Bitcoin Dev Peter Todd Denies Satoshi Claims

Longtime Bitcoin Core developer Peter Todd has found himself in the spotlight this month after being accused of being Satoshi Nakamoto in a new HBO documentary, “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery.” Despite vehemently denying the claims both on- and off-camera. Todd said on Friday that the rumors have forced him to adopt new security measures.

Security and Public Response

While Todd declined to detail the exact steps he’s taken for security reasons. He clarified that he’s not in hiding and plans to continue public appearances. On Friday, he attended a Bitcoin conference in Lugano, Switzerland, where a Satoshi Nakamoto statue was unveiled. He will be speaking at five more events globally in the coming weeks.

“I have taken some security measures,” Todd stated. “But it’s not a good idea to say exactly what I’ve done publicly.” He shared that, so far, he hasn’t been publicly confronted by anyone who recognized him from the HBO documentary.

HBO Documentary Sparks Debate

The documentary, directed by Cullen Hoback, suggests that Todd might be Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator. Pointing to alleged similarities in writing styles and Todd’s early experiments with digital currency. Hoback even speculated that a blog post by Todd was meant to be authored by Satoshi. Claiming it was accidentally posted under Todd’s account.

However, crypto community members have been skeptical of the documentary’s conclusions, and Todd himself dismissed the claims as “ludicrous” when presented with them.

Cullen Hoback Responds

Following Todd’s public denial of being in hiding, Hoback continued to fuel speculation on social media. “Peter Todd tells Wired he’s gone into hiding,” Hoback tweeted. “Then he mocks Wired for running with this narrative, making an appearance today onstage.”

While Todd is no stranger to public scrutiny due to his early involvement in Bitcoin’s development, this documentary’s claims mark the most intense focus yet on his potential identity as Satoshi Nakamoto. Todd’s dismissal of the theories and his continued public presence suggest he has no plans to let the rumors alter his role in the Bitcoin community.