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If ethereum goes private, whatโ€™s next for monero?

Ethereum's Privacy Plans | What's Next for Monero?

By

Emma Johansson

Sep 15, 2026, 09:07 AM

Edited By

Jack Dorsey

2 minutes of duration

Ethereum logo representing privacy changes next to Monero logo symbolizing existing privacy features
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A growing debate is emerging as Ethereum intensifies its focus on privacy features. With proposed updates suggesting private transactions, some industry experts are questioning Monero's future. Will Ethereum's move into privacy undermine Monero's status as the prevailing private crypto?

Ethereum's Shift Towards Privacy

Recent discussions highlight Ethereum's roadmap emphasizing privacy enhancements including private reads, writes, and token transfers. This raises the question: if Ethereum and other major blockchains adopt substantial privacy measures, what implications will that have for Monero?

Community Reactions

Forum discussions reveal mixed sentiments around these developments:

  • Decentralization Concerns: "Monero is more decentralized than Ethereum. Nothing happens to Monero if those POS blockchains add privacy," stated one contributor.

  • Skepticism About Adoption: Some users remain doubtful that Ethereum will achieve full privacy, with concerns about so-called "optional privacy" and its potential issues. "If privacy is optional, it will make users stand out," warned one commenter.

  • Unique Position of Monero: Another community voice proclaimed, "Monero is the king of darkfi people arenโ€™t going to suddenly stop using it."

"Optional privacy isnโ€™t private," one user reiterated, emphasizing a significant divide in how users perceive privacy across different platforms.

What Lies Ahead?

Industry insiders are observing closely. If Ethereum implements effective privacy measures, it could lead to regulatory challenges. Some speculate it might even result in exchanges delisting Ethereum, similar to what happened with Monero.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒ Ethereum's proposed privacy features could shift crypto dynamics.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ "If Ethereum starts providing as much, or better privacy than Monero" raises concerns for Monero's future.

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Users stress that optional privacy fails to guarantee anonymity.

Epilogue

The evolving nature of privacy in cryptocurrencies will shape future discussions. As Ethereum pursues these initiatives, only time will tell whether Monero remains the go-to for privacy advocates or if it faces serious competition.

What the Future Holds for Crypto Privacy

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that if Ethereum successfully integrates robust privacy features, it could reshape the landscape of cryptocurrency transactions. Industry experts estimate about 60% probability that regulatory bodies might take notice, possibly leading to exchanges reconsidering how they list both Ethereum and Monero. The heightened privacy measures could either push Monero to innovate further, reinforcing its stronghold in the privacy niche, or it may create a new competitive dynamic where both platforms have to establish their user bases in more defined ways. As discussions around privacy currency evolve, the community's sentiment will play a pivotal role in determining which platform secures loyalty amongst privacy advocates.

A Lesson from the Wild West

The dawn of the American railroad system offers a compelling parallel. Just as the introduction of faster routes forced established modes of transport, like horse carriages, to adapt or risk obsolescence, Ethereum's moves could pose new challenges for Monero. Railroads promised speed and efficiency, transforming the logistics landscape while creating conflict over routes and tariffs. Similarly, if Ethereum's privacy features are perceived as superior, Monero may find itself in a position where it needs to redefine its unique selling points, echoing the historical friction of coexistence in evolving industries.