Review of Methods for Ensuring Anonymity and De-Anonymization in Blockchain

Abstract

Nowadays a lot of blockchain solutions are presented, in which to some degree implemented methods of anonymization, that allows network participants to hide their operations. Among existing projects, cryptocurrencies stand out: Bytecoin, Monero, Dash, TON (Telegram Open Network), ZCash, Loki, Grin, Beam, Verge, ZCoin, Horizen (ZenCash), BlackCoin, NavCoin, SmartCash, ZeroVert, PIVX, AEON, Fantomcoin and Ring Coin. There are also the privacy enhancing technologies on which they are based: CoinJoin, Mimblewimble, ZK-SNARKs and others. This article studies renowned technologies and methods of de-anonymization and suggests possible directions for further research.