home > Internet > Wallet Darkwallet - review and reviews. Dark Wallet: now with a built-in exchanger Strengths and weaknesses

Wallet Darkwallet - review and reviews. Dark Wallet: now with a built-in exchanger Strengths and weaknesses

Government officials around the world have spent the past year preventing bitcoin from becoming the choice of the black market and money launderers. Now their possibly worst fears are ready to materialize in the form of a single computer program.

On Thursday, a group of politically radical programmers calling themselves unSystem plans to release the first version of the Dark Wallet, an application designed to protect the privacy of its users when dealing with bitcoin, much stronger than the privacy protection offered by bitcoin in its current form. If the program works as promised, it will be able to neutralize the impending attempts to regulate bitcoin, which are aimed at knowing the personal data of the owners of crypto coins. By encrypting and mixing the payments of its users, Dark Wallet is looking for a way to create an almost untraceable flow of money on the Internet that will serve as fertilizer for a growing number of black markets.

“This is a way of using bitcoin that makes fun of all attempts at regulation. - Says Cody Wilson, one of the two 26-year-old organizers of the Dark Purse. “It's a way of telling the government, 'You wanted to regulate bitcoin. Adjust this "".

The Dark Wallet was conceived last summer by Wilson and Amir Taaki. Wilson first gained notoriety by 3D printing the world's first fully printed handgun; Taaki is an Iranian-British free-market anarchist and developer of high-profile bitcoin projects such as the decentralized online market dark market. Together, they launched an IndieGoGo fundraising campaign last October that raised $50,000, as well as tens of thousands of bitcoins. In the accompanying video, Wilson promised what he called a frontier in the fight for bitcoin's political future. At a discussion at New York's Museum of Modern Art in March, Wilson described his intentions for the Dark Wallet more specifically: "It's just a money laundering program."

Despite these provocations, financial regulators say nothing about the project. The New York Department of Financial Services, which held the Bitcoin hearing in January and says it plans to create a special license ("bitlicense") for some bitcoin businesses, declined to comment. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network wrote only:

“We are well aware of the many evolving technological efforts to undermine financial transparency. Of course, it's our business to be concerned and vigilant about any activity that could help with money laundering and other financial crimes."

Wilson and Taaki's money laundering app is politically incendiary, but not necessarily illegal, and the code is said to be protected by the US Constitution's First Amendment guaranteeing free speech. But Wilson states bluntly that the Dark Wallet he is creating will be used in anonymous black markets, similar to the Silk Road market that traded drugs for bitcoins and was eventually captured by the FBI in October.

“I want to create funds for covert black market operations,” says Wilson, “whether for non-prescribed medical inhalers, MDMA for drug enthusiasts, or weapons.”

He also does not deny that the Dark Wallet can allow heinous crimes such as child pornography, assassination and terrorism to be carried out.

“Well, yes, bad things will happen in these markets,” says Wilson. “Freedom is a dangerous thing.”

But as dangerous as Wilson's vision is, the Dark Wallet also fills a real need for privacy in the Bitcoin economy. Despite its reputation as an anonymous currency, transactions made in bitcoin are in some ways even more exposed than those made with traditional money. Every bitcoin payment is recorded in a public ledger known as the block chain, copied to thousands of users' computers, and verified to avoid counterfeits and fraud on the bitcoin network. If bitcoin users don't make special efforts to make their coins anonymous, then all their spending could potentially be traced back to their bitcoin addresses. Any organization can do this government agency who wants to do it.

Dark Wallet avoids these privacy and trust issues by having laundering by default integrated into every payment users make. Its main tool is a technique called CoinJoin: every time a user spends bitcoin, his or her transaction is combined with a transaction of a randomly selected user who makes a payment at about the same time.

If, for example, Alice buys wool socks from an online sock store, and Bob buys LSD from Silk Road, Dark Wallet will merge these transactions so that there is only one movement record in the block chain. Money. Bitcoins simultaneously leave Alice and Bob's addresses and are paid out to sock and drug sellers. The “negotiations” for this complex transaction are encrypted, so that eavesdroppers cannot unambiguously determine whose coins went where. To mix their coins even more, users can apply CoinJoin to their own bitcoins even when they are not actually making any payments, instead sending them to another, their own address.

One privacy issue that the CoinJoin procedure addresses relates to the so-called "change address". When bitcoins from one address are spent, the unspent portion of the coins is sent back to the change address, which is controlled by the person making the payment. Future transactions from this address can be traced back to the same user. But with each subsequent transaction made using CoinJoin, the coins are mixed with the payment of another new user and the probability of guessing which of the two users owns the address is halved.

