As a new user to this platform its hard not to be struck by how public everything is.
Is there a need for some level of privacy?
This platform has two main forms of public reputation; Steem Power and Reputation Score, I don't think your liquid STEEM and SBD balances need to be public too.
Steem Power
As Steem Power currently influences how payouts are given the developers feel its important that this aspect is kept public for transparency. Post payouts currently get distributed according to the votes given weighted according to Steem Power. Reputation increases as you comment, write and curate articles.
In this article from a few months back @dan comments on future plans for making STEEM and SBD balances private, but I don't see any mention of this in the 2017 roadmap.
@ntomaino/does-the-steem-community-care-about-privacy
Public Balances
At the most basic level having balances public, makes people targets for cyber attacks, blackmail, physical theft. Combined with the often extensive private info, photos, personal details that social media contains it could make Steemit a prime target for thieves.
Steem Power and savings accounts provide a level or protection in that there is a time lapse on the availability of funds but this does not stop attacks.
Having STEEM or any cyrpto currency is like having cash in your pocket (or under you mattress). People potentially could track you down and even in the worst case scenario come around to your house looking for money.
The Future
As Steemit scales and goes mainstreem, it will attract a whole new user base including the FB generation. Its not hard to imagine kids of the future posting pictures of themselves on @steepshot or using STEEM to purchase lunch at school.
Give me your lunch money...
I cannot see how it would work if vulnerable peoples balances are public. Friends and peers will see what they have and in that environment intimidation, peer pressure and worse will be a major issue.
What do you think?
Thank you for reading this. I write on Steemit about Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Travel and lots of random topics.
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