Who created Bitcoin? This question, seemingly innocuous and simple to solve, remains to this day an entire enigma against which even specialists in the crypto industry stumble. Theories abound on the identity of the individual — or the organization — behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, mixing half-truths and wacky reasoning. However, in recent years, one theory has persisted, supported by circumstantial evidence, and presents a most plausible scenario. It involves one of America’s most secret intelligence-gathering agencies: the National Security Agency (NSA). What should we think ? Did the NSA really create Bitcoin? Let’s look at the question.
1er argument: an index given by the Bitcoin source code
For a few years, a small sect of Bitcoiners has been spreading the idea that the NSA created Bitcoin as a kind of honeypot, in order to hunt down criminals who might see crypto as a useful mode of payment. This theory is based on a word, or rather a code: SHA-256.
SHA-256, hear Secure Hash Algorithm 256 Bits, is a complex mathematical formula essential to the functioning of the Bitcoin source code. Its role is to secure block mining and transactions, in particular through the creation of Bitcoin addresses from public keys and its contribution to the proof-of-work consensus mechanism.
This algorithm, so important for the integrity, confidentiality and reliability of the Bitcoin system, was developed in 2001 by Glenn M. Lilly, a mathematician who worked in collaboration with NSA engineers on a project. This was intended to provide a robust hash function for a variety of applications, communications security and communications protection being one of them.
Released by the NSA, SHA-256 has become widely adopted in the computer security industry, especially in areas such as cryptography due to its resilience and security against cryptographic attacks. These reasons partly explain the fact that it is found in the source code of Bitcoin – undoubtedly a strategic choice of the creator – and could rule out the possibility of collusion with the secret intelligence agency.
2e argument: a 1996 document published by the NSA
Conspiracy theorists rely on a second argument to justify the idea that the NSA is the entity behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. In particular, they point to a document published by the agency in 1996, entitled “How to make a Mint: the cryptography of anonymous electronic cash and in which, the organization appears to present certain aspects of cryptocurrencies in general.
In this essay, the authors talk about a system that uses public-key cryptography to allow users to make anonymous payments without revealing their identity. In a way, they describe more a potential vision for the future of the currency than a plan for future projects. Although their ideas have key differences from the crypto industry as we know it today, they are enough to give rise to speculation about the connection between the NSA and Bitcoin.
3e argument: the benefits that the Deep State could derive from implementing cryptocurrencies
The phrase “Deep State” refers to a rather interesting conspiracy theory. This indeed suggests the existence of a hidden structure, in principle within a government or the bureaucratic apparatus of a country, which would be capable of making secret decisions, or even of exerting an influence not negligible on political affairs and public decisions.
This notion, albeit shrouded in controversy and speculation, is the workhorse of conspiracy theorists who attribute Bitcoin authorship to the NSA. According to them, Satoshi Nakamoto is the Deep State and cryptocurrency would allow this structure to have a financial infrastructure beyond the watchful eye and scrutiny of intentional finance on Wall Street or any other bank on the planet.
What would be the objectives of such a project? Theorists believe that the establishment of Bitcoin and thus the crypto industry would serve to funnel black market money and thus fund Deep State operations on the sly. Far from stopping there, they believe that cryptocurrencies are also spy coins, used to keep an eye on financial transactions, and the privacy of all users.
Ultimately, did the NSA create Bitcoin?
American three-letter agencies are regularly at the heart of conspiracy theories. Thus, the fact that the NSA is considered the entity behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto is partly unsurprising. However, this accusation is not supported by direct evidence that would allow it to be confirmed.
That said, this theory launches many thoughts as to the real identity of the creator of Bitcoin and his true intentions. The enigma remains intact and will continue to feed the debates for a long time.
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