Newsweek Outs Alleged Bitcoin Creator

Satoshi Nakamoto, the shadowy figure who created Bitcoin, is no pseudonym, but a reclusive U.S. engineer named … Satoshi Nakamoto, Newsweek reports in an investigative article that builds a detailed circumstantial case for its conclusion, but fails to confirm Nakamoto’s identity.

Bitcoin enthusiasts erupted in rage at the supposed unmasking of Nakamoto while also casting doubt on the article. Nakamoto, who spoke only briefly to the Newsweek reporter, declined to identify himself as the originator of Bitcoin and did not use his private key in a verified way, which would identify him as the individual who mined the first bitcoin.

Gavin Andresen, a programmer who worked on Bitcoin with Nakamoto in its early days, said on Twitter that he was “disappointed” in the article and that he “regretted” speaking with its reporter.