Market
Tornado Cash Sanctions Overturned; TORN Token Spikes 400%
A US federal appeals court struck down sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department on Tornado Cash. This popular crypto-mixing service enables users to anonymize their cryptocurrency transactions through smart contracts.
The ruling, delivered by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, marks a significant victory for decentralized technology proponents and privacy advocates. At the same time, it reignites debates about how to regulate the use of blockchain tools in connection with criminal activities.
Treasury Department’s Sanctions Against Tornado Cash Overturned
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had sanctioned Tornado Cash in 2022. According to the agency, the platform was a key tool for illicit actors, including North Korea’s Lazarus Group, to launder stolen funds.
However, the court ruled that OFAC overstepped its authority. It emphasized that the immutable smart contracts underpinning Tornado Cash cannot be considered property under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The appellate court’s decision hinged on the nature of Tornado Cash’s smart contracts. These are autonomous lines of code designed to function without human intervention.
These contracts, deployed on the Ethereum blockchain, are unalterable and accessible to anyone. The court found that such contracts do not meet the legal definition of “property” because they cannot be owned, controlled, or restricted.
“The immutable smart contracts at issue are not property because they are not capable of being owned,” the court wrote.
The court further noted that while sanctions might block certain individuals from using Tornado Cash, the technology’s decentralized nature ensures that no one, including North Korean hackers, can be entirely prevented from accessing it. Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, hailed the ruling.
“This is a historic win for crypto and all who cares about defending liberty…These smart contracts must now be removed from the sanctions list and US persons will once again be allowed to use this privacy-protecting protocol. Put another way, the government’s overreach will not stand… No one wants criminals to use crypto protocols, but blocking open source technology entirely because a small portion of users are bad actors is not what Congress authorized. These sanctions stretched Treasury’s authority beyond recognition, and the Fifth Circuit agreed.” Grewal wrote on X (formerly Twitter),
Grewal also emphasized the importance of distinguishing between tools and their misuse. Of note, Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, was among the entities that sued the government over the sanctions.
Broader Implications for Crypto Regulation
The ruling exposes the challenges of applying existing legal frameworks to decentralized technologies. Crypto-mixing services like Tornado Cash occupy a legal gray area, prompting calls for scrutiny by US lawmakers.
They are neither traditional financial (TradFi) institutions nor entities capable of being controlled by a central authority. Critics of the ruling argue that it could embolden bad actors to exploit blockchain technology further.
“If you think Tornado Cash has been used by good people for worthwhile purposes then make your case…If privacy protects good people it’s good, if it protects bad people it’s bad. The vast majority of people that Tornado Cash has protected are doing bad,” one user on X quipped.
Some lawmakers have previously pressed the Treasury to adopt stricter measures against crypto mixers. In 2022, members of Congress highlighted concerns about their role in facilitating money laundering and funding terrorism. A bipartisan push aimed to ensure that tools like Tornado Cash, often associated with criminal networks, face regulatory scrutiny.
However, privacy advocates argue that targeting the tools rather than the actors undermines the principles of decentralization and privacy. Bill Hughes, a lawyer at ConsenSys, applauded the court’s nuanced understanding of the issue but highlighted a key issue. He cautioned that regulatory risks remain.
“This does NOTmean that the rest of Tornado Cash is out of bounds for Treasury/OFAC too. The issue was about smart contracts with no admin key,” Hughes wrote.
This means that the court’s decision does not shield Tornado Cash from other legal challenges, particularly those concerning its founders. As BeInCrypto reported, they face accusations of facilitating money laundering. Moreover, the broader debate over how to regulate decentralized technologies remains unresolved.
Following the ruling, however, Tornado Cash’s native token, TORN, is up almost 400% to trade for $17.63 as of this writing.
This surge reflects investor optimism about the protocol’s potential resurgence and its implications for decentralized finance (DeFi) projects.
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
Will an Upside Break Spark a Surge?
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.
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 MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.
Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.
Major Support Level – $3,200
Major Resistance Level – $3,400
Market
What Fueled Its New High
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’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.
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.
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 Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
XRP Price Sets the Stage for More Gains: Bulls Hold the Momentum
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