Wasabi Wallet developer zkSNACKs blocks access for US users

As a crypto investor, I was surprised to learn that Wasabi Wallet developer zkSNACKs has barred U.S. citizens from accessing its services. This includes visiting websites like wasabiwallet.io and downloading or using the Wasabi Wallet and related services.


Wasabi Wallet developer zkSNACKs is blocking U.S. citizens from accessing its services.  

As a U.S. based crypto investor, I’d want to highlight that according to the latest update on Wasabi Wallet’s website posted on April 27, the wallet service is no longer accessible for American citizens and residents. This includes individuals with permanent residency or a US passport.

It will take effect immediately.

Starting now, U.S. residents will be denied access to sites such as wasabiwallet.io, api.wasabiwallet.io, and zksnacks.com.

ZkSNACKs announced that it has prevented American citizens and residents from accessing their websites, downloading or utilizing the Wasabi Wallet and associated services such as APIs and RPC interfaces.

“The term ‘U.S.’ stands for ‘United States’ and encompasses various states and associated territories. If you hold U.S. citizenship or residency, you’re prohibited from accessing the mentioned sites, downloading Wasabi Wallet, or employing its coin-join feature. This restriction applies to both permanent residents and individuals in possession of a U.S. passport.”

zkSNACKs, Wasabi Wallet developer

As a researcher studying the latest developments in the cryptocurrency industry, I’ve come across an intriguing announcement made by zkSNACKs. The company has stated that recent regulatory actions taken by U.S. authorities have influenced their decision to change course. This shift places zkSNACKs among other crypto platforms that have responded to the intensified regulatory scrutiny from the United States.

Starting May 3, Phoenix Wallet notified users based in the United States that it would be discontinuing its services. The company, ACINQ, requested that these users withdraw their funds as soon as possible from the app, which was subsequently removed from U.S. app stores. However, they warned against hasty closure of wallets to prevent potential additional fees.

Similar to zkSNACKs, ACINQ announced their decision to remove Phoenix Wallet from U.S. app markets was prompted by regulatory concerns arising from recent U.S. government declarations. These statements raised potential implications for self-managed digital wallets, Lightning service providers, and Lightning network nodes.

Recently, the founders of Samourai Wallet have been indicted by federal prosecutors in New York for their role in transactions worth over $2 billion that are alleged to be illegal. The accusations come as part of a wider effort by U.S. authorities to target crypto wallets and mixers suspected of engaging in questionable activities, with potential consequences including heavy penalties.

As a researcher delving into the intricacies of the cryptocurrency world, I’ve come across a topic that has ignited passionate debates among its enthusiasts: this new development. Some argue that it aligns with Bitcoin‘s core values of individual autonomy and financial privacy, while others express concerns about potential misuse or negative implications for the community.

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2024-04-28 15:46