- Binance sparked criticism for considering Zcash (ZEC) for delisting alongside tokens like FTT and JASMY.
- Crypto leaders like Zooko Wilcox and Barry Silbert defended Zcash, emphasizing the importance of privacy.
- Zcash dropped 3.1% to $31.26 as regulatory concerns continue to pressure privacy-focused tokens.
Binance stirred up controversy this week after listing privacy coin Zcash (ZEC) as a candidate for delisting—grouping it with troubled tokens like FTX’s FTT and JASMY. The move hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it’s sparking criticism from some high-profile figures in crypto.
Zcash Community Fires Back
Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox didn’t hold back. He called out Binance CEO Richard Teng directly on X, asking, “Do you want your children to grow up in peace and prosperity, or a Black Mirror episode?” The comment wasn’t just dramatic—it captured the mood of many privacy advocates who see this as a step backward. Barry Silbert of Digital Currency Group also chimed in with disapproval, and he wasn’t alone. Ledger’s CTO Charles Guillemet and Cosmos co-founder Ethan Buchman joined in, defending the value of privacy in blockchain ecosystems.
Regulatory Pressure Behind the Scenes?
Binance hasn’t shared much detail about why ZEC is on the chopping block, but there’s likely a regulatory undertone. Privacy tokens have long been under scrutiny from global regulators. A leaked EU memo back in 2022 even floated the idea of banning them entirely. Tornado Cash—a well-known privacy protocol—was sanctioned in the U.S. not too long ago (though, those sanctions were dropped just last month). It’s a tense space.
Market Reaction
Zcash hasn’t been spared on the price front either. The coin is down 3.1% over the past day, now trading at about $31.26. The uncertainty around Binance’s decision is clearly weighing on the asset—and the community.
All things considered, this episode isn’t just about one token’s fate on an exchange. It’s a broader reflection of the ongoing tug-of-war between privacy advocates and regulatory pressure… and that battle’s not ending anytime soon.
