Polymarket Tightens VPN Restrictions, Pushes KYC Amid Regulatory Pressure

Polymarket, the world's largest prediction market, is intensifying its enforcement against VPN use and encouraging traders to verify their identities, marking a shift from its previous permissionless trading model. According to BeInCrypto, this move comes as the platform faces increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny, with the House Oversight Committee requesting KYC and geographic enforcement records by June 5. While basic wallet-connect trading remains available for most international users, Polymarket now strictly polices VPN use, risking suspension for accounts bypassing IP-based geoblocks. The platform's US arm already requires full KYC following its acquisition of a CFTC-licensed exchange in 2025. This shift aims to enhance compliance and reduce regulatory risks, though it may impact privacy-focused traders.