The Criticism of Binance’s Crypto Donation for Morocco Earthquake Relief
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao recently responded to criticism following the company’s large cryptocurrency donation for earthquake relief in Morocco. Despite the positive intention behind the donation, some people expressed their concerns. On September 12, Binance donated $3 million worth of its native token, BNB, to support Morocco’s earthquake relief efforts.
Crypto Charity Conundrum
Changpeng Zhao addressed the criticism by saying, “Guess what? You can be criticized when you donate $3 million dollars worth of crypto after an earthquake.” He explained that most of the issues raised came from traditional charity organizations that are not familiar with cryptocurrencies.
Zhao listed five common concerns raised about crypto donations. He emphasized that people in need require immediate assistance in the form of food and water, not crypto. However, Binance has dual programs and has previously donated essential supplies. Crypto donations are instant compared to the time it takes to distribute physical goods.
One criticism was the difficulty of converting BNB into Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Zhao disagreed, stating that crypto can be easily converted into cash. Another concern was that donations only help Binance/BNB users and not all those in need. While acknowledging this limitation, Zhao explained that they can only reach their users quickly.
It was also questioned why Binance doesn’t donate through traditional charity organizations. Zhao pointed out that they do collaborate with such organizations but highlighted their own issues and traceability problems.
Libya Flood Relief
In addition to the Morocco earthquake relief donation, Binance also contributed $500,000 worth of BNB to support those affected by floods in Libya. In total, the company helped approximately 70,000 people in Morocco and another 12,000 people in Libya through direct giving.
Hot Take: Crypto Donations and Their Impact
Binance’s crypto donations for earthquake and flood relief efforts in Morocco and Libya have sparked a debate about the effectiveness of such contributions. While some criticize the limitations and challenges associated with converting cryptocurrencies into local currencies, others argue that immediate assistance is crucial during emergencies. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao defends the use of crypto donations, emphasizing their speed and convenience. He acknowledges that they cannot solve all problems but believes in helping where they can. The debate highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding the role of cryptocurrencies in philanthropy and charitable giving.
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