“When you start aggregating transactions, it confuses them,” Taaki says. “When you start going down the chain, you can only be 50 percent sure that the coins belong to this person, then this probability becomes 25 percent, then one of eight, and then one of sixteen. The conditional probability drops very quickly."

To protect the identity of a user who wants to receive coins instead of spending them, Dark Wallet offers another method known as invisible address. Any user can use the Dark Wallet to create an invisible address along with a private key, and then publish this invisible address on the Internet as their recipient address. When another Dark Wallet user sends a payment to this address, Dark Wallet sends coins to another address, which represents a randomly encrypted invisible address. The recipient's Dark Wallet then scans the block chain for an address it can decrypt with the user's private key, finds the secret payment, and claims it.

“The important thing is that when someone pastes your invisible address into blockchain search tools like blockchain.info, they find absolutely nothing,” says Peter Todd, a consultant who advised the creators of the Dark Wallet when creating invisible address functions. “Payment is completely hidden.”

The developers of the Dark Wallet acknowledge that it is still in its early stages of development and that, like any crypto project, it needs time to show itself and patch up bugs. Taaki says, for example, that in the future the program will combine payments from more than two users in each transaction using CoinJoin, as well as integrate Tor anonymization tools to better protect users' IP addresses. In its current form, the Dark Wallet only protects IP addresses by hiding them behind a server that "negotiates" the combined transactions. Thus, users remain unprotected from complex traffic analysis. “It's not perfect, but it's still a very powerful tool,” says Taaki, “and it's only going to get better.”

At the same time, the group does not shy away from dialogue with regulators. Even their name is deliberately chosen to allude to the FBI's repeated warnings that the internet is "going dark" and that encryption tools could make it impossible for law enforcement to effectively track criminals and terrorists online.

“Dark Wallet is a way to materialize this nightmare and bring it back to them,” says Wilson. “There is a problem that the internet is going to go dark, and we are going to make that happen with bitcoin. This is what bitcoin is designed for. This is what we want to see."

What is the same Dark Wallet that was described in the New Yorker last week as a new bitcoin wallet for mass use, based on a browser plugin? This one is being developed by Cody Wilson, who became famous for challenging traditional notions of free speech.

On the this moment little is known about the Dark Wallet, except for news from the New Yorker, as Wilson refuses to be interviewed. This system will be designed as a wallet for ordinary users and will be implemented as a plugin for Chrome and Firefox browsers, as well as suitable for Windows, Mac and Linux systems.

The New Yorker reports that the Dark Wallet has some of computing power, used by many Bitcoin clients, will be moved to separate servers. This will help avoid double spending, meaning that the wallet can be implemented as a simplified money transfer confirmation system.

And it seems quite possible. Even though there are difficulties in downloading 10GB copies of the block chain, which will subsequently be much larger by the time the Dark Wallet is released, this download will be done using a browser plugin. This type of browser is used specifically to keep ordinary users on the service. And they, as you know, will not forgive any shortcomings, with the exception of waiting a few minutes.

There is a whole story about how Wilson made controversial new ideas mainstream. He leads an organization called Defense Distributed, which is a non-profit organization based in Texas that aims to protect gun rights in the United States. The organization actively disseminates information about the opportunity self-manufacturing weapons, by printing individual parts of weapons on special 3D printers. However, US Gun Law states that the organization violates export control laws. And in order to protect their projects for the introduction of this type of weapon and to establish their position at the state level, the organization published 3D printed materials necessary for the manufacture of their weapons on 3D printers. Since then, the materials of this project have been hosted on file hosting sites such as The Pirate Bay.

Defense Distributed also launched search engine(DefCad Search), designed specifically for searching 3D printed CAD models. Searching this site for this type of weapon helped to find not only the requested components for a prefabricated weapon, but also new versions of similar models.

Cryptoanarchist Wilson works with Amir Taaki, British developer software unSystem. A group of these developers is working on the creation of tools that can undermine the activities of law enforcement agencies and systems. unSystem lists Defense Distributed as one of its projects, and Wilson's hometown of Austin is mentioned as one of the locations, hinting that Wilson is quite closely associated with the faction.

Wilson and his colleagues are clearly following a certain political spirit, trying to establish control over the economic system from established powers. But despite this, for us, the concept of a wallet is still more intriguing.

It is not yet clear exactly how Dark Wallet will differ from its competitors based on browser plugins such as .info's My Wallet. However, apparently, the emphasis will be placed on ease of use specifically for those who are not savvy in technical terms system users.

Some parts of this easy-to-use bitcoin system have already been created, the development of a number of other components is still ongoing. For example, the so-called "Bitcoin Handler" was already introduced in HTML 5, and approved to its standards by the developers, who made it possible to code the hyperlink in order to start the payment process.

