Repository source: docs/plans/archive/paste_private_key_from_clipboard_step1_solution_assessment.md
Paste Private Key From Clipboard Step 1 Solution Assessment
Problem Statement
Users need to restore a browser posting identity by pasting private key material from the clipboard without sending it to the server. Source: thread-20260826035057-1ac5dd17, submitted 2026-08-26T03:50:57Z.
Option A: Add local-only private key paste/import on the account page
Pros:
Directly supports the submitted workflow.
Keeps private key material client-side.
Fits the existing browser-held identity model.
Cons:
Needs careful validation and failure messages.
Raw private key text is sensitive and easy to mishandle.
Option B: Add an export/import identity backup bundle
Pros:
Cleaner long-term migration experience.
Can include public metadata and versioning.
Cons:
Does not fully solve users who already copied only the private key.
Larger format and compatibility decision.
Option C: Add server-assisted key recovery
Pros:
Potentially easier for nontechnical users.
Cons:
Conflicts with the no-server-private-key model.
High security and trust risk.
Recommendation
Recommend Option A.
Brief justification:
The immediate request is clipboard restore, and local-only import preserves the existing private-key security boundary.