US Government: "Coinbase user records are not personal information"...Opposes Harper lawsuit
Summary
- The United States government stated that the cryptocurrency records of Coinbase users are not constitutionally protected personal information.
- The United States Department of Justice said the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requested customer information from Coinbase in accordance with proper procedures.
- If the United States Supreme Court declines to hear the case, Harper will lose, which could impact the protection of cryptocurrency user information going forward.
The United States government argued that it does not need to accept the cryptocurrency record protection lawsuit filed by Coinbase user James Harper.
On the 31st (local time), cryptocurrency-focused media outlet Cointelegraph reported, "The United States Department of Justice stated that Harper's lawsuit is not subject to constitutional privacy protection, and that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requested customer information from Coinbase through proper procedures."
Previously, Harper had traded Bitcoin (BTC) on Coinbase in 2016, and later filed a lawsuit after learning that his information had been handed over to the government.
On the other hand, the government countered, "Because Harper voluntarily handed over the information to Coinbase, it is no longer his personal information, and the government can legally access it."
If the United States Supreme Court does not take up this case, Harper will lose according to the previous ruling.
Minseung Kang
minriver@bloomingbit.ioBlockchain journalist | Writer of Trade Now & Altcoin Now, must-read content for investors.
