Vitalik Buterin Warns Against Prosecuting Software Developers in Tornado Cash Case
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
- Developer Rights: Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin publicly intervened ahead of Roman Storm's sentencing, emphasizing that prosecuting software developers could redefine software creation as a crime, potentially undermining confidence and innovation within the developer community.
- Importance of Privacy Tools: Buterin highlighted that privacy-preserving software is essential in combating data exploitation and cybercrime, noting his personal use of Tornado Cash for lawful transactions, which underscores the significance of basic transactional privacy.
- Legal Defense Support: Buterin openly backed Storm's defense, arguing that publishing open-source code should be protected under the First Amendment, warning that this case could redefine legal liability for software development, impacting future creators' freedoms.
- Funding Support and Impact: Storm's legal defense fund raised over $6.3 million in 2025, reflecting strong resonance within the developer community, with Buterin confirming personal donations, indicating robust support for Storm's cause.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
