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Defend Crypto

The SEC has been shaping the future of crypto behind the scenes with settlements that set a dangerous precedent and stifle innovation.

Kin is unwilling to let that happen and is setting aside $5MM with Coinbase to take them on in court.

But with the future of crypto on the line, $5MM might not be enough. That's why we're calling on others to contribute to the Defend Crypto fund.

Want to contribute?
1. Choose a currency from the list below.
2. Copy the Coinbase address displayed.
3. Send crypto to that address and see your contribution reflected in the table below.

Choose a cryptocurrency

What’s happening?

In January 2019, Kin came out publicly to share what has been going on behind the scenes with the SEC. This has been a burden for not just Kin, but many others in the space who are optimizing for regulation before innovation. Everyone is always asking “what will the SEC think?” instead of “what is best for consumers?”

Despite the fact that last month over 300,000 people earned and spent Kin as a currency, the SEC is still saying that it might be a security. After months of trying to find a reasonable solution, Kin has been unable to reach a settlement that wouldn’t severely impact the Kin project and everyone in the space. So Kin is going to take on the SEC in court to make sure there is a foundation for innovation going forward.

Why does it matter?

For the future of crypto, we all need Kin to win. This case will set a precedent and could serve as the new Howey Test for how cryptocurrencies are regulated in the United States. That’s why Kin set up the Defend Crypto fund to ensure that the funds are there to do this the right way. Kin has already spent over $5MM and is committing another $5MM of BTC, ETH, and KIN in a Coinbase account to fight this out on behalf of the industry.

What can you do?

If you too are fed up with this innovation tax, we encourage you to contribute also as we take on the SEC on behalf of the future of crypto in the US. Any additional contributions will be held with Coinbase and will only be used if that $5MM isn’t enough. In that case, expenses will be disclosed, and — after a court decision is made — the Defend Crypto fund will allocate the remaining resources to other initiatives.

We need to let the SEC know that we won’t be pushed around anymore. It is time to Defend Crypto.

Who’s Behind Defend Crypto

Circle
Coinbase
Shapeshift
Messari
Kin
Fight For The Future

Be Part of the Movement

If you want to receive email updates about the latest breaking news in the fight to defend crypto or want to find more ways to get involved, fill out the information below and let us know.

Kin and Fight for the Future will email you updates, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Refer to Kin and Fight for the Future ’s privacy policies for more details.

How We Got Here

The SEC first reached out to Kin three days after the token sale, and since then Kin has continued to comply with all of their requests and work hard to find a path forward with the SEC.

Despite the regulatory overhang, the Kin ecosystem continues to grow with more and more developers building with Kin, and more and more people using Kin as a currency.

Below is a timeline of events going all the way back to the token sale. During this entire time, Kin has been trying to find a reasonable settlement but has been unable to do so.

  • September 12, 2017
    Kin Token Sale
    2.5k+ people using Kin in Kik
  • September 15, 2017
    SEC sends first inquiry
  • December 2017
    5k+ people using Kin in Kik
  • January 18, 2018
    SEC issues first subpeona
  • February 6, 2018
    Kin gives a presentation to the SEC
  • March - July 2018
    SEC issues 8 more subpoenas
  • July 2018
    10k monthly active spenders
  • July 2018
    SEC calls for first testimony
  • October 2018
    30 apps live with Kin
  • August - November 2018
    SEC calls for 9 more testimonies
  • November 2018
    50k monthly active spenders
  • November 16, 2018
    SEC issues Wells Notice
  • December 10, 2018
    Kin responds with Wells Submission
  • December 21, 2018
    SEC meets with Kin to discuss Wells Submission
  • January 27, 2019
    Kin publishes Wells Notice and Response
  • January 2019
    SEC reaches out to discuss settlement
  • February 2019
    40 apps live with Kin
    100k monthly active spenders
  • February 12, 2019
    SEC requests more documents
  • March 29, 2019
    Kin gives another presentation to the SEC
  • April 3, 2019
    SEC issues ‘Digital Assets Framework’
  • April 2019
    200k monthly active spenders
  • May 2019
    SEC gets an extension in the Wells process
  • May 2019
    300k monthly active spenders

FAQs

Do I have to send from a Coinbase address?

No. The Defend Crypto fund is hosted by Coinbase but you can send from any wallet or exchange.

How will I know that you are using the funds as you say?

There will be open and transparent disclosures on how funds are spent, which is intended to be used in the legal case against Kin initially. Although detailed legal bills will not be shared because they contain privileged information, summaries and amounts billed will be published on a monthly basis.

Is my contribution anonymous?

Yes. All contributions are anonymous by nature. The email sign up is not specifically tied to contributions.

If I contribute, will it affect my project legally?

If you’re worried about being targeted because of your contribution to this defense fund, all contributions are anonymous and not disclosed publicly.

What will happen to unused funds?

Once the case against Kin is resolved, all remaining funds, including any portion of the initial $5MM contribution by Kin, will be allocated to a nonprofit organization to be used for other initiatives that help with innovation in our industry.

Is my contribution tax deductible?

No, contributions are not tax deductible, and you should consult with your own tax advisors regarding the impact of making a contribution.

Additional Information

WSJ: Are ICO Tokens Securities? Startup Wants a Judge to DecideA16z: Kik and the SEC: What’s Going On and What Does it Mean for Crypto?Blockchain Association: The Potential Kik and the Kin Foundation Case has Major Consequences for the Open Blockchain EcosystemCrowdfund Insider: Breaking Down Kik’s Fight Against the SEC and their $100 Million ICOCrypto News: A Legal Battle Every ICO Project Must Follow: Kin vs. SECAlt-M: Protecting Innovation: The Kin Case, Litigating Decentralization, and Crypto DisclosuresCircle: Our take: Interpreting recent signals from US regulatory agencies

Questions and press inquiries: [email protected]