Legal Dispute Over Token Airdrops Supported by Crypto Lobbying Groups

A legal battle over token airdrops has gained backing from major crypto lobbying organizations like the Blockchain Association and the Crypto Council for Innovation. These groups, based in Washington, D.C., have filed an 'amicus brief' in support of Beba, an apparel brand, in its lawsuit against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The case, filed in March, aims to seek clarity from the SEC on how token airdrops comply with US securities laws. Beba and the DeFi Education Fund argue that airdrops do not fit the 'Howey Test,' a legal standard for investment contracts, as tokens are usually given for free without profit expectations. The Blockchain Association and Crypto Council lawyers argue that SEC regulation of airdrops exceeds the agency's authority. The SEC's move to dismiss the lawsuit has sparked concerns about regulatory uncertainty in the US crypto industry.