Countries are increasingly implementing policies that restrict or regulate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but there is no clear evidence of a fully coordinated global effort specifically aimed at creating anti-Bitcoin policies. Instead, many nations are independently adopting measures to control risks associated with cryptocurrencies such as financial instability, money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, and illicit activities. These policies range from outright bans to cautious regulation, reflecting diverse national priorities and concerns.
Several countries have imposed strict bans on Bitcoin and crypto activities. For example, China has banned all cryptocurrency transactions since 2021, citing financial risks, capital flight, and environmental concerns related to mining. Violators face fines, asset confiscation, and criminal charges, with enforcement through police raids and internet censorship of crypto content. Algeria followed a similar path in 2025 by criminalizing all crypto-related activities including owning, trading, mining, and promotion, with penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines. These bans are motivated by concerns over financial stability, fraud, and illicit financing[1].
Other countries have adopted stringent regulatory frameworks rather than outright bans. South Korea enforces a real-name trading system to prevent anonymous transactions and money laundering. It requires crypto exchanges to register with financial authorities, obtain cybersecurity certifications, and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. South Korea also bans initial coin offerings (ICOs) domestically and has passed laws to protect investors, aligning its regulations with international standards such as those from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)[3]. Taiwan, while not banning cryptocurrencies, does not recognize Bitcoin as legal currency and restricts banking services related to crypto transactions, though mining remains permitted[2].
In Africa, countries like Kenya and Ghana are introducing crypto-specific legislation aimed at providing regulatory certainty, protecting consumers, and formalizing the crypto economy to improve tax collection. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the widespread use of cryptocurrencies by millions of Africans and the need to balance innovation with fiscal and security concerns[4].
At the international level, there is no single unified policy or treaty explicitly targeting Bitcoin with anti-crypto measures. However, global bodies such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision have set standards limiting banks’ exposure to volatile cryptocurrencies, requiring high capital reserves to mitigate financial risks. This indirectly influences national policies by encouraging prudential regulation of crypto assets within the banking sector[3].
The diversity of approaches—from bans in some countries to cautious regulation or crypto-friendly policies in others—indicates that countries are not collaborating to create a uniform anti-Bitcoin policy. Instead, they are responding individually to local economic, political, and social factors. Some nations, like Portugal, Germany, Singapore, and Malta, have embraced cryptocurrencies with clear regulations and tax benefits to foster innovation and investment[5].
Efforts to combat crypto-enabled crime, such as money laundering and fraud, are increasingly coordinated through international cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement agencies. Global conferences and expert groups work jointly to address the misuse of cryptocurrencies for illicit purposes, but this cooperation focuses on crime prevention rather than a blanket anti-Bitcoin stance[7].
In summary, while many countries have enacted or are enacting policies that restrict or regulate Bitcoin, these actions are largely independent and tailored to national circumstances. There is no comprehensive global collaboration specifically aimed at creating anti-Bitcoin policies, but there is growing international cooperation to regulate risks and prevent criminal misuse of cryptocurrencies. The regulatory landscape remains fragmented, with some countries banning crypto, others regulating it strictly, and some embracing it as part of their financial ecosystem.