Iran Crypto and Blockchain Association Starts Operation

Iran Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Association has started operating under the supervision of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mining and Agriculture.
Mohammad Reza Sharafi, a board member of the group, made the announcement in a talk with Way2pay website, expressing the hope that the association would be able to remove hurdles faced by crypto businesses and use blockchain technology in the interest of the national economy.
"There are a variety of issues related to the development of the innovative technology in Iran. Concerted efforts have been made to maximize the benefits of this sector for the economy…We need to work closely to ensure the use of the potential of the technology without monopolizing it," he said.
According to Sharafi, permission for establishing the society was issued last year by the ICCIMA. However, it was delayed for various reasons including the change in government.
Sharafi is of the opinion that working under ICCIMA supervision offers opportunities for addressing key challenges of the sector especially regarding regulations.

"The ICCIMA can help us support the rights of Iranian innovators internationally," he said, referring to the ConsenSys Academy's recent move on removing 50 Iranian students from its online courses due to the unilateral US economic sanctions.
According to Coindesk, Iranian students were notified in mid-November, in an email from ConsenSys despite the fact they had already completed most of their coursework. Suspension means the students won’t get certificates of completion.
“A recent review of our records shows that you indicated that you are located in a country that we are prohibited from providing goods or services to under US law,” the email.said.
"ConsenSys is committed to building the digital economy of tomorrow and also to complying with US law in all its facets. That commitment is reflected in our terms of service," Elo Gimenez, ConsenSys’ global public relations' head said.
The newly-launched association is the first ICCIMA-affiliated society dealing with the blockchain ecosystem of Iran.
Iran Blockchain Community was established in 2017 as a nonprofit and self-governing body of entrepreneurs, experts, specialists and activists involved in developing the rapidly growing technology.
In June the Interior Ministry suspended the IBA following reports it was in breach of its articles of association.
Rahim Zare, a member of parliament, had accused "domestic NGOs involved in cryptocurrencies" of transferring foreign currency overseas. He did not provide any evidence.
IBA strongly denied the charges, saying that all its efforts were focused on promoting blockchain technology. "Informing the people and authorities on risky websites and [potential] fraud cases are among IBA's objectives."