ARE WE STILL MAD AT METAMASK AND CONSENSYS FOR SNOOPING ON US?

Remember the uproar? Are we still mad at MetaMask and ConsenSys for snooping on us?Back in November 2025, right around Thanksgiving, Crypto Twitter exploded. A carteira de extens o do navegador MetaMask usa um n chamado Infura. Esse n propriedade da ConsenSys, a mesma empresa que desenvolve o MetaMask. O comunicado de imprensa lembrou aos usu rios que a Infura coleta os endere os de protocolo de internet (IP) e endere os de carteira dos usu rios que conectam sua carteira MetaMask Infura.The culprit?ConsenSys, the company behind the wildly popular MetaMask wallet, released a disclosure about a privacy policy update that sent shockwaves through the crypto community.The gist of it?MetaMask, by default, routes user transactions through Infura, a node also owned by ConsenSys. The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget about it. The limited attention span of this community misses the ultimate resolution of important issues. Over the Thanksgiving holiday in November 2025, ConsenSys released a disclosure about a privacy policy affecting MetaMask users that sent [ ]This means Infura collects user IP addresses and wallet addresses.While not inherently malicious, this revelation raised serious concerns about privacy, data centralization, and the very ethos of decentralization that underpins cryptocurrency. The cryptocurrency group tends to fixate on a brand new problem each few weeks after which promptly overlook about it. The restricted consideration span ofThe initial reaction was, understandably, negative. The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget about it. The limited attention span of this community misses the ultimate resolutionAccusations of ""snooping"" and data harvesting flew freely. ConsenSys, the developer behind MetaMask, isn t the only one snooping on our transactions, but they ve taken the most heat for it. The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget about it. The limited attention span of this community misses the ultimate resolution of important issues. Over the Thanksgiving holiday in NovemberBut in the fast-paced world of crypto, where a new drama unfolds seemingly every week, the question remains: Are we still mad at MetaMask and ConsenSys for snooping on us?Or has the outrage faded, replaced by the next shiny new issue? The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget about it. The limited attention span of this community misses the ultimate resolution of important issues. Over the Thanksgiving holiday in November 2025, ConsenSys released a disclosure abLet's delve into the details and examine the current state of affairs.

The Infura Privacy Policy Controversy: A Recap

To understand the current sentiment, it's crucial to revisit the original incident. Are we still mad at MetaMask and ConsenSys for snooping on us? The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then. Bitcoin mining difficulty set to hit record high today amid US miner scrutinyThe core issue revolves around Infura, a hosted Ethereum node infrastructure that many applications, including MetaMask, rely on. The MetaMask browser extension wallet uses a node called Infura. That node is owned by ConsenSys, the same company that develops MetaMask. The press release reminded users that Infura collects the internet protocol (IP) addresses and wallet addresses of users who connect their MetaMask wallet to Infura.When you use MetaMask, your transactions are, by default, processed through Infura.This offers convenience and ease of use, but it comes at a cost: data collection.

The privacy policy disclosure in 2025 revealed that Infura collects two key pieces of information:

• IP Addresses: Your internet protocol address, which can be used to determine your general location.
• Wallet Addresses: The public address of your Ethereum wallet, allowing Infura to track your transactions.

This data collection isn't unique to ConsenSys. The cryptocurrency neighborhood tends to fixate on a brand new challenge each few weeks after which promptly overlook about it. The restricted considerationMany centralized services collect similar information.However, the fact that MetaMask, a wallet often associated with decentralization and privacy, was relying on a centralized service for transaction processing struck many as hypocritical. The limited attention span of this community misses the ultimate resolution of important issues. Over the Thanksgiving holiday in November 2025, ConsenSys released a disclosure about a privacy policy affecting MetaMask users that sent Crypto Twitter into a firestorm. My first reaction was also negative.The perceived lack of transparency in how this data was being used further fueled the anger.

