MetaMask, a popular web3 wallet app, has introduced new privacy features in response to user criticism. In the past, the app was accused of intruding on users’ privacy, mainly due to its use of the Infura RPC node, which transmitted users’ public addresses before they could change their nodes. This led to concerns over data exploitation by centralized entities.
The latest version of MetaMask, labeled “10.25.0,” offers users an “advanced configuration” option during setup, which allows them to pick a different RPC node than the default Infura one. Additionally, users can turn off incoming transactions, phishing detection, and enhanced token detection during setup. These features need the data to be sent to third parties, and users can now disable them if they want to.
The new mobile version of MetaMask also offers privacy enhancements, allowing users to select specific accounts they want to connect to a Web3 app without disclosing other addresses they control.
MetaMask’s developer stated that the app has always intended to preserve users’ privacy and that these new features align with its true ownership and privacy values. The company also responded to criticisms it received last year for collecting users’ IP addresses, stating that IP addresses collected through Infura would no longer be stored for more than seven days.
Introducing these privacy features is a positive development for MetaMask, a popular wallet app in the crypto community. By addressing user concerns over data privacy, MetaMask will likely enhance its reputation and attract more users in the future.
