The DeFi Education Fund (DEF) and crypto investment company Paradigm have joined forces to support James Harper’s lawsuit against the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In an amicus brief filed separately, they argue that the Supreme Court should reverse the district court’s decision in Harper’s case. Moreover, they emphasize that dismissing Harper’s complaint could impede the mainstream adoption of blockchain technology.
Paradigm, being a leading supporter and investor in crypto and blockchain projects, stresses the critical role that privacy plays in this emerging technology. The company claims that the district court made an error in concluding that there is no expectation of privacy when conducting transactions on a crypto exchange. According to Paradigm, privacy should be given higher consideration in Fourth Amendment caselaw.
James Harper’s lawsuit against the IRS began when a court order in 2017 compelled Coinbase to provide the IRS with data on 14,355 users. The IRS had previously made a formal request to serve a “John Doe” summons, meaning they weren’t certain if any particular Coinbase customers had failed to report their income. However, based on the high frequency of crypto trades, the IRS assumed that numerous taxpayers had neglected to report taxable crypto transactions. Harper filed a lawsuit claiming that the IRS violated his rights by gaining access to his private financial records.
Paradigm’s Previous Support for Crypto Firms
Paradigm has a track record of supporting and filing amicus briefs on behalf of crypto firms. They have previously backed companies such as Binance, Coinbase, and Terra in their cases against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This demonstrates Paradigm’s commitment to defending the rights of crypto firms and advocating for the preservation of their privacy.
The DEF’s Stance on Fourth Amendment Rights
DeFi Education Fund (DEF) has also submitted an amicus brief urging the US court to consider the Fourth Amendment rights of cryptocurrency users. The DEF highlights the fact that the US government has collected extensive information on each user, including their name, social security number, address, and every cryptocurrency transaction made over a period of three years. They disclose that a staggering 8.9 million transactions were recorded by the government. DEF states that when Harper asserted his rights against the collection of this information, the district court declared that the Fourth Amendment had nothing to say about it.
In addition to emphasizing privacy rights, the DEF argues that the court must take into account the fundamental differences between crypto technology and traditional finance (TradFi). Amanda Tuminelli, the DEF’s chief legal officer, highlighted this point in a Twitter post. By acknowledging these differences, the court can better understand the unique challenges and considerations associated with blockchain technology.
The collaboration between DEF and Paradigm in supporting James Harper’s lawsuit against the IRS serves to highlight the importance of privacy in blockchain technology. By advocating for the recognition of privacy rights, they aim to protect the integrity and potential of this emerging technology. With their amicus briefs, they contribute to the ongoing legal discussions surrounding crypto and blockchain, ultimately seeking to establish a fair and secure environment for all users.