitcoin.org