Taiwan blocks Coinbase, Kalshi over election betting fears

Taiwan has blocked domestic access to cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and prediction market platform Kalshi over suspected illegal election betting, following a court order ahead of the November 28, 2026, local elections. Summary Taiwan blocked Coinbase and Kalshi websites following a court order concerning suspected illegal election betting. Coinbase users reported website access problems beginning October 14, while the company investigated the disruption. Taiwan’s November 28 local elections will choose mayors, councilors, and other public officials across municipalities. Election gambling operators face up to five years imprisonment under Taiwan’s amended election betting laws. Kalshi said trading is unavailable in Taiwan, while Coinbase confirmed it was investigating website access problems. Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau requested the restrictions after identifying suspected violations of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, according to a New Taipei court ruling reported on October 16. The order authorized the island’s communications regulator and internet registry to prevent users from accessing the two websites. Some Coinbase users began reporting problems...