Technology That Invalidates Regulation

As technological advancements continue to accelerate at an ever greater pace, the landscape of various industries is changing rapidly. These technological innovations often bring new methods and systems that offer better solutions to problems that are currently being addressed by government regulations. In particular, the financial sector has witnessed the emergence of various cutting-edge technologies that challenge traditional regulatory frameworks.

This article explores how government regulations become obsolete or even erroneous when new technologies are introduced, that offer better and more efficient solutions to the objectives pursued by the legacy regulations. Specifically, we will focus on financial regulations in the United States that can largely been rendered superfluous by technological innovations that avoid principal-agent problems and/or do not create additional counter-party risks if applied correctly.

Government Regulation and Technological Advancements

Government regulations are typically enacted to address market failures, protect consumers, or maintain the stability and integrity of various industries. However, as technology advances, it often brings forth innovative solutions that make these regulations obsolete. For instance, the introduction of the internet and digital communication technologies has transformed the way businesses and individuals interact, creating new opportunities and challenges for regulators. In the financial sector, the rise of digital currencies, decentralized software solutions such as blockchain-based systems, and fintech 3.0 solutions must prompt a reevaluation of existing regulatory frameworks.

Financial Regulations and Principal-Agent Problems

One of the primary objectives of financial regulations is to mitigate against principal-agent problems, which arise when one party (the agent) makes decisions on behalf of another party (the principal), often leading to conflicts of interest and potential harm to the principal.

Traditional Solutions to Principal-Agent Problems

To address principal-agent problems, government regulations have historically focused on increasing transparency through disclosure requirements, establishing standards of conduct for agents, and creating enforcement mechanisms to penalize bad actors.

Technological Innovations That Address Principal-Agent Problems

Advancements in technology have introduced new solutions to principal-agent problems that go beyond the traditional regulatory approach. For example, blockchain-based solutions have the potential to eliminate the need for intermediaries, such as banks and brokers, which can significantly reduce the occurrence of principal-agent problems.

By utilizing a decentralized and transparent system financial transactions can occur directly between two parties, reduce the risk of fraud, and increase overall trust in the system. These networks can also facilitate the automation of various processes through the use of smart contracts, which can help to further mitigate principal-agent problems by minimizing human involvement and the potential for conflicts of interest.

Financial Regulations and Counter-Party Risks

Another key objective of financial regulations is to minimize counter-party risks, which arise when one party in a financial transaction fails to meet its obligations, causing losses for the other party.

Traditional Solutions to Counter-Party Risks

To manage counter-party risks, government regulations have focused on implementing capital and collateral requirements, establishing risk management standards, and monitoring financial institutions to ensure their solvency and stability.

Technological Innovations That Avoid Counter-Party Risks

New technologies have emerged that offer alternative solutions to counter-party risks, making some traditional regulatory measures obsolete. For example, decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions built atop of public blockchains can eliminate the need for intermediaries, such as banks, and can reduce counter-party risks through the use of smart contracts and collateralized lending.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms, another example of financial innovation, can also help to reduce counter-party risks by connecting borrowers and lenders directly. This model can lead to a more efficient allocation of resources and minimize the potential for systemic risks associated with traditional financial institutions.

Historical Examples of Obsolete Regulations

Throughout history, there have been many examples of regulations that became obsolete as new technologies emerged. Some of these regulations were well-intentioned at the time but were quickly rendered irrelevant as society adapted to new inventions and innovations. The following historical examples serve as reminders that regulations must evolve alongside technological advancements.

The Illinois Red Flag Law

In the early days of the automobile, many states and municipalities enacted "red flag" laws to address public safety concerns related to these new, fast-moving vehicles. One such example was the Illinois law requiring a person carrying a red flag to walk in front of an automobile as a warning to pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages of the approaching vehicle.

At the time, this regulation may have made sense as a means to prevent accidents and ease the public's fear of the new technology. However, as automobiles became more prevalent and their benefits were recognized, the red flag law quickly became obsolete. Not only did the requirement prove impractical and inefficient, but it also stifled innovation and the growth of the automobile industry. Eventually, the law was repealed, and more modern traffic regulations were put in place to address the safety concerns associated with automobiles.

The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Fairness Doctrine

In 1949, the FCC introduced the Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcast licensees to present controversial issues of public importance in a balanced and fair manner. The doctrine was designed to ensure that broadcasters provided a diverse range of viewpoints and did not use their platforms to promote a single perspective.

