Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by Bitfinsider

Federal authorities want to heavily restrict former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried’s access to the internet and a “flip phone or other non-smartphone” while he awaits trial on a multitude of counts related to the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange.

In a letter to the court dated 3 March, prosecutors requested the limitations after it was revealed that Bankman-Fried had used encrypted messaging applications and a virtual private network (VPN) while out on parole. This autumn, Bankman-Fried will stand trial.

According to the letter, the two parties suggest limiting Bankman-Fried to a limited list of whitelisted websites and online defense-related tools. These resources consist of Zoom, government webpages, and multiple blockchain data crawlers.

The sites proposed for personal use include news sites like Bloomberg, the New York Post, and The Block, streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, and consumer delivery applications like Uber Eats and Door Dash.

The government stated that it had decided that sites for personal use “do not pose a threat to the community, including because they lack a private communication platform and do not pose a threat of accessing/transferring bitcoin assets.”

In addition, the agreement prohibits the purchase of new internet-accessible devices and requires the implementation of activity-monitoring software on Bankman-Fried’s laptop. He must register his mobile devices with the judge.

Bankman-Fried resides with his parents, who will also be required to register their personal gadgets with the court and install surveillance software.