Darknet Markets Shift to Monero in 2025
Nearly 48% of new darknet markets in 2025 now support Monero exclusively, highlighting rising privacy concerns in crypto use.
- 48% of new darknet markets in 2025 support Monero only.
- Privacy concerns are driving Monero adoption.
- Analysts warn of stronger focus on crypto regulation.
The landscape of online underground marketplaces is changing fast in 2025. According to recent research from TRM Labs, nearly 48% of newly launched darknet markets now operate exclusively using Monero. This trend shows a significant shift in how anonymous platforms are handling cryptocurrency payments.
For years, Bitcoin was the dominant currency on darknet markets. However, its transparent blockchain made it easier for law enforcement and blockchain analytics firms to trace transactions. As tracking tools improved, market operators began searching for stronger privacy alternatives. Monero, known for its advanced privacy features, has now become the preferred choice for many new platforms.
Why Monero Is Becoming the Preferred Option
Monero offers built-in privacy through technologies such as ring signatures, stealth addresses, and confidential transactions. Unlike Bitcoin, where wallet balances and transaction histories are publicly visible, Monero hides sender, receiver, and transaction amounts by default.
This privacy-focused design makes it harder for authorities to track funds. As a result, new darknet platforms are increasingly launching as Monero-only marketplaces. TRM Labs reports that almost half of the new markets this year have removed support for Bitcoin entirely.
This does not mean Bitcoin has disappeared from the darknet ecosystem. Some older markets still accept it, but the trend clearly shows a shift toward stronger anonymity.
Regulatory Pressure and Industry Response
The rise of Monero-only darknet markets may increase regulatory attention on privacy coins. Governments around the world have already tightened rules on cryptocurrency exchanges, particularly those that list privacy-focused tokens.
Some exchanges have delisted Monero due to compliance concerns. However, privacy advocates argue that financial privacy is a legitimate need, not just a tool for illicit activity. They point out that privacy coins can also protect journalists, activists, and individuals living under restrictive regimes.
The growing share of Monero Darknet Markets 2025 highlights an ongoing debate in the crypto industry: how to balance privacy with regulation. As blockchain analytics tools continue to evolve, privacy technologies are evolving as well.
With nearly half of new darknet platforms choosing Monero exclusively, 2025 could mark a defining year for privacy-focused cryptocurrencies and their role in the broader crypto ecosystem.
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