OKX exchange app became unsearchable and uninstallable on South Korea's Google Play Store as of January 24 at 10:49 AM, according to Digital Asset verification. The restriction follows South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) designation of unregistered overseas virtual asset service providers (VASPs) under the Special Financial Information Act in January. This marks the second major exchange blocked on the platform, following similar restrictions imposed on Bybit app on January 10, while competing exchanges Binance and Bitget remain accessible for Korean users.
Digital Asset conducted searches for 'OKX' and 'OKX: Buy Bitcoin BTC & Crypto' on the domestic Google Play Store at 10:49 AM on January 24, with no results returned for the exchange app. Searches for Binance, Bitget, and other major overseas digital asset exchanges returned normal results with unrestricted download and update capabilities. OKX was accessible on the Korean Google Play Store as recently as last week, according to the report.
FIU Designated Unregistered Overseas VASPs Under Special Financial Information Act
The Financial Intelligence Unit designated overseas virtual asset service providers that have not registered domestically as unregistered operators under the Special Financial Information Act in January. Google Play prepared a policy to restrict downloads and updates for targeted exchange apps in accordance with this designation. Actual blocking did not occur immediately after the announced implementation date.
Bybit App Restricted on January 10 Before OKX Block
Digital Asset confirmed on January 10 at 8:30 AM that Bybit app did not appear in Google Play Store search results, while Binance, Bitget, and OKX apps remained searchable with normal download and update functions at that time. On January 29 at 10:41 AM, Digital Asset verified that Bybit, Binance, Bitget, and OKX apps were all searchable and downloadable without restrictions on the Korean Google Play Store.
OKX Remains Accessible via Web and Apple App Store
Service access through the OKX website remains available. The OKX exchange app continues to be provided on Apple's App Store. The number of major overseas exchange apps unsearchable on South Korea's Google Play Store has increased to two, comprising Bybit and OKX.
Philippines Google Play Store Also Blocks OKX App
OKX exchange app is also reported as unsearchable on the Philippines Google Play Store. Philippines digital asset media outlet Pitpinas viewed this as an extension of strengthened regulations against unregistered overseas digital asset exchanges.
FAQ
When did OKX app become unavailable on South Korea's Google Play Store?
OKX app became unsearchable and uninstallable on South Korea's Google Play Store as of January 24 at 10:49 AM, according to Digital Asset verification.
What regulatory action preceded the OKX app restriction?
South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit designated overseas virtual asset service providers that have not registered domestically as unregistered operators under the Special Financial Information Act in January, prompting Google Play to prepare app restriction policies.
