Market
The Future of Blockchain: Experts Share Insights on Privacy and Transparency
The allure of anonymity has always been a significant draw in the blockchain ecosystem. Early adopters touted the ability to conduct transactions in secrecy, far from the prying eyes of centralized institutions and regulators.
However, as blockchain evolves, the industry faces a critical question – Is anonymity still paramount, or is it a fading aspect amidst growing demands for transparency?
Why Blockchain Transparency is Important?
The blockchain sector is undergoing a transformation. Enhanced regulatory scrutiny and advancements in blockchain analytics are slowly demystifying the once-opaque crypto ecosystem.
A revelation by the on-chain detective ZachXBT, who exposed the crypto holdings of a meme coin trader, Murad, highlights this shift. This exposure ignited debates about the ethics of revealing such information and whether such acts undermine the foundational privacy promised by blockchain.
Read more: Who Is ZachXBT, the Crypto Sleuth Exposing Scams?
Despite concerns, many argue that transparency is crucial for combating fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities within the crypto space.
The call for greater oversight is partly driven by the increasing incidents of crypto-related frauds and hacks. According to an Immunefi report, over $412 million was lost to such incidents in the third quarter of 2024 alone. Moreover, year-to-date, the total reached $1.3 billion across 169 incidents by September 2024.
These security breaches and the utilization of cryptocurrency in illegal activities fuel the debate over blockchain’s dual nature—offering freedom yet potentially facilitating unlawful acts.
Need For a Balanced Approach
In an interview with BeInCrypto, Alex Pruden, Executive Director at Aleo Foundation, countered this perspective. He highlighted the misuse of traditional financial systems in crimes.
“The traditional financial system is used for illegal activities all the time. 99% of money laundering and sanctions evasion actually happens through large financial institutions (who don’t catch it until after the crime has been perpetrated). Does that mean we should ban banks and payment processors? Of course not, because these institutions provide benefits to everyone else. The key is finding the right balance,” Pruden told BeInCrypto.
Supporting this, a Crypto Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) report notes that cash is used far more frequently than crypto in illegal activities. The report challenged the notion that crypto is predominantly the currency of criminals.
Read more: Anonymity vs. Pseudonymity: Understanding the Key Differences
Moreover, purists and privacy advocates contend that an extreme move towards openness erodes the core values of blockchain. Pruden emphasized the importance of privacy.
“Real-world financial transactions between parties are often predicated on a notion of confidentiality. And this confidentiality/privacy is essential for businesses to function. For example, businesses transacting with one another may not want the contents of that transaction public to competitors. Likewise, individual financial transactions on public blockchains are at risk from surveillance, data mining, and cyberattacks,” Pruden stated.
Contrary to Pruden’s view, Adrian Brink, co-founder of Namada, argues that blockchain was never truly about privacy.
“I don’t think that blockchain was built on the promise of privacy at all. Bitcoin doesn’t offer any privacy guarantees. The potential for de-anonymization was there from the beginning,” Brink told BeInCrypto.
Read more: Top 7 Privacy Coins in 2024
Experts Claim Zero Knowledge Proof is the Solution
This tension between privacy and transparency raises pivotal questions about the future of blockchain. Can it remain decentralized and secure while compromising on anonymity? Or is privacy still essential to protect users and uphold the technology’s principles?
William Wendt, Head of Ecosystem at Oasis, told BeInCrypto that privacy isn’t a binary choice.
“Often, this issue of privacy vs. transparency is looked at through a binary lens. Either a blockchain is fully transparent or fully anonymous. However, this is not the case. Privacy is a spectrum, and different dApps and users will have different preferences for what level of privacy/transparency they will need,” Wendt said.
According to all three experts, a promising solution lies in zero-knowledge technology, which offers a way for transparency and privacy to coexist. Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) allow for the verification of transactions without revealing underlying data, thus maintaining user privacy while ensuring compliance with laws.
“Historically, transparency was seen as a mechanism to enforce compliance, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of user privacy. Cryptographic solutions like ZK proofs (ZKP) enable a system where transactions can be “correct by construction” in terms of the law, without revealing the underlying data. This protects user privacy and creates a user interface closer to a bank account/payment app than most Web3 applications today,” Pruden noted.
Brink also supports this nuanced approach, emphasizing that the need for privacy varies by context.
“What you need to share with your local government is going to be different from what you want to share with the world. The key issue is primarily self-sovereignty. We’re moving towards a world where technologies like zero-knowledge cryptography empower users with the choice of what to share. Privacy can coexist with transparency, but the architecture must be thoughtfully designed,” Brink told BeInCrypto.
Read more: What are Zero-Knowledge Proofs? Securing Growth for Web3 Apps
Zero-knowledge cryptography addresses privacy concerns and also meets regulatory requirements, offering a balanced solution that protects individual privacy and fulfills transparency obligations. This technology proves compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations without disclosing personal information, providing a win-win scenario for all stakeholders.
Due to heightened interest, the zero-knowledge sector is growing. According to data from CoinGecko, the total market capitalization of zero-knowledge coins stands at nearly $13.5 billion.
