Coinbase Files Opposition Brief in FOIA Case Against U.S. FDIC

Coinbase has filed an opposition brief against the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in a key FOIA lawsuit. The case centers on the FDIC’s refusal to release documents related to its supervision of cryptocurrency activities. The filing was made through its FOIA agent, History Associates, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

Coinbase Challenges FDIC Crypto Oversight With Legal Brief

The case concerns the FDIC’s refusal to release documents related to its supervision of cryptocurrency activities. Coinbase claims these withheld records include “pause letters” the FDIC sent to banks, instructing them to stop crypto services.

According to the opposition brief, the FDIC claimed the letters were categorically exempt from release under FOIA Exemption 8. This brief was shared by the company’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, on X.

In the brief, Coinbase argues that the FDIC’s action shows a policy of systematically blocking access to crypto-related oversight documents. It says the FDIC improperly applied blanket redactions and made vague claims of foreseeable harm.

Grewal has previously described the FDIC’s behavior as part of a broader trend to suppress crypto. He said the lawsuit aims to reveal how federal agencies tried to cut crypto firms off from banking services.

The court had earlier ordered the FDIC to produce redacted versions of the letters, rejecting its initial refusal. Subsequent disclosures revealed internal instructions suggesting FDIC staff could withhold such documents entirely, without review.

Coinbase’s brief also states that the FDIC failed to provide guidance for liberal interpretation of requests and failed to preserve relevant documents.

The Crypto Firm Asks Court to Block FDIC’s FOIA Violations

The top crypto exchange is not seeking only the release of the letters. It also wants the court to declare that the FDIC’s approach violates FOIA and should be stopped. The company says this is necessary to prevent similar denials for future requests already pending.

As part of the case, the court allowed limited discovery. Coinbase reviewed training materials and policy documents that it says confirm its claims.

Coinbase says that even if some content qualifies for exemption, FOIA requires agencies to release non-exempt portions. The brief says FDIC policies ignore this legal requirement.

The FDIC has asked the court to dismiss the case, claiming Coinbase failed to prove a legal violation. Coinbase’s brief rejects that view, arguing the facts and agency documents show clear misuse of FOIA.