Rumored Bitcoin Creator Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto

In March, Newsweek identified Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto as the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, but the man quickly denied the claims. Nakamoto insisted he did “not create, invent, or otherwise work on Bitcoin,” in an interview with Reuters, adding he hadn’t even heard of it before Newsweek contacted him.

Later, in a press release, Nakamto further clarified that he hadn’t worked as a computer engineer for over 10 years. He said the Newsweek article had harmed his prospects of gainful employment, and had caused a great deal of distress for him and his family. Because of this, many in the Bitcoin community reached out to Nakamoto by donating Bitcoins. In April, Nakamoto was awarded 47.92501973 BTC, which at that time was worth about $23,000.

But Nakamoto’s story hasn’t ended, because the scorned engineer has now set up a website asking for donations so he can sue Newsweek for allegedly being “targeted and victimized by a reckless news organization.” Nakamoto wants Newsweek to pay for the distress its caused him.

The site, Newsweek Lied, is naturally accepting Bitcoin donations, which can be made either by scanning a QR code or by using Bitpay. It also takes cash donations too. The basis of the lawsuit will revolve around the article published by Newsweek which Nakamoto claims is “fabricated content”.

What the site doesn’t say is how much its raised so far. It also doesn’t say what many legal are saying – that it’s doubtful Nakamoto would be able to win any case he brought against Newsweek.

Although the Newsweek article may have harmed him and his family, the media is granted free speech protection under the First Amendment Act.

“The First Amendment and Supreme Court decisions protect the news media in their reporting on matters of public interest, so you really have to show actual malice and disregard for the truth that would be very blatant and very provable,” said Gene Policinski, senior vice president of the First Amendment Center.