Legal Question in Technology Law in Arizona

I have a blog, and I have recently thought about having a bitcoin donation button on my site. I don't know if I can do that because my blog isn't a business or a charity. I would like to know if I can legally use a bitcoin donation button on my website even if the bitcoin people donate go directly to me.


Asked on 4/14/16, 1:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

You're allowed to ask people for money (or other things of value) as long as you're upfront about the fact that it will go to you personally. If you say or even imply that the money is for some other purpose, you could find yourself in serious trouble.

Using the word "donation" could lead to problems, because what you're really asking for are gifts. Donations are a variety of gift, made for charitable or other public-spirited reasons. That doesn't sound like the kind you'd be asking for. Few people would use that word to describe money they gave to an individual.

Bear in mind that your blog is likely visible in other countries, which may have very different laws about soliciting money. That could be a problem if someone in one of those countries sends you money and then believes he was misled. I don't know offhand how concerned you should be about this risk, but it's something to keep in mind.

I suggest hiring a lawyer to review the design you want to use for your blog and to advise you.

Good luck.

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Answered on 4/14/16, 11:45 am


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