Identity Linkage
Identity linkage is the process of connecting a pseudonymous blockchain address to a real-world identity, such as a name, email address, or physical location. This is the ultimate goal of many surveillance efforts and chain analysis investigations.
Linkage often occurs through interaction with centralized exchanges that perform KYC, or through public social media posts where users share their wallet addresses. Once an address is linked to an identity, the entire transaction history of that wallet becomes transparent to the party holding the link.
This poses a significant risk to user privacy and highlights the danger of reusing addresses across different platforms. Preventing identity linkage is a primary concern for privacy-conscious participants in the crypto market.