MetaMask has introduced a new reward initiative valued at over $30 million in LINEA tokens to boost engagement prior to its long-anticipated token launch.
The program features a systematic points structure for participants, determining eligibility for rewards based on trading activities and overall involvement within the MetaMask ecosystem.
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As revealed in a recent GitHub commit, MetaMask has discreetly included a “Ways to Earn Rewards” feature on its platform, which is yet to be activated.
Documentation indicates users will acquire 80 points per $100 in spot trades, 10 points per $100 in perpetual trades, and 250 points for every $1,250 in historical volume.
Moreover, actions on the LINEA network will earn double points, indicating MetaMask’s intention to enhance cross-chain engagement towards LINEA, the Consensys-supported layer-2 solution.
However, this strategy has sparked divided opinions within the crypto community. Some users believe MetaMask is favoring revenue generation over equity.
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A user on X, Taco, commented that MetaMask “could have ensured everyone’s satisfaction with a straightforward airdrop,” criticizing the points program as a “faulty system” that compels users to incur higher fees.
Another influencer expressed concern that platforms launching reward systems after prolonged service may alienate loyal users who supported them before farming incentives became prevalent.
Nonetheless, MetaMask clarified that the initiative is not designed as a yield-farming strategy but as a long-term community rewards program that will eventually integrate with the launch of its native token.
It reassured long-standing users that they will enjoy special privileges as part of the rollout.
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Security Concerns Emerge
The introduction of the rewards program coincides with rising security concerns regarding MetaMask’s new Google account login feature.
On October 3, Yu Xiang, co-founder of blockchain security firm SlowMist, raised concerns after uncovering the issue.
He found that mnemonic phrases and private keys imported into MetaMask could be encrypted and automatically backed up to the wallet service provider’s servers.
According to him, this presents serious risks as a compromised Google account could expose users and potentially clear their wallets.
“If you log in to MetaMask using Google/Apple methods, then the mnemonic phrase/private key within it, including those imported later, will by default be encrypted and uploaded to the web3auth[.]io server under MetaMask, and decryption requires Google/Apple authentication to pass and the correct wallet unlock password to be entered,” he stated.
MetaMask security lead Taylor Monahan acknowledged the community’s concerns but defended the system’s architecture.
She noted that the encryption and authentication process provides stronger security than it appears and aids in simplifying onboarding for new users.
“I initially found it unsettling [because] it seemed like a poor idea, but the mechanism is more robust than the current state, and the team was well aware of the potential pitfalls. Nonetheless, it may not be suitable for everyone. Advanced users and power users can choose not to utilize it,” Monahan explained.
