- Peter Todd, a Bitcoin developer, has gone into hiding after being incorrectly identified as Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, in an HBO documentary
- Todd has denied being Satoshi, but the documentary has led to harassment, including numerous demands for financial help
- The film’s evidence and claims have been widely criticized for factual inaccuracies, yet the controversy continues to impact Todd’s personal life
Bitcoin developer Peter Todd has gone “into hiding” following a recent HBO documentary which pointed to him as the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto. Since the documentary aired two weeks ago, Todd has been bombarded with harassment and demands for money, forcing him to retreat from the public eye. Despite denying these claims, Todd faces ongoing attention that has compromised his safety, calling the attention “absurd.”
Todd Denied Link Immediately
The documentary, titled Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, was trumpeted with much fanfare earlier this month, with the creators claiming to have unmasked Satoshi. The show suggested that Todd, due to his deep involvement in Bitcoin’s early development, is Nakamoto, focusing on a series of speculative claims, including a 2010 interaction on the BitcoinTalk forum.
Critics, however, including Todd himself, have pointed out numerous flaws in the documentary’s timeline, arguing that Todd was not actively involved with Bitcoin until years after Nakamoto’s disappearance. Todd’s colleagues in the cryptocurrency space have also spoken out against the film’s conclusions, with many decrying the so-called ‘evidence’. Todd himself sarcastically noted, “Of course I’m Satoshi… and Craig Wright too,” referencing another individual who has falsely claimed to be Nakamoto.
Safety Concerns Prompt Withdrawal
Despite the light-hearted tone, Todd has taken the threats seriously, opting, wisely, for seclusion. Todd told WIRED that, whoever was fingered, the whole thing was “clearly going to be a circus,” with the alleged reveal being nothing more than a marketing ploy to get people to watch. The creator, Cullen Holback, still stands by his identification:
While of course we can’t outright say he is Satoshi, I think that we make a very strong case.
In addition to the fallout from the documentary, Todd’s situation highlights the dangers faced by those linked to Bitcoin’s creation. The mystery surrounding Satoshi Nakamoto has captivated the public for years, but as Todd’s experience shows, such attention can have severe personal consequences
The ongoing speculation around Bitcoin’s origin continues to stir controversy, but for now, Todd’s primary concern remains his personal safety.
