Circle изменяет правила: теперь можно приобрести оружие за USDC Headline: Circle Changes Rules: Now You Can Buy Firearms with USDC

The issuer Circle has revised its policy regarding the use of the USDC stablecoin, which previously prohibited the purchase of firearms. This decision came in response to complaints from American lobbying groups.

As reported by the news outlet Crypto In America, journalist Eleanor Terrett stated that the company now allows the legal acquisition of ammunition using «stablecoins.» The firm directly informed major shooting organizations in the U.S. about the policy changes.

Previously, holders of USDC were prohibited from using the asset for the purchase of «any form of weapon, including firearms, ammunition, knives, explosives, or related accessories.»

Criticism of the former policy came from conservative and gun rights groups, including «Americans for Tax Reform» and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). They argued that the restrictions infringed upon the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

In a piece by the NSSF, the issuer was accused of undermining individual liberties. The article contended that Circle’s anti-gun stance highlighted the risks of financial intermediaries seizing private transactions.

“Firearms represent the only legally protected and constitutionally enshrined property right that is not linked to financial risk. Circle won’t let you purchase it with their coins. It is unclear if the ban extends to kitchen utensils, or what types of pocket knives might also be prohibited,” the authors noted.

Political pressure likely compelled the issuer to modify its terms of use. Following the announcement, a number of Republican senators «applauded» Circle.

“Allowing the legal purchase of firearms with stablecoins is a commendable step against the discrimination of licensed gun owners. […] Circle upholds our constitutional rights and ensures that our financial systems will not be weaponized against lawful gun owners and legitimate industries,” remarked Senator Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming in a comment to Crypto In America.

The NSSF noted Circle’s swift action, which allowed the company to «publicly and unequivocally state that it does not discriminate against legal firearms commerce.»

“[Circle’s decision] stands in stark contrast to mechanisms inspired by Choke Point, aimed at halting legislative processes and stealthily achieving liberal party goals,” stated Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee, the author of the recently enacted GENIUS Act.

According to Kadana Stadelmann, the Chief Technology Officer of Komodo, Circle’s actions reveal that «stablecoins are subject to the whims of state apparatus.»

“A private American company cannot issue a neutral ‘stablecoin’ due to its entanglements with U.S. laws, regulations, and internal affairs,” he added.

As a reminder, in October, co-founder of Multicoin Capital Tashar Jain claimed that the GENIUS Act would trigger a massive outflow of deposits from traditional banks into higher-yielding stablecoins.