In conclusion, while blockchain was initially celebrated for its privacy features, the changing environment suggests that both transparency and privacy are necessary for its future. The ongoing development of zero-knowledge cryptography and similar technologies may hold the key to maintaining blockchain’s founding principles while adapting to new regulatory environments.
Disclaimer
Following the Trust Project guidelines, this feature article presents opinions and perspectives from industry experts or individuals. BeInCrypto is dedicated to transparent reporting, but the views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of BeInCrypto or its staff. Readers should verify information independently and consult with a professional before making decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Ethereum Price Readies for a Fresh Climb: Will Momentum Build?
Ethereum price started a consolidation phase near the $3,000 zone. ETH is slowly moving higher and might aim for a fresh surge above $3,220.
- Ethereum is consolidating and facing hurdles near $3,220.
- The price is trading above $3,150 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
- There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at $3,130 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
- The pair could start a fresh increase if it clears the $3,220 resistance zone.
Ethereum Price Faces Hurdles
Ethereum price remained supported above the $3,000 level like Bitcoin. ETH formed a base and recently moved above the $3,120 and $3,150 resistance levels.
There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at $3,130 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. The pair even cleared the $3,200 level and tested $3,220. A high was formed at $3,224 before there was a pullback. The price dipped below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $3,051 swing low to the $3,224 high.
Ethereum price is now trading above $3,150 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $3,200 level.
The first major resistance is near the $3,220 level. The main resistance is now forming near $3,250. A clear move above the $3,250 resistance might send the price toward the $3,320 resistance. An upside break above the $3,320 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,450 resistance zone.
Another Drop In ETH?
If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,220 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,140 level or the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $3,051 swing low to the $3,224 high. The first major support sits near the $3,050 zone.
A clear move below the $3,050 support might push the price toward $3,000. Any more losses might send the price toward the $2,940 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $2,880.
Technical Indicators
Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is gaining momentum in the bullish zone.
Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.
Major Support Level – $3,140
Major Resistance Level – $3,220
Market
Big Time Studios’ OL Token Debuts on Open Loot
Big Time Studios, a player in Web3 gaming and the creator of Big Time, has unveiled its newest product: the OL token.
With the Open Loot platform already handling nearly $500 million in transactions, the introduction of OL sets the stage for a new era of engagement, rewarding the very players and developers who fuel its success.
A Token for Engagement, Not Speculation
Unlike traditional token launches, which take a fundraising-heavy approach, Big Time Studios is flipping the narrative. The OL is designed to prioritize the community above all. By rewarding activity and participation, OL becomes a tool for empowerment rather than speculation. This shift reflects the company’s commitment to reshaping how tokens integrate into gaming ecosystems.
Players can earn OL through meaningful interactions, such as completing in-game challenges or participating in special platform events. Once earned, these tokens open doors to benefits such as early access, special NFT opportunities, and in-game rewards. The system ensures that loyalty and engagement directly translate into tangible advantages.
“Just saw a little glimpse via private demo of what the guys @playbigtime are building, lets just say things are looking TOP TIER. Blown away by the level of detail top to bottom. Can’t wait for more,” said one X user.
For developers, OL serves as a bridge to deeper player relationships. Studios can use the token to reward milestones, enhance limited-time events, or craft targeted incentives that boost engagement. This dynamic makes $OL a tool for attracting players and keeping them invested in the ecosystem for the long term.
The launch of OL departs from traditional token models. No tokens are pre-sold, allocated to teams, or reserved for early investors. Instead, the entire distribution relies on community involvement, ensuring fairness and accessibility. This structure reinforces the token’s core mission: to give back to the community that feeds it.
Big Time Studios integrates OL into the Open Loot platform, which has already simplified blockchain gaming for a global audience. The platform’s patented Vault technology removes the usual hurdles of Web3 gaming, such as high gas fees or complex wallet connections. Players can buy, sell, and mint NFTs or explore options like NFT rentals and currency marketplaces. These features make blockchain gaming approachable for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers.
The Open Loot ecosystem has seen explosive growth in 2024, with millions of NFTs exchanged and crafted by an active player base. The platform supports a roster of standout titles, including World Shards and The Desolation, each offering distinct gameplay experiences.
The launch of OL marks a new chapter for Big Time Studios. Their idea is that by centering the token around active participation and rewarding its community, they contest traditional token models. As OL integrates further into the Open Loot ecosystem, it hopes to reshape the relationship between players, developers, and digital assets.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
XRP Price Holds Strong, Aiming for More Upside Moves
Aayush Jindal, a luminary in the world of financial markets, whose expertise spans over 15 illustrious years in the realms of Forex and cryptocurrency trading. Renowned for his unparalleled proficiency in providing technical analysis, Aayush is a trusted advisor and senior market expert to investors worldwide, guiding them through the intricate landscapes of modern finance with his keen insights and astute chart analysis.
From a young age, Aayush exhibited a natural aptitude for deciphering complex systems and unraveling patterns. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity for understanding market dynamics, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to become one of the foremost authorities in the fields of Forex and crypto trading. With a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Aayush honed his craft over the years, mastering the art of technical analysis and chart interpretation.
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In a world where uncertainty reigns supreme, Aayush Jindal stands as a guiding light, illuminating the path to financial success with his unparalleled expertise, unwavering integrity, and boundless enthusiasm for the markets.
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