However, with the rise of cable television, satellite broadcasting, and the internet, the availability of diverse viewpoints and information sources grew exponentially. As a result, the Fairness Doctrine became less relevant and was eventually abolished in 1987. In this case, technological advancements in media and communication rendered the regulation obsolete, as the original goal of promoting diverse viewpoints was naturally achieved through the proliferation of new media outlets.

Lessons from History

These historical examples illustrate the importance of adapting regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements. As new technologies emerge, they often challenge existing regulations, necessitating a reevaluation of the rules and their effectiveness. By learning from the past, regulators can avoid repeating the same mistakes and instead create adaptable, future-proof regulations that foster innovation while protecting public interests. As technological advancements continue to transform industries and societies, it is crucial for government regulators to reassess and revise existing regulations. By doing so, they can ensure that regulatory frameworks remain relevant, effective, and adaptable in the face of change. As the examples above show, regulations must be designed to accommodate the potential challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies, striking a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers and the public interest.

Obsolete Regulations in the United States

As technology continues to transform the financial sector, several regulations in the United States have become obsolete or less relevant.

Anti-Money Laundering Regulations

Anti-money laundering (AML) regulations are designed to prevent, detect, and report suspicious financial activities that could be related to money laundering, terrorist financing, or other criminal activities. Traditionally, these regulations have required financial service providers to implement extensive compliance programs, conduct customer due diligence, and report suspicious transactions to government agencies.

However, the rise of digital currencies, blockchain-based solutions, and other fintech innovations has challenged the effectiveness of traditional AML regulations. For instance, digital currencies can enable anonymous transactions, making it more difficult for regulators to track and monitor suspicious activities.

In response to these challenges, regulators have started to impose AML requirements on digital currency exchanges and other fintech companies. However, this approach has raised serious concerns about conflicts with privacy laws and the U.S. Constitution. By outsourcing AML responsibilities to private financial service providers, the government may be infringing on individuals' right to privacy and protection from unreasonable search and seizure.

Privacy Laws and the U.S. Constitution

The U.S. Constitution, particularly the Fourth Amendment, protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. In the context of financial regulation, this protection can //*+

nmconflict with the government's efforts to combat money laundering and other financial crimes through AML regulations.

As AML regulations increasingly require financial service providers to monitor their customers' transactions and report suspicious activities, these companies are collecting and sharing sensitive personal information in ways that can only be seen as intrusive and a clear violation of privacy rights.

Moreover, recent developments in data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, have highlighted the growing importance of individual privacy rights in the digital age. These laws impose strict requirements on how companies collect, process, and share personal information, potentially creating additional conflicts with AML regulations.

Technological Solutions to AML and Privacy Concerns

Despite the challenges posed by new technologies and privacy concerns, there are also opportunities for innovative solutions that can help to reconcile AML regulations with privacy rights.

For example, decentralized software solutions - such as those build atop public blockchains - can be leveraged to create more transparent and efficient AML compliance systems. By utilizing decentralized and encrypted systems, blockchains can enable the secure sharing of information between financial institutions and regulators without violating individual privacy rights, upon the application of due process to a single transaction (rather than the current wholesale surveillance approach).

Additionally, the use of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning can help to identify patterns of suspicious activity more accurately and efficiently, and drastically reduce the need for invasive data collection and reporting requirements.

Digital Driver's Licenses and the Bank Secrecy Act

The digital revolution has also had a significant impact on the way personal identification is managed and exchanged. Several US states have introduced digital driver's licenses, allowing citizens to share information with law enforcement in a manner that protects their privacy. These digitally-native credentials can be used to facilitate the objectives of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) without exposing citizens' data to a large number of intermediaries.

Digital Driver's Licenses and Privacy

Digital driver's licenses are designed to provide a secure and convenient alternative to traditional physical identification cards. They allow citizens to share only the necessary information with law enforcement officers during a traffic stop, for example, without divulging other personal details that may be found on a traditional ID card. This minimizes the risk of identity theft and protects individuals' privacy rights.

The Bank Secrecy Act and Digitally-Native Credentials

The BSA, enacted in 1970, is a set of US regulations aimed at preventing money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. It requires financial institutions to report certain transactions and maintain records of their customers' identities. However, this can sometimes lead to privacy concerns, as citizens' personal information may be shared with numerous intermediaries in the process.

Digital driver's licenses and other digital credentials could offer a solution to this challenge. By leveraging secure, encrypted information sharing, these digital IDs can facilitate the objectives of the BSA without exposing sensitive personal information to a large number of intermediaries. For instance, when opening a bank account or conducting a financial transaction, an individual could use their digital driver's license to verify their identity with the bank, which could then satisfy the BSA's requirements without putting the individual's personal data at risk.

