The Russian communications regulator blocks the encrypted platform BestChange

ChainCatcher news, the Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor has blocked the widely used cryptocurrency platform BestChange, which is one of the largest over-the-counter (OTC) cryptocurrency trading aggregation platforms in Russia and Eastern Europe. Although Roskomnadzor did not disclose the specific reasons, BestChange has been added to the list of restricted access websites. Representatives of the platform stated that the legal team is actively working on the unblocking issue.

This is not the first time BestChange has faced a ban in Russia. Back in 2017, a St. Petersburg court prohibited the platform because Bitcoin was considered a "currency substitute." Although the ban was lifted in 2018, it was reimposed in 2019 and has been adjusted repeatedly since then.

This blockage comes nearly six months after Russia implemented new regulations to oversee Bitcoin and digital assets, with the new law prohibiting digital currency advertising and restricting cryptocurrency transfer services.