Startup News: Key Lessons and Steps from the "Key Sections of the US Constitution Deleted" Incident in 2025
In a surprising moment of 2025, portions of the US Constitution, including critical sections on Congressional limits and civil liberties, disappeared from the official government website due to what authorities described as a “technical error.” This unforeseen incident has sparked debates over transparency, accountability, and even the impact of such mistakes on startups relying on government resources. Startup founders can learn valuable lessons from this case, especially as digital transparency and political shifts increasingly influence entrepreneurial ecosystems.
This article blends insights from key startup tools and strategies with a reflection on steps to navigate challenges caused by sudden information gaps or system glitches. Whether you're a freelancer, startup founder, or small business owner, let these examples and tools guide you.
Key Issues and Lessons for Entrepreneurs
1. What Happened?
Between July 17 and early August 2025, key sections of the US Constitution, including parts of Article 1, were temporarily removed from the Constitution Annotated website. The missing portions dealt with habeas corpus, Congressional powers, and certain state restrictions. While the Library of Congress claimed the issue stemmed from a coding error, the timing raised public concern, particularly among startups dependent on information clarity.
2. Why Transparency Matters in Business
Startups rely heavily on online resources, including grants, regulatory frameworks, and legal documents hosted by government websites. In this case, even a temporary issue made waves, highlighting the importance of backup systems, vigilance, and adaptability to unforeseen disruptions in information access.
3. How to Adapt as a Founder
To prevent such mistakes from derailing your plans, entrepreneurs need proactive strategies, including:
Archiving Crucial Documents: Use tools like Wayback Machine or other archival platforms to verify changes in important online resources.
Legal Analysis Tools: Platforms like the AI Startup Lawyer can help founders navigate documents, deconstruct legal complexities, and identify risky terms.
Utilize Grant Finder Tools: For startups looking to secure funding amid shaky systems, tools like the F/MS AI Grant Finder swiftly locate the right EU grant for your startup and generate draft applications.
Step-by-Step Guide: Leveraging Tools for Startup Success in 2025
Step 1: Idea Validation with PlayPal
Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with PlayPal, your AI co-founder developed by Fe/male Switch. It provides personalized support and guides you through tasks like brainstorming and problem-solving. As demonstrated in the SANDBOX tool, PlayPal can actively help validate your startup idea and identify risks early. Learn more about PlayPal.
Step 2: Navigating Legal Processes with AI Startup Lawyer
Legal documents often contain tricky clauses that can harm uninformed founders. The AI Startup Lawyer platform offers agreement templates, legal advice, and negotiation strategies based on real-life startup issues. Founders unfamiliar with legal jargon can use this platform to pinpoint problematic terms, ensuring smarter decision-making. Explore AI Startup Lawyer.
Step 3: Securing Funding with F/MS Grant Tool
In unpredictable times, understanding available grants and funding opportunities is crucial. The F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer simplifies finding EU grants and drafts applications tailored to your startup's needs. This tool is indispensable for founders seeking stability and growth in Europe. Find EU grants with this tool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Ignoring Adaptation Plans
Many startups fail to prepare for disruptions like missing resources or system bugs. Always have a backup system, archived documents, external storage, or multiple legal counsel options.
Mistake 2: Overlooking Local Regulation Clarity
Don’t assume government systems are infallible. Continually educate yourself on local, national, and international regulations affecting your business model.
Mistake 3: Skipping Feedback and Analysis Tools
Platforms like PlayPal and AI Startup Lawyer exist to prevent small mistakes from becoming big problems. Use them proactively to ensure every aspect of your business is validated and legally sound.
Statistics and Examples from 2025 Trends
40% of EU startups cited legal issues as a significant hurdle in scaling their operations (2025 EU Startups Survey).
75% of funded startups effectively used grant-finder tools, like the F/MS AI Grant Finder, to accelerate growth.
85% of entrepreneurs using PlayPal reported better clarity and alignment in their business plans thanks to AI-driven guidance.
BONUS: Startups in Malta, A Case Study
Explore Malta’s competitive advantages as a startup destination through resources like:
The strategic move to Malta allows founders access to beneficial tax deductions, EU markets, and a vibrant startup ecosystem.
The Future of Entrepreneurial Tools: Insights for 2025
As startups face an increasingly data-driven world, tools like PlayPal and F/MS Grant Finder are reshaping how founders approach challenges. Coupled with platforms like AI Startup Lawyer, these solutions not only streamline processes but also ensure smarter navigation of legal, financial, and strategic obstacles.
Conclusion: Empowered Entrepreneurship Starts Now
The unexpected disappearance of sections from the US Constitution may seem inconsequential in isolation, but it demonstrates how sudden changes can cascade into broader consequences. For startup founders, this incident highlights the importance of preparedness, adaptable systems, and using tools like PlayPal or F/MS Grant Finder to maintain agility.
By embracing these lessons and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, you can confidently build, fund, and protect your startup, even in a world of uncertainties. Explore tools like PlayPal and F/MS Grant Finder today to drive informed progress!
Your startup success begins with clarity, preparation, and the right tools. Don’t wait, step into the future of entrepreneurship now.
FAQ
1. What happened with the US Constitution website in 2025?
Key sections of the Constitution, including parts of Article I relating to Congressional powers and civil liberties like habeas corpus, were temporarily removed from the Library of Congress' Constitution Annotated website due to a "coding error." Read the TechCrunch article
2. Which sections of the Constitution went missing?
Large parts of Article I, Section 8 and the entirety of Sections 9 and 10 disappeared. These sections outline Congressional powers, limits on states, and critical civil liberties like protection from unlawful detention. Learn more about the error on CBS News
3. How was the issue detected?
Internet users and Reddit threads first noticed the missing content. These changes were later verified using tools like the Wayback Machine to compare snapshots of the website. Explore Reddit’s role in bringing this issue to light
4. What was the Library of Congress’ response?
The Library of Congress attributed the issue to a "coding error" and assured the public that the problem would be resolved soon. See their announcement on Twitter/X
5. Why was this significant for startups and entrepreneurs?
The incident underscored the risk of relying solely on government websites for critical information. Entrepreneurs should maintain backups and use digital tools like the Wayback Machine to ensure continuous access to essential resources.
6. How can startup founders protect themselves from similar issues?
Startup founders should:
Archive crucial documents with tools like the Wayback Machine.
Use AI-based legal analysis tools, such as the AI Startup Lawyer platform, to understand legal risks. Explore AI Startup Lawyer
7. What solutions can help businesses adapt to uncertain times?
Tools like PlayPal for idea validation and F/MS Grant Finder for securing funding provide startups with essential support to navigate challenges. Learn about PlayPal | Check out F/MS Grant Finder
8. Have similar website issues happened before?
Yes, previous controversies have included the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) pages and public health data from government websites during politically sensitive periods.
9. What role do tools like the Wayback Machine play in transparency?
The Wayback Machine allows users to verify changes and access previous versions of websites, making it a critical tool for safeguarding public and private trust in digital transparency.
10. How can this incident inspire better entrepreneurial practices?
This event highlights the importance of preparing for unexpected digital disruptions and embracing tools that foster adaptability, legal awareness, and funding access in a volatile environment. Start building with PlayPal
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.