GNU Project release of the free electronic payment system . The system is characterized by providing customers with anonymity, while sellers are not anonymous to ensure transparency in tax reporting, meaning it does not track where a user spends money, but offers means to track incoming funds (the sender remains anonymous), thus addressing Bitcoin's tax auditing issues. The code is written in Python and under the AGPLv3 and LGPLv3 licenses.
GNU Taler does not create its own cryptocurrency but works with existing currencies, including dollars, euros, and bitcoins. Support for new currencies can be ensured by creating a bank that acts as a financial guarantor. The business model of GNU Taler is based on performing exchange transactions—money from traditional payment systems like Bitcoin, Mastercard, SEPA, Visa, ACH, and SWIFT is converted into anonymous electronic money in the same currency. Users can transfer electronic money to sellers, who can then exchange it back into real money at the exchange point, represented by traditional payment systems.
All transactions in GNU Taler are secured using modern cryptographic algorithms that ensure integrity even in the event of leakage of private keys belonging to clients, sellers, and exchange points. The database format allows for the verification of all transactions made and confirms their consistency. The confirmation of payment for sellers is a cryptographic proof of transfer within the contract concluded with the client, along with a cryptographically signed confirmation of available funds at the exchange point. GNU Taler comprises a set of basic components that provide functionality for operating the bank, exchange point, marketplace, wallet, and auditor.
In the new release:
- Improved HTTP API for interaction with the exchange point (exchange).
- A wallet application for Android has been created (will be available in the F-droid catalog).
- Key revocation and refund operations have been fully tested.
- The backend for Wire has been brought to a style compatible with .
- Synchronization services have been defined and implemented (not yet integrated into the wallet).
The project also received a grant from the NLnet Foundation to conduct an independent audit of the cryptographic reliability and code quality of the exchange point.
Source: opennet.ru
