Privacy coins like Zcash (ZEC) and Monero (XMR) have experienced a significant surge, with ZEC's price increasing 20-fold since September 2025. This rise coincides with heightened regulatory scrutiny in Europe and the U.S., where comprehensive cryptocurrency regulations have been introduced. The increased focus on privacy coins may reflect investor concerns over compliance and identity verification requirements. Historically, privacy coins have gained attention during market transitions, often seen as a last resort when other narratives lose momentum. Despite their appeal, privacy coins face challenges, such as delistings from exchanges due to regulatory pressures. The ongoing debate about the necessity and extent of privacy in Web3 continues, with privacy coins remaining a contentious topic in the crypto sector.