Islamic State Pushes for Sharia-Compliant Cryptocurrencies
In a startling shift, the Islamic State (IS) is now pushing for the use of cryptocurrencies in a way that adheres to Sharia law, according to a recent UN report.
The UN’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team reveals that IS is adapting digital currencies to meet Sharia requirements, setting up specialized Telegram channels like CryptoHalal to guide transactions.
This represents a major change, as Sharia law has traditionally opposed cryptocurrencies due to their decentralized nature and potential misuse.
IS’s move could prompt increased regulation within the cryptocurrency market. There might be stronger anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) measures for crypto exchanges and service providers.
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This could lead to higher costs and potentially restrict access for legitimate users, as authorities tighten controls to prevent misuse by terrorist groups.
This development highlights the ongoing challenge of securing the cryptocurrency space against exploitation by illegal entities. It underscores the need for robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard the industry from abuse.