Crypto Developers Warn: Legal Cases Threaten Privacy Tech

[cryptohog]

A growing number of developers and advocates say recent prosecutions of privacy-focused software builders set a dangerous precedent. Cases involving Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet have raised concerns that open-source, non-custodial tools are being treated like criminal enterprises.

Journalist Lola Leetz likens the logic to charging Toyota because criminals also drive its cars:
“People should not be held accountable for what other people do with the tools they build.”

The DOJ recently attempted to soften fears, stating it will not prosecute “merely writing code” without criminal intent. But after multiple high-profile convictions, developers remain wary — and the crypto industry is now openly questioning the boundaries of innovation, privacy, and liability.

[Nahid Hossen]

Targeting privacy tools doesn’t stop crime — it only weakens innovation. ️

[Abdul Khan]

Developers raising the alarm now could shape the next phase of crypto freedom. ️