Microsoft Bans Crypto Mining on Its Platform

January 6, 2023 World Blockchain

According to a policy update that took effect on December 1, Microsoft will not authorize its clients to mine cryptocurrencies on its web services without prior written authorization.

Neither Client nor those who access an Online Platform via Client could use our Online Platform to mine cryptocurrency without Microsoft’s prior written authorization according to the update.

The company provided no explanation for the restriction. However, in a notification to Azure, its cloud computing platform, Microsoft stated that crypto mining is explicitly banned in all online services as part of steps necessary to “protect the digital ecosystem.” This news sparked debate in the crypto world because there are a lot of crypto miners who mine on the computing platform every day and most miners accused Amazon of being harsh.

This isn’t the first time a tech company has prohibited cryptocurrency mining on its internet site. Google has an equal policy that prohibits mining without prior written authorization from the company. Google stated last year that the majority of “fraudulent users” mine crypto using compromised cloud accounts, and Google updated its services and added a mining malware threat detection service for compromised accounts on its cloud service earlier in 2022.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) also prohibits cryptocurrency mining during its 12-month free trial period. Clients who want to mine on AWS will be charged a fee and have their accounts banned.

Earlier this year, Microsoft video game service Minecraft blocked non-fungible tokens (NFT) from its platform to guarantee gamers have a safe and enjoyable experience…This comes at a time as US regulators tighten their cryptocurrency regulations following the collapse of FTX, which caused US citizens to lose billions of dollars. Some experts believe that this move will stifle the growth of the crypto industry, while others believe that it is necessary to properly control and manage the industry in order to eliminate crypto scammers and restore the industry’s credibility.