The post Coinbase receives backlash over ‘lazy’ VPN restriction appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Coinbase is facing criticism on social media after it was discovered that the US-based exchange is restricting the accounts of users who access the platform via a VPN. Yesterday, EthHub co-founder Eric Conner complained that Coinbase locked his account after he tried to send $25,000 in USDC. When Conner said it was apparent that his use of a VPN was behind the restriction, many users began to complain about the same VPN-related issues with Coinbase.  Today, Coinbase product designer Scott Shapiro said, “PSA: Don’t use a VPN to access Coinbase.”  He added, “Attackers always use VPNs, so our risk models take that as a negative sign even if you’re legitimately using your own account.” Users on X, however, didn’t react well to the exchange’s VPN stance. One user said, “It’s our privacy right to use VPNs. If you’re telling us to not use VPN to access Coinbase, the choice is to just not use Coinbase.”  PSA: Don’t breathe when using Coinbase. Attackers always breathe 😳 , so our risk models take that as a negative sign even if you’re legitimately breathing. — 🌲vxH🐇rny 🌲 (@veH0rny) December 3, 2024 Read more: Coinbase to leave Turkey after ending USDC yields in EU Another posted, “This just shows your incompetence. Users should not have to disable their VPN to use your exchange. Period.” Kraken’s chief security officer said, “You are making some of your users choose between financial freedom and physical safety.”  Debanking dominated conversation on X this week with some comparing it to Coinbase’s VPN stance. The company’s CEO Brian Armstrong offered his take on the subject last Sunday, claiming that “anti-money laundering regulations have been a policy failure,” that costs roughly $213 billion each year and harms consumers.  Conner posted, “Wasn’t @brian_armstrong just talking about debanking???” after his account was frozen. …

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Filed under: News - @ December 3, 2024 4:25 pm