Originally published on: October 08, 2024
The mystery surrounding the true identity of Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto is once again at the forefront, thanks to an upcoming HBO documentary. 10x Research has released a new report that revisits the leading theories surrounding Nakamoto’s identity, with a particular focus on cryptographer Nick Szabo and the potential involvement of the United States National Security Agency (NSA).
Nick Szabo, known for his work on “smart contracts” and “Bit Gold,” the predecessor to Bitcoin, is a key figure in the debate. 10x Research highlights the striking similarities between Szabo’s decentralized concepts and the core architecture of Bitcoin, suggesting a possible connection between the two.
Despite Szabo’s denial of any involvement with Bitcoin, the report points out parallels in writing style and philosophy between Szabo’s blog posts and Nakamoto’s seminal white paper from 2008.
On the other hand, the report also explores the theory that the NSA may have played a role in the creation of Bitcoin. Citing the agency’s expertise in cryptography and related research, the report references the NSA’s 1996 research paper that laid the groundwork for what would later become Bitcoin.
Furthermore, the NSA’s patent for the secure hashing algorithm SHA-256, a fundamental component of the Bitcoin protocol, raises questions about the agency’s potential involvement in the creation of the cryptocurrency.
While the 10x Research report raises intriguing possibilities, it stops short of conclusively linking either Szabo or the NSA to the creation of Bitcoin, leaving readers with lingering questions.
Markus Thielen, founder of 10x Research, suggests that the true Satoshi Nakamoto may need to step forward to settle the debate once and for all. With an HBO documentary on the horizon, the pressure on the elusive creator to reveal their identity is mounting.
As the search for the real Satoshi continues, one thing remains certain: the enigma behind Bitcoin’s creator continues to captivate and intrigue cryptocurrency enthusiasts worldwide.
