A Landscape on the Neutrality and Indipendence of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) from Government Influence: Insights from Multiple Case Studies

Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
* Corresponding author. Email: francescosantoro76@gmail.com (F.S.)
Manuscript received January 30, 2025; accepted March 18, 2025; published June 23, 2025.

Abstract—The interaction between Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and regulatory frameworks has become a pivotal issue in the realm of blockchain and decentralized governance. DAOs, defined by distributed decision-making, smart contract-based rules, and operational autonomy, seek to minimize centralized control and external interference. However, high-profile cases reveal the significant challenges DAOs face in maintaining neutrality and independence under increasing regulatory scrutiny. This study conducts a multi-case analysis to explore how DAOs navigate legal and geopolitical pressures, highlighting both their structural strengths and vulnerabilities. For example, centralized entities faced direct targeting of leadership, while pseudonymous governance within DAOs complicated enforcement yet did not guarantee immunity, as shown in certain cases. Similarly, other cases exemplify how DAOs can maintain operational functionality amid sanctions but also exposes individual liabilities. The findings emphasize the need for legal frameworks tailored to DAOs’ unique structures and capabilities, enabling them to balance autonomy with compliance. By examining the resilience of decentralized governance and its ethical and operational implications, this study provides insights into how DAOs can sustain neutrality and accountability in a regulated global environment.

Keywords—decentralized autonomous organizations, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), Neutrality and independence, Governmental influence, Blockchain governance

Cite: Francesco Santoro, "A Landscape on the Neutrality and Indipendence of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) from Government Influence: Insights from Multiple Case Stu," International Journal of Blockchain Technologies and Applications vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 62-75, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0)