Platform update
15th June 2022
As KnownOrigin continues to grow into a global marketplace, we will be introducing a series of measures that will affect some KnownOrigin users.
From 15 June 2022, access to the KnownOrigin platform has been updated to align with sanction guidelines across the global ecosystem that will affect some artists and collectors.
With immediate effect, artists located in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine are no longer able to access KnownOrigin or sell via the platform.
We understood the impact to those effected by these changes, however as a UK based company, KnownOrigin is following the latest advice from our legal counsel. Answers to frequently asked questions are detailed below.
Team KO
FAQs
Why have we done this?
During a full review of how KnownOrigin operates as a UK business we identified some areas of risk. We have currently implemented measures to protect the platform including GEO blocking and disabling some artists and artwork.
The decision was not taken lightly and was taken with the goal of protecting the platform, users and staff. We understand the pain for the whole community.
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What exactly is being blocked?
We have implemented a set of recommendations to remove the risk to the platform.
- IP blocking for the specific regions listed above — this means the site is not reachable from IPs coming from those countries/regions
- Disabling minting access for individuals identifying as living in the regions listed above
- Effected artworks will still be viewable on other sites which show tokens held in your wallet, however these artworks will not be visible on our marketplace
What happens to tokens minted?
We are a non-custodial platform. This means that creators retain total control over the assets they have minted. Affected creators and co will still be able to burn, transferred and/or manage any tokens minted on KnownOrigin. However, this will not be possible via our platform or services.
What happens to tokens purchased?
Tokens purchased on KnownOrigin will not be affected by these measures. However, as with artwork minted via our tooling, token holders in the stipulated areas will NOT be able to view or manage their tokens using our platform or services.
What can affected artists do?
We are a non-custodial marketplace by design, this means that tokens are not escrowed into our smart contracts and cannot be handled by ourselves as administrators of the platform. Individuals can still access tokens created on KO which are in their wallet on any aggregator such as OpenSea, LooksRare, Rarible and x2y2.
