Coinbase, a San Francisco-based cryptocurrency exchange operator has reportedly blocked the account opened by WikiLeaks, a whistleblowing shop. Coinbase claims that WikiLeaks shop has engaged in prohibited use of the platform which violates their Terms of Service.
The exchange has asked WikiLeaks to read and follow the instructions provided on the Coinbase website and transfer the remaining funds to an external wallet.
WikiLeaks is a non-profit global organization that publishes classified news reports provided by anonymous reporters. Also, WikiLeaks is a merchandising platform which sells Pullover hoodies, T-shirts, mousepads, posters, and more to support its whistleblowing operations.
According to members of the community, WikiLeaks is famously known for releasing news that covered Hillary Clinton’s campaign Managers emails during the United States Presidential election campaign in 2016.
WikiLeaks had created an account on the Coinbase Platform to receive payments in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other altcoins.
The Email received by WikiLeaks from Coinbase did not clearly explain the reason why they were blocked. This led to a riot on Twitter as WikiLeaks seeks to call for a global blockade of Coinbase.
WikiLeaks published on Twitter saying:
“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 WikiLeaks Shop in a decision approved by management.”
Andreas M Antonopoulos, a renowned Bitcoin enthusiast says:.
“We have come full circle. Many people’s interest in bitcoin started when WikiLeaks was out under an extra judicial embargo by VISA, MC, PayPal, and banks. Now Coinbase has repeated history. Oops.”
Ataraxia Investor, a Twitterati says:
“No difference between Coinbase and the banking Cartel, except that Coinbase is less secure, less insured, and less professional.”
Sheekhtoshi, an LTC investors says:
“I don’t think We’re at that stage to boycott anything in the space, but we definitely need to shift everyone to decentralized exchanges gradually, then we won’t have these types of financial censorship.”
Senthil, another Twitterati says:
“The irony in this hurts me. Coinbase exists today because of Bitcoin which is the ultimate expression of freedom, and yet they stop their services to WikiLeaks? Excellent Coinbase, while you rack up millions, don’t forget who made it possible for you.”
Zysl also spoke regarding the matter, says:
“Literally, the first time I’ve disagreed with WikiLeaks on something. Never thought the day would come. Shouldn’t stoop to the lows of others. If they don’t want you just use a different service, there’s so many anyways. A “blockade” seems a bit… elementary.”