Crypto Privacy Debate Heats Up at SEC’s Sixth Roundtable

Crypto News Regulation

Crypto Privacy Sparks Debate at SEC’s Sixth Blockchain Roundtable

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Key Takeaways

SEC’s sixth crypto roundtable focused on balancing investor protection and user privacy as blockchain adoption grows;
Commissioners warned that overregulation could turn crypto into a tool for mass financial surveillance;
Public blockchains’ transparency drives demand for stronger privacy tools, say SEC officials and advocacy groups.

Stop overpaying - start transferring money with Ogvio. Sign up, invite friends & grab Rewards now! 🎁

Crypto Privacy Sparks Debate at SEC’s Sixth Blockchain Roundtable

BITDEGREE IN YOUR SOCIAL FEED

The US Securities and Exchange Commission's crypto task force hosted its sixth roundtable on December 15, which focused on how to maintain investor safeguards and user privacy as blockchain technology expands.

Key participants included Commissioner Hester Peirce, who oversees the crypto task force, alongside SEC Chair Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda.

Atkins raised concerns that crypto could be "the most powerful financial surveillance architecture ever invented", depending on how lawmakers adapt their approach.

Is Cryptocurrency a Good Investment? (5 PROS & CONS!)

Did you know?

Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?

Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!

He highlighted the previous approach of "treating every wallet like a broker", which led to additional tracking and paperwork for every transaction.

Peirce agreed with those concerns and noted that crypto challenges the way transaction monitoring is applied in the financial industry. She mentioned that cryptocurrencies have created reasons to rethink established financial monitoring standards.

According to Peirce, while crypto allows movement of funds without banks or institutions, its blockchains still reveal most activities to anyone with access.

She said, "The public blockchains on which many crypto transactions take place are viewable by everyone, which creates a demand for privacy-protecting tools".

Organizations advocating for privacy and digital financial rights that joined the discussion included Zcash ZEC $334.18 , the Blockchain Association, and the Crypto Council for Innovation.

Recently, Atkins shared his views during a CBC interview on how the SEC will continue shaping crypto rules. What did he say? Read the full story.