What Happened to BestChange.ru?
In a shocking twist that could shake the foundations of the Russian cryptocurrency scene, the popular aggregator BestChange.ru has been blocked by Roskomnadzor, the country’s telecom regulator. The blockage came shortly after lawmakers passed new legislation regarding cryptocurrencies, effectively flipping the switch on the online platform that catered to millions of crypto enthusiasts.
Why the Block?
On August 26, 2020, Roskomnadzor flagged the website, along with a host of others, citing a reputation for “mentions of Bitcoin cryptocurrency.” This diverse cluster of flagged websites includes cryptowikipedia.ru and coinpost.ru—all guilty by association, it seems, of providing information about Bitcoin in a world where it’s not welcome.
The Technical Sneak-Away
Despite the blockage, BestChange.ru hasn’t thrown in the towel. Tech-savvy users can still access the site using VPN services, as well as various mirror sites like BestChange.net. It’s a bit like playing whack-a-mole with the internet—just when you think you’ve got it pinned down, it pops up somewhere else!
BestChange’s Defense
In a bold move, a spokesperson for BestChange.ru has taken a stand, claiming the site has never engaged in selling or promoting products via Bitcoin. “We strictly provide updated exchange rates from exchangers; we don’t endorse crypto transactions,” they declared, as if to say—look, we’re just the messengers!
The Bigger Picture
BestChange.ru isn’t just any run-of-the-mill website. Launched in 2007, it has grown to over 3.3 million users in July 2020. It offers a comprehensive list of crypto exchange services, alongside verification and ratings. Nonetheless, the recent legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin on July 31 has cast a dense shadow over the future of crypto-related platforms in Russia. Though the bill may not have significantly impacted traffic as of now, experts have their eyes set on tighter regulations as payments in cryptocurrencies are slated to become illegal beginning January 2021.
Previous Blockages
This isn’t BestChange’s first rodeo in the world of digital blockades. The site faced its first block back in 2017, followed by a repeat performance in 2019 for the same “sin”—distributing information about Bitcoin, which allegedly is a federal no-no. The resilience of this platform to bounce back with VPNs and mirrors has become a game of cat and mouse between the site and the legal authorities.
