2026-01-04 14:23:39

The issuer of stablecoins restricting operational permissions for specific blockchain addresses has become a standard method of collaborating with law enforcement agencies to combat crime. Over the past few years, the two major stablecoin ecosystems, Tether and Circle, have already established mature communication mechanisms with global regulatory authorities, forming a strong deterrent against criminals and entities using cryptocurrencies for illegal activities.

According to data from on-chain monitoring agencies, the total number of frozen on-chain addresses in 2025 has risen to a record high of 3,958, surpassing the combined total of 3,199 frozen addresses over the previous four years — the situation is indeed tightening.

Specifically, in a recent case on January 1, 2026, USDT issuer Tether blacklisted 6 addresses on the Tron and Ethereum networks. This type of law enforcement action signals that governance within the stablecoin ecosystem is evolving towards greater standardization and strictness. For industry participants, this is undoubtedly a clear reminder — the importance of compliant operations is on the rise.

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LiquidationHunter

· 19h ago

More and more addresses are being frozen; it feels like the crypto world can no longer return to the lawless era.

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BTCWaveRider

· 19h ago

More and more addresses are being frozen, this is the cost of centralization. Now stablecoins are basically tools for law enforcement. Tether's approach feels like it's not far from being fully controlled. 3958 addresses? Last year it wasn't even close to that, the speed is terrifying. Compliance sounds good, but once power is unleashed, it can't be taken back. The dream of blockchain decentralization is losing something again. If this continues, can stablecoins still be considered crypto? It's quite ironic. What's the difference between pulling someone's address and freezing an account? I just don't get it. Regulators are reaching further and further, we should be cautious.

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just_vibin_onchain

· 19h ago

Frozen numbers hit a new high again, it feels like there's no secret left on the chain...

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MetaverseVagabond

· 19h ago

There are so many frozen addresses, it really feels like the crypto world is about to "whitewash" itself. Is it true? Tether just bans addresses at will, and with our small assets, we have to be cautious. Now it's better, we have to honestly use cryptocurrencies. Frozen this and frozen that every day, is compliance really about protection or restriction? Cracking down on illegal activities is good, but are they overreaching... Regulations are tightening more and more, small retail investors are caught in the middle and feel uncomfortable.

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WalletWhisperer

· 20h ago

ngl, the acceleration in address blacklistings is pretty telling—3958 in one year vs 3199 over four? the pattern velocity alone screams institutional pressure ramping up. tether's just the enforcement arm everyone knew was coming.

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NFTRegretful