DOJ Revises Cryptocurrency Enforcement: Developers Safe from Liability – Coincu

Key Points:

  • DOJ shifts focus to criminal misuse in cryptocurrency cases.
  • Developers relieved from liability for code misuse.
  • Efforts align with the agenda to ease crypto restrictions.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has updated its cryptocurrency enforcement strategy, prioritizing criminal misuse over developer liability.

This approach aims to mitigate regulatory burdens, protect developers, and encourage blockchain innovation by focusing on fraud and terrorism financing.

DOJ Shifts Focus to Criminal Misuse in Crypto Cases

In a notable shift, the DOJ has updated its approach to cryptocurrency enforcement. Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, confirmed this change, emphasizing the department will now prioritize criminal acts rather than holding developers liable for code misuse.

The DOJ’s announcement adjusts regulatory focus, protecting blockchain developers from liability risks while highlighting criminal activities such as fraud and terrorism financing. This adjustment aligns with President Trump’s administration’s broader agenda to ease cryptocurrency restrictions, potentially encouraging growth within the sector.

Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, stated, “The DOJ will realign its focus away from regulatory crypto-related cases to concentrate on criminal misuse of cryptocurrencies, such as fraud and financing of terrorism.”

Market dynamics are likely to shift as blockchain developers and the crypto industry welcome these changes. Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, supports this move, highlighting a need for regulatory clarity. Meanwhile, cautious scrutiny continues surrounding privacy coins due to potential misuse.

Protection for Developers Sparks Optimism in Crypto Market

Did you know? In Risley v. Uniswap, courts affirmed that developers are not liable for third-party misuse, reinforcing blockchain innovation safeguards.

According to CoinMarketCap, Monero (XMR) currently trades at $195.65, with a market cap of $3.61 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of $73.43 million, down 20.91%. The token’s price has dropped by 5.29% over 24 hours, as of April 9, 2025.

monero-daily-chart-2monero-daily-chart-2

Monero(XMR), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 05:07 UTC on April 9, 2025. Source: CoinMarketCap

Coincu research suggests continued efforts from regulatory bodies may lead to a more balanced market. Enhanced transparency and developer protection might result in increased DeFi activity, though caution is advised due to potential misuse related to privacy-focused protocols.

Source: https://coincu.com/331082-doj-crypto-developer-liability-change/