CryptoSlate
Kazakhstan’s Astana Financial Services Authority plans to send court orders to Apple and Google seeking restrictions on app distribution for six crypto platforms: BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX. The orders target services AFSA says are unauthorized in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) or offered to users there.
Why it matters
The September 18 variation order covers both providing or marketing unauthorized digital-asset services and distributing apps used to access them. Apple and Google would become bound by the order after receiving notice, and the order allows them to seek a change or have it set aside after acknowledging service.
AFSA has not confirmed that the orders have been served or that app-store restrictions have been implemented. The practical impact for users therefore depends on service and on any measures the stores take, including the geographic settings of restrictions.
Market impact
The case extends enforcement beyond the platforms themselves by bringing app-store operators into the process. It does not establish what technical steps Apple or Google will take, or where restrictions would apply.
AFSA says nine other platforms voluntarily restricted app access in Kazakhstan through both stores, leading the regulator to withdraw claims against them. It also says seven platforms intend to seek licenses. The six named operators remain covered by the orders; LBank was removed after its operator reported remedial measures and independently blocked access in Kazakhstan.
Frequently asked questions
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Which crypto platforms are covered by Kazakhstan’s app-store orders?
The September 18 variation order covers BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX.
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When would Apple and Google become bound by the orders?
The order says Apple and Google become bound after notice is served. AFSA has not confirmed that service has occurred.
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What services and app activity do the orders target?
They target unauthorized digital-asset services in the AIFC or offered to users there, as well as distributing or making apps available for those services.
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Have app-store restrictions on the six platforms been implemented?
AFSA has not confirmed implementation. The practical effect depends on service and on any measures Apple and Google take, including geographic settings.
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Why was LBank removed from the order?
AFSA removed LBank after its operator reported remedial measures and independently blocked access to its services in Kazakhstan.
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