Newsweek Journalist Allegedly Identifies Satoshi Nakamoto

Leah McGrath Goodman of Newsweek has published a piece on bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto, or more like her quest to find out the man’s real identity.

Satoshi Nakamoto is the creator of bitcoin, for those unaware.

Goodman actually approached (the alleged) Nakamoto to ask some questions regarding bitcoin, but was met with evasive answers:

“I am no longer involved in that and I cannot discuss it,” he said to her, according to the piece. “It’s been turned over to other people. They are in charge of it now. I no longer have any connection.”

This man — who almost none of us knew the identity of — graduated from California State Polytechnic University, and is not surprisingly great at math.

An interesting statement from Nakamoto’s brother, Arthur:

“My brother is an asshole. What you don’t know about him is that he’s worked on classified stuff. His life was a complete blank for a while. You’re not going to be able to get to him. He’ll deny everything. He’ll never admit to starting Bitcoin.”

We won’t write any more simply because the story should be reviewed right from the source (albeit we think it is a complete violation of Nakamoto’s privacy). If you wish, take the time and read it at Newsweek. You’ll also see an alleged picture of the man.

Some who have commented on the article are disappointed with the piece:

“Its sort of a shame that this article went out of their way to prove the identity of a man who clearly didn’t want to be revealed. Article writer comes off as a Ruthless type,” one user wrote.

Another:

Incredibly irresponsible journalism.

Not only did you out someone who just wanted to be left alone, you published photos of him and his house, as well as the location of it.

Shameful and despicable, I guess all you were really thinking about adding ‘Found Satoshi Nakamoto’ to your resume right?

Did Goodman do the wrong thing by revealing his identity?

Noted: Title edited to included “allegedly” as none of this is actually proven.