Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment (EQIA) screening
The equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill clarifies how digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs are treated under Scots private law. The Bill will not adversely impact individuals with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
Stage 4: Decision making and monitoring
Identifying and establishing any required mitigating action
Have positive or negative impacts been identified for any of the equality groups?
The overall policy aim is to provide greater legal certainty that digital assets are objects of property, to give individuals and businesses who create, transact or invest with digital assets greater confidence. The proposals in the Bill would apply equally to any person who falls within these categories of person.
There is no expected adverse impact upon any person by virtue of their particular religion, belief, age, sexual orientation, gender, race, or ethnicity.
Is the policy directly or indirectly discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010[3]?
No.
If the policy is indirectly discriminatory, how is it justified under the relevant legislation?
Not applicable.
If not justified, what mitigating action will be undertaken?
Not applicable.
Describing how Equality Impact analysis has shaped the policy making process
The EQIA process has confirmed that the proposed Bill has no impact on any of the protected characteristics.
No direct changes have been made to the policy as a result of this EQIA.
There are no direct implications on costs or resources as a result of this EQIA.
Monitoring and Review
If the Bill is passed by Parliament, the Scottish Government will monitor its impact in practice.
Contact
Email: digitalassets@gov.scot