YOUR FINANCIAL PRIVACY IS UNDER ATTACK: HOW STATE-SPONSORED ATTACKS ON BITCOIN ARE GROWING By Kudzai Kutukwa Governments around the world are increasingly targeting the privacy of Bitcoin users. This is because Bitcoin is a decentralized currency that is not subject to government control. Governments are concerned that Bitcoin could be used to facilitate illegal activities, such as money laundering and terrorism financing. There are a number of ways that governments are attacking the privacy of Bitcoin users. One way is to track Bitcoin transactions through so-called "chain analysis" services. These services can track the movement of Bitcoin across the blockchain, which is the public ledger of all Bitcoin transactions. Another way that governments are attacking the privacy of Bitcoin users is to seize Bitcoin exchanges. Bitcoin exchanges are businesses that allow users to buy and sell Bitcoin. When a government seizes a Bitcoin exchange, it gains access to the personal information of all of the exchange's users. The attacks on the privacy of Bitcoin users are a growing threat. If governments are successful in their efforts to undermine the privacy of Bitcoin, it could make the currency less appealing to users and could hinder its adoption. | 