US lawmakers propose protections for blockchain developers

A new bill introduced in the US House of Representatives aims to provide legal protections for blockchain developers, separating them from financial operations.

The Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act of 2026 seeks to clarify federal criminal statutes, specifically Section 1960, and exempt non-controlling developers from prosecution. This move comes after recent court cases raised concerns among programmers about being prosecuted under these laws.

The bill proposes a new legal category called 'non-controlling developers,' which would cover individuals who write or maintain blockchain software without directly controlling user funds. This separation is intended to ensure that developers are not held accountable for financial operations, but rather are focused on building neutral technology.