BIP39 Extension for Manual Seed Phrase Creation

The debate is rooted in past arguments, with some individuals proposing alternatives to the existing formats of 12/15/18/21/24 word seed phrases designed for transcribing computer-generated entropy. A proposal was made to introduce a 16-word seed phrase format that could import manually generated entropy without conflicting with the standard formats, aiming to simplify the process for users while maintaining security measures. This proposition underscores the challenges and controversies surrounding the use of checksums in mnemonic generation and highlights efforts to enhance user autonomy in creating secure digital wallet passphrases.

Further exploration into the realm of mnemonic passphrase generation reveals the development of BIP-93, also known as codex32. This protocol aims to bridge the gap between human and computer-generated randomness, supporting secret sharing across various applications. By integrating both human and computational elements in generating randomness and managing secret sharing, codex32 exhibits flexibility and broad utility in security applications, particularly in the context of cryptocurrency technologies.

In addressing concerns over transparency and standardization in mnemonic generation, the email references the widely accepted BIP39 standard, established in 2013. This standard promotes a transparent method allowing users to generate their own mnemonics without relying on external systems. It describes a detailed process involving entropy, SHA256 hashing, and solving for mnemonic words based on a predetermined wordlist. This approach emphasizes the importance of user control and clarity in the security practices associated with digital wallets.

A novel method proposed within this context seeks to further empower users by providing a systematic way to generate 16-word phrases without a checksum, using a specific subset from a wordlist. This method not only simplifies the process for users but also introduces an innovative way to encode metadata and detect errors, akin to the functionality of a checksum. The approach offers numerous advantages, including ease of use, compatibility with existing standards, and enhanced security through constrained word selection. Additionally, it presents an adaptable framework that could potentially revise or supplement the BIP39 standard, paving the way for future enhancements in cryptographic currency storage and recovery methodologies.