Not trying to make excuses for them, but do they realistically have options? I'm imagining the pressures that can be brought on a company like this, even if not US.
What happens when Github doesn't allow these types of tools anymore?
Also is Phoenix likely to do some kind of vpn checking like Wallet of Satoshi now does?
And realistically speaking - is anyone going to stop using Phoenix? I imagine most people won't stop, unless Phoenix starts checking people's location, and if that's the case, maybe people will start using a vpn with their phone?
If Phoenix starts blocking US users, no way in hell people go out of their way to use a VPN just to access it. Phoenix already has privacy tradeoffs, just wouldn't be worth it at that point. Other options available.
If this is the extent of the actual attack and attention span of the attack performed on the lighting network, pretty pathetic from the most powerful financial cops on earth.
This is one trial court making an assertion in a single jurisdiction. There has been NO appellate review. Other districts may have other opinions. Yet everyone is folding their tents and running for the hills? The hours they have put in building this stuff? Have some fucking backbone.
It makes me wonder if people just didn't understand how much of an upset Bitcoin is to US hegemony. That the value prop is merely improving payment technology.
People are clueless. Apple does the government's bidding. They block apps in China for the CCP and provide the CCP with their own "cloud" that grants them access to user data.
Dropping Apple is the way. I realized this several years ago. I like Apple's products but you can't be free and use their OS. Best to learn before you have to learn was my mindset.
As Darth says, people don't listen. I've warned many.
I haven't wanted to say this but I'm not surprised. This is why I'm so angry. The DoJ and FBI scare the crap out of people. The US has a long arm. For years it has blown me away that more people don't question how the US has the right to even do anything to Julian Assange. He's no US citizen. These authorities are trying to scare all of these project into KYC/AML shit.
The "legal" system in the US is a farce. We live in a police state. It can and will get worse if we bend the knee. The USSR was far worse but in principle we have a system the KGB couldn't even dream of.
The myth that the US is a good actor is so tiring. The US could be worse but it uses the threat of violence to keep the rest of the world in line. Most of the time they just have to use their dollar flex. Those that don't bend the knee are the "evil" nations.
And it doesn't matter who is in "power" in the US. The oppression of the US is bipartisan.
This is true. The general public has been conditioned for years to get apps from app stores though. That's the challenge. If you want freedom it isn't free.
Unless you have enough inbound liquidity on lightning for either of those wallets there isn’t a cheapest way, you will have to do an on chain transaction to open up a channel with enough liquidity.
likely because of the federal actions against the Samourai Wallet team. Being arrested for running an unregistered money service business is having a chilling effect.
edit: From ACINQ who runs Phoenix Wallet
Recent announcements from US authorities cast a doubt on whether self-custodial wallet providers, Lightning service providers, or even Lightning nodes could be considered Money Services Businesses and be regulated as such.
Sad Day?
or an opportunity to grow?
Run your own Bitcoin and Lightning Nodes people.
It could be updated to alternative app storesNah, those haven't come to USA yet