Part 6/7:

The **proof of work** systems utilized by many cryptocurrencies demand immense computing power, raising environmental concerns related to energy consumption. However, there are new coins designed to address efficiency, aiming to remedy the excessive energy use.

### 3. The Criminal Element

There’s a common misconception that cryptocurrencies provide anonymity. While transactions can occur without disclosing personal identifiers, all transactions are recorded in the blockchain. Recent legal proceedings illustrate that identifiable information can still surface, as seen in cases involving the IRS and cryptocurrency exchanges. There are, however, **privacy coins** developed specifically to enhance transaction anonymity for users.

## The Future of Cryptocurrency