Bybit Lab: 16 Blockchains Can Freeze On-Chain Crypto, Raising Centralization Concerns
A new study from Bybit’s Lazarus Security Lab identifies 16 blockchain networks that can freeze user funds on-chain, meaning foundations, validators or privileged actors can intervene to restrict transactions. The report highlights chains across multiple ecosystems — including well-known names such as BNB, SUI, APT and WAVES — and frames the capability as a structural feature, not merely an occasional emergency tool.
The revelation matters because it reframes custody risk and governance trade-offs for holders, developers and regulators. If networks retain freeze powers, users face potential asset restrictions and fewer guarantees of censorship resistance; at the same time, some projects argue freezing can aid compliance and protect against theft. The Bybit analysis is likely to intensify debates about transparency, upgrade processes and how much control a blockchain’s operators should retain over on-chain funds.