Surveillance

Definition ∞ Surveillance denotes the close observation of a person or area. In the context of digital assets and blockchain, it refers to the monitoring of transactions, network activity, or user behavior. This can be conducted by network participants, regulatory bodies, or specialized analytics firms.
Context ∞ Discussions around surveillance in the crypto space frequently center on privacy concerns, regulatory compliance, and the traceability of illicit activities. News reports may detail advancements in blockchain analytics tools, government efforts to monitor digital asset flows, or the development of privacy-enhancing technologies designed to counter such observations, shaping the discourse on decentralization versus accountability.