In a statement released Friday titled "We Are All Bitcoin," the Bitcoin Foundation disputes the magazine's claim that Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto designed bitcoin, one day after Nakamoto himself denied any role in an interview with the Associated Press.
"Curiosity in Satoshi's identity is understandable, but please consider responsible disclosure, and the danger such a revelation may generate," reads an excerpt from the statement.
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In an interview with the AP, Nakamoto says he had nothing to do with bitcoin, which faces scrutiny following the shut down of popular exchange Mt. Gox.
Although Nakamoto confirms several details featured in Newsweek's story, he denies founding bitcoin. "I got nothing to do with it," Nakamoto tells AP.
The outlet's efforts to interview Nakamoto were as dramatic as his purported revelation as bitcoin founder. According to The Los Angeles Times, several reporters camped out in front of Nakamoto's house, but he said he refused to talk until he ate lunch.
Nakamoto left his home with an AP reporter who offered him a free meal, which spurred a chase by fellow reporters. "Nakamoto and the AP reporter hopped back into their car and for the next hour or so drove around local streets and highways with at least six other reporters tailing them," reads an excerpt from the report. "Finally, the Prius pulled into the parking garage in the downtown AP building."
Newsweek writer Leah McGrath Goodman stands by the story, reports AP. "There was no confusion whatsoever about the context of our conversation -and his acknowledgment of his involvement in bitcoin," she says.
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According to Newsweek, during a verbal exchange w! ith Goodman, Nakamoto said he was no longer involved with bitcoin. "It's been turned over to other people," he says in Newsweek's report. "They are in charge of it now. I no longer have any connection."
The potential discovery of Bitcoin's founder is the latest story on the rising digital currency, as questions swirl over its viability. Last week, the popular Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox filed for bankruptcy, claiming weak systems exploited by hackers caused a loss of 750,000 bitcoins worth $450 million.
On Wednesday, the smaller exchange Flexcoin announced it was shutting down after it says it was "robbed" of 896 bitcoins valued at more than $600,000.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @bam923.
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