Definition ∞ National security refers to the protection of a nation’s sovereignty, economic stability, and public welfare from threats, both internal and external. In the context of digital assets, concerns relate to potential uses of cryptocurrencies for illicit financing, sanctions evasion, or cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Governments evaluate digital asset policies through this lens to safeguard national interests. This perspective often influences regulatory stringency.
Context ∞ National security considerations heavily influence government approaches to digital asset regulation, particularly regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. The situation involves ongoing efforts by intelligence agencies and financial regulators to monitor and mitigate risks associated with crypto usage. A critical future development is the implementation of advanced surveillance technologies and international data-sharing agreements to address these concerns.