It got more popular. Prices increased.

As the money in anything grows, it becomes more visible and more of a concern to governments and regulatory authorities. If a thing is small in dollar terms, then it is inconsequential to a government, and is ignored. When it gets bigger, and particularly when it impacts other people and other businesses, then the authorities step in. Crypto has a lot of rock-solid use-cases. It will continue to get bigger, continue to move towards the mainstream, and continue on the path to regulation and integration into 'normal' society.

If I have a couple of chickens in my garden and set up a stall in front of my house selling 6 eggs a week for $1, then the government couldn't care less that I'm making $1 profit and paying zero tax on it. If I scale up and have 10,000 chickens, build a shop in front of my house and start employing staff to sell the eggs, then the authorities take an interest. Same with anything.