MakerDAO, one of the pioneers of decentralized finance, has drawn criticism over its decision to block virtual private network (VPN) users from accessing its recently launched Spark Protocol lending platform. At the time of writing, VPN users attempting to access the Spark Protocol website will receive an error: “Accessing this website via VPN is not allowed.”
The measure appears to be related to Maker’s attempt to limit US users’ access to the crypto-lending platform, as discussed in the May 9 Spark Protocol Terms of Service update warning against using a VPN to bypass the block. In an August 6 tweet, DeFi analyst Chris BLEC was among those who said he was “disgusted” by the decision, stressing that it effectively acts as a blanket ban on VPNs worldwide, not just in the US.
Blec, a self-proclaimed supporter of decentralization and privacy, also criticized MakerDAO creator Rune CHRISTENSEN and the firm’s other developers in a tweet back, saying they prioritize profit over user privacy. The Spark Protocol, launched in May, allegedly offers users up to 8% annualized returns through DAI lending. The lending platform was created as a soft fork of Aave v3 by Phoenix Labs, a blockchain research and development firm created by the Maker Foundation.
Image: islaBit
