Laws & Regulations around the World Surrounding Blockchain

Snapshot

  • Direct and Indirect Regulations 
  • The United States
  • Belarus
  • Malta  

Just like the environment plays a critical role in the growth of the plant, various factors including government rules and regulations play a significant role in the success of a blockchain business model. 

Despite the enormous benefits offered by this technology, investors are hesitant to adopt this technology, if it doesn’t comply with the laws in their country. Limbo has been created around blockchain technology around the world, with some governments accepting it and some banning it.  

A quick review of how this technology is regulated around the world is provided below

Direct and Indirect Regulations 

Many countries such as Belarus, the USA, and Malta, have admitted, that there is a need to have proper blockchain regulations. Countries, which allow usage of cryptocurrency and blockchain, are using various direct and indirect strategies to regulate the industry.  

Direct regulations: The laws related to the governing of blockchain-related technology are officially introduced by the government. 

Indirect regulations: When the blockchain companies have to comply with both general regulations implied on tech companies and regulations specific to blockchain compliance. 

Some of the countries that have implemented a direct approach to blockchain regulation are discussed below:

The United States

The most advanced country in the world is also far ahead in blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption. Many businesses in the USA have started to accept cryptos as payments in day-to-day operations. 

In the USA, laws are on several levels, federal and local. Where on a federal level, crypto is legalized, on the state level this may not be the case as laws may differ from state to state. 

Many law enforcement organizations in the USA regulate blockchain-related businesses. They are categorized based on the following three classifications

  1. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service: cryptocurrency is defined as an asset for taxation purposes.      
  2. The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): cryptocurrency is defined as a commodity.
  3. The Securities and Exchange Commission: cryptocurrencies are defined as security.  

Where the US government has been very outspoken about the regulation on cryptocurrency, it has been fairly quiet towards a blockchain-related business model. No clear regulations have been imposed by the government on blockchain-related business models. 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed a Blockchain working group, with a single objective to identify all fraudulent schemes ascending in the market. Apart from this, the group also focuses on

  1. Developing a team of experienced staff in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology.
  2. To assist in internal and external communication on enforcement actions.
  3. Providing a forum where the objectives of FTC are discussed and strategies to respond are created.        

Belarus

It was the first country to create a regulatory framework for the blockchain industry, in 2017. A bill, known as the ‘Digital Economy Development Ordinance’ was passed, in which focus was laid on the blockchain and crypto-related innovations.   

Malta  

Also known as the blockchain island, believes that blockchain has endless potential. The country has implemented two acts related to blockchain, Malta Digital Innovation Authority Act (MDIA Act) and the Innovative Technology Arrangement and service Act (ITAS Act). The focus of MDIA is to certify blockchain and establish standards for the industry; ITAS focuses on setting up digital ledgers and new blockchains entry being regulated. 

Disclaimer: The article should not be considered as any financial advice. It is advisable to conduct thorough research before investing.

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