Fierce Pushback Against Newsweek's Bombshell Bitcoin Cover Story

Here's this morning's entry, featuring the interview with Newsweek's Leah McGrath Goodman, "Satoshi Nakamoto: The Face Behind Bitcoin."

Well, there's some intense pushback against Newsweek in light of Satoshi Nakamoto's stern denials. Here's the magazine's response, "Newsweek stands behind its Satoshi Nakamoto story" (at Techmeme):

Leah McGrath Goodman’s recent cover story for Newsweek, investigating the identity of Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto, has generated an immense amount of international attention, including denials from Mr. Nakamoto, criticism of Ms. Goodman’s reporting and ad hominem attacks on her character.

Newsweek published this story because we felt it is an important one. While the virtual currency has become popular, it remains mysterious and volatile. We recognized a public interest in establishing some core facts about Bitcoin and better informing those who might invest money in it.

Ms. Goodman’s research was conducted under the same high editorial and ethical standards that have guided Newsweek for more than 80 years. Newsweek stands strongly behind Ms. Goodman and her article. Ms. Goodman’s reporting was motivated by a search for the truth surrounding a major business story, absent any other agenda. The facts as reported point toward Mr. Nakamoto’s role in the founding of Bitcoin.

And note that this cover story marks the relaunch of the magazine. Business Insider has more, "Here Are All the Reasons Why People Are Skeptical of the Newsweek Bitcoin Story."

Also from Kash Hill, at Forbes, "Deputies confirm key quote from Dorian Nakamoto about Bitcoin in Newsweek story" (at Mediagazer). See also Felix Salmon, "The Satoshi Paradox."