Wasabi Wallet Developer Blocks U.S. Users
zkSNACKs, the developer behind the Wasabi Wallet, an open-source Bitcoin wallet, has recently taken a drastic step by blocking users from the United States from accessing their services indefinitely. This decision was made in response to recent announcements by U.S. authorities, and it effectively prohibits U.S. users from visiting the company’s websites and using Wasabi Wallet and related products.
Reasons Behind the Ban
- zkSNACKs’ announcement did not provide specific reasons for the ban
- Recent arrests of founders of privacy-focused Bitcoin wallets like Samourai Wallet may have influenced the decision
- U.S. authorities have cracked down on services that offer privacy-preserving features due to concerns about money laundering
Users from the U.S. and related territories are now barred, through means of an IP address firewall, from accessing Wasabi Wallet and any related products and services, including APIs and RPC interfaces, as a result of this decision.
Impact of Recent Arrests
- The arrest of the founders of Samourai Wallet, known for its privacy features, may have prompted zkSNACKs to implement the ban
- DOJ prosecutors have been targeting services like mixing protocols for enabling money laundering
- Industry groups are advocating for the protection of open-source developers’ rights
zkSNACKs has not provided further comments on the matter at this time.
Hot Take: The Future of Privacy in Crypto
As authorities continue to crack down on privacy-focused services in the cryptocurrency space, the debate over the balance between privacy and regulation intensifies. How developers navigate these challenges will shape the future of privacy in crypto. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving issue.
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