• MetaMask, a leading crypto wallet, announced new privacy features to improve security and user control.
• Advanced privacy settings allow users to toggle requests for third-party services and change RPC providers.
• The update was likely in response to the criticism MetaMask received when their updated privacy policy said it would collect IP addresses and Ethereum wallet addresses when sending transactions.
MetaMask Unveils New Privacy Features for Crypto Wallets
Leading crypto wallet MetaMask has unveiled a number of privacy features in response to increased criticism. On Feb. 2, industry-dominant crypto wallet MetaMask announced that users will see an “updated experience” for wallet creation and upgrades in their privacy and security settings.
Advanced Privacy Settings
Under the advanced privacy settings, users can now toggle features that send requests to third-party services. This helps with phishing detection and identifying incoming transactions, MetaMask explained. There is also the option to change RPC (remote procedure call) providers in response to criticism over the default provider, Infura.
Criticism of Updated Privacy Policy
In November, MetaMask came under fire after an update by developers ConsenSys. A quietly updated privacy policy said at the time that when using Infura, it will “collect your IP address and your Ethereum wallet address when you send a transaction.” This sparked a wave of condemnation towards the wallet and its creators, forcing ConsenSys to justify its actions.
Response from MetaMask
MetaMask has now rectified the issue by offering a choice of RPC providers in this latest upgrade. The phishing detection feature is also one that is required as attacks have become more frequent amongst malicious actors looking to steal funds from unsuspecting victims’ wallets.
Conclusion
Overall, these new changes are meant to give users maximum control over their data while ensuring they remain safe from malicious actors online seeking out vulnerable targets with valuable funds stored within their wallets on various platforms such as Ethereum or Bitcoin (BTC).