Tornado Cash Developer Behind Bars Appeals for Solidarity, Shines a Spotlight on the Battle for Software Developers' Rights

Roman Storm, the second developer associated with Tornado Cash, has released a video plea for assistance after being arrested, echoing the plight of Alex Pertsev, the first developer. Both open-source code contributors are currently incarcerated, engaged in legal battles against their respective authorities. The Tornado Cash project, an Ethereum mixer aimed at enhancing transaction privacy, has been under regulatory scrutiny since 2020, accused of facilitating financial crimes.

Main Points:

1. Arrest and Legal Battle: Roman Storm, a Chicago-based Tornado Cash developer, was arrested by heavily armed FBI agents a few months ago. In a video posted on January 22, Storm appeals for help, emphasizing that despite ongoing cooperation with U.S. authorities, he faces legal challenges. He was arrested in front of his three-year-old daughter.
2. Precedent for Open-Source Development: Storm believes his case could set a significant precedent for open-source development and privacy protocols. He highlights the importance of a strong defense not only for his family but also for the future of software developers and financial privacy.
3. Call for Donations: Storm requests support and donations through JusticeDAO, established to aid decentralized protocols in legal battles. Tornado Cash developers argue that, despite the mixer's regulatory scrutiny, they have not engaged in financial crimes themselves.
4. Support from Crypto Community: Renowned cryptocurrency enthusiasts and developers rally in support of Tornado Cash developers. Ryan Sean Adams, the founder of Bankless, announces a $10,000 donation to the cause. Viktor Bunin, a protocol specialist at Coinbase Cloud, and Jordi Baylina, a Polygon zkEVM developer, also express their support with donations.

5. Global Recognition of Privacy Rights: The video plea brings attention to the broader fight for privacy rights in the cryptocurrency industry. Jordi Baylina emphasizes that it is not just a battle for the Tornado Cash developer but for the entire industry. The appeal aligns with the recognition of privacy as a fundamental human right by the United Nations (UN) Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

6. Financial Privacy Taboo: Despite the global recognition of privacy as a fundamental human right, financial privacy often faces opposition from UN-linked governments through regulations and law enforcement actions.

The arrest of Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm and the subsequent plea for support highlight the challenges faced by software developers in the cryptocurrency industry. The broader fight for financial privacy rights is brought to the forefront, emphasizing the need for a united front to defend the principles of open-source development and privacy protocols.

Summary:

Roman Storm, the second Tornado Cash developer, pleads for support after being arrested, stressing the potential impact on open-source development and privacy protocols. The video plea highlights the legal battles faced by Tornado Cash developers, with calls for donations through JusticeDAO. The cryptocurrency community, including figures like Ryan Sean Adams and Viktor Bunin, rallies in support. The broader context emphasizes the global fight for financial privacy rights, challenging the taboo surrounding this fundamental human right.