Blockchain law: Can the autonomous remain anonymous?

Utah recently passed novel legislation granting “decentralized autonomous organizations”—often referred to as “DAOs”—their own recognized form of legal existence and providing for limited liability.

This new kind of legal entity has several distinctive attributes, including some intended to help DAO members remain anonymous. But questions loom about how Utah’s hopes for DAO member anonymity will fare when they come up against recently adopted provisions under US federal law that seek to promote transparency by forcing disclosure of the individuals who stand behind legal entities. Can this seeming conflict be resolved? Can the autonomous ultimately remain anonymous?

Robert A. Schwinger explores recent developments in this edition of his New York Law Journal Blockchain law column.

Download the full New York Law Journal article, "Can the autonomous remain anonymous?"