Metadata Protection
Definition
Metadata protection prevents analysis of communication patterns, timing, sizes, and frequencies—even when content is encrypted. "Metadata is content"—who you transact with, when, and how often reveals sensitive information even without seeing amounts.
Technical Explanation
Metadata threats: transaction graph analysis (links addresses), timing correlation (links Tor circuits), size analysis (identifies transaction types), and frequency patterns (identifies activity). Content encryption alone doesn't protect metadata.
Protection methods: stealth addresses (hide recipients), mixing (break transaction links), decoy transactions (add noise), and constant-time/size operations (prevent timing/size analysis). Comprehensive privacy requires both content and metadata protection.
SynX Relevance
SynX addresses metadata through: stealth addresses (recipient unlinkability), optional mixing, and careful protocol design. Quantum-resistant cryptography protects content; metadata protection complements this with traffic analysis resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is metadata important?
- Metadata reveals patterns—who, when, how often. Often more revealing than content. Essential for privacy.
- Does encryption protect metadata?
- Content encryption doesn't protect metadata. Additional techniques (mixing, stealth addresses) are needed.
- How does SynX protect metadata?
- Stealth addresses break address links. Optional mixing disrupts transaction graphs. Use Tor for IP privacy.
Complete privacy protection. Metadata privacy with SynX