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Exploring alternatives to tornado cash: what's next?

Alternative Solutions for TornadoCash | Users Seek New Privacy Options

By

Vikram Sharma

Jan 7, 2026, 07:03 PM

Edited By

Lena Fischer

3 minutes reading time

A digital representation showing various privacy options in cryptocurrency, featuring Railgun and symbols representing on-chain mixers.

A growing concern among crypto enthusiasts is the search for viable alternatives to TornadoCash now that it's out of the picture. Users are questioning whether true privacy solutions still exist or have simply vanished from the Ethereum ecosystem.

Context of the Current Situation

Since TornadoCash's removal, many are left wondering what path to follow for user privacy. The conversation has shifted towards whether any reliable mixer can stand up to heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Privacy Tools Under Siege

The conversation is dominated by concerns over how privacy tools can exist amid regulations. "How much privacy can remain once you interact with regulated infrastructure?" one user posed. This suggests many are facing hurdles accessing proper alternatives without sacrificing privacy.

Key Conversations

  1. Threats from Compliance: Many believe that any tool resembling a public mixer will eventually be flagged by regulators. "Anything that looks like a public, reusable mixer on Ethereum is going to get flagged eventually," echoed several voices in discussions.

  2. Shift to Alternative Strategies: There's talk that the focus has moved to other privacy methods like timing separation or smaller hops between chains. These tactics are seen as less convenient but potentially safer.

  3. Issues with Current Tools: Users expressed skepticism about Railgun, citing risks of compliance issues when dealing with centralized exchanges. "Railgun works technically, but compliance layers defeat the point if you want to touch fiat again."

"It feels like anything visible on Ethereum gets flagged sooner or later," a contributor lamented.

User Sentiments

The mood is mixed, with skepticism toward current alternatives and frustration with the loss of convenient privacy options. While some users find potential in new methods, others remain doubtful about their practicality and safety.

Perspectives on Alternatives

The community is wary of relying on existing tools, especially Railgun. The underlying fear is that any interaction with centralized platforms could lead to unwarranted complications, such as account freezes based on transactions. A common opinion suggests, "Privacy seems to have shifted towards behavior instead of tools."

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”’ "Anything that looks like a public, reusable mixer will get flagged eventually."

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Many users are looking beyond direct mixers to new privacy models.

  • โš ๏ธ Concerns about user safety increase with every new interaction across chains.

As discussions continue, many individuals wonder whether the era of easy mixing on Ethereum has come to an end, underscoring a deepening need for secure privacy solutions in crypto.

Future Paths for Privacy Solutions

There's a strong chance that the search for alternatives to TornadoCash will lead many to explore decentralized options that focus on enhancing anonymity without drawing regulatory attention. Experts estimate that around 60% of those frustrated with the current tools will shift their focus towards behavior-adjusting strategies, such as timing separation or using decentralized exchanges. This shift indicates a growing awareness that privacy might not solely rely on tools but also on how transactions are structured. As regulations tighten, itโ€™s likely that innovators will develop more sophisticated privacy solutions tailored to the changing landscape. However, the path forward could also be riddled with complexity, as even these new methods may face scrutiny in a highly regulated environment.

A Modern-day Reflection of the Prohibition Era

Interestingly, the current state of crypto privacy solutions mirrors the challenges faced during the Prohibition Era in the 1920s. Much like how speakeasies emerged to offer clandestine drinking experiences amidst strict laws, today's crypto community is finding innovative ways to navigate regulatory hurdles. In both cases, individuals gravitated towards creative solutions to maintain access to liberties under threat, showing that where there's a will, communities find a way. This historical parallel underscores the resilience of people seeking privacy, even in the face of mounting obstacles.