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Trezor removes controversial address verification protocol, other wallets follow suit

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Since 2019, Swiss monetary crypto intermediaries have required proof of possession of an exterior pockets’s handle for Bitcoin withdrawals and deposits to their clients’ non-custodial wallets. One automated mechanism used for that is the Tackle Possession Proof Protocol, or AOPP.  

The Trezor {hardware} pockets introduced AOPP signing as a part of its newest January replace final week, permitting customers to generate signatures that conform to the AOPP commonplace utilized in sure jurisdictions. On Jan. 28, Trezor announced that it’s going to take away this protocol within the subsequent Trezor Suite replace “after cautious consideration of latest suggestions.”

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Current suggestions refers to Reddit and Twitter customers who had been involved that using AOPP signaled Trezor’s assist for larger regulation and a disregard for a possible lack of privateness.

In a weblog submit explaining the elimination, Trezor admitted it “underestimated how this function can be acquired,” however that the corporate “welcomes public scrutiny.” The truth that it listened to its customers and reacted so shortly demonstrates the ability of social media sentiment.

The {hardware} pockets maker claimed it’s towards the rules that concern AOPP, specifically the information leak dangers related to utilizing a stringent identification course of like Know Your Buyer, or KYC, to purchase Bitcoin. The corporate clarified its intent:

“Our sole intention was to make withdrawal to self-custody simpler for customers in international locations with strict regulation, however we acknowledge that extra hurt than good could possibly be executed in the long run if this had been considered as proactive compliance with rules we don’t agree with.”

Different {hardware} wallets akin to Sparrow Pockets, Samourai Pockets and BlueWallet have additionally determined to observe Trezor and take away the automated protocol.

Associated: Engineer hacks Trezor wallet, recovers $2M in ‘lost’ crypto

Whereas the AOPP protocol could in a roundabout way or negatively impression customers of non-custodial wallets, decentralization and freedom are central tenets to the crypto neighborhood who values privateness. The principle concern is that the implementation of AOPP could set a precedent for elevated authorities affect and surveillance.