CandleFocus

Why US vs Storm (Tornado) is a huge case for crypto privacy developers

Author: Content Editor
The upcoming trial of Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, has raised concerns in the crypto community about the potential consequences for privacy developers. The outcome of the trial may not only shape regulations for decentralized finance (DeFi) but also set new standards for privacy tool developers. U.S. prosecutors allege that Tornado Cash facilitated over $1 billion in money laundering, including funds for North Korea's Lazarus Group. Roman Storm faces charges of money laundering, sanctions violations, and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. His defense argues that code writing should be protected under the First Amendment but the court ruled that code writing may not necessarily be considered protected free speech and scheduled a trial for December. If found guilty, Storm could face up to 45 years in prison. The court ruling has generated disapproval and concerns among legal experts and members of the crypto community, who see it as an attack on software developers and a potential crackdown on decentralized technologies. The outcome of the trial could redefine how privacy is treated in blockchain development.

Related News