consumer protection
FTC Settles with Voyager Digital Over Misleading FDIC Claims, Former CEO Charged
The FTC settles with Voyager Digital, barring it from handling consumer assets post allegations of misleading FDIC insurance claims. The settlement highlights regulatory efforts to ensure transparency in the crypto industry amid a broader crackdown on deceptive practices.
Ripple CEO Warns SEC's "Enforcement" Approach May Hurt US Crypto Industry
Ripple CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has suggested that the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approach to regulation is putting the US at risk of missing out on being an attractive hub for the next evolution of blockchain and crypto innovation. Garlinghouse noted that the SEC's case against Ripple is the SEC simply playing "offense" and "attacking" the industry as a whole. He added that the crypto industry has "already started moving outside" of the US given its crypto regulation process is "behind" other countries such as Australia, UK, Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland.
CFTC Report Underscores DeFi Risks and Calls for Action
The CFTC report on DeFi underscores significant risks to the U.S. financial system, national security, and consumer protection, emphasizing the need for increased understanding, regulation, and collaboration in the sector.
FDIC Mandates New Signage for Digital Platforms Starting 2025
The FDIC has updated its signage requirements, mandating digital display of a new black and navy blue sign on websites, apps, and ATMs from 2025 to align with modern banking practices.
ACE Exchange President Michael Wang Arrested
Michael Wang, President of ACE Exchange, was recently arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering, marking a significant event in the cryptocurrency industry.
US Senators Urge FTC to Address AI-Enabled Scams Targeting Older Americans
US Senators have written to the FTC, urging action against AI scams targeting older Americans, emphasizing the need for detailed data tracking and effective countermeasures.
Taiwan's Legislature Considers Virtual Asset Management Bill to Protect Consumers
The Taiwanese Legislature is deliberating on a new Virtual Asset Management Bill aimed at fostering better consumer protection and industry oversight. The bill, seen as moderate, outlines pragmatic mandates for VASPs while leaving room for further regulatory fine-tuning, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s evolving digital asset regulatory landscape.
California Governor Signs Digital Financial Assets Bill, Tightening Crypto Regulations from July 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Digital Financial Assets Law on October 13, 2023, initiating a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency activities in the state from July 1, 2025. The law necessitates licensure from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for individuals and businesses dealing in digital assets. This regulatory shift, contrasting Newsom’s earlier stance in 2022, aligns with broader national trends towards formalizing digital asset transactions to curb fraud and enhance consumer protection.
FCA Unveils Guidance on Cryptoasset Promotions Compliance
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has issued a finalised non-handbook guidance on Cryptoasset Financial Promotions, aiming to clarify compliance with new laws and balance consumer protection with innovation for long-term economic growth.
UK Cryptocurrency Exchanges Adapt to Enhanced Regulatory Standards
The UK is intensifying regulatory standards for crypto exchanges under the Financial Services and Markets Act, aiming for parity with traditional financial services. Exchanges must comply with stringent risk assessments and finance tests, impacting both domestic and offshore entities.
Germany's Federal Ministry of Finance Puts Digital Security Adoption at Core of Blockchain Strategy
Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) and the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) have introduced a bill that highlights the adoption of digital securities as a crucial element of Germany’s blockchain strategy.
Blockchain Enhances Traceability of Organic Cotton from Farm to Consumer
Fashion for Good, PVH Corp, C&A Foundation & Organic Cotton Accelerator, Bext 360, and Zalando have successfully collaborated on a blockchain pilot project that traces organic cotton from farm to consumer.
Bakkt Partners with Starbucks to Test Consumer App and Merchant Portal
Mike Blandina, Chief Product Officer, Bakkt, revealed that the company's current interest lies in developing the consumer app and merchant portal and as well as testing with their first launch partner, Starbucks.
WordPress Plugin to Boost Copyright Protection by Timestamping Content on the EOSIO Blockchain
Upon setting up a plugin dubbed WordProof Timestamp, WordPress users will be able to encode their content on EOSIO blockchain, securing copyright protection.
Exclusive: Blockpass COO, on the Significance of the FATF Travel Rule to VASPs
Personal identity is a fundamental human right according to Article 8 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child. Identity is crucial to a functioning society and economy, however, there are 1.1 billion people in the world that do not have proof of identity and 45% of them are among the poorest 20% around the world. For enterprises, customer data protection can be proven costly as 2.8 billion consumer data records were exposed at an estimated cost of more than $654 million in 2018.
Unilever to Use Blockchain for Transparency and Traceability to Achieve Deforestation-Free Supply Chain by 2023
Unilever, the consumer goods company that owns brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Dove, Vaseline, Knorr, and other well-known brands, has announced that it will be leveraging blockchain to tackle deforestation.
Samsung Launches New Secure Element Chip to Enhance Data Protection for Crypto Transactions
South Korean tech giant Samsung has announced a new revolutionary turnkey security solution to secure cryptocurrency transactions on its smartphones and tablets. Cryptocurrency transactions are one of the primary purposes of Samsung’s new Secure Element chip, which is expected to be available in Q3 2020. The solution involves a Secure Element (SE) chip S3FV9RR, which is Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (CC EAL) 6+ certified. The new SE chip along with enhanced software is designed to offer higher protection for tasks including booting, isolated storage, mobile payment, and other applications.
California Crypto Bill Seeks to Measure the Consumer Impact of Digital Assets
California’s Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee has unanimously passed Assembly Bill 2150 which will help define digital assets as well as to measure its potential impact on the state and consumers
Coronavirus Tracking and Surveillance May Have Consequences for the Protection of Personal Data Privacy
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently stated that the coronavirus pandemic is “accelerating,” as 20% of the world’s population goes into lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. People are told to stay at home as the world is entering a critical week, with over 381,761 cases confirmed around the world at the time of reporting.
China’s Supreme Court Decides to Strengthen the Protection of Cryptocurrency Property Rights
The Chinese Supreme Court has decided to strengthen cryptocurrency property rights. China’s Supreme Court is looking to further protect property rights, including economic property rights through different ownership systems in accordance with the law.
UK Fintech Firm Mode Launches Bitcoin Banking App Enhancing Mass Consumer Accessibility
London-based fintech company Mode has announced that it has unveiled its Bitcoin banking app to advance user experience.
The Rise of the Anon: Protecting Innovation
Anonymity is increasingly offering protection to innovators as well as their ideas.