WikiLeaks is bypassing the Visa and MasterCard donations
blockage by using the French Carte Bleue system, through an
arrangement with the not-for-profit Fund for the Defense of Net
Neutrality (FDN2).
FDN2, which aims to defend freedom of speech
on the internet lists WikiLeaks as one of its current “projects”,
and has set up an account for the whistle-blowing website.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Access deeper industry intelligence
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
FDN2 said WikiLeaks asked them directly for
help, after seeing its post-blockage revenues drop by 95%.
Last week, Wikileaks told Cards International the issue was one
of human rights and ensuring people have the right to choose how to
spend their own money.
Last week, Icelandic acquirer Valitor was forced to reopen a
gateway to WikiLeaks or face a significant fine. In a statement,
WikiLeaks said that “Visa and MasterCard are contractually barred
from directly cutting off merchants through the Carte Bleue
system”, and advises “supporters to make use of this avenue
immediately before Visa/MasterCard attempts [sic] to shut it
down”.
It is not clear what action Visa and MasterCard intend to take
in response.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData
