Crypto mining pool AntPool to stop IP access from mainland China

AntPool, currently the world’s second-largest Bitcoin mining pool in terms of real-time hashrate, announced today that it is stopping the connection of IP addresses from the Chinese mainland beginning Friday.

Fast facts

• AntPool said in its statement it decided to make the adjustment to abide by the Chinese government’s relevant rules on crypto mining and to “speed up phasing out existing projects in an orderly manner.”

• In May, AntPool completed the legal procedure to divest from Chinese crypto mining rig maker Bitmain, and the “new AntPool did not plan to set up an operation entity on the Chinese mainland,” the company said, adding that it is building up new businesses and forming its operation staff in Singapore as its headquarters.

• Bitmain said in a July social media post that after the divestiture, AntPool would independently conduct crypto mining pool business outside of China with the support from new shareholders.

• AntPool’s move comes as the National Development and Reform Commission — the country’s top economic planner — on Sept. 24 jointly issued a notice with 10 other authorities to implement a stepped-up crackdown on crypto mining.

• Bitmain is also among the latest to take actions to distance itself from the reach of the Chinese regulators. It has stopped delivering mining machines to clients on the mainland as of Monday, and will get in touch with those who signed up onto long-term purchasing plans for alternative plans, Bitmain announced Sunday in a social media post.

   
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