Quote from: aric on March 24, 2013, 09:34:14 PM

This is one of the first posts that makes me think twice about being on the bitcoin bandwagon to the extent I've been. The thought of cashing out some bitcoins even crossed my mind. It crossed my mind. That's all I'm saying. I continue to be skeptically optimistic and mindful.

This.

At this point, I'd really only want to know if I'm receiving stolen coins. I'm not sure how to implement this, other than some sort of insurance/revocation program. "If you want to ensure your stolen bitcoins may be returned, 1) use a monitor that alerts via email, SMS, or other electronic method, on withdrawals from each address 2) sign messages of 'stolen key' with your private keys containing BTC and keep paper backups of the signatures 3) input the signatures to our system as soon as they are stolen from. We will blast an alert to all participating clients that any BTC detected to be sent from your keys within {a certain period of time just before inputting the signatures} should be suspected stolen."

I'm not that familiar with it, but it seems sort of like a PGP revocation certificate.

Obviously there are some more details to work out, such as confirming identity of the original keyholder for returning their BTC safely, but I think it would deter crime, be pro-victim, and still maintain liberty. Much like concealed weapons under the clothes of law-abiders deter violent criminals because they don't know who is armed, the thieves would have to fear that they are dealing with a participating client who will see a red flag pop up when they receive the stolen BTC, and hold the coins for return to the victim rather than receive any benefit. The only way for thieves to get around this would be to immediately mix the coins at a service they know they won't be red-flagged at, or hope the reaction time of the revoker is slow, so they can benefit before then.