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The Future of Blockchain: Experts Share Insights on Privacy and Transparency

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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?


Murad’s Wallet Network
Murad’s Wallet Network. Source: ZachXBT

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.

Crypto Losses Year-to-Date
Crypto Losses Year-to-Date. Source: Immunefi

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


Illicit Crypto Transactions by Year
Illicit Crypto Transactions by Year. Source: Crypto ISAC

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.

Top Zero Knowledge Coins by Market Cap
Top Zero Knowledge Coins by Market Cap. Source: CoinGecko

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 ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Trump’s $500 Billion Stargate Venture Sparks AI Crypto Boom

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AI tokens surged on Wednesday after President Donald Trump unveiled a new joint venture to invest up to $500 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure. 

The partnership involves major players such as OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank and will form a new entity called Stargate.

Market Focuses on AI Coins as Trump’s Stargate Initiative Gains Traction

The Stargate Project will invest $500 billion over the next four years, building new AI infrastructure in the US. The venture will focus on developing crucial data centers and the electricity generation required to power the AI sector.

The announcement has already had a noticeable impact on the broader market, particularly in AI-related cryptocurrencies. Following the news, the market capitalization of AI tokens surged by 9%, reaching $45.83 billion at press time, according to CoinGecko.

In fact, the market cap of AI agent tokens alone rose by 13% to hit $14.9 billion.

AI agent tokens, such as Virtuals Protocol, AIXBT, and AI16Z, saw impressive gains. Virtuals Protocol rose by over 13% in the past 24 hours, while AI16Z experienced a remarkable 36% increase. AIXBT token rose by 27% over the same period.

AI tokens
Price Performance of AI Agent Tokens. Source: CoinGecko

The surge in AI tokens reflects a broader shift in market interest as investors move capital towards more “sentient” tokens.

“Capital is rotating back from static memes to sentient coins,” AI researcher S4mmy commented on Twitter.

The analyst added that Fartcoin and AIXBT are sustaining their “mindshare dominance,” but face declining market caps after a heated run. Commenting on Virtuals Protocol, he said it continues to solidify its position as a backbone of the Agentic infrastructure.

Moreover, analyst CyrilXBT said he believes “AI will create generational wealth in 2025.”

“People said Bitcoin was a joke. People said AI agents are a gimmick. Guess what else they’ll say? ‘Why didn’t I listen when generational wealth was staring me in the face?,” CyrilXBT commented.

The shift towards AI is particularly interesting, given the trend of investments a few days back. Capital was flowing into Donald Trump-related tokens, such as TRUMP and MELANIA, which have seen significant volatility

However, BeInCrypto reported that smart money traders are now focusing on AI tokens after the hype around TRUMP faded. According to data from Nansen, a substantial amount of VIRTUAL, FARTCOIN, and AIXBT tokens are held by smart money.

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 ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Will an Upside Break Spark a Surge?

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Este artículo también está disponible en español.

Ethereum price is struggling below the $3,500 resistance while Bitcoin gains. ETH is consolidating above $3,150 and might aim for an upside break.

  • Ethereum failed to gain pace for a close above $3,400 and $3,450.
  • The price is trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
  • There is a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
  • The pair could start another increase if it clears the $3,400 resistance level.

Ethereum Price Aims Key Upside Break

Ethereum price started a decent upward move from the $3,200 level but upsides were limited compared to Bitcoin. ETH cleared the $3,250 resistance to move into a short-term bullish zone.

The bulls were able to push the price above the $3,300 resistance zone. Besides, there was a clear move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low. However, the bears are still active below $3,400.

Ethereum price is now trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $3,350 level or the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low.

There is also a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. The first major resistance is near the $3,400 level. The main resistance is now forming near $3,445.

Ethereum Price
Source: ETHUSD on TradingView.com

A clear move above the $3,445 resistance might send the price toward the $3,550 resistance. An upside break above the $3,550 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,650 resistance zone or even $3,720 in the near term.

Another Decline In ETH?

If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,400 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,300 level. The first major support sits near the $3,250.

A clear move below the $3,250 support might push the price toward the $3,200 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $3,120 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $3,050.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACDThe MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSIThe RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.

Major Support Level – $3,200

Major Resistance Level – $3,400



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What Fueled Its New High

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Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has once again captured the spotlight after rallying to a new all-time high of $109,699. 

With the $110,000 milestone in sight, Bitcoin’s recent price action is being closely monitored by investors. A combination of sustained market conditions and renewed institutional interest has positioned the crypto king for potentially historic gains. 

Bitcoin Investors Are Bullish

Market sentiment has shown a significant shift in recent weeks, particularly through the lens of Coin Days Destroyed (CDD). Late 2024 saw a period of elevated CDD, signaling heavy activity among Bitcoin long-term holders (LTHs) cashing out during the rally. 

However, January has brought a notable cooldown in CDD, indicating reduced selling pressure from these key investors. This trend suggests that most profit-taking among LTHs is complete, paving the way for a more stable price trajectory.

Low CDD is often interpreted as a positive sign for Bitcoin’s recovery. It reflects conviction among long-term investors, who are holding onto their coins rather than selling into the market. Such investor behavior typically builds confidence and supports upward price momentum, providing a favorable backdrop for Bitcoin’s push to $110,000 and beyond.

Bitcoin MVRV Ratio
Bitcoin MVRV Ratio. Source: Glassnode

Bitcoin’s macro momentum has also gained strength, supported by the accumulation activity of smaller investors, often referred to as “Shrimps” and “Crabs.” These holders, who possess less than 10 BTC, collectively added over 25,600 BTC worth approximately $2.71 billion. This surge in accumulation is proof of growing confidence among retail investors.

The Shrimp-to-Crab balance spike indicates a broad base of support for Bitcoin’s price. This demographic’s increasing participation reflects long-term bullish sentiment. Their buying activity often stabilizes the market, acting as a cushion during corrections and amplifying price rallies during bullish phases.

Bitcoin Shrimp To Crab Balance
Bitcoin Shrimp To Crab Balance. Source: Glassnode

BTC Price Prediction: Onto New High

Bitcoin’s recent all-time high of $109,699 was fueled by strong market fundamentals and strong investor sentiment. If momentum continues, the cryptocurrency could breach the $110,000 mark, cementing its position as a high-performing asset in 2025. This milestone would likely attract additional buying interest, reinforcing Bitcoin’s bullish outlook.

To secure its ascent, Bitcoin must establish $105,000 as a strong support level. Currently trading around $105,562, the crypto king appears well-positioned to achieve this. A successful defense of this support zone could propel Bitcoin to new highs, unlocking further upside potential.

Bitcoin Price Analysis
Bitcoin Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, failure to maintain $105,000 as support could lead to a retracement toward $100,000. Such a decline would negate Bitcoin’s recent gains and dampen short-term bullish sentiment, raising the risk of prolonged consolidation before a renewed rally.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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