MetaMask’s ‘Temporary’ IP Collection Causes Uproar In The Crypto Community

• MetaMask users will have their data collected, according to a statement by Consensys.
• The announcement was not well-received by Crypto Twitter, claiming it was against the objectives of Web3.

Consensys, the firm behind MetaMask, has changed its privacy policy to state that it will start collecting IP and Ethereum wallet addresses on transactions. According to the announcement, the firm will also retain financial, marketing, and usage information.

“When you use Infura as your default RPC provider on MetaMask, Infura will collect your IP address and Ethereum wallet address when you send a transaction,” the statement read. Infura is Consensys’ Ethereum infrastructure platform used as the default Remote Procedure Call (RPC) provider on MetaMask.

However, the Ethereum software company noted that the data collation – termed by its CEO Joseph Lubin as temporary – does not apply to users using their own Ethereum nodes or third-party RPC providers – like Moralis, Alchemy, and Quicknode.

“However, if you are using your Ethereum node or a third-party RPC provider with MetaMask, then neither Infura nor MetaMask will collect your IP address or Ethereum wallet address (but you should be aware your information will be subject to whatever information collection performed by the RPC provider you are using and their terms regarding such collection,”) the publication noted.

Crypto Twitter community reacts

The new privacy framework by Consensys has attracted widespread criticism on Twitter for going against the principles of Web3.

Adam Cochran, a partner at Cinneamhain Ventures, has expressed his dissatisfaction saying that the new policy “constitutes an unacceptable violation of consumer privacy.” “Shill me your best easy self-hosted nodes, either hardware or SaaS services,” he tweeted.

Edward Snowden shares similar sentiments, “Does Infura, Consensys, or anybody else getting data flows from MetaMask now, or have they ever *retained* users’ wallet addresses?” The former computer intelligence consultant turned whistleblower sought an answer.

Consensys has defended the step in a blog post, arguing that data collection was not unique to Infura but cut across the Web architecture. The blockchain firm added that efforts were underway to have in place technical solutions that minimize exposure. In addition, the firm claims the step is not in response to any new regulation.

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