Crypto Advocates Support Lawsuit Against DOJ’s Open-Source Code Restrictions

Several digital currency organizations have united in support of a lawsuit filed by the Coin Center against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The lawsuit challenges the DOJ’s actions restricting open-source code, alleging violations of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Coin Center argues that code is a form of free speech and that the government’s right to regulate it is limited. Earlier in May, the DOJ cautioned a cryptocurrency mining software developer against making the software available, deeming it a sanctions violation. The DOJ’s rationale was that the code could be exploited for money laundering or terrorism financing, even though the software itself had been available for some time. In response, Coin Center launched a lawsuit, asserting that the DOJ’s actions exceeded its constitutional authority. Now, six additional cryptocurrency organizations have joined the cause, including the Blockchain Association, Creedo, Mercle, Satoshi Action Fund, and Defense Riv. These organizations have collectively donated $50,000 to bolster the lawsuit, expressing concern that the DOJ’s restrictions could have a chilling effect on open-source code development. Cryptocurrency advocates maintain that open-source code is critical for innovation and growth within the digital currency space. Open-source code enables developers to scrutinize, modify, and contribute to code, fostering the development of new software and services. They argue that the DOJ’s restrictions could stifle this innovation and impede developers from creating new technologies. The case is currently under consideration in court and is expected to take several months to resolve. The outcome holds significant implications for the future of open-source code in the digital currency industry.