Binance and X face government blockade in Venezuela

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance and social media platform X face restrictions in Venezuela. Local anti-censorship organization VE sin Filtro identified a DNS block on Binance exchange.

Venezuela’s government has imposed restrictions on access to Binance, social media platforms, including X, and the services of other websites of different companies.

According to VE sin Filtro, this restriction has affected the normal operation of the exchange’s website and mobile application. Following the reports of the incident, Binance Latinoamérica issued a notice to its users.

Binance issued notice following the restrictions

Binance acknowledged that the websites of various firms from different segments, including social networks and the exchange itself, have been facing restrictions in Venezuela. However, the exchange has confirmed that user funds are SAFU.

To regain access, VE sin Filtro has recommended users use VPN, which can help them regain access to the exchange and other websites. While the restrictions in Venezuela are temporary, Binance has an ongoing tussle with several nations.

Binance exits Canada amidst tightened crypto rules and an uncertain regulatory environment. This was after Canada’s release of new guidance that outlined the necessity of following the CSA’s approval.

Binance website and app are also blocked in India amidst allegations of violating anti money laundering rules. India even demanded an $86 million tax bill from the exchange in pursuit of continuing its operations in the country.

Venezuela blocks access to X for 10 days

According to a Reuters report, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced last week that he is banning X in the South American country for 10 days. This has escalated the tension between Musk and Maduro, as he accused Musk of stirring up civil war, death and hate.

Maduro was announced as the July 28 presidential election winner, with Maduro taking home 51% of the vote. However, protests and accusations started spreading against Maduro, with many even demanding he step down.

Following this, Maduro said in a speech, “X get out of Venezuela for 10 days!” He even urged his supporters to stop using Meta and WhatsApp and instead use Telegram and WeChat. Maduro stated that these apps were used as a medium to threaten the families of police officers and soldiers.