Ross Stevens
September 25, 2024
Perspectives
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Overview
In recent years, bitcoin has faced growing resistance from the very governmental authorities that bitcoin advocates seek to deprive of their monetary monopolies.
In taking such steps, regulators do not appear to have considered the First Amendment implications of targeting bitcoin. They should.
This paper argues through extensive legal precedent that bitcoin is speech and therefore protected by the First Amendment. Any regulations attempting to curtail bitcoin therefore have clear constitutional implications.
Overview
In recent years, bitcoin has faced growing resistance from the very governmental authorities that bitcoin advocates seek to deprive of their monetary monopolies.
In taking such steps, regulators do not appear to have considered the First Amendment implications of targeting bitcoin. They should.
This paper argues through extensive legal precedent that bitcoin is speech and therefore protected by the First Amendment. Any regulations attempting to curtail bitcoin therefore have clear constitutional implications.