- CANTV’s Block on Binance Affects Crypto Users
- Social Media Platform X Also Targeted
- Response Measures and Public Reaction
The Venezuelan government has restricted access to the Binance crypto exchange and social network X through its provider, CANTV, causing significant inconvenience for users.
CANTV’s Block on Binance Affects Crypto Users
On August 9th, VE sin Filtro, a local organization monitoring internet censorship, reported that CANTV had implemented a DNS block on Binance. This disruption affected both the website and mobile app, preventing users from accessing their accounts or conducting transactions. Binance responded by assuring its users that their funds remain secure and that the company is closely monitoring the situation. > Estimados Binancians, > > Al igual que varios sitios web de empresas de diferentes segmentos en Venezuela, incluidas las redes sociales, las páginas de Binance han estado enfrentando restricciones de acceso. > > Queremos asegurarles que sus fondos están SAFU bajo nuestros robustos… > > — Binance Latinoamérica (@BinanceLATAM) [August 10, 2024](https://twitter.com/BinanceLATAM/status/1822300144718487897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) However, the exchange has not yet indicated whether it will allow users to access its platform through virtual private networks (VPNs), a common method for bypassing government-imposed blocks. VE sin Filtro has advised users to utilize VPNs to regain access to Binance and other blocked services.
Social Media Platform X Also Targeted
The block on Binance is part of a wider crackdown that also includes the social media platform X. President Nicolas Maduro’s government has reportedly ordered all major ISPs in the country to restrict access to the platform. X confirmed that it is experiencing difficulties in providing access to its platform for users in Venezuela. The company has not yet announced any specific measures to address the issue, but users are reportedly turning to VPNs to bypass the block. Signal, an encrypted messaging app, was also blocked on the same day as X, although it remains functional with its "censorship circumvention" setting enabled.
Response Measures and Public Reaction
A public spat between Maduro and Elon Musk preceded the blocks. Musk labeled Maduro a “dictator” and a “clown,” while Maduro accused Musk of inciting “hatred, fascism, and civil war.” The tensions escalated following Venezuela’s disputed presidential election on July 28th, which sparked widespread protests across the country.
The restriction of access to Binance and X in Venezuela has caused significant inconvenience for users, who are resorting to using VPNs to access their accounts and social media platforms. The conflict between political figures only adds to the tension in the country.
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