Financial and Business News

Binance Disappears from Google Play in Philippines After Years of Local SEC Warnings

Tuesday, 17/02/2026 | 10:49 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • In 2023, the Philippine SEC warned that Binance operates without local authorization.
  • Users report website access blocked with “Privacy Error” messages.
Binance
Source: Binance

The Binance app has disappeared from the Philippine version of the Google Play Store as the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission intensifies scrutiny of the cryptocurrency exchange .

In 2023, the SEC warned that Binance operates without local authorization. It noted that entities promoting the exchange could face up to 21 years in prison. The regulator said Binance "has been actively employing promotional campaigns on various social media platforms," but does not hold a license to operate in the country.

Philippine Users Report Binance Access Issues

Multiple users said searches for “Binance” no longer return the main application. Results instead redirect to local platforms such as Coins.ph or to region-specific Binance apps for Thailand and Turkey.

On Reddit, a user questioned whether the disappearance was “a technical glitch or a deliberate move tied to the Binance Philippines ban.” Screenshots and error messages circulated in local crypto communities, illustrating access issues.

Reports indicate difficulties extend beyond the app store. Several users said they could not load Binance’s main website, encountering browser warnings such as “Privacy Error” and “Site can’t be reached.” The combined app and website issues suggest regulators may be actively enforcing restrictions.

SEC Blocks Binance App and Website

The SEC has repeatedly warned foreign crypto platforms against operating without local authorization. In late 2024, it asked Google and Apple to remove the Binance app. The SEC alleged that Binance offered unregistered securities and acted as an unlicensed broker. The National Telecommunications Commission also ordered internet service providers to block Binance’s website nationwide.

Existing users with the app installed may retain limited access, but updates and security patches could become unavailable. A Binance spokesperson previously said the company is “committed to working with regulators globally.” Whether that approach applies to the Philippines is not clear.

The Binance Philippines ban highlights risks of relying on offshore platforms without local approval. The move may also strengthen domestic exchanges. With app removals and access restrictions now visible, enforcement has moved from warnings to action, leaving users uncertain about the next steps.

The Binance app has disappeared from the Philippine version of the Google Play Store as the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission intensifies scrutiny of the cryptocurrency exchange .

In 2023, the SEC warned that Binance operates without local authorization. It noted that entities promoting the exchange could face up to 21 years in prison. The regulator said Binance "has been actively employing promotional campaigns on various social media platforms," but does not hold a license to operate in the country.

Philippine Users Report Binance Access Issues

Multiple users said searches for “Binance” no longer return the main application. Results instead redirect to local platforms such as Coins.ph or to region-specific Binance apps for Thailand and Turkey.

On Reddit, a user questioned whether the disappearance was “a technical glitch or a deliberate move tied to the Binance Philippines ban.” Screenshots and error messages circulated in local crypto communities, illustrating access issues.

Reports indicate difficulties extend beyond the app store. Several users said they could not load Binance’s main website, encountering browser warnings such as “Privacy Error” and “Site can’t be reached.” The combined app and website issues suggest regulators may be actively enforcing restrictions.

SEC Blocks Binance App and Website

The SEC has repeatedly warned foreign crypto platforms against operating without local authorization. In late 2024, it asked Google and Apple to remove the Binance app. The SEC alleged that Binance offered unregistered securities and acted as an unlicensed broker. The National Telecommunications Commission also ordered internet service providers to block Binance’s website nationwide.

Existing users with the app installed may retain limited access, but updates and security patches could become unavailable. A Binance spokesperson previously said the company is “committed to working with regulators globally.” Whether that approach applies to the Philippines is not clear.

The Binance Philippines ban highlights risks of relying on offshore platforms without local approval. The move may also strengthen domestic exchanges. With app removals and access restrictions now visible, enforcement has moved from warnings to action, leaving users uncertain about the next steps.

Topics
cryptocurrency
binance
Phillipines
About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
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A Forex technical analyst and writer who has been engaged in financial writing for 12 years.

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