Coinbase blocks WikiLeaks Shop for unknown reasons
The mainstream cryptocurrency exchange and trading platform Coinbase (USA) has blocked the merchandise shop of WikiLeaks, a hub for publishing top secret governmental data.
According to Wikileaks’ social media accounts, the reason of the block has never been fully explained. Instead, the management of Coinbase simply preferred to state that the shop had violated the terms of use of services.
WikiLeaks will call for a global blockade of Coinbase next week as an unfit member of the crypto community. Coinbase, a large Californian Bitcoin processor, responding to a concealed influence, has blocked the entirely harmless @WikiLeaksShop in a decision approved by management. https://t.co/PAldF8b12P
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) April 21, 2018
Blockchain observers note that Coinbase is now repeating the steps previously made by VISA and other major payment systems. Due to the high toxicity of materials unlawfully posted on WikiLeaks, business prefers not to engage with this website at all. The website has been one of the first big users of Bitcoin and largely benefitted from this decision because of the long-term price dynamics.
WikiLeaks became internationally famous in 2010 when it has posted a massive dump of diplomatic correspondence. Since then, its founder Julian Assange has repeatedly changed his location of residence in order not to be arrested by the authorities of the affected states. Edward Snowden, another person notable for information leaks, has praised Julian Assange’s cause.
Image courtesy of Hazel Nicholson / Flickr