do you think it would be easier for a state actor to compromise a single bitcoin developer or a group of developers? #asknostr
Discussion
How would you compromise a group without first compromising individuals?
Excellent question
Actually I can think of ways. Compromisability is more of a scale than a binary. Most people won't fight over most issues, and a group is like an average of it's members. So, if enough people are "on the fense" about an issue, you could compromise a whole group by granting them money, or some other concession. Then, that money has bought the efforts of the whole group, instead of only the ones who would've helped you anyways. Pretty devious.... powerful.
Since I think you're talking about Core, I'll add that I don't think its only a matter of compromising people. Such huge changes, potentially over the whole network and radically changing how bitcoin is used, shouldn't be possible for one implementation. For that reason alone, it strengthens bitcoin to move away from Core.
A single developer
Much harder with an army of cyberhornets
A state actor could hire a group of developers. 😏
Depends. Is the single individual compromisable? If not, the group definitely is.
Assume the single individual can be compromised.
Anyone is susceptible to compromise. There are 4 basic routes and they're easier to remember as MICE (Money, Ideology, Coercion, Ego). For fun, look at politicians through these 4 filters and draw a conclusion.
In general, I think it is easier to compromise your average developer. However, some individual developers might be impossible to compromise.
Lets assume there is a developer without anything to lose. A true autistic psychopath with very high disdain for anything but the truth. This developer would have no friends, family, and living in a place with difficult access. There would be very little leverage for those who want to compromise this person. Such an individual could withstand much more "stuff" than a group of developers.
I think this is spot on, it’s not simply a matter of number.
Could you compromise Ghandi? Luterh King? Mandela? If you get one of these as the “single” group you are fucked, some people are just not for sale in any way
one dog is worth a whole dog, two dogs are worth a half of dog, three dogs are worth no dog
Is this the argument between Core and Knots? Just seems to be where this is going…but to answer your question…both can be compromised. It’s 50/50. It comes down to either the individual or the group and their values and where they stand in the face of the temptation…the answer is based on the person and their convictions and qualities
Which group is more likely to be compromised? Those pushing for change or those pushing to retain the status quo?
It’s easy to ask loaded questions.
Groups are easier to mess with. You just gotta get a couple of them talking a certain way and everyone else conforms to stay. Individuals are more resilient to change if they see themself as an individual. I would rather leave a group that goes against my principles than the conform for the sake of community. Fuck community.
Yes, they have infinite money and guns!