Ireland bans political crypto donations on foreign interference fears

Grants to political parties using cryptocurrency will be banned in Ireland under the new Political Integrity Act, which was drafted due to concerns about foreign interference in politics.

The amendments proposed by Minister Darag O'Brien, citing fears of Russian interference in Ireland's elections, also cover the rules on foreign funding, misinformation and other transparency requirements for political parties.

Speaking to The Independent on April 18, O'Brien said the laws would further protect Ireland's democratic system in the face of the growing threat of cyber warfare targeting free nations, and that a newly established election commission would oversee compliance with the laws.