When MetaMask’s parent company, ConsenSys, received pushback from the community after updating its privacy policies on November 23, it issued a statement clarifying its intentions with the data it collects. According to the company’s policy, IP addresses are among the automatically collected types of personal information. ConsenSys claims that the most recent changes were made so that users could see how Infura, MetaMask’s default Remote Procedure Call, handles their data.
In addition, ConsenSys emphasized that MetaMask does not collect IP addresses. The policy instead states that Infura application users who use the wallet may be subject to data collection. According to a tweet from the company, “nothing” about the policy or data collection has changed besides the wording. ConsenSys stated to NFT Today Magazine that “unlike some Web2 companies, Infura does not improperly exploit this information,” and that “ConsenSys does not monetize this information.”
Consensys reports that Infura is investigating technological advancements to “minimize the collection of personal information, including anonymization techniques and minimization and elimination of any data collection and retention.”
The company revised its policy as customers sought alternatives to FTX for storing digital assets outside of a bank or other custodial institution. Users in the community reacted skeptically despite the company’s efforts to reassure them through its official web channels.
Some believe this is even more proof that everyone should start using a cold storage wallet. Some others have asked for recommendations on alternate wallets, while others have reemphasized the importance of decentralization in the Web3 ecosystem.
One of the most widely used self-custody wallets on the Web3, MetaMask boasts over 21 million active monthly users.
Marine Corps Veteran-turned-national-tv-personality Eric Mitchell is a world leading expert in sports media, regularly appearing on the world’s largest outlets from BBC, MSNBC, Fox News, Bloomberg, CNN and more. His signature blend of snark and industry expertise landed him columns at none other than RollingStone, GritDaily, PopWrapped, Disrupt — and most recently — Editor in Chief at NFT Today Magazine. When he’s not making media appearances or running his empire at LifeFlip Media, he can be found entertaining his thousands of loyal followers on social media through his authentic filter-free content.
