Venture capital firm a16z criticized the US Department of Justice, stating it should not hold DeFi protocols accountable for actions they did not instigate.
A16z Position
A16z expressed concern that the US DOJ misunderstands the role of software developers and seeks to hold them accountable for third-party actions using neutral tools they originally created.
Government Role
The firm stressed that the US new presidential administration's priority should be a correct understanding of 'control' in law, crucial for determining if crypto companies are 'money transmitting businesses.'
Comparison to Other Industries
A16z compared the situation to holding car manufacturers accountable for driver mistakes, suggesting such principles should be clear but are still debated in the digital domain.
A16z believes understanding the distinction between controlled and uncontrolled platforms is key to establishing clear and fair foundations for crypto developers in the US.