Watchman Privacy 37 - Running a Bitcoin Full Node for Privacy
Sep 16, 2022
Discover the ins and outs of running your own Bitcoin full node for enhanced privacy. Learn about the role of nodes in decentralization and how they verify transactions. Gabriel explains the differences between lightweight wallets and full nodes, as well as the privacy trade-offs involved. He dives into the specifics of the Ronin Dojo Tonto, highlighting its features like Tor enforcement and Whirlpool integration. Gain insights on setup, syncing, and the unique sense of participation that comes from being part of the Bitcoin ecosystem.
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Nodes Are Bitcoin
- A Bitcoin node is the protocol and ledger running distributed across thousands of machines worldwide.
- As long as at least one node runs, Bitcoin continues to exist and verify transactions.
Self-Trust Through Your Node
- Running a full node gives you your own copy of the entire Bitcoin ledger to trust independently.
- Lightweight wallets borrow third-party nodes, which reintroduces reliance and potential privacy leaks.
Avoid Third-Party Node Exposure
- Avoid using third-party nodes when possible to reduce address and balance exposure to others.
- Use Tor or your own node to hide your IP from nodes you connect to and limit surveillance risk.
