Async Payjoin represents a significant advancement in enhancing privacy for Bitcoin users. Inspired by HTTPS, which secured online transactions, the Payjoin initiative has been diligently developing this privacy framework that needs widespread adoption among Bitcoin wallets to achieve effective privacy on a larger scale.
This technology is designed with mass usability in mind, built upon the popular Bitcoin and Lightning development kits and utilizing cryptographic foundations already present in Bitcoin Core. This makes it easy to incorporate into existing implementations of Bitcoin.
Following the model of Let’s Encrypt—an organization that promoted HTTPS through open-source tools—Async Payjoin aims to address major privacy challenges within the Bitcoin ecosystem via an open standard. Unlike dedicated privacy wallets such as Samourai Wallet or Wasabi, Async Payjoin serves as a software library that any application handling bitcoin payments can adopt, establishing a universal standard for privacy akin to HTTPS on the internet.
The Foundation refers to Async Payjoin as Payjoin V2 because it improves upon V1—a previous version requiring both parties involved in a transaction to be online simultaneously for it to function properly. Currently, numerous wallets support both versions of the standards set forth by the Payjoin Foundation:
BTCPay server – V1
Blue Wallet – V1
Bull Bitcoin Mobile – V2
Wasabi Wallet – V1
Cake Wallet – V2
Bitmask – V1
JoinMarket – V1
Sparrow Wallet – V1
Async Payjoin maintains backward compatibility; thus users with wallets lacking support for this standard can still interact with Payjoin addresses and QR codes seamlessly. Advocates of enhanced bitcoin privacy should encourage their preferred wallet providers to integrate this open-source standard, which developers can reference at BIP 77 along with their plug-and-play development kit available on GitHub.
The Team Behind The PayJoin Foundation
The nonprofit organization known as the PayJoin Foundation was established in August 2025 with an aim to promote ongoing open-source developments focused on user privacy. It receives financial backing from OpenSats and Cake Wallet while organizations like Spiral, Human Rights Foundation, Maelstrom, and Brink have supported many developers contributing their expertise towards this project.Their GitHub repository indicates there are 37 contributors solely working on Async Payjoin’s Rust implementation.
Leading efforts behind developing Async Payjoin protocol (also referred to as Payment Join Version 2 via BIP 77) is Dan Gould—the executive director of the foundation—and primary maintainer of its DevKit. He has been instrumental in creating various tools aimed at enhancing bitcoin’s confidentiality since TumbleBit’s inception and has adapted Wasabi Wallet for mobile platforms while co-authoring BIP 77 alongside Yuval Kogman—a seasoned programmer boasting over two decades’ experience who also serves on Spiral’s advisory board. Kogman has made notable contributions within bitcoin’s confidentiality sector including devising WabiSabi DoS defenses against vulnerabilities found across several CoinJoin implementations.
Additonally joining them is Armin Sabouri who leads R&D initiatives having previously served as CTO at Botanix along with engineering roles at Casa; he was co-winner during MIT’s Blockchain Hackathon held back in 2021 after successfully implementing Bip78 CoinJoin functionality onto Mac OS using Tor protocols; he also co-authored BIP347 (OP_CAT).
Diving deeper into fundraising strategies during his conversation with Bitcoin Magazine,Gould emphasized how vital these funds are stating “none of our work would be feasible without our sponsors.” He elaborated further regarding why they opted for forming a non-profit entity rather than pursuing profit-driven motives explaining “Bitcoin-related confidential solutions have essentially suffered due largely from commercialization attempts.”
A non-profit structure proves more viable according him since it aligns incentives better: “For-profits may prioritize selling products not necessarily ensuring user confidentiality simply because profits drive sales volumes.” He referenced historical attempts such companies made highlighting Phil Zimmerman’s venture producing PGP software but contrasted it against decentralized endeavors like Tor & HTTPS which thrived under community-focused frameworks instead.Gould mentioned they’ve applied pending approval status under section501(c)(3). Interested donors may reach out directly via donate@payjoint.org
An Overview Of How Does The Payment Join Mechanism Operate?
