Payment for bridges (and effects this would have)
It is theoretically possible to accept payment (e.g. via bitcion) and use this payment to set up a custom bridge. This bridge would then only be shared with the identity that has made payment for it.
There are a few advantages to handing out bridges in this way:
- This method of handing out bridges is non-exhaustive. The more bridge requests come in, the more bridges will be created.
- The bridge will be shared with one identity exclusively and will be used at their discretion. It becomes more difficult to block the user of a bridge.
- Bitcoin is being traded in Iran, China, etc.
- No need to search for a working bridge every week. (I assume this is an issue?).
Some disadvantages:
- This method is undemocratic. Privacy would become better for those with more resources.
- This method centralizes power when it becomes the main method to get a bridge. In the event that this method becomes popular, more parties might implement this scheme. Some state might start to issue payed-for bridges (at a competitive rate) to a significant amount of users, and then kill all the bridges at their discretion. Not sure how much of an issue this would be in practice.
Possible side-effect:
- More capital control. Although in the case of China, bitcoin will probably not be blocked.
Open questions:
- Can it be automated to create unique bridges? (That are not all in the same block).
Trac:
Username: tmp