Ethereum Foundation, Keyring Network Launch Legal Defense Fund for Developers
The Ethereum Foundation and Keyring Network have launched an initiative to support the legal defense of Tornado Cash developers, Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev. They face legal challenges in the US and Europe for their privacy-focused, open-source code work.
- The program uses protocol fees from Keyring's zero-knowledge DeFi vaults to fund the developers' legal defense.
- As of September 10, $22,109 has been collected.
Tornado Cash is central to discussions about developer liability and privacy, with Storm and Pertsev charged due to alleged misuse of their platform by criminal entities. The outcome may set a precedent on the legality of privacy-centered software when misused.
- Roman Storm has been found guilty of creating an illegal money transfer business in the US.
- The cases are pivotal in balancing innovation with compliance.
The Ethereum Foundation plays a strategic role by coordinating funds and pledging direct support, emphasizing sustainable defense funding without relying solely on donations. This move underscores the importance of protecting developers who focus on privacy and security tools.