Point of View: A U.S. Judge Considers Uniswap a "Neutral Infrastructure," While Tornado is Seen as "Facilitating Illegal Financial Activity"

**March 10 Update** Crypto reporter Eleanor Terrett noted that during a review of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm’s trial, the judge appeared more sympathetic toward Uniswap’s developers in a related lawsuit—while taking a tougher stance against Tornado Cash’s devs. Court filings indicate the judge argued it would be illogical to hold software developers liable for strangers’ misuse of neutral infrastructure, classifying Uniswap as “neutral infrastructure” but deeming Tornado Cash to have “engaged in illegal financial activities.” This position signals U.S. courts could weigh whether developers merely provide neutral tools when assessing DeFi infrastructure liability going forward. **Earlier Today** Reports emerged that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a retrial for Roman Storm on two charges the initial jury deadlocked on: money laundering and sanctions violations. Prosecutors proposed scheduling the retrial for early October, even as Storm’s motion to overturn his unlicensed money transmitting charge under Rule 29 remains pending.