Controversy as MakerDAO’s Spark Protocol blocks users with VPNs

Users attempting to access Spark Protocol with a virtual private network will not be able to, sparking criticism from supporters of privacy.

MakerDAO, one of the early pioneers of decentralized finance, has sparked criticism over its decision to block virtual private network (VPN) users from accessing its recently launched lending platform, Spark Protocol.

At the time of writing, VPN users that attempt to access the Spark Protocol website will be met with an error: “Accessing this website via VPN is not allowed.”

The measure appears to be linked to Maker’s attempt to restrict United States users from accessing the crypto lending platform, discussed in a May 9 update to Spark Protocol’s terms of service warns against the use of VPNs to circumvent the block.

In an Aug. 6 tweet, DeFi analyst Chris Blec was among those saying he was “disgusted” with the decision, highlighting it effectively acts as a blanket ban on VPNs across the globe, not just in the U.S.

“It’s one thing to block US residents. It’s a whole other thing to block anyone in the entire world who is using a VPN for privacy,” said Blec, adding it is an “actual war on privacy.”

Spark Protocol is going above and beyond what is required by law by blocking VPN users from accessing DAI Savings Rate.

Nasty levels of capitulation here. https://t.co/w5jMkoTZ8L

— Chris Blec (@ChrisBlec) August 6, 2023

Blec, a self-proclaimed decentralization and privacy advocate, also took shot at MakerDAO’s creator Rune Christensen and the firm’s other developers in a response tweet, stating that they have prioritized profits over user privacy:

“The root of the problem here is that these developers are putting profit over principle. They’re putting their bank account balance ahead of your privacy and your rights.”

Launched in May, the Spark Protocol supposedly offers users up to 8% in annual returns by lending DAI. The lending platform was created as a soft fork of Aave v3 by Phoenix Labs, a blockchain research and development firm launched by the Maker Foundation.

Spark Protocol is said to use TRM’s blockchain intelligence services to block wallets from Spark Protocol that engage in legally prohibited conduct.

Source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/makerdao-spark-protocol-block-vpn-users-controversy