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Government Bitcoin Payments Mark Milestone for Crypto

Matthew Warner

September 20, 2024



The adoption of crypto in the US is a process that is deeply divided, not only on the balance of innovation and regulation, but also on state-wide agreement. While some states and lawmakers view crypto as a transformative force, others are more concerned about the risk of fraud and a lack of regulatory oversight. Federal agencies like the SEC have taken a cautious or even combative approach, focusing on how to classify and regulate digital assets, while some states, such as Wyoming and Texas, have enacted crypto-friendly laws to encourage adoption. This all leads to a situation where it is difficult to establish a unified national policy on cryptocurrencies.

Government Bitcoin Payments Mark Milestone for Crypto

Despite this, crypto adoption is still ramping up, both in the US and around the world. One milestone that was reached last week was seen when the state of Louisiana accepted its first Bitcoin payment, via the Bitcoin Lightning Network, showcasing that the growing trend of crypto entering everyday transactions is not put off by the lack of a cohesive regulatory approach. The transaction exemplifies how blockchain technology can offer fast, efficient, and low-cost payment solutions thanks to continued innovations around bitcoin and blockchain technology.

The Lightning Network was a solution designed to combat the major issues bitcoin began to face a number of years ago when scaling issues became a concern. It significantly reduced transaction fees and increased the speed of payments on the network and showed how crypto could consistently out-perfoem traditional financial networks, making it an attractive option for businesses and consumers alike. Now it seems that businesses and government entities alike are exploring crypto as a legitimate form of payment as they look to leverage its inherent advantages in transparency, efficiency and security.

Although the option for Louisiana citizens converts the crypto to fiat before it enters the government’s pocket, the in accepting bitcoin for a federal payment marks a positive step towards wider acceptance, mainstream adoption, especially in the U.S., can’t take place when the legal framework for cryptocurrencies remains fragmented and uncertain. Agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) continue to face crypto companies in court over issues on the classification and regulation of digital assets. The uncertainty this breeds creates confusion for businesses and investors, making it difficult to navigate the crypto market without running afoul of existing laws.

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, businesses need solutions that can adapt to the shifting requirements, and Blockpass is ready to ensure compliance. Blockpass provides a streamlined identity verification system that allows businesses to achieve compliance in their onboarding needs while removing the friction present in traditional processes. By offering Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) solutions and more, Blockpass helps mitigate the risk of fraud and ensures that crypto transactions remain secure and compliant with the ever-changing laws in jurisdictions around the world, taking the burden off the shoulders of companies who are then freed up to focus on what really matters to them.

As crypto adoption grows, Blockpass becomes increasingly essential to support regulatory compliance and maintain a safe and secure ecosystem for innovation and efficiency. With clear guidelines and platforms like Blockpass enabling compliance, the benefits of crypto adoption, from financial inclusion to efficiency and security and more, will be fully realized.

About Blockpass

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Matthew Warner

Matthew Warner is a content producer and researcher at Blockpass, focusing on writing and community engagement while exploring the potential of blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies.