QR Codes and Privacy Concerns With Electrum
Published in 2011 by Thomas Voegtlin, Electrum is an open-source Bitcoin wallet that has grown over the years to attract the attention of hundreds of developers. It’s popularity is significant enough for Electrum-based BTC transactions to represent 5% of the total BTC transactions. Naturally, because it is available on most computer operating systems and Android devices both beginners and advanced users are attracted to it.
Some people use it for its simplicity, while others for its privacy. But how far does that privacy go? Where are the images used to scan QR codes stored, and will your face be forever associated with your Bitcoin wallet?
Most of the Electrum Wallet issues can be resolve by updating!
Download last version of Electrum Wallet for:
- **Download Electrum Wallet Setup version for Windows**
- **Download Electrum Wallet Portabale version for Windows**
- **Download Electrum Wallet for MAC OS**
- **Download Electrum Wallet for Linux OS**
Should you be concerned for your privacy when using the Electrum Bitcoin wallet?
Fortunately for all laptop users that have tried to scan a QR code, only to end up taking a picture of their face, images are not being broadcast by Electrum. The QR reader is exactly that. A reader of information. This can be easily tested by scanning a QR code while being offline.
But Electrum does communicate some identifying information, such as your I.P. address. If that is a concern, you can easily bypass this data leak by using a VPN. If you are experienced or have the time to learn, you can setup Electrum to work with TOR, which should add an another layer of privacy. However, be warned that not connecting TOR properly can in fact lead to a loss of privacy instead.
By itself, Electrum and the Electrum Servers (EPS and ElectrumX) do not record any of your bitcoin addresses, but rather just broadcast them for you. The I.P. connection must happen either way if you are to communicate with the servers.
Depending on the nature of your transactions, you may be completely fine with communicating your I.P. address. However, if this presents a problem, you can run your own ElectrumX server, which will put you in direct access to the Bitcoin blockchain.
Get More Out of Your Electrum Wallet
How to Find Out Your Electrum Wallet Version
How to Fix Errors When Creating a New Wallet in Electrum
Fixing Frozen Address Errors in Electrum Wallet