Home
/
Regulatory changes
/
Impact of regulations
/

Crypto's shift: is surveillance taking over trade?

Crypto Users Raising Eyebrows | KYC and Surveillance Sparks Debate

By

Fatima Al-Mansoori

Aug 27, 2025, 09:22 PM

2 minutes to read

A close-up of a computer screen showing cryptocurrency charts with an overlay of security icons, symbolizing surveillance in digital trading.

In an ironic twist, people are voicing frustration over what they see as excessive monitoring within the crypto space. Many feel that ongoing Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, particularly when modifying previously set peer-to-peer (P2P) sell orders, represent a shift towards surveillance rather than security.

Context: Users Speak Out

The recent uptick in mandatory verification requests has caught the attention of crypto enthusiasts. Users are questioning the balance between safety and invasive measures. The complaints stem from experiences on platforms where these KYC protocols seem to escalate.

Top Themes and Reactions

  1. CEX vs. DEX: One person noted, "Binance isn’t crypto. It’s a cex dealing in crypto." The argument arose around centralized exchanges (CEX) versus decentralized exchanges (DEX). These users advocate for trading on DEX platforms to avoid stringent regulations.

  2. Annoyance Over Repeated Checks: Many have echoed sentiments like: "Kinda annoying," pointing at the repetitive nature of verifications, leading to frustration among account holders.

  3. The Price of Regulation: A recurring theme emphasizes that stricter rules might be the cost of legitimacy. One comment suggested, "Careful what you wish for," highlighting the irony behind wanting to use crypto like traditional currency while at the same time resisting oversight.

"Your account security is always our priority," a typical response from platforms attempts to justify these practices, yet it leaves many skeptical about user privacy.

Despite mixed feelings, some users maintain a sense of humor about the situation, with comments like, "Next strip and bend over 🀣" further adding a lighter tone to the discourse.

Sentiment at a Glance

While the majority of comments reflect dissatisfaction with the KYC processes, a few acknowledge the need for security. It seems that many crypto enthusiasts juggle the desire for a free trading environment against the reality of regulatory requirements.

Key Insights

  • ✏️ Users urge less reliance on centralized exchanges for privacy.

  • πŸ’¬ Many find repetitive KYC checks frustrating and unnecessary.

  • 🌐 Acknowledgment that regulations often come with a price.

As the conversation continues, will we see a shift towards decentralized platforms, or will mainstream users adapt to the changing regulations? This developing story remains one to watch.

What Lies Ahead for Crypto Trading?

There’s a strong chance that as regulatory measures tighten, more people will lean toward decentralized exchanges (DEX), valuing their privacy over the convenience of centralized platforms. Industry experts estimate that within the next year, up to 30% of users could transition to DEX to escape the ongoing KYC scrutiny. This shift could be fueled by a collective sentiment that favors personal privacy and autonomy in trading. As frustrations over repeated verification grow, platforms may feel increased pressure to innovate, possibly introducing alternative verification methods that prioritize user experience while complying with regulations.

Echoes of the Past: Think the Prohibition Era

Reflecting on the current crypto landscape calls to mind the Prohibition Era in the United States. Just as citizens turned to speakeasies to circumvent outdated liquor laws, the emerging wave of crypto traders seeking freedom from stringent regulations may mimic this trend by gravitating toward underground or less regulated trading platforms. This historical parallel highlights that while regulations aim to control, they often inadvertently push activities into shadowy corners, fostering an ecosystem that thrives outside of established norms.