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Bank of Russia Proposes Wide Ban on Cryptocurrency Use, Trade, Mining
21.1.2022
True to its hardline stance on decentralized digital money, the Central Bank of Russia is now pushing for a wide-ranging ban on crypto-related activities such as issuance, exchange, and mining. A consultation paper published by the regulator cites threats to financial stability and citizens’...
China Censors Crypto-Themed Short Videos Shared Online
18.12.2021
An industry organization controlled by the Chinese government has updated a list of topics users of video-sharing apps should avoid. Crypto-related content is now among the entries along with traditional taboos in China like mocking its leadership, provoking sectarianism, and showing sex. Clips...
Russia to Decide Fate of Crypto Exchangers in 2022
3.12.2021
Discussions on the future of “virtual currency exchangers” in Russia should be completed in 2022, a high-ranking representative of the country’s financial watchdog has indicated. Following international standards, authorities in Moscow would have to either regulate or ban such...
Pakistan Government Not Against Crypto Investments, High Court Calls for Regulations
23.10.2021
The executive power will not oppose cryptocurrency investments, a high-ranking government official has told lawmakers in Pakistan. The statement comes as a regional high court has urged the federal government to regulate cryptocurrencies and formed a committee to look into the matter in the coming...
League of Legends Champ Arrested On Suspicion Of Drug Trafficking
30.9.2021
Kurtis Lau Wai-kin, better known as “Toyz,” has been arrested in Taipei on suspicion of trafficking marijuana. In Taiwan, marijuana is a class 2 illegal drug, and it carries a severe prison sentence and heavy fines.While marijuana might be seen as a “soft” drug in the U.S., in Taiwan, it’s not...
Indonesia Will Not Ban Cryptocurrencies Like China, Minister Says as Crypto Trade Soars
25.9.2021
Authorities in Indonesia do not intend to follow China’s example of imposing an outright ban on cryptocurrencies, a government official said, noting the country will limit itself to ensuring they are not used in illegal activities. The statement comes after local crypto exchanges registered...
Religious Ban on Cryptocurrencies Provokes Social Media Reproach in Ingushetia
29.5.2021
A decision by a prominent religious body in Ingushetia to prohibit dealings with cryptocurrency has sparked controversy in the predominantly Muslim Russian republic. Critics have taken to social media to express their disagreements with the ban, pointing out that the treatment of bitcoin in Islamic...
Iran Authorizes Banks and Currency Exchangers to Use Cryptocurrencies to Pay for Imports
27.4.2021
The Central Bank of Iran has authorized banks and currency exchangers to use cryptocurrencies mined by licensed crypto miners in the country to pay for imports. Meanwhile, a bill is being drafted to provide regulatory clarity regarding crypto-related activities. Using Cryptocurrencies to Pay...
Bridgewater’s Ray Dalio Warns Government Could Restrict Bitcoin Investments, Impose ‘Shocking’ Taxes
21.3.2021
The founder and chief investment officer of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund firm, has warned that the government could “impose prohibitions against capital movements” into assets such as bitcoin. He added that regulators may also impose changes in taxes that...
Central Bank of Nigeria Official Reiterates Nigerian Residents Free to Trade Cryptos: Directive Only Applies to Banking Sector
21.3.2021
A senior executive with Nigeria’s central bank, Adamu Lamtek, has reportedly denied that his institution had placed restrictions on the use of cryptocurrencies. Instead, Lamtek, who is the deputy governor responsible for corporates services at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says...
97% of People Consulted by UK Financial Regulator Opposed Crypto Derivatives Ban
8.10.2020
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ban on crypto derivatives sales to retail investors has set tongues wagging. It is no mystery. After a consultation process that closed Oct. 3, 2019, with 97% of participants opposed to the prohibition, the U.K. financial regulator still proceeded to issue...
Major Chinese Banks Bar Customers From Buying Gold, Precious Metals
1.8.2020
Major Chinese banks have taken measures to prevent customers from buying gold, platinum, palladium, and other precious metal-related products through them. The Shanghai Gold Exchange also says it may take necessary measures to curb gold trading to “protect investors.” Chinese Banks...
Bitcoin Tops $11,000 Reigniting Interest in India
30.7.2020
A resurgent bitcoin is rekindling Indian interest in cryptocurrencies with reports suggesting many dormant holders are back to trading. A report in Livemint is also attributing the piqued interest to a recent Indian supreme court decision to overturn a prohibition that barred banks from dealing...
Indian Banks Still Cryptophobic Despite No Banking Prohibition
31.5.2020
Here are the legal resources available to Indian crypto users and businesses if a bank has declined services out of cryptophobia
From Booze to Bitcoin Mining – Why Violent Prohibition Is Always Harmful
6.8.2019
Stories continue to emerge about newly discovered illegal mining operations being busted by state and corporate authorities. Just last week Iranian media reported the seizure of 177 Bitcoin mining units worth over $270,000 being smuggled via truck in the Arak region. On July 31, Russia’s...