[2024] April Updates
Navigators!
While the general market has dulled its excitement, there is plenty of buzz in the privacy space.
Following the successful debut of our new Proof-of-Private-Stake (PoPS) testnet, we are incorporating the feedback received to fine-tune the platform and prepare the next step in the Navio transition. As previously hinted on our Discord channel, sakdeniz, a long-time community contributor, is currently building the first application on the new chain: the Navio x Wallet.
Meanwhile, the new website is currently under development. Unforeseen circumstances pushed the launch date back, but we are committed to rolling it out in May. And we are confident it will be worth the wait.
In line with our rebranding efforts, an extensive marketing and promotional campaign is in the works. This campaign will encompass multiple online initiatives that will start rolling out after the new official rebrand announcement. To double down on our privacy message, in tandem with the Navio campaign, the Private Finance Syndicate (PFS) will also be launching a series of online events.
Now, let’s delve into this month’s PriFi news.
Amplified by Edward Snowden, this thread made headway in the broader community. In it, Liza Goitein highlights a concerning aspect of the FISA surveillance bill which sees to turn practically any employee of service providers with access to telecommunications into a government spy. It is a clear infringement on personal freedoms, but another clear example of why technology that helps in protecting the privacy of an individual is more needed than ever.
Samourai Wallet founders have been arrested and charged with money laundering. Although both have pleaded not guilty, this is the same as we’ve seen with the arrest of the Tornado Cash dev — there is no justice until they are all proven innocent.
The right to autonomy is not only being eroded in the digital realm, but also in the physical space. Vitalik reminded everyone that facial recognition poses just as much of a threat as does online surveillance. Only by normalizing privacy can we restore much-needed balance in this current dynamic.
Monero celebrated its 10th birthday. With this occasion, Monero announced the development of Full Chain Membership Proofs, meant to enhance its privacy features by allowing users to prove membership in the blockchain without revealing specific details. This would close any potential loopholes in the traceability of Monero. And with that, good luck to the government agents trying to crack the code ;)
Until the next one. Cheers!
