Grouping addresses likely controlled by one entity using transaction patterns, exchange records and other signals.
Address clustering is best understood as part of a system rather than as an isolated definition. Its related coordinates show the mechanisms, incentives and historical records that give the term practical meaning.
Address clustering should be evaluated against a concrete threat model: what is protected, from whom, for how long and at what operational cost. A design may remove one dependency while introducing another, so custody, privacy and verification must be judged as a complete system.
Understanding Address clustering helps distinguish a verifiable Bitcoin mechanism or historical record from slogans, products and market narratives.
For the clearest picture, read this entry together with Chain surveillance, Common-input ownership heuristic, Bitcoin privacy, Know Your Customer. The reverse links also lead from Chain surveillance, Common-input ownership heuristic.
Linked to related atlas coordinates
Grounded in a source record
Explains function and trade-offs
Part of the open Bitcoin knowledge graph