US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Protect Blockchain Devs from Prosecution
US lawmakers introduced the Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act to shield software developers from prosecution if they lack control over users' crypto assets.Summary
A bipartisan group of US House Representatives—Scott Fitzgerald, Ben Cline, and Zoe Lofgren—introduced the Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act to clarify that federal law prohibiting illegal money transmitting businesses only applies to actors who have custody or control over others' digital assets.
Crypto advocacy groups, including the Blockchain Association and the DeFi Education Fund (DEF), publicly supported the bill, arguing it is a critical step to encourage US-based development by ensuring developers building neutral technology without controlling user funds are not criminally prosecuted as financial intermediaries. DEF noted this legislation could halt prosecutions similar to those against Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm and Samourai Wallet founders.
It remains uncertain if this bill will retroactively affect ongoing or previously concluded cases, such as those involving Storm or the Samourai Wallet founders. Separately, the Senate has already considered similar protections through the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act introduced by Senators Lummis and Wyden in January.
(Source：Cointelegraph)