The UK tightens the screws on cryptocurrencies

Starting January 1, 2026, the British government will implement an unprecedented surveillance system. Crypto platforms will be required to collect a multitude of information about their users and their transactions. A measure that risks radically changing the crypto landscape in the UK.


What types of data will be affected?


  • đŸ§â€â™‚ïž Individual Users : full name, date of birth, address, country of residence, tax identification number

  • 🏱 Companies : company name, headquarters address, registration number

  • 💾 Transactions : amount, value transferred, asset used, type of transaction


Any omission may cost £300 (approximately €356) per undeclared user.


Why such a measure?

The UK justifies this decision by a desire to combat tax fraud and money laundering. However, this systematic collection revives fears of a surveillance society, where financial privacy could become a distant memory.


A global trend?

While some countries like Germany have chosen a less intrusive path, particularly by sparing self-hosted wallets, the UK adopts a much stricter approach. Privacy advocates are crying out against security drift, while regulators welcome a move towards transparency.



Conclusion

Between increased control and individual freedoms, British crypto enters a new era. For users, it becomes crucial to stay informed and rethink their way of managing their digital assets.


Source: Cryptoast.fr