[gexla]

When these sorts of things get in the cross-hairs of the government, it's often not so much "laws against" but rather the lack of laws / regulation. We have seen this with Poker, Crypto, Crypto Exchanges, the lost goes on. If you're operating at the edge, you probably need to be working closely with someone to make damn sure the laws are covering your ass. Or that the laws can be created / changed for the new industry. If you're not big enough to do this, then danger ahead.

[jpadkins]

The US was not founded on this "permission" mindset. It's a free country. If you are not harming anyone or violating any existing laws, you are free to build new products and services. You do not need permission from bureaucrats to invent something new!

[gexla]

I'm pulling examples from actual US history. If it involves gambling (or similar) or creating alternate forms of money, then watch out. You can believe that you don't need permission, then tell that to the FBI as they are raiding your house.

[jpadkins]

you don't have to tell the FBI! you get a chance to tell the judge when the FBI/DOJ presents their case against you.

There are many recent examples of fed agencies doing aggressive tactics and getting overturned in the courts (Rare Breed Triggers or Polymer80 vs. ATF, or Apple vs. FBI for forced phone unlocks). Don't let them bully you into not building something that you believe is good for society!