Both WikiLeaks, their online store that is, and CheapAir, have been using Coinbase as their exchange provider for their Bitcoin operations. However, that is to come to an end soon from both these companies.
Coinbase has suspended WikiLeaks’ Online Store’s account, and it has also changed its policies which have sent CheapAir elsewhere, looking for a new provider.
These moves have caught the ire of both companies with the WikiLeaks platform calling for a boycott of Coinbase. For CheapAir, it is the changes in feature and tools from Coinbase that have made it impossible for them to do business together.
WikiLeaks boycott
WikiLeaks’ official online merchandise store has said that its account with Coinbase has been suspended, and to this end, it believes there should be a boycott of the massive exchange.
ANNOUNCE: Coinbase has blocked the official @WikiLeaks shop from its platform without notice or explanation. You can continue to donate #Bitcoin to WikiLeaks at https://t.co/lvhoyhlqUa. #Coinbase #DefendWL #Cryptocurrency #Ethereum #BitcoinCash #ReconnectJulian pic.twitter.com/4BSS023OOk
— WikiLeaks Shop (@WikiLeaksShop) April 21, 2018
The exchange appears to cite US government financial regulations as one reason for the suspension. There’s no indication, though, specifically how WikiLeaks allegedly violated those rules.
This move by Coinbase has unsurprisingly annoyed many die-hard Bitcoin fans in the community who see its power in being able to circumvent unnecessary and repressive regulations.
Andreas Antonopoulos pointed out on Twitter, many politically engaged users were first attracted to Bitcoin as a way to donate to WikiLeaks after it was cut off by more traditional financial services in 2010.
We have come full circle. Many people#39;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. https://t.co/b8HQkoOwyQ
— Andreas M. Antonopoulos (@aantonop) April 21, 2018
CheapAir backs away
The decision of Coinbase to adopt the rules that are outlined in the regulations of the US may also have something to do with the changes that have seen it that CheapAir can no longer work with them.
CheapAir.com began accepting Bitcoin back in 2013 in a first for the global travel industry, explained the move in a blog post, revealing it is eyeing a move to accept Bitcoin payments through BitPay.
"We were recently informed by our processing partner, Coinbase, that they will no longer support 'custodial' solutions for merchants, and are removing a number of the tools and features that we rely on to accept Bitcoin from CheapAir.com shoppers," CheapAir wrote. "These changes are scheduled to occur in a matter of weeks."
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Alex Dovbnya
Dan Burgin
Vladislav Sopov