US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase recently filed an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in support of a taxpayer’s privacy rights. The brief was submitted to challenge a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision that could set a dangerous precedent for crypto users. The case involves a taxpayer, James Harper, who took legal action against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after Coinbase was compelled to provide transaction data to the government via a “John Doe” summons in 2017. The brief argues that the ruling could undermine the privacy rights of millions of Americans who share personal information with third parties. This case has significant implications for digital privacy rights and how the IRS collects data on taxpayers. The Supreme Court is Harper’s last resort for an appeal, as lower courts have ruled against him. The court is expected to announce its decision in June. Various industry advocates, including social media company X and the DeFi Education Fund, have also filed amicus briefs in support of Harper. Coinbase’s chief legal officer expressed concerns about the broader implications beyond cryptocurrency, highlighting the importance of privacy rights in various sectors. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching consequences for digital privacy and government access to personal data.