We have also seen plans to create new system messaging. And we hope that it will be introduced in version 0.9 of the Bitcoin protocol. This would allow wholesalers to make payments that are subsequently processed using digital certificates, rather than cumbersome QR codes and obscure Bitcoin addresses.

Additionally, work is underway to create web payments standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (WWC). This project will contain currency-agnostic standards that Bitcoin can support, and that hopefully can support one-click payments. Manu Sporny, one of the key people in the CWP for Web payments, is working on an internet project called PaySwarm. He intends to make a browser plugin that could support PaySwarm transactions.

The main problem that still needs to be solved is the transition to a simpler use of Bitcoin. As a result of successful changes to maintain the program and enforce strict Know Your Customer rules, receiving Bitcoin payments is still a big problem for those who are not versed in technical features users. After all, these users want to get the easiest way to use it without switching to numerous administrative resources.

Without intermediaries, such as LocalBitcoins, are one of the acceptable ways for them. However, its use requires a certain level of knowledge. Various similar exchangers have been proposed that have an easy-to-use client interface, but they have never caught on. Currently, web wallets such as the American Coinbase are the most convenient way to buy/sell money. But even their use involves a procedure for verifying the identity of the client, which will cut off a certain number of random users.

Undoubtedly, the current development of a crypto-anarchic Bitcoin wallet will seek to separate itself from the banking system in every possible way. It should be shedding mandatory routines like Know Your Customer and focusing on bundling the buying/selling of Bitcoin specifically. Only then will it be of some interest to 75% of users who have never contacted such systems before, being convenient and for those who actually know what is at stake.

If this is Wilson's goal, it will be interesting to see the end result of the unSystem team's efforts and Wilson's personal contribution to the development. More detailed information we will be able to find out after the fundraising campaign starts. Presumably this will happen in December.

What is Dark Wallet BTC Online Wallet? It is based on a browser plugin. The site interface consists of a gray image and two buttons: "download" and "information". The site cryptochan.org talks about the creator of this platform - Cody Wilson. In his twitter, he writes and tells news about his brainchild. The platform is based on the technology of protecting actions with CoinJoin virtual funds. It involves unsystematic grouping of several bitcoin transactions at once, while maintaining the anonymity of the paying users involved in the transfer process.

The Dark Wallet project originates from the Indiegogo crowdfunding service within unSystem. It was on this resource that the crypto-wallet of the new format attracted the interest of the cryptocurrency community. This project has not escaped criticism either.

Create Wallet

If you have Chrome browser, then go to the page with the file on the official website. Downloaded file from . zip unpack. Google Chrome has the ability to add and simplify performance. This can be done in extensions. In the same place in the developer mode, add this plugin to use. On the top right there will be an icon of the installed launcher. The language is automatically Russian. But the original is English.

On the home page choose either a tester or real bitcoins. Further regular registration or sign in to an existing account. No confirmation of personal data and the data itself is required. E-mail address not needed.

There is an opportunity to communicate with other people.

Safety

Upon registration, a twelve-word security mnemonic phrase is provided. They need to be remembered. Note: phrase on English language. Be sure to enter this phrase in the line next step. For greater security, it is worth creating backup wallet.

The levels of anonymity and security are high. In order to send cryptocurrency, it is enough to enter a bitcoin address. The address exists in the form of a QR code. You can also choose from existing contacts. All transactions are protected by a special key.

On forums and other information sites, people speak out in favor of the security of this platform. They also note that Dark Wallet BTC is a breakthrough in the field of online wallets. This is due to the fact that you have Open source - free software. Which means the availability of information and programs used to create this wallet, under a free / open license. That is, you yourself choose from the available options what suits you. If you understand the interface.

Another nice feature is multi-signature. A virtual set of keys that protects actions on funds.

conclusions

The benefits include:

Nice interface;
Ability to contact other users;
Always at hand;
Security is excellent.

More disadvantages:

Translation errors that interfere with work;
No connection with technical support;
There is no question-answer column;
The complexity of the installation;
Network connection interruptions.

Create Wallet

The platform has enough problems to solve. The Wilson Code team is working on it.

Dark Wallet (translated from English as “dark wallet”) is one of the most secure online platforms for working with cryptocurrencies, created by a team of unSystem programmers led by Cody Wilson, famous for creating the first 3D printed pistol, and Amir Taaki. Their goal is to return the independence of the cryptocurrency. The main difference between the Dark Wallet and its competitors is the complete anonymity of actions.

Create Wallet

Registration and verification how to use

At the moment, the application is available for download in beta version on the official website of Dark Wallet. To register in the wallet, you only need to enter a phone number and the amount you want to receive. After that, the user receives the address to which bitcoins are sent and a code with which you can withdraw cash through the Halcash system at an ATM. The wallet uses the Chip Chap system, which allows you to transfer euros to bitcoins and vice versa. This makes the process of withdrawing and converting money completely anonymous.

