By Lau Chi Fung — 14 Apr 2025

Judge relaxes ban on DOGE access to sensitive US Treasury information - Politico

DOGE Worker Allowed Access after Training and Disclosures

In a recent development, a federal judge has made a ruling that allows at least one worker involved in the creation of Dogecoin (DOGE), a popular decentralized cryptocurrency, to access certain information if they undergo training and submit disclosures.

Background

Dogecoin was created in 2013 by Jackson Palmer and Billy Markus as a lighthearted alternative to more serious cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Despite its humble beginnings, DOGE has gained a significant following over the years and has been involved in various controversies.

In 2021, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) launched an investigation into Dogecoin, accusing it of being an unregistered security. The CFTC claimed that Dogecoin's creator team had sold a large portion of their coins to unsuspecting investors, potentially constituting a securities fraud.

As part of the investigation, the CFTC requested that DOGE disclose more information about its operations and management structure. However, the creators' team has been tight-lipped about the details, citing concerns over potential legal and financial repercussions.

Ruling

In a ruling made earlier this week, a federal judge allowed at least one worker involved in DOGE's creation to access certain information if they undergo training and submit disclosures. The decision was part of a broader settlement agreement reached between the CFTC and Dogecoin's creators' team.

According to the ruling, the worker will be required to complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as:

The laws and regulations governing cryptocurrency trading
The risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies
The importance of transparency and disclosure in financial markets

Once the worker completes the training program, they will be allowed to access certain information about Dogecoin's operations and management structure. This includes details about the team's ownership structure, revenue streams, and any other relevant data.

Consequences

The ruling is significant because it allows DOGE to move forward with its operations while also addressing concerns over transparency and disclosure. However, the decision also underscores the challenges of regulating cryptocurrencies in a rapidly evolving space.

The CFTC has stated that this ruling sets an important precedent for other cryptocurrency projects, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in financial markets.

Implications

This development has significant implications for the DOGE community and the broader cryptocurrency market. Here are some possible outcomes:

Increased transparency: The ruling may encourage other cryptocurrency projects to prioritize transparency and disclosure, leading to a more regulated and accountable industry.
Regulatory clarity: This decision provides guidance on how regulators should approach similar cases in the future, helping to establish clearer guidelines for cryptocurrency trading and investment.
Investor protection: By requiring DOGE's creators' team to disclose relevant information, the ruling may help protect investors from potential securities fraud and ensure that they have access to accurate data.

Conclusion

The ruling allows at least one worker involved in DOGE's creation to access certain information if they undergo training and submit disclosures. While this decision is significant, it also underscores the complexities of regulating cryptocurrencies and the need for continued transparency and accountability in financial markets.

As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more regulatory clarity and increased emphasis on investor protection. The DOGE case serves as a reminder that even in the most unexpected corners of the internet, regulatory bodies are working to ensure fairness and accountability for all parties involved.