zkAPI Mainnet Launch, Blast Shutdown, and Illinois Crypto Tax Delay: Three Ethereum Ecosystem Events in 2026

Blast Shutdown: Assets must be withdrawn from the official interface before October 26, 2026. Illinois Crypto Tax Delay: The effective date of the 0.2% digital asset tax is proposed to be postponed from January 1, 2027 to July 1, 2027. zkAPI Launch: The Ethereum Foundation and the Open Anonymity Project launched zkAPI on Ethereum mainnet, enabling anonymous access to AI service API keys using USDC.

The following content outlines the timing and steps for each event from the perspective of OKX users. Data is current as of October 2, 2026, and specific operations should follow the latest official announcements.

Blast Shutdown: How Can OKX Users Safely Withdraw Assets?

According to Decrypt on October 2, 2026, the Ethereum Layer-2 network Blast announced its shutdown because operating costs exceeded revenue. The network had more than $2.3 billion in total value locked, and the official requirement is for users to withdraw assets through its interface before October 26. Blast was launched by the team behind the NFT marketplace Blur in November 2023, with Paradigm co-leading a $20 million seed round.

Blast Shutdown Timeline

Time	Event	Verification requirement
2026-10-02	Blast publishes shutdown announcement	Follow official announcement
2026-10-26	Asset withdrawal deadline	Complete withdrawal in advance to avoid last-minute congestion
After deadline	Official handling mechanism not announced	Continue monitoring Blast official channels

Steps to Withdraw Assets from Blast

1. Visit the official Blast shutdown announcement or interface, and verify that the withdrawal entry is the official domain.
2. Confirm the receiving address and network type to avoid initiating withdrawals to the wrong chain or address.
3. Verify whether the OKX Wallet or OKX Exchange supports deposits on the Blast network; if supported, obtain the corresponding deposit address.
4. If OKX does not currently support the Blast network, first transfer assets via a cross-chain bridge to a Layer-1 or other network supported by OKX.
5. After initiating the withdrawal, keep the transaction hash and operating records until the assets arrive.

OKX Wallet/Exchange Support Status

Currently, public information does not provide explicit confirmation of OKX's support for the Blast network. OKX users should verify the list of supported deposit networks in the official OKX App or web interface, and preferably use the verification methods in How to Safely Download an Exchange App and Verify Official Channels. Do not click third-party links, and beware of phishing sites. If you cannot confirm, prioritize bridging to already supported networks such as the Ethereum mainnet before transferring in.

Illinois Crypto Tax Delay: Effective Date Change and Compliance Advice

According to Decrypt on October 1, 2026, Illinois officials and crypto industry groups jointly requested a court to postpone the effective date of the 0.2% digital asset tax from January 1, 2027 to July 1, 2027. The tax was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in June 2025, and lawmakers estimated it could raise up to $60 million in 2027.

Background on the 0.2% Digital Asset Tax

The tax applies to digital asset transactions within Illinois, and the specific scope should be confirmed with the state tax authority or court documents. This article does not provide tax advice.

What a Delay to July 1, 2027 Means

A delay is not cancellation; it only postpones the effective date by about six months. OKX users with crypto transactions in Illinois should continue to keep complete transaction records and monitor official notices.

How OKX Users Can Prepare

• Save and export historical transaction records (including time, asset, cost, fees, and other fields).
• Follow official publications from the Illinois tax authority to confirm implementation details after the delay.
• Consult a tax professional for complex tax situations.

zkAPI Launch: Using USDC to Anonymously Obtain AI Service Keys

According to Decrypt on October 2, 2026, the Ethereum Foundation and the Open Anonymity Project launched zkAPI on the Ethereum mainnet on October 1, 2026. Users can prepay with USDC and obtain short-term API keys through zero-knowledge proofs, enabling use of AI services without revealing their identity.

What Is zkAPI

zkAPI is a privacy-preserving AI service access protocol running on the Ethereum mainnet that allows users to prove payment without revealing their address or identity through zero-knowledge proofs.

How Zero-Knowledge Proofs Protect Identity

Zero-knowledge proofs let users prove that they have "paid USDC" without publicly exposing the transaction address or identity, making them suitable for API call scenarios that require privacy.

Prerequisites for OKX Users

• Prepare USDC and pay Ethereum gas fees.
• Buy USDC from the OKX spot market or transfer USDC from an external source to a supported Ethereum wallet.
• Before use, verify the official public smart contract address for zkAPI, prioritize publicly disclosed addresses, and avoid unofficial links.
• The protocol is still in its early stages, and security and stability should be self-assessed.

Comprehensive Risks and OKX Operational Reminders

Blast Withdrawal Risks

The Layer-2 shutdown period may see network congestion or phishing attacks. OKX users should prioritize official channels, keep operating records, and avoid concentrating withdrawals near the deadline, which could increase gas fees.

Tax Compliance Boundary

A tax delay does not change tax obligations; OKX users should not neglect keeping transaction records.

zkAPI Technical Risks

zkAPI is a newly launched protocol, and its security and stability remain to be seen over time; all operations require self-verification of the latest security audit information.

Market View Verification

Regarding external market views such as bitmine, Tom Lee, and ethereum outlook, this site has not obtained verifiable primary sources and will not cite specific figures or conclusions for now. Our independent judgment: market views need to be verified item by item from reliable sources, not based solely on third-party summaries. You may also refer to Key Differences Between CEX and DEX and a Beginner’s Choice to learn basics about networks and asset transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will My Assets Be Automatically Refunded After the Blast Shutdown?

No, they will not be automatically refunded. The Blast official announcement requires users to actively withdraw assets through its official interface before October 26, 2026; assets will not automatically return to the original address. Specifics are subject to the latest Blast official announcement.

When Is the Illinois Crypto Tax Delayed To?

According to Decrypt on October 1, 2026, Illinois officials and crypto industry groups jointly requested a court to postpone the effective date of the 0.2% digital asset tax from January 1, 2027 to July 1, 2027. Note that this is still a request for delay; final details are subject to official state or court documents.

Can Other Stablecoins Be Used for zkAPI Payments?

Public reports only mention support for USDC prepayment, and it is not confirmed whether other stablecoins are accepted; users should refer to official zkAPI documentation or smart contract descriptions.

Does OKX Support Direct Withdrawal from Blast to the Exchange?

Currently, public information does not clearly state whether OKX supports direct deposits on the Blast network. OKX users need to verify in the list of supported deposit networks in the official OKX App or web interface; if not supported, they should first bridge assets to a Layer-1 or other network supported by OKX.

What If I Do Not Withdraw Blast Assets by October 26?

Public reports do not clearly describe the asset handling mechanism after the deadline. Users are advised to complete withdrawals before October 26 and continue monitoring Blast official announcements for further details.

Will the Crypto Tax Delay Affect Other States?

It will not directly affect other states. Illinois' 0.2% digital asset tax applies only to that state, and each state sets its own crypto tax rules; taxpayers in other states should follow their own state laws.

Risk Warning: Crypto/digital asset prices are highly volatile, and information and rules may change at any time. This article does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice, and decisions should be based on the latest official announcements and actual product pages.