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    Exposed: Academic Misinformation Battle Over Satoshi’s Real Identity

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    University of Exeter’s Bitcoin Course Sparks Controversy Amidst Allegations of Misinformation

    Controversy has recently struck the University of Exeter’s course on Bitcoin and trust, following allegations made to Jason Deane, COO at RenewaBlox, by an anonymous source, that the module promoted the disputed claim that Craig Wright is Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin.

    According to the anonymous source communicating to Deane, last year’s teachings at the University included allegedly definitive statements identifying Wright as Bitcoin’s inventor, along with content that appeared to be aligned with the narrative of Bitcoin SV (BSV), a cryptocurrency associated with Wright. Deane has also mentioned the alleged existence of inflammatory comments in the curriculum about public figures in the crypto space such as Peter McCormack, calling the content “BSV propaganda.”

    The course in question, listed as “Bitcoin, Money and Trust” in the University’s syllabus, is reportedly connected to Dr. Jack Rogers, a figure known for his involvement with the BSV community. This connection has raised eyebrows, particularly because of Rogers’ past engagements with prominent BSV supporters, including Calvin Ayre.

    In an effort to verify these claims, What The Finance contacted the University of Exeter and several associated academic staff, including Christopher Carr, Dr. Martha Omolo and module staff Jack Rogers, for comments on these allegations. The responses from University representatives like Christopher Carr, who works in a technical capacity on related modules, were of categorical denial. Carr, surprised by the allegations, stated unequivocally that they do not promote any particular individual or platform, including Craig Wright.

    This is a very surprising email, and all I can say is that I am very shocked to hear this.

    I work on that module at Exeter in a technical capacity as well as leading the MSc module on Smart Contracts (which was recently shortlisted for an award). In these modules I talk about the technical aspects of Bitcoin, Ethereum and blockchain in general. I sometimes cover other networks but nothing along the lines of your email. There are two other module leaders and other support staff on that module, but we coordinate so I would be very very surprised if this were true. 

    To be clear, I can categorically and wholeheartedly state that I don’t promote anyone or even any platform, including this person.

    Frankly I don’t like to waste my time discussing him. I was a PhD researcher in 2016 when I saw the wired / bbc articles and having investigated personally saw that the claim was clearly misleading. I have used that as inspiration for an exam question on verification before and, in addition, I even direct students to the podcast ‘Dr Bitcoin, the man who wasn’t Satoshi Nakamoto.’ For some non compulsory related listening. 

    I trust this clarifies your question. 

    Dr Christopher Carr

    The situation took a fresh twist when Jason Deane in a second post stirred up the academic and cryptocurrency communities alike. Deane’s post features a video snippet from a University of Exeter lecture where an unequivocal statement was made: “Craig actually is Satoshi Nakamoto.” This assertion is not only contentious due to the widespread debate over Nakamoto’s true identity but also because it contradicts a recent legal determination by the High Court in London which found that claims of Craig Wright being Satoshi are false.

    The clip, apparently from a “recent” academic year at the University of Exeter, showcases the kind of definitive statements that are rarely made in academic circles, especially surrounding unresolved issues. The University of Exeter, known for its reputable academic standards, is now under the microscope as the crypto and educational spheres question the vetting process of lecture content and the potential biases that might influence teaching.

    While University staff previously denied allegations of promoting Wright as the creator of Bitcoin, this video brings a new dimension to the conversation. The footage from the lecture hall, showing the claim presented as a matter of fact, if proven genuine, has the potential to undermine the University’s credibility and its commitment to academic rigor and objectivity.

    Given these developments, Dr Carr was approached for further comment.

    This incident highlights the delicate balance that educational institutions must maintain between academic freedom and the dissemination of verified information. As cryptocurrency becomes a more significant topic of study in universities around the world, ensuring accurate and impartial teaching is paramount to avoid misinformation and the propagation of unfounded claims.

    In the wake of this video, both the University of Exeter and the wider academic community may need to re-evaluate how subjects like cryptocurrency, steeped in controversy and rapid evolution, are taught to the next generation of technologists and thinkers.

    The University of Exeter has been contacted for comment and has stated that they plan to provide a response on this matter via their press office.

    Why Exeter?

    image 189
    @btcsteve

    Adam Back is a renowned figure in the field of cryptography and the cryptocurrency industry. Notably, Back’s educational background includes a significant connection to the University of Exeter, where he earned his PhD in distributed systems. This academic pursuit at Exeter laid the foundation for his profound impact on the development of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. As a leading mind in the space, Back is credited with the creation of Hashcash, a proof-of-work system that has been integral to Bitcoin mining.

    His contributions to the field are not only of technical significance but also serve as a cornerstone in the development of Bitcoin itself, a fact reflected in the Bitcoin white paper, which cites Hashcash as a reference. Back’s influence in the realm of digital currency is enduring, and his association with the University of Exeter stands as a testament to the institution’s place in the history of blockchain technology .

    Norwegian University Faces Scrutiny Over Promoting Discredited Satoshi Claim

    Another matter was highlighted by well known Bitcoiner, Hodlonaut, who is still involved to this day, in litigation proceedings with Craig Wright. He revealed that Høgskolen i Molde, Molde University College, is facing scrutiny after revelations that a book included in its 2024 “Programming Blockchain Applications” course unabashedly credits Craig Wright as Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. This stance is particularly contentious, as it directly contradicts the recent ruling by the High Court in London, which found that Wright’s claim to the Satoshi identity is categorically false.

    The book in question effusively commends Wright for his alleged contributions to Bitcoin knowledge and technology, attributing the author’s entire understanding of Bitcoin protocol to Wright’s work and touting his numerous degrees and patents. This unwavering endorsement comes at a time when the academic and broader crypto community calls for objectivity and factual correctness regarding the cryptocurrency’s origins.

    Further fueling the debate is the fact that the 2023 exam for the course apparently references Craig Wright as Satoshi Nakamoto. Such explicit content, especially in light of the recent court ruling, has raised concerns about the impartiality of the educational material and the potential influence exerted by BSV proponents like nChain on the university’s curriculum.

    Høgskolen i Molde has been reached for comment but did not respond to this date.

    Educational Integrity in Question

    Questions are now being raised about the due diligence and integrity of academic institutions in vetting the content they teach, especially on topics as important and sensitive as the history and foundation of blockchain technology. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of separating academic inquiry from unverified and legally disputed claims.

    In the realm of education, where critical thinking and evidence-based knowledge are paramount, Molde University College’s decision to include such material in their syllabus is sparking a dialogue about the ethical responsibilities of educational bodies in the rapidly evolving and often controversial domain of cryptocurrency.

    As the dialogue unfolds, What The Finance remains committed to ensuring that academic content on cryptocurrency, a complex and nuanced field, is delivered with factual integrity and impartiality. The financial world watches closely, as the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto remains one of the sector’s most enduring mysteries.

    Want to keep reading some interesting facts about this saga? Mr Arthur Van Pelt has released his latest article: “Farewell To Faketoshi; The Highlights of Craig Wright’s Swan Song“.

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    Lucy Walker
    Lucy Walker
    Lucy Walker covers finance, health and beauty since 2014. She has been writing for various online publications.
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