MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that enables users to store, send, and receive digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. It is widely used by individual users and businesses to securely store and manage their cryptocurrency funds right from the browser. However, the company recently came under fire for its decision to share user IP addresses with Google Analytics and other 3rd parties. This has led to serious concerns about the security of users’ data and the decentralization of cryptocurrencies in general.
The idea behind cryptocurrencies is to provide users with an alternative to traditional centralized banking systems which failed us in the past. With cryptocurrencies, users can freely store, send, and receive funds without having to rely on third-party centralized institutions. However, the idea of data sharing with Google Analytics and other centralized and government entities goes against this principle. This type of data could even potentially be used to track user activity, making it easier also for malicious actors to target individuals.
Furthermore, the data collected by Google Analytics could be used to target users with advertisements. This could lead to increased centralization of the cryptocurrency market as users are encouraged to use certain services over others. This could ultimately lead to a situation where only a few companies are able to control the market, reducing the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies. Forget about spam which might be sent towards us, but also that we might be pushed into compulsory information and actions based on our history and interactions.
The MetaMask IP-sharing recordings have highlighted the need for increased security and privacy for users of cryptocurrency wallets. To ensure that users are able to protect their data and maintain the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, companies should take the necessary steps to ensure that user data is kept secure and private. By doing this, users can rest assured that their data is safe and that they are not being targeted by malicious actors. Thus, I am quite not happy about this path that MetaMask has chosen and will probably limit the interactions and actions with it. What's your thoughts about it, did you already moved to other alternatives?
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I also don't like it but I haven't really had time to find alternatives yet. Maybe I will just use a VPN when using Metamask for any of my transactions.
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Yeah, a VPN could be a good solution for that. Bad decision from their side nevertheless.
The good thing is there are many other alternatives to MetaMask. Easiest ones to switch is Brave Wallet that most users have on their browser (assuming they have already made the smart choice of switching to Brave)
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Yeah, I was using Brave at some point, but then came back to Chrome but don't remember the reason for it. Maybe the extensions or who knows what functionality I was missing, if any. Anyway, Chrome eats quite a bit of resource from my computer as I have more instances opened on it.
I very rarely use MetaMask, but some video games (for example Nitro League) are using it. Maybe these video games will start to use an alternative. If not, then avoiding MetaMask will require to avoid playing those video games, which are using MetaMask.
Right, probably more wallets will be allowed and embedded as the gaming industry moves forward within the blockchain space.
It's crazy how we are trying to run away from the government and big tech is taking its place in the modern-day before our very eyes. On one hand, I am happy about the sovereignty of these companies to act outside of the government but on the other hand, I am scared they could become worse than the government.
You've emphasized greatly the direction in which crypto might be moving. Centralization by governments or by big private companies as opposed to true decentralization and ownership of data.
I agree
Yep, not good @behiver. I wish we were told "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" about these decisions. I very seriously doubt, however, that is the case.
So ...
What is the "back story" behind this decision by MetaMask? Who "got to them" to suggest this was even an idea worth considering? Or ... Was it more that is was going to be "imposed" on them, if they didn't "volunteer"? ...
I use Rabby wallet. And have been happy with it for many months, as an alternative to MetaMask
That sounds like a good alternative that I should check out as I don't know much about it.
Crypto had such a good start...
I have a hacked metamask wallet. Luckily I had no assets on it.
I had one MetaMask wallet with which I was experimenting but cannot find the keys to it anymore. Another one I am using, but no funds held on it besides few cents for some games transactions and operations.
Its quite surprising in how out of the blue they announced that they will be sharing user's IP data. I guess that's the uncertainty of this space but thank goodness we always have alternatives. Switching to a more privacy friendly application is a great idea.
I was surprised as well by their decision and I think that many users will look for alternatives because of that.
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I need to be careful about your security in metamask
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Sharing the IP in the metamask causes what you mention, and a lot of danger to track users with large funds, in conclusion, this should not be allowed.
Just remember that MetaMask is nothing more than a front-end you have the choice of using to access your Ethereum (or whichever) wallet and then interact with the network itself.
They can collect data about you, but MetaMask can't block users from their actual wallets.
As long as the underlying network remains decentralised, then it doesn't matter what MetaMask do or say.
If you don't like the way they operate, then just use another front-end to access the underlying decentralised network.
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
I had not heard of this. Will be moving to something else if I can. Maybe only use MM for aidrops or something.
Thanks for posting!
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta