A [forked version](https://github.com/steemdev/steem/pull/1/commits/807d5e0e0aef8c6f940bd003fd8e7404d738138a) of Steem on another github account has added code to change the ownership keys for various Steemit Inc. accounts.

_{Thanks @anthonyadavisii for linking to it in my [previous post](https://steemit.com/steem/@krnel/steemit-is-powering-down-34-million-sp-transferring-to-bittrex-and-pulling-delegations-why-it-s-good-news).} This was a change made on the [steemdev](https://github.com/steemdev) github account, which is not the [steemit](https://github.com/steemit) account where all previous hard and soft forks have been done and approved by witnesses. The Steemit Inc. accounts listed to have their keys changes are: @steem @steemit @steemit2 @steemit3 @misterdelegation With a `TODO: add all known accounts`. ![Untitled-1.png](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/Qmb59BjpCdTH2X5NfBEKA9MVjmXCix9mp9134uQEtm1gLo) A majority of the top 19 witnesses would need to approve these code changes for them to come into effect. Honestly, I don't think it would happen. These changes would confiscate the accounts owned by Steemit Inc. This is essentially stealing accounts, and the stake therein. You can see that this forked github change was done [2 days ago](https://github.com/steemdev/steem/pull/1/commits/807d5e0e0aef8c6f940bd003fd8e7404d738138), and that the recent powerdown and transfer to Bittrex was [initiated](https://steemit.com/@steemit/transfers) 14 hours and 15 hours ago respectively. In my opinion, Steemit Inc. saw these code changes in a "fork" as a potential threat that the witnesses could invoke against their ownership of these accounts and the stake therein. It seems the power down and transfer to Bittrex is a precaution in case the witnesses agree to adopt these changes in a future hardfork. Steemit Inc. has decided to invalidate such an attempt to steal their accounts and stake by removing their stake. The github account steemdev is not an official Steemit Inc. developer account. It poses little threat. The code changes are only a threat if they are approved by the top 19 witnesses, which I highly doubt they would approve of. It would amount to a coup against Steemit Inc. Accepting a hardfork that would change the ownership keys of any account is a big nono. The top 19 witnesses would never allow this. It goes against their interests in the integrity of the Steem blockchain. Otherwise, whose account is safe? The credibility of Steem would be trash after that if stealing accounts was permitted. As such, this move by Steemit Inc., although precautionary, seems to be premature and has the consequence of causing FUD in the Steem and larger crypto community. But Steemit Inc. isn't taking any chances, and I can't really blame them for wanting to take these precautions. Can you? --- **Thank you for your time and attention. Peace.** --- _{If you appreciate and value the content, please consider: **Upvoting**, **Sharing** or **Reblogging** below.} _{[![Follow](http://i.imgur.com/aTa4vR8.png)](https://steemit.com/@krnel) me for more content to come!} --- _{My goal is to *share knowledge, truth and moral understanding* in order to help change the world for the better. **If you appreciate and value what I do, please consider supporting me as a [Steem Witness](https://steemit.com/witness-category/@krnel/krnel-s-declaration-of-witness) by voting for me at the [bottom of the Witness page](https://steemit.com/~witnesses).**}