Consensys 就以太幣的安全分類起訴 SEC

加密貨幣公司 Consensys 已對 SEC 提起訴訟，質疑其將以太幣原生代幣 Ether 歸類為非證券。該訴訟認為，以太幣在以太坊網路中作為實用代幣的主要用途不符合豪伊測試下投資合約的標準，並將其視為證券會破壞網路的功能。此案發生在美國證券交易委員會對加密貨幣行業採取積極執法行動之際，並可能對以太坊和更廣泛的加密貨幣市場產生更廣泛的影響，具體取決於法律鬥爭的結果。

Consensys Initiates Legal Challenge Against SEC Over Ethereum's Classification as a Security

Consensys 就以太坊被歸類為證券向 SEC 發起法律挑戰

Washington, D.C., March 8, 2023 - In a significant legal challenge that could shape the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies, Consensys, a leading blockchain technology firm, has filed a lawsuit against the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The lawsuit centers on the SEC's classification of Ethereum's native token, Ether, as a non-security.

華盛頓特區，2023 年 3 月 8 日 - 在一項可能影響加密貨幣監管格局的重大法律挑戰中，領先的區塊鏈技術公司 Consensys 已對美國證券交易委員會 (SEC) 提起訴訟。該訴訟的重點是美國證券交易委員會將以太坊的原生代幣 Ether 歸類為非證券。

Consensys' complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, argues that the SEC's actions against Ether are not only illegal but also pose a serious threat to the broader blockchain ecosystem. The company contends that if Ether were to be considered a security, this would seriously disrupt the functionality of the Ethereum network in the United States, potentially blocking one of the most significant technological innovations on the internet.

Consensys 向美國德克薩斯州南區地方法院提起的訴訟稱，SEC 對 ETH 的行動不僅非法，而且對更廣泛的區塊鏈生態系統構成嚴重威脅。該公司認為，如果以太幣被視為一種證券，這將嚴重擾亂美國以太坊網路的功能，可能會阻礙網路上最重要的技術創新之一。

This classification would impose traditional security law on every transaction involving Ether, leading to a chilling effect on its use. Consensys asserts that Ether primarily acts as a utility token within the Ethereum network, facilitating operations and activities of developers, and does not meet the criteria of an investment contract under the "Howey Test" traditionally used by the SEC to determine whether an asset constitutes a security.

這種分類將對涉及以太幣的每筆交易實施傳統的安全法，從而對其使用產生寒蟬效應。 Consensys 聲稱，以太幣主要充當以太坊網路內的實用代幣，促進開發者的營運和活動，並且不符合 SEC 傳統上用於確定資產是否構成資產的「Howey 測試」下的投資合約標準。

"The SEC's actions against Ether are misguided and threaten to stifle innovation in the blockchain industry," said Joseph Lubin, CEO of Consensys. "Ether is not a security, and we are confident that the court will recognize this fact."

Consensys 執行長 Joseph Lubin 表示：“美國證券交易委員會針對以太幣的行動是誤導性的，並有可能扼殺區塊鏈行業的創新。” “以太幣不是證券，我們相信法院會承認這一事實。”

The lawsuit comes at a critical time for Consensys, a key supporter of the Ethereum blockchain, as they seek to defend against a potential SEC lawsuit regarding their management of the MetaMask wallet. In early April, Consensys received a Wells notice from the SEC indicating that the agency may soon pursue legal action against the company, alleging that MetaMask has been operated as an unauthorized broker-dealer.

對於以太坊區塊鏈的主要支持者 Consensys 來說，這起訴訟正值關鍵時刻，因為他們試圖針對 SEC 可能就其 MetaMask 錢包管理問題提起的訴訟進行辯護。 4 月初，Consensys 收到 SEC 發出的 Wells 通知，表明該機構可能很快對該公司採取法律行動，指控 MetaMask 已作為未經授權的經紀自營商運營。

The lawsuit also marks a crucial moment in the ongoing battle between the SEC and the cryptocurrency industry, which has intensified under the leadership of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. Under Gensler's leadership, the SEC has launched an aggressive enforcement campaign that includes issuing numerous subpoenas to entities involved with the Ethereum blockchain. These actions have sparked strong criticism from the crypto community, which sees these measures as invasive and excessive.

該訴訟也標誌著 SEC 與加密貨幣行業之間持續鬥爭的關鍵時刻，這場鬥爭在 SEC 主席加里·詹斯勒 (Gary Gensler) 的領導下愈演愈烈。在 Gensler 的領導下，美國證券交易委員會發起了一場積極的執法行動，其中包括向涉及以太坊區塊鏈的實體發出大量傳票。這些行為引發了加密社群的強烈批評，他們認為這些措施具有侵略性和過度性。

The outcome of this case could have widespread implications not only for Ethereum but also for the entire cryptocurrency industry. A ruling in favor of Consensys could validate the argument that decentralized blockchain tokens do not automatically qualify as securities, thus providing a clearer regulatory framework for the industry. On the contrary, a decision in favor of the SEC could lead to greater regulatory control and possibly stricter controls on similar cryptocurrencies.

此案的結果不僅可能對以太坊而且對整個加密貨幣產業產生廣泛影響。有利於 Consensys 的裁決可以驗證去中心化區塊鏈代幣不會自動符合證券資格的論點，從而為該行業提供更清晰的監管框架。相反，有利於 SEC 的決定可能會導致更大的監管控制，並可能對類似的加密貨幣進行更嚴格的控制。

As the case progresses, it is expected to attract significant attention from regulators, investors, and legal experts eager to understand the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation. The outcome of this case could establish a precedent that strengthens the crypto industry's fight for autonomy from traditional securities laws or reinforces the SEC's authority over new digital assets. As the court deliberates, the future of Ethereum and perhaps the broader structure of blockchain technology hangs in the balance.

隨著案件的進展，預計將引起監管機構、投資者和法律專家的高度關注，他們渴望了解加密貨幣監管不斷變化的格局。此案的結果可能會樹立一個先例，加強加密貨幣產業爭取傳統證券法自治權的鬥爭，或加強 SEC 對新數位資產的權威。隨著法院的審議，以太坊的未來以及區塊鏈技術的更廣泛結構仍懸而未決。