The question of who created Bitcoin is back in the spotlight as the role of the United States National Security Agency remains a debate on crypto X this past week.
Conversations about the origin of Bitcoin (BTC) have arisen again, and many in the crypto community question whether the National Security Agency (NSA) contributed to its creation.
In this latest development, a post from researcher Xaif has brought this topic back into focus. This present talk draws connections between the NSA, Bitcoin, and Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz.
Early Innovations and the NSA’s Influence
Notably, history has this to say that David Schwartz, now Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, developed a patent for a distributed computer network in 1988.
In addition, the report indicates that his work has similarities to what is now known as Distributed Ledger Technology, the system that supports blockchain networks.
Did the NSA Create Bitcoin? The Shocking XRP Connection!🤯🤯
In 1988, David Schwartz—now Ripple’s CTO—filed a patent strikingly similar to Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). Notably, he also worked as a contractor for the NSA.
By 1996, the NSA published “How to Make a Mint:… pic.twitter.com/ueid9Dc0lx
— 𝕏aif🇮🇳|🇺🇸 (@Xaif_Crypto) February 26, 2025
Since Schwartz once worked as a contractor for the NSA, some influencers and opinion makers in the crypto industry speculate the agency may have been exploring digital currency long before Bitcoin was introduced.
Furthermore, the NSA’s history with cryptographic research adds to these discussions. It was reported that in 1996, the agency published a paper titled How to Make a Mint: The Cryptography of Anonymous Electronic Cash.
The document explained ways to create secure digital payments and referenced the work of well-known cryptographer Tatsuaki Okamoto. Some have questioned whether Satoshi Nakamoto’s could be connected to this research.
Another important reason for this speculation is Bitcoin’s use of the SHA 256 hashing algorithm, which the NSA developed. Although using SHA 256 does not prove a direct link, it has led some to wonder how much influence the agency may have had in shaping Bitcoin’s design.
Speculation on Bitcoin as an NSA Project
Of course, some crypto communities suggest Bitcoin started as an NSA project before other digital assets like XRP were created. Again, supporters of this idea point to the timeline of events, the people involved, and the NSA’s role in developing encryption technology.
Despite these claims, there is no clear proof that Bitcoin was created by or for the NSA. The crypto world is filled with theories, and without solid evidence, Bitcoin’s true origins remain unknown.
However, as blockchain technology grows, people will likely continue to discuss its origins and whether government agencies are involved.
In related news, although Bitcoin has declined in recent weeks, Coinmarketcap data shows that it has traded at $84,556.59 in the last 24 hours. Samson Mow, renowned Bitcoin advocate and CEO of JAN3, believes the coin has what it takes to hit $1 million.
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