The U.S. Department of Justice has updated its stance on the criminal liability of software developers, stating that writing code without malicious intent is not a crime.
Clarification from the DOJ
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew J. Galeotti announced this during an American Innovation Project event, emphasizing that developers creating decentralized solutions are legally protected if they do not intend to commit fraud or facilitate illegal activity.
Legal Boundaries for Developers
Galeotti explained that the DOJ will continue to prosecute only intentional wrongdoing, such as fraud or money laundering. However, developers of decentralized applications who lack intent to commit crime will not face charges. Galeotti stated plainly:
> ‘We believe that simply writing code without malicious intent is not a crime.’
Why This Matters: Legal Clarity Could Fuel Innovation
This major policy shift marks a departure from prior aggressive prosecutions of blockchain projects, indicating a more developer-friendly approach to crypto regulation. Observers note that such clarity could also influence international regulatory frameworks, as other countries look to balance innovation with oversight.
By drawing a clear line between intentional wrongdoing and innocuous coding, the DOJ is providing certainty for crypto developers, fostering growth and experimentation in the digital asset ecosystem.