The Urgent Need to Restrict Personal Identifiable Data Collection

As technology continues to advance, so too does the threat of cybercrime. Damages from cybercrime are estimated to have exceeded six trillion US dollars in 2023 alone (more here), with data breaches occurring in the US at an alarming rate—nearly every hour. The widespread collection and storage of personal identifiable data make individuals and organizations increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can lead to identity theft, financial losses, and reputational damage. This growing problem highlights the urgent need for regulators to reassess the way personal data is collected, managed, and protected.

The Role of Personal Identifiable Data in Cybercrime

Personal identifiable data (PID) is any information that can be used to identify, locate, or contact an individual. It includes names, addresses, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other sensitive information. Cybercriminals can use this data to commit various crimes, such as identity theft, fraud, and extortion. As data breaches become more frequent, the risks associated with PID collection and storage grow exponentially.

Balancing Regulatory Requirements with Data Privacy

Many regulations require the collection of personal identifiable data to achieve their objectives, such as preventing money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. However, the growing threat of cybercrime emphasizes the need to balance these regulatory requirements with data privacy concerns. This balance is crucial to ensure that individuals' privacy rights are respected while still fulfilling the objectives of the regulation.

Regulators must consider the potential consequences of requiring the collection of vast amounts of personal identifiable data and look for alternatives that can achieve the same objectives without compromising privacy. For example, the use of digital driver's licenses and other digitally-native credentials can provide a secure and privacy-respecting way to verify identity while minimizing the need for extensive data collection.

The Importance of Data Minimization and Security

As the threat of cybercrime continues to grow, regulators and organizations must prioritize data minimization and security in their policies and practices. Data minimization refers to the practice of collecting and retaining only the minimum amount of personal data necessary to fulfill a specific purpose. By minimizing the amount of data collected and stored, organizations can reduce their exposure to cyberattacks and protect their customers' privacy.

Additionally, implementing robust data security measures is crucial to safeguard personal identifiable data from unauthorized access and use. This includes the use of encryption, secure data storage, and regular security audits. Organizations should also invest in employee training to raise awareness of potential cyber threats and promote a culture of data security and privacy.

The growing threat of cybercrime, along with the increasing number of data breaches, underscores the need for regulators to reevaluate their approach to personal identifiable data collection. By embracing technological innovations such as digital driver's licenses and prioritizing data minimization and security, regulators can create more effective and privacy-respecting regulatory frameworks. As cybercrime continues to evolve, it is essential for regulators to stay ahead of the curve and adapt their strategies to protect citizens' privacy while still achieving the objectives of their regulations.

Embracing the Future of Regulation and Technology

The development and adoption of digital driver's licenses demonstrate the potential for technology to address the objectives of existing regulations while also minimizing potential conflicts with privacy laws and the US Constitution. By embracing technological advancements, regulators can create more effective and efficient regulatory frameworks that better serve the public interest.

Conclusions

Laws are never created, they can only be discovered. In as much as "law-makers" proclaim to be passing "laws", properly understood these are indeed context-specific rules. While technology may be used in accordance to these "men-made" guidance, it not only must follow the laws of physics, while also extending its understanding, and in a very literal way change observable reality.

As history has shown, government regulations must adapt to new technologies to remain relevant and effective. By examining past examples and understanding the potential of emerging innovations, regulators can create flexible and adaptable rules that foster innovation while still - and often: better - protecting consumers and promoting public welfare. Digital driver's licenses and their potential impact on the Bank Secrecy Act exemplify the need for forward-thinking regulatory approaches that consider the capabilities of new technologies and their potential to revolutionize traditional systems.

As technological innovations continue to disrupt the financial sector, it is essential for government regulators to adapt and evolve their approach to regulation. While some traditional regulations have become obsolete in the face of new technologies, there are also opportunities to harness these innovations to create more effective and efficient regulatory frameworks.

By carefully considering the potential benefits and challenges of new technologies, regulators can strike a balance between protecting consumers, maintaining the stability of financial markets, and fostering innovation. In doing so, they can ensure that regulatory frameworks remain relevant and effective in an ever-changing financial landscape.

In conclusion, as technology advances, outdated government regulations often become obsolete and counterproductive. In the financial sector, emerging solutions like blockchain and digital credentials can address issues such as principal-agent problems, counter-party risks, and privacy concerns more effectively. By reevaluating and adapting regulations to align with modern technology, we can create a more efficient and secure financial landscape while protecting citizens' privacy and reducing transaction costs.

Thoughts on the design of currency can be found in my upcoming book Streaming Money.