The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is determined to determine whether transactions can be tracked using anonymous cryptocurrencies . This is evidenced by a document published by the DHS Small Business Innovation Division.
It discusses the problem of using cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, for transactions . The authors of this document note that such cryptocurrencies may have applications both in commercial activities and at the government level, and separately emphasize the need to find a way to analyze transactions carried out using anonymous counterparts in criminal intent.
DHS claims that platforms such as Zcash and Monero emphasize privacy and anonymity as their key characteristics, which may make it difficult to determine the sender of the transaction and the amount of funds transferred.
“While such characteristics are relevant, there is a compelling interest in tracking and understanding transactions and actions of an illegal nature in the blockchain, ” writes the agency.
Our proposal is to find solutions that would allow law enforcement agencies to carry out forensic analysis of transactions in the blockchain. This analysis can be carried out in various ways, applicable to different situations depending on the availability of additional information outside the blockchain. "
The authors of the document cite Zcash and Monero as examples of anonymous cryptocurrencies, while noting that there is a possibility of creating new platforms with similar characteristics. Accordingly, any proposed solution should be either universal or “provide a working approach to interacting with new implementations of the blockchain ”.
However, DHS draws attention to what it does not call for immediate action and does not expect to receive concrete solutions right now. The ministry invites interested parties to contact him before December 18 to give comments or ask technical questions. A full proposal for the development of measures to track transactions using anonymous cryptocurrencies should be announced on December 19th.
