Thread by @___pimpernel___

@fluffypony @monero This distinction is logical, but might not have much currency if nefarious use cases of privacy coins scale to threats of mass destruction.

Is there anywhere I can read about the philosophical stance of you or Monero devs on these issue?

I am not on the attack here.

@fluffypony @monero 2/ No intention to imply fault, responsibility, or control for Monero, by any group or individual.

@fluffypony @monero 3/ Technology is agnostic as to how, and by whom, it is applied.

@fluffypony @monero 4/ Cryptocurrencies with privacy preserving properties are a new phenomenon. USD is hundreds of years old. There is relatively less info on how Monero works and the potential implications of its existence.

@fluffypony @monero 5/ Many centralized web platforms have shown they cannot be trusted with user data. They will sell it and mis-use it. This is increasingly concerning as more and more of our lives take place in the digital realm; and there are many strong arguments for privacy protection.

@fluffypony @monero 6/ Privacy preserving technologies might help to reduce some of the abuse of user data by centralized platforms. It could also help to prevent totalitarianism.

@fluffypony @monero 7/ There is also potential for abuse of privacy protection, as we can see from the kidnapping case I posted. It's not hard to think of this happening with increasing frequency, or with threats of larger-scale destruction.

@fluffypony @monero 8/ Is Monero is a superior alternative to USD (cash or bankwire) for nefarious purposes? In my inexpert opinion, at first blush, the answer seems to be yes, but I want feedback on this.

@fluffypony @monero 9/ If Monero becomes the currency of choice for kidnappers and terrorists, what, if anything, can be done by the Monero community to solve this problem?

@fluffypony @monero 10/ Is the answer simply: NOTHING?

@fluffypony @monero 11/ Decentralization might not be a viable defense.

You say decentralized. They say extradition. eg. @KimDotcom.

These are value neutral statements.

@fluffypony @monero @KimDotcom 12/ There are some very smart people working on development of cryptocurrencies, and in particular, privacy oriented coins.

But I am frequently disappointed by the paucity of thought, or indifference, about the risks and problems associated with their technologies.

@fluffypony @monero @KimDotcom 13/ I am a relatively open-minded and receptive audience, and invite feedback, but am yet to be convinced these technologies won't become a force multiplier for people who do terrible things (eg. terrorism, human trafficking).

@fluffypony @monero @KimDotcom 14/ Prediction: a fintech arms race is brewing between privacy oriented payment systems and governments.

Governments will:
- outlaw possession, transmission, exchange
- prosecute devs
- break the privacy features
- ultimately, win

@fluffypony @monero @KimDotcom 15/ Devs use decentralization to argue they can't be prosecuted, but also, that they can't stop nefarious use cases.

This is an absurd result.

It also incentivizes law enforcement to go all out against privacy coins, if nobody else is going to do anything to stop bad actors.

@fluffypony @monero @KimDotcom unroll @threadreaderapp

@fluffypony @monero @KimDotcom 16/ I want to be convinced @monero community is thoughtful & well-intentioned.

My current view is either Monero creators didn't think through consequences; or they did, but didn't care.

I invest in crypto & am not with an LAE: if you can't convince me, good luck with govs/LAEs