More than 50 active cryptocurrency businesses, including platforms like Novitex, Bitpin, and Cryptonex, condemned the recent actions of the central bank in a statement. This protest followed the blocking of cryptocurrency exchange payment gateways on December 27, 2024. Earlier, the central bank had blocked the bank accounts of these platforms in November and by cutting off payment services, caused disruption and dissatisfaction among users. Cryptocurrency industry players have described these actions as hostile to the private sector and detrimental to the business environment. According to the statement, instead of supporting the development of the digital currency industry, the central bank’s uninformed decisions have deprived millions of Iranian users of using domestic platforms. These restrictions not only lead to the expansion of underground markets but also drive skilled human resources out of the country. The statement addressed, ‘Mr. President, you have repeatedly said we must give people hope for a better future. Today, the private sector is disappointed due to such wrong policies and it seems by creating its own censorship, it must try to control the digital economy’s artery.’ The signatories of the statement have urged the government to change this approach and stop unnecessary pressures on the private sector. They have warned that such decisions not only destroy investment and entrepreneurship but also eliminate the hope of intellectuals and economic development plans.
