A New Taipei court has authorized Taiwan's regulator and internet registry to block Coinbase and Kalshi over suspected election betting. Coinbase users have reported access problems since October 14, and local elections are set for November 28.
Coinbase and Kalshi have been reportedly blocked in Taiwan on suspicion of election betting. Several Coinbase users have been unable to reach the website since October 14.
Court order cites election law
A New Taipei court authorized Taiwan's communications regulator and internet registry to block domestic access to both platforms, according to a report published October 15 that cited a ruling seen by Bloomberg. The Criminal Investigations Bureau requested the order.
The bureau suspected the websites may violate Taiwan's Public Officials Election and Recall Act, which prohibits operating gambling for profit based on an election or recall outcome. According to the bureau, the restrictions were intended to protect election integrity and prevent "overseas interference", but it gave no further details.
Platforms respond
Coinbase said it was aware that some users in Taiwan could not access its website and was investigating. Kalshi said it does not allow trading in Taiwan.
Authorities have not accused either company of handling money from mainland China. Taiwanese officials have separately warned that funds from China could enter the island through underground financial channels and be used to influence elections.
The vote on November 28 will be the first local election since 2024, when President Lai Ching-te took office. Voters are expected to choose village chiefs, city councillors, and mayors.
Source: CryptoPotato
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