A report by Rand Corporation unveiled that people using Zcash for illicit or criminal purposes in the nighttime web may non fully sympathise the underlying technology.

According to the 65-page written report published on May 7, the U.s.-based think tank and government contractor highlighted that criminals have doubts regarding the anonymity offered by Zcash.

The research highlights that the governance of Zcash and its branding as compliant with AML/CFT regulations may make it less susceptible to exploitation for illicit or criminal purposes.

However, there is one aspect that the study reveals many criminal's perception of Zcash: market weather condition, rather than specific characteristics of a particular cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin'due south authorisation

The study suspects that criminals choose to "go where the coin is," explicitly mentioning Bitcoin (BTC).  They note that Bitcoin has a "hegemony" and gives criminals confidence in their illicit activities, due in part to its popularity.

The study also highlights criminals practise non consider Zcash practical in terms of usability.

Darknet assay revealed that Zcash has a small-scale to non-real presence. This may testify that it is unattractive to users of these illegal sites.

Lack of knowledge concerning Zcash's operating model

The report besides explains that most criminals are not using shielded Zcash payments, which would otherwise help to protect their identities. Researchers speculate that these users "either do not understand the Zcash operating model or are not aware."

The written report concludes:

"Bitcoin is still perceived to be the ascendant cryptocurrency for illicit or criminal activities on the dark spider web."

Rand Corporation clarifies that studies on the use of cryptocurrencies in illicit activities remain "an emerging field."

The study contrasts with other research carried out by Chainalysis, reported by Cointelegraph in 2022. In this study, Chainalysis showed that Bitcoin is considered the worst payment method for nighttime web users. However, information technology's still the nearly used and accepted.

Rand Corporation also published research on illicit transactions on the night web in 2022, reaffirming the idea of Bitcoin's popularity in criminal activities.