The Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit that operates Wikipedia, may stop accepting cryptocurrency donations by the end of April. 71.7% of contributors высказались in favour of the move.
A survey conducted from January 10 to April 12 involved 426 respondents.
Arguments cited by supporters of the ban included concerns over the risky nature of cryptocurrencies as investments and non-compliance with ESG-standards. The community’s disagreement with this policy was also noted.
“Bitcoin and Ethereum use Proof-of-Work, consuming a huge amount of energy […] current models continue to inflict an extremely high harm on the environment. Although there are “more eco-friendly” cryptocurrencies, they are not as popular”, the proposal said.
Wikipedia has accepted donations in Bitcoin since 2014. Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum are also accepted. The organization immediately converts received cryptocurrencies into fiat.
In 2021 crypto donations accounted for 0.08% of total receipts (about $130,100). The option was used by 347 sponsors.
Back in 2019, UNICEF established a fund to accept donations in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
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