Wikimedia Foundation refused donations in cryptocurrencies

The decision was taken because of the negative impact of mining on the environment and the risk to the reputation of the community

02.05.2022 - 10:35

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What’s new? The Wikimedia Foundation (WMF), the non-profit charity that runs Wikipedia, will stop accepting donations in cryptocurrencies. The decision was made after a three-month discussion with the community, in which the main topic was the impact of bitcoin on the environment. This is reported on the Wikimedia website.

Information on the Wikimedia website

Voting details. A community poll on the continued acceptance of cryptocurrencies took place between January 10 and April 12, 2022. Just under 400 users took part in the vote, of which 71,17% supported rejection. The main arguments were the impact of mining on the environment and the problems associated with the risk to the community’s reputation because of accepting donations in cryptocurrencies.

What is known about WMF? It is a non-profit organization created to support wiki projects, including Wikipedia. The Wikimedia Foundation was founded in June 2003 by Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales. The organization has been accepting donations in bitcoin since 2014. Transfers in Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum were also possible. Crypto assets received were converted into fiat.

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