Pay join enhances transactional secrecy by disrupting conventional patterns typically seen where senders possess one input split between two outputs when executing payments – one likely being payment itself while another returning change back towards sender.
Often times users maintain multiple UTXOs(unspent transaction outputs) resembling pockets filled coins . When attempting transfers exceeding single UTXO amounts additional ones get pulled linking disparate coin pockets together leading blockchain analysts assuming those belong same individual thereby compromising overall anonymity .
(image by Atlas21)
Through coordinating efforts between sender & receiver ,Pay join eliminates traditional input heuristics allowing transactions appearing consistant two inputs/two outputs whereby one input originates from recipient themselves .Both parties agree upon amounts collaboratively constructing final transaction thus transforming what would’ve otherwise been simple single-input scenario now features dual inputs confusing chain analysis systems further improving overall anonymity levels across network participants.
This entire process remains non-custodial granting full control over signed amounts exchanged amongst both individuals ;its atomic nature ensures invalidation unless consensus reached between involved entities .
Gould expressed concerns regarding information leakage prevalent within current methods citing firms like Chain Analysis possessing capabilities accessing exchange customer records enabling tracing past/future transfers revealing balances income figures associated respective accounts.” snooping allows visibility tracking money flows .”
Such advancements toward bolstering bitcoins’ secrecy prove essential ensuring fungibility remains intact crucial characteristic sound currency.Fungibility implies all coins treated equally interchangeable irrespective histories attached each unit ;thus preserving integrity underlying monetary system required long-term viability growth future markets .
Cryptocurrencies prioritizing maximum transparency often utilize encryption techniques obscuring transferred values examples include Zcash Monero however come trade-offs increased complexity validating total supply ultimately raising risks related bugs undetectable inflation undermining scarcity qualities desired secure monetary systems likewise critical assets exist today cryptocurrencies focus enhancing transactional security whilst maintaining limited exposure necessary preventing unnecessary scrutiny governing authorities agencies seeking insights personal finances protecting civil liberties surrounding wealth distribution rights globally upheld various legislations nationwide around world encouraging similar approaches async pay join aims elevate bitcoins stature significantly above current standards observed elsewhere presently operating systems worldwide today!
Network Privacy And Client-Server Model In Asynchronous Protocols
Historically speaking traditional payment joins necessitated simultaneous presence parties engaged creating valid transactions hence introducing challenges regarding coordination amongst them asynchronously solved through incorporation blinded directory servers facilitating communication leveraging well-established internet protocols namely Oblivious HTTP !
<
Gould remarked about innovative aspects inherent design stating “the cool thing lies within protocol employing blind directory server accessible exclusively obliviously meaning IP addresses never disclosed anyone else involved .” Additionally noting payloads pre-signed remain end-to-end encrypted safeguarding exchanges throughout entirety process resulting only uniform encrypted blobs received unaware observers monitoring activities occurring outside channels used facilitate interactions taking place therein ! “
In fact comparisons drawn OHTTP technologies employed resemble TOR networks illustrating advantages offered thorough rigorous vetting processes undergone before becoming standardized widely adopted applications supporting browsers operating iOS environments alike.” Highlighted differences minimal viable product models layered encryptions providing simpler alternatives focusing singular hops reducing complexities experienced higher-level infrastructures utilized elsewhere lightning networks protect participant identities effectively concealing sensitive details shared publicly !”
Pondering Compliance Concerns ?!
Regulatory bodies often express apprehensions surrounding usage emerging technologies promoting enhanced levels confidences particularly amidst exchanges fearing conflicts compliance issues arising thereof however Gould views misconceptions asserting “compliance frameworks operate independently nature chains themselves regardless policies enforced trading platforms whether demanding excessive personal data points consented willingly doesn’t impede ability retain default protections preserving user autonomy !” Furthermore emphasizing power lies hands consumers controlling information revealed concerning finances remaining private decisions entirely left up discretion individual holders without interference external pressures exerted third-party actors observing behavior patterns tracking trends moving forward affecting choices available later down road! “
This article titled ‘Post-Async-Pay-Joint,’ detailing significance implications potential ramifications evolving landscape pertaining cryptocurrency market dynamics appeared originally published BTC magazine authored Juan Galt!”