The legal status of cryptocurrencies varies substantially from one jurisdiction to another, and is still undefined or changing in many of them. While in the majority of countries the usage of cryptocurrency is not in itself illegal, its status and usability as a means of payment (or a commodity) varies, with differing regulatory implications.
While some states have explicitly allowed its use and trade, others have banned or restricted it. Likewise, various government agencies, departments, and courts have classified cryptocurrencies differently.