Navigating Regulations around the World

At Three of Cups we envision our role on the internet to be part of a permissionless global utility, that anyone can access when needed.

Permissionless means; a type of technology that allows anyone to use, access, or participate in it without needing to obtain permission from a central authority. Permissionless technologies are based on the principles of openness, accessibility, and decentralization, allowing anyone to participate and contribute without barriers.

Global utility: Imagine a platform that combines the global reach of the internet with the essential services of a public utility, like electricity or water. A global utility technology platform provides a wide range of digital tools and services that are available to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Self Sovereign ID: the idea that you are the sole owner and manager of your digital identity, and that you have the ability to control who has access to your personal information and how it is used.

In reality, every region, every company, is creating and following unique rules of engagement. To make it even more confusing, these are changing all the time.

This section is to help you understand and navigate the rules and regulations pertaining to how you use Three of Cups in your region. As well as help you understand the regulations Three of Cups is following in your region.

It's important to understand and abide by legal and ethical boundaries when navigating the internet.

Ultimately, it is up to you to understand and follow the rules of where you are. We want to make that as easy and understandable for you as possible!

Relevant laws and regulations based on your geography. More regions will be coming soon.
North America
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA for short, has Chapter 19, Article 19.17, it's all about online platforms. It deals with all things online, like having at home internet rules. Basically, it gives online platforms a shield, kind of like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, in the US. They’re protected from getting into any hot water over what netizens post.

Canada
Canada’s Criminal Code ensures that we comply with provisions related to criminal offenses such as harassment, cyberbullying or fraud. Following this is the Canadian Human Rights Act where ensuring platforms are free from discrimination based on protected characteristics such as ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is keeping your personal data safe online, before collecting info platforms have the responsibility to keep it secure. Breaking any of these laws could lead to consequences.

Mexico
Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law (Ley Federal de Telecomunicaciones y Radiodifusión) deals with how communication networks and services operate. It’s a rulebook that protects consumers and ensures fair competition, it makes sure that everyone follows the rules. Federal Law of Copyright (Ley Federal del Derecho de Autor) is another law in Mexico that protects people’s creative work. It lays down the rules for who owns these creations and how they can be used. It resolves issues such as piracy and making sure creators get paid for their work.

USA
The Communications Decency Act, or CDA is kinda like a big umbrella protecting online platforms from getting into trouble for what users post, like a shield against legal storms.

Section 230 is a law that says online platforms, like social media sites, aren't legally responsible for most of the content posted by their users. It gives these platforms the freedom to moderate content and protect against lawsuits based on what users post.

However there is also SESTA/FOSTA, an amendment to Section 230. FOSTA/SESTA is a law aimed at combating online sex trafficking by holding websites accountable for facilitating such activities. It makes it illegal for websites to knowingly promote or facilitate prostitution or sex trafficking, leading to stricter regulations and penalties for online platforms.
Australia
Australia has these two laws: the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and the Defamation Act 2005. The Broadcasting Services Act is all about making sure everything online plays nice and follows the rules, even on social media. The Defamation Act is like a guardian angel protecting us against nasty rumours or false stories posted on social media. These two laws basically keep our online world in check, ensuring everyone's playing fair and nobody's reputation gets tarnished.
France
France's Law for Confidence in the Digital Economy, also known as LCEN, sets the ground rules for online services. This law talks about who’s responsible for what gets posted online, whether it's the hosts or the content creators themselves. It also lays down the law on how to remove any shady stuff that sneaks onto the web.
Germany
TeleServices Act, or Teledienstegesetz basically sorts out the legal stuff when it comes to online services. Who’s responsible for what gets posted on those platforms. This law gave internet service providers a bit of a break. It's like saying, "Hey, as long as you're not the one stirring up trouble and just providing the platform, you're off the hook."
Japan
Article 18 of the U.S. - Japan Digital Trade Agreement is very similar to Section 230 of the CDA in the United States. Paragraph 2 of Article 18 provides protection to websites, online platforms, and other online service providers from liability for third-party content, similar to Section 230(c)(1). Paragraph 3 of Article 18 also mirrors Section 230(c)(2) by protecting websites and online platforms from liability for their actions in removing or restricting access to objectionable content, as long as those actions are taken in good faith. Like Section 230, Article 18 includes exceptions for intellectual property and criminal law.

New Zealand
The Harmful Digital Communications Act from 2015, and it's like the rulebook for the online world in New Zealand. Online services providers get a kind of shield for the stuff users post, as long as they play by the rules and take down anything harmful if they get a heads-up about it.
Nigeria
The Cybercrimes Act of 2015 is similar to a rulebook that helps deal with crimes that happen online. It lays out what’s considered a cybercrime and the punishments you can get for committing these crimes such as hacking and stealing people's information. On the other hand the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) makes sure that technology is used properly and safely, coming up with rules and guidelines on how to use technology in the country.

South Africa
The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act gives internet service providers a free pass for anything shady their users post, as long as they're on top of things and take down anything illegal once they know about it. It’s a safety net for them.
UAE
Cybercrime Law from back in 2012, Federal Law No. 5, to be exact. It's all about keeping things in line in cyberspace, making sure nobody's getting up to any mischief like hacking into computer systems or sharing stuff they shouldn't be.The government announced in '97 that everyone is required to go through a proxy server run by the folks over at Etisalat to surf the web.
United Kingdom
E-Commerce Regulations, it's like a shield for internet service providers when it comes to what people post online. As long as they're just passing along the content without messing with it or calling the shots, they're in the clear. It's like they're playing the role of a cool messenger, delivering the goods without getting tangled up in any drama.