Ripple Vs SEC: Watchdog Files Motion To Seal Expert Details As Court Sets Deadline

The U.S SEC on Friday filed a motion to seal some portions of the parties’ filings from July 12, 2022. It mentioned that this is in connection to their motions to exclude expert testimony.

SEC wants to hide its experts

According to the filing, the commission highlighted that they have met and conferred with the defendants. However, the SEC expects that Ripple and other defendants will object to most of the SEC’s proposed redactions.

It added that with just a few exceptions, the authority’s proposed redaction intends to protect the expert witnesses’ identities. The SEC reminds the court that one of the experts got extensive threats and harassment as the individual’s name went out by the counsel.

The SEC proposed to redact the names of every expert and details like contact information, educational and other affiliations. The motion mentions that the proposed redactions are narrowly tailored to provide witness safety. This is the main reason why the court should accept the SEC’s application.

However, the letter also highlighted that the defendants are moving for leave to redact details of third parties in sight of the Daubert motion. The SEC does not object to the defendant’s application to include proposed redactions of third party names. Meanwhile, it further added that if the court decides to seal all such details then the commission will redact accordingly.

Court sets deadline for non parties

Attorney James Filan informed that the court has ordered a deadline of July 28, 2022, for the non parites to move seal portions related to expert testimony. This also includes waiving objection to the court’s ruling on the sealing application.

The order mentioned that any non party that has not given consent to one of the involved parties over their proposed redaction of private details appearing in “Daubert Motion”. A letter must be file by July 28 explaining the need for such redactions.