An independent researcher going by the online handle “@w_s_bitcoin” and username Wicked has sparked discussion around potential manipulation of the Bitcoin network in its very early days.
Satoshi Nakamato Experiments Started After The Bitcoin Whitepaper Was Published
Wicked claims to have uncovered evidence suggesting Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, might have been testing a 51% attack on the network in May 2009.
A 51% attack occurs when a single entity or group controls more than half of the computing power on a blockchain network. This allows them to potentially manipulate transactions or prevent new blocks from being added.
According to Wicked’s analysis, data from May 2009 points towards a significant portion (over 75%) of the hashrate (computing power) being controlled by a single entity, potentially Satoshi. They believe Satoshi may have been deliberately manipulating the hashrate to understand how a 51% attack would work.
However, the interpretation is not without its challenges. Wicked acknowledges the possibility that the observed changes in hashrate could be unintentional. Additionally, no known emails or communication from Satoshi or other early adopters exist that reference any network disruptions during that specific week.
