Wyoming Lawmakers Pass Bill Prohibiting Forced Disclosure of Private Crypto Keys

The U.S. state's House of Representatives approved the rules, which won't apply in cases where there is no alternative way to access the requisite information.

AccessTimeIconFeb 16, 2023 at 9:46 a.m. UTC
Updated Feb 16, 2023 at 6:47 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Wyoming's House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that effectively prohibits the forced disclosure of private crypto keys by the U.S. state's courts.

A private key is used to verify crypto transactions and prove ownership of assets or a blockchain address.

The bill titled "Disclosure of private cryptographic keys" is set to take effect in July and applies to all cases except in instances where information relevant to a case is unavailable through alternative means.

"No person shall be compelled to produce a private key or make a private key known to any other person in any civil, criminal, administrative, legislative or other proceeding in this state that relates to a digital asset, digital identity or other interest or right to which the private key provides access unless a public key is unavailable or unable to disclose the requisite information with respect to the digital asset, digital identity or other interest or right," the bill said.

The bill says the rules are not intended to disrupt "any lawful proceeding" that requires people to disclose the ownership or transfer of crypto.

Wyoming has brought forward several blockchain-focused laws including for a blockchain filing system, and a legal framework for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO) that govern decentralized finance.

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

Sandali Handagama

Sandali Handagama is CoinDesk's deputy managing editor for policy and regulations, EMEA. She does not own any crypto.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.