BitCluster claims to remove Bitcoin user anonymity

Rage Comment : The controversy over whether Bitcoin is anonymous has never stopped. There is a software called BitCluster that claims to cancel the anonymity of Bitcoin users. It uses open source tools to analyze Bitcoin transactions and provide users with some information. The biggest problem with this software is code auditing. Whether it is beneficial or harmful remains to be seen and verified.

Translation: spring_zqy

BitCluster claims to remove Bitcoin user anonymity

The question is whether the software can do what it wants to do.

There is a lot of controversy about Bitcoin and its anonymity. Cryptocurrency experts will happily say that Bitcoin is not anonymous, but uses pseudonyms. However, for those who are optimistic about removing the anonymity of cryptocurrencies, BitCluster is a good way. Currently, this tool is open source and users can download the software and its database from the website.

The role of BitCluster is not difficult to understand. Its open source tool is used to analyze Bitcoin transactions. This tool can also reorganize Bitcoin wallet addresses based on transaction flows. All information comes from the blockchain and people can access it in real time.

Should I trust BitCluster?

However, there is a misconception about this software, as BitCluster allows for “more precise mapping of entities active online.” To simplify the terms, the software allows people to see patterns between users based on their Bitcoin wallet addresses. However, it is not easy to find the Bitcoin address corresponding to a specific user.

That being said, many Bitcoin users have public addresses. Members of the Bitcointalk forum often display their Bitcoin addresses, either in their profile or in their signature. This could provide some reliable information about BitCluster users and their behavior. OK, so this is still a far cry from deanonymization.

The big question is whether the software does what it claims to do. Users who filter their money through mixing and CoinJoin services may be able to hide their tracks. However, not all mixing services are set up correctly, and end users may make mistakes that allow BitCluster to find clues.

Bitcoin was never anonymous

At the same time, the way the app is advertised could lead to more misunderstandings about Bitcoin. The popular cryptocurrency has never been anonymous, and its protection of user privacy is not that good. Just because no name or address is recorded in every transaction, it cannot be considered anonymous.

But the biggest concern about the software is the issue of code auditing. Even though it is open source, it still needs a thorough audit by multiple experts to verify the exact way the software technology works. Until someone thoroughly combs through it, it remains to be seen whether it is harmful or not.