COINOTAG reported that during the sixth cryptocurrency roundtable, the SEC crypto regulation stance outlined a path that reconciles national security with privacy protection for individuals. He cautioned that excessive government reach could blunt innovation, noting that blockchain can tightly link senders and recipients, potentially transforming crypto into a potent financial surveillance tool if misdirected.

Atkins warned against a pattern where the government labels every wallet as a broker, every software as an exchange, and every transaction as a reportable event, potentially turning the ecosystem into a pervasive financial panopticon. Yet he asserted that a balanced policy framework can safeguard privacy protection while sustaining progress in blockchain and finance.

Looking ahead, Atkins said researchers and policymakers can design a collaborative policy framework that honors privacy protection and supports innovation and financial development. By focusing on risk-based compliance, interoperable standards, and transparent governance, the industry can advance without compromising individual freedoms.