2026-01-09 22:34:37

The tug-of-war between privacy tools and regulation is intensifying in the crypto space. A key figure in the Ethereum community recently publicly expressed support for Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm and reaffirmed their stance in favor of privacy technology—admitting that they have even used the tool for personal transactions.

Storm is currently facing legal difficulties that warrant attention: a court has convicted him of operating an unlicensed funds transfer business, but other charges are still pending. This case highlights a sharp contradiction: privacy protection is regarded as a fundamental right in Web3, yet regulatory authorities in various countries view certain privacy tools as sources of risk.

From a technical perspective, the existence of privacy transaction tools is justified. However, under the high-pressure environment of anti-money laundering compliance, both developers and users find themselves in a gray area. The outcome of this controversy could influence the future development of privacy coins and privacy protocols.

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MetaverseMigrant

· 01-09 23:04

Privacy vs regulation, forever deadlock. Anyone using privacy tools has to be on edge, it's funny. --- Storm is actually just a scapegoat; the real money launderers are doing just fine. --- Honestly, without complete privacy, there is no true Web3. Is there a problem with this logic? --- I understand anti-money laundering efforts, but arresting privacy developers? Next, it might be wallet developers' turn. --- Every time I see this news, I think of that saying: Is privacy a right or a convenience? It depends on who you ask. --- Even if Ethereum influencers come out to take sides, it’s useless; the law doesn’t buy into that. --- The gray area has been around for too long; trouble will come sooner or later. This is just the beginning.

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ForkMonger

· 01-09 23:03

honestly the whole tornado cash thing screams governance failure waiting to happen... like yeah privacy's core to web3 but watching devs get prosecuted while everyone else virtue signals? that's peak protocol fragility right there. this is exactly the kind of pressure point where a well-timed fork becomes inevitable tbh

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MetaLord420

· 01-09 22:59

Privacy vs regulation, honestly, both sides have valid points. But how to strike the right balance is the key. --- Storm was convicted, but there are other charges, which makes it awkward... Neither users nor developers can escape. --- I understand anti-money laundering compliance, but demonizing privacy tools is going too far. It’s stifling the core values of Web3. --- A major Ethereum figure publicly taking a side shows that the community remains quite firm—good sign. --- Staying in the gray area for too long will eventually lead to trouble. Legislation needs to be enacted quickly to clarify the rules, instead of this constant tug-of-war. --- The future of privacy coins is worrying. If this case is judged too harshly, even copycat coins will tremble.

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ThreeHornBlasts

· 01-09 22:59

Privacy vs regulation, these two are naturally at odds... But the truth is, people who use privacy tools know what it means. --- Roman Storm's case is basically being used as a pawn, the technology is fine, the people are fine, but the law just can't figure it out. --- It's hilarious—on one hand, talking about Web3 decentralization and freedom, and on the other, fearing privacy tools... Isn't this contradiction right in front of us? --- Developers are really in a tough spot. They have to gamble with their future just to create something... This is the current state of crypto, isn't it? --- Instead of cracking down on privacy tools, it's better to set proper rules. Right now, no one dares to act. --- The gray area is the hardest to deal with; compliance doesn't work, and violations don't work either—unless the law is changed...

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NFT_Therapy_Group

· 01-09 22:55

Privacy vs. Regulation, this game is far from over... the real battle has just begun. Roman Storm is definitely tough, but in this environment... developing privacy tools is truly a gamble with your life. The gray area is now the norm in Web3; no one can expect to walk away unscathed. Users want privacy, developers want innovation, governments want compliance... how can this triangle ever form a perfect circle? Curious about how privacy coins will develop in the future, it feels like they are being strangled alive.

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