Ireland to Ban Cryptocurrency Donations to Political Parties

As the Kremlin(Russia) continues its war with Ukraine, Ireland wants to ban political parties from accepting donations via cryptocurrencies to combat the possibility of Russia's interference in elections.

Darragh O'Brien, the Minister of Local Government of Ireland, wants to amend the 2022 Electoral Bill to enact a ban, telling the Irish Independent that Russia's ongoing disinformation efforts are shows a "fundamental threat to democracy." The Irish Election Commission also issues a removal notice on social media sites to clarify rules regarding incorrect information. 

Ireland was not the first government agency to ban the donation of cryptocurrencies to political parties. States such as California, Oregon, and Michigan have all passed legislation banning political contributions through digital assets.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has been accepting crypto donations in recent months as the war with Russia continues. Ukraine also has an official website where users can donate 16 different cryptocurrencies.