Why the Outrage?Understanding the Crypto Community's Concerns

The outrage stemmed from several key concerns that are deeply ingrained in the crypto community's values:

• Privacy: Crypto enthusiasts often prioritize privacy and anonymity. Trong kỳ nghỉ lễ Tạ ơn v o th ng 11 năm 2025, ConsenSys đ tiết lộ một tiết lộ về ch nh s ch quyền ri ng tư ảnh hưởng đến người d ng MetaMask đ khiến Crypto Twitter trở th nh một cơn b o lửa. Phản ứng đầu ti n của t i cũng ti u cực.The idea that a centralized entity could track their transactions and potentially link them to their real-world identities was deeply unsettling.
• Decentralization: The reliance on a centralized node like Infura contradicts the core principle of decentralization. ConsenSys, the developer behind MetaMask, isn t the only one snooping on our transactions, but they ve taken the most heat for it. The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget about it. The limited attention span of this community misses the ultimate resolution of importantMany believe that users should have control over their own data and not rely on intermediaries.
• Data Security: The collection of IP addresses and wallet addresses raises concerns about data security and potential breaches.Users worried that this information could be compromised and used for malicious purposes.
• Trust: The lack of transparency surrounding the data collection practices eroded trust in MetaMask and ConsenSys.Many felt that they had been misled about the privacy implications of using the wallet.

These concerns, amplified by the speed and reach of social media, quickly escalated into a widespread backlash against MetaMask and ConsenSys.

Is ConsenSys the Only ""Snooper""? ConsenSys, the developer behind MetaMask, isn t the only one snooping on our transactions, but they ve taken the most heat for it. The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget about it. The limited attention span of this community misses the ultimate resolution of important [ ]The Broader Context of Data Collection

It's important to note that ConsenSys isn't the only entity collecting user data in the crypto space.Many centralized exchanges, custodians, and other service providers collect similar information to comply with regulations and prevent fraud.Even decentralized applications (dApps) can track user activity through cookies, analytics tools, and other mechanisms.

However, ConsenSys faced the brunt of the criticism because of MetaMask's widespread adoption and its association with the ideals of decentralization. The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget about it. The limited attention span of this community misses the ultimate resolution of important issues. Over the Thanksgiving holiday inThe expectation was that a wallet promoting self-custody and privacy would not rely on a centralized service that collected user data.

The reality is that achieving true anonymity in the crypto space is incredibly difficult.Even when using decentralized tools, your IP address can still be exposed, and your transactions can be traced on the blockchain.While services like VPNs and Tor can help mask your IP address, they are not foolproof.Similarly, coin mixers can obfuscate transaction histories, but they are not always effective and can raise red flags.

The Crypto Community's Short Attention Span: Have We Moved On?

The cryptocurrency community is known for its rapid news cycle.A hot topic can dominate discussions for a week or two, only to be replaced by the next trending issue. The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget aboutThis short attention span can make it difficult to sustain long-term outrage or hold companies accountable for their actions.

Considering the Thanksgiving 2025 timeframe, and the current year, the initial furor surrounding the Infura privacy policy has undoubtedly subsided. That node is owned by ConsenSys, the same company that develops MetaMask. The press release reminded users that Infura collects the internet protocol (IP) addresses and wallet addresses of users who connect their MetaMask wallet to Infura.New narratives have emerged, new controversies have surfaced, and the collective attention has shifted elsewhere. ConsenSys, the developer behind MetaMask, isn t the only one snooping on our transactions, but they ve taken the most heat for it.However, this doesn't necessarily mean that the underlying concerns have been resolved or that users have completely forgiven and forgotten.

The impact of the incident likely varies from individual to individual.Some users may have switched to alternative wallets, while others may have taken steps to mitigate the privacy risks associated with using MetaMask. Hoka s Slowing Sales Growth Could Lift Nike, JefferiesStill others may have simply accepted the trade-offs and continued using the wallet as before.

What Steps Can Users Take to Protect Their Privacy?

While complete anonymity in the crypto space may be elusive, there are several steps users can take to protect their privacy:

• Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can mask your IP address and prevent Infura (or other services) from tracking your location.
• Run Your Own Ethereum Node: By running your own node, you can bypass Infura and connect directly to the Ethereum network.This gives you greater control over your data and enhances your privacy.This requires technical expertise and resources.
• Use Alternative Wallets: Several alternative wallets offer enhanced privacy features, such as built-in VPNs, Tor integration, or the ability to connect to custom RPC endpoints.Explore wallets like Brave Wallet, or hardware wallets connected to your own node.
• Connect MetaMask to a Different RPC Endpoint: You can configure MetaMask to connect to a different Ethereum node provider instead of Infura. 10 votes, 21 comments. 6.5M subscribers in the CryptoCurrency community. The leading community for cryptocurrency news, discussion, and analysis.Popular options include Alchemy, QuickNode, and Pocket Network.This allows you to choose a provider with a privacy policy that aligns with your values.
• Be Mindful of Your Transactions: Avoid linking your crypto wallets to your real-world identity.Use separate wallets for different purposes and be cautious about sharing your wallet address online.
• Use Coin Mixers (with caution): Coin mixers, also known as tumblers, can obfuscate transaction histories by mixing your coins with those of other users.However, using coin mixers can raise red flags and may attract unwanted attention from regulatory authorities.They also pose a risk of your coins being associated with illicit activities.