The application has a simple and fairly user-friendly interface, understandable even for beginners. The capabilities of this wallet are not much different from similar platforms: storing user coins and interacting with the Bitcoin network. The main advantage is “safe mixing”. This feature shuffles user transactions to prevent tracking user activity.

Safety

Dark Wallet (along with the Arnory wallet) received the highest score on the open source Bitcoin security project - 45 out of 100. This result is achieved due to two features:

1) CoinJoin (mix of payments), allows you to combine user transactions made at the same time. This method does not allow you to unambiguously say where and whose coins went;

2) "invisible address", which can be created and published on the network by any user of the application. Therefore, when someone sends a transaction to this address, Dark Wallet sends money to another encrypted address chosen at random.

Both features help reduce the risk of tracking transactions by almost half. The developers plan to introduce another method - combining several users into one payment. This will also enhance protection.

However, the presence of these functions interested public services. The European Bank and the United States consider the wallet as a potential security threat, because it can be used to sponsor terrorism and money laundering. The developers do not deny this. While not illegal, the Dark Wallet can be used on anonymous black markets, Wilson said.

Conclusions: advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of Dark Wallet is the privacy provided by the CoinJoin method (combining transactions) and the invisible address function. Cash withdrawal, closed conversion and the lack of linking a wallet to a bank card make the application even more convenient compared to other platforms.

However, the platform is still in the testing phase, so users complain about numerous errors and lengthy transfers. Well, in the end, the developers openly position the Dark Wallet as a money laundering tool. So you can use the wallet only at your own peril and risk.

Create Wallet

Dark Wallet is not the only development of Wilson and Taaka. Their plans include a project that encrypts secret documents using mathematical algorithms. One of the authors of the platform believes that the team will continue to come up with new ideas, even if the Dark Wallet is not popular enough.

Cryptocurrency to its decentralized roots and independence. However, initially, the application was released in a rather "raw" form, which made it difficult to form a wide user base, and, consequently, the implementation of some of the radical ideas laid down by the developers.

And now Dark Wallet is back with brand new features, including anonymous conversion and cash withdrawal. Thus, the developers are one step closer to realizing a real cypherpunk dream.

The alpha version of Dark Wallet, according to one of the developers, needed serious improvement. Anonymous wallet is now available as a plugin for Google browser Chrome, and soon for Mozilla Firefox. The creators hope that programmers and hackers from all over the world will take part in the development of the project and share ideas on how to improve it.

“To tell the truth, last summer during the release we wanted to show at least a basic online platform,” says Anglo-Iranian software developer Amir Taaki. “It was more like a test of the pen. Now we are approaching the release of a fully functional version of the platform. This is the way we want people to start actively downloading and testing it.”

The latest version of Dark Wallet also contains an independent peer-to-peer bitcoin exchange. Here, users can buy and sell bitcoins, while the role of arbitrators (third party) is performed by the development team. And since Dark Wallet does not require the provision of any personal information, the process of storing, buying / selling and transferring funds becomes completely anonymous.

In order to make the process of converting and withdrawing money invisible and anonymous, developers use the Chip Chap application, which allows you to transfer bitcoins to euros and vice versa. Users can then withdraw cash from any of the several thousand ATMs located throughout Europe. And no bank cards, phone only!

“You enter your phone number and the amount you want to withdraw, you get the address where you need to send bitcoins. After sending, you receive a code that can be used at an ATM to withdraw cash through the Halcash system, which is widespread in Spain and throughout Europe,” Taaki explains.

Recall that the US government and the European central bank consider Dark Wallet as a potential tool for money laundering and sponsoring terrorism. In addition, do not forget that the project is at an early stage of development. So use the updated alpha version at your own risk. However, Taaki assures that the development is at the final stage. A beta release is expected within a few weeks once the user base has grown sufficiently. It is planned to release the final version in the next 1-2 months.

In addition, it became known that Dark Wallet is just one of the ideas of the team, which, in addition to Taaka, includes Cody Wilson, known for open source development in the field of firearms, the components of which can be printed on a 3D printer. Settled in a small villa in Spain, the developers with their projects are preparing a real “crusade” against established ideas about power and society.

In addition to the Dark Wallet, the team plans to include the Dark Leaks project, which uses mathematical algorithms for encryption and distribution of various kinds. Wilson is also launching a campaign to get elected as a member of the Bitcoin Foundation and then disband the organization (which the Dark Wallet team considers unnecessary and counterproductive to Bitcoin's original goals as a means of decentralization and independence).

Taaki believes that even if Dark Wallet doesn't find much traction in the bitcoin community, the team will have enough momentum to continue their projects: