Australian Man Claims He's Founder of Bitcoin Digital Cash

LONDON — An Australian man long thought to be associated with the digital currency Bitcoin has publicly identified himself as its creator.

BBC News said Monday that Craig Wright told the media outlet he is the man previously known by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. The computer scientist, inventor and academic says he launched the currency in 2009 with the help of others.

His identity had been shrouded in uncertainty until now.

The BBC said Wright had decided to make his identity known to stop the spread of "misinformation" about Bitcoin.

"I firmly believe that Bitcoin and the Blockchain can change the world for the better," he said. "I didn't take the decision lightly to make my identity public and I want to be clear that I'm doing this because I care so passionately about my work and also to dispel any negative myths and fears."

He said he would now be able to release his research and academic work to help people understand the potential of Bitcoin.

The BBC said that Wright supported his claim by signing digital messages using cryptographic keys used during the early days of Bitcoin.

Jon Matonis, one of the founding directors of the Bitcoin Foundation, told the BBC he is convinced that Wright is who he claims to be and is responsible for a brilliant achievement.

Wright also revealed his identity to the Economist and GQ.