ConsenSys' Response and Ongoing Efforts

In response to the criticism, ConsenSys has taken some steps to address the privacy concerns surrounding MetaMask and Infura. The cryptocurrency community has a tendency to fixate on a new issue every few weeks and then promptly forget about it. The limited attention span of thisThese steps include:

• Increased Transparency: ConsenSys has made efforts to be more transparent about its data collection practices and privacy policies.
• Offering Alternative Options: ConsenSys has promoted the option of connecting MetaMask to alternative RPC endpoints.
• Exploring Decentralized Solutions: ConsenSys has expressed interest in exploring decentralized solutions for transaction processing that would minimize reliance on centralized infrastructure.However, progress on this front has been slow.

It remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to fully restore trust in MetaMask and ConsenSys.Ultimately, the onus is on users to educate themselves about the privacy implications of using crypto tools and to take steps to protect their own data.

The Future of Privacy in the Crypto Space

The controversy surrounding MetaMask and Infura highlights the ongoing tension between privacy and convenience in the crypto space.Users want easy-to-use tools, but they also want to protect their privacy.Finding a balance between these two competing priorities is a challenge that the crypto community is still grappling with.

The future of privacy in the crypto space will likely involve a combination of technological advancements, regulatory developments, and increased user awareness.Some potential developments include:

• Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs): Technologies like zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption could enable users to transact and interact with dApps without revealing sensitive information.
• Decentralized Identity (DID): DID solutions could allow users to control their own digital identities and selectively disclose information to third parties.
• Data Protection Regulations: Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) could be extended to the crypto space, giving users more control over their personal data.
• Increased User Awareness: As users become more aware of the privacy risks associated with using crypto tools, they will be more likely to demand privacy-preserving alternatives.

The Rise of Privacy-Focused Blockchains

Several blockchains are designed with privacy as a core feature.Blockchains like Monero and Zcash use advanced cryptographic techniques to obscure transaction details and protect user identities. 776 subscribers in the Satoshi_club community. Satoshi Club is a community that connects blockchain companies with a large pool of cryptoWhile these blockchains offer enhanced privacy, they often come with trade-offs in terms of scalability, usability, and adoption.

The Role of Regulations

Regulations play a crucial role in shaping the privacy landscape of the crypto space.Some regulations, like anti-money laundering (AML) laws, require centralized exchanges and custodians to collect user data to prevent illicit activities.Other regulations, like GDPR, aim to protect user privacy and give individuals more control over their data.The interplay between these competing regulatory forces will likely shape the future of privacy in the crypto space.

The Verdict: Where Do We Stand Now?

So, are we still mad at MetaMask and ConsenSys for snooping on us?The answer is likely a nuanced one.The initial outrage has subsided, but the underlying concerns about privacy and centralization remain.The community's attention may have shifted to other issues, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for greater transparency in the crypto space.

While some users may have completely forgiven and forgotten, others may have switched to alternative wallets or taken steps to mitigate the privacy risks associated with using MetaMask.Still others may be cautiously optimistic, waiting to see if ConsenSys will follow through on its promises to enhance privacy and decentralization.

Ultimately, the question of whether we are still mad at MetaMask and ConsenSys is less important than the broader issue of privacy in the crypto space.The incident serves as a call to action for users, developers, and regulators to work together to create a more privacy-preserving and decentralized ecosystem.

Key Takeaways and Actionable Advice

• Privacy is not guaranteed in the crypto space: Take steps to protect your own data, such as using a VPN, running your own node, or choosing privacy-focused wallets.
• Be aware of the trade-offs between privacy and convenience: Easy-to-use tools often come with privacy implications.Consider the trade-offs and choose the options that best align with your values.
• Demand transparency from crypto service providers: Ask questions about data collection practices and privacy policies.Support companies that prioritize user privacy.
• Stay informed about privacy developments in the crypto space: Follow news and research on privacy-enhancing technologies, decentralized identity, and data protection regulations.
• Consider using alternative wallets that prioritize privacy. Explore options like Brave Wallet, or hardware wallets connected to your own node.

The future of crypto depends on our ability to build a more secure, private, and decentralized ecosystem.By taking these steps, we can all contribute to a future where users have more control over their data and can transact with greater confidence.

What are your thoughts?Share your perspective on MetaMask, ConsenSys, and crypto privacy in the comments below!