Coinbase files brief with US Supreme Court in support of taxpayers' privacy
Coinbase has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting taxpayer James Harper, who is contesting the IRS's access to his data from a digital asset platform. Coinbase argues that a First Circuit Court decision poses a threat to crypto users' privacy, enabling government surveillance of all past and future transactions. The case arises from a 2017 IRS summons requiring Coinbase to provide user transaction data. Coinbase emphasizes the importance of protecting users' privacy rights and the implications for the Fourth Amendment, which could leave many Americans vulnerable to warrantless data demands. The Supreme Court's decision could significantly impact digital privacy rights and IRS data collection methods. Coinbase's legal chief stated that the issue extends beyond cryptocurrency to all personal data held by third parties. The court's decision is anticipated in June, with various industry advocates supporting Harper's position through similar amicus briefs.
