Binance moves to redesign Twitter emoji that resembled a swastika

Exchanges • April 20, 2022, 4:07PM EDT
The Block

Crypto exchange Binance drew sharp criticism on Wednesday following the unveiling of a new Twitter emoji.

Binance's social account and CEO Changpeng Zhao both tweeted the new emoji earlier today. The image depicts the Binance logo in a square surrounded by four pixelated arms at right angles, strongly resembling the Hindu swastika, which connotes prosperity and good luck.

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The Nazi Party of Germany adopted the swastika as its symbol in the early 1920s and today, that version is globally recognized as a hate symbol. 

After an immediate outcry on Twitter, the firm tweeted that it recognized the issue and is redesigning the emoji.

"Well that was obviously really embarrassing," the account tweeted. "We’re not sure how that emoji got through several layers of review without anyone noticing, but we immediately flagged the issue, pulled it down, and the new emoji design is being rolled out as we speak."

It also appears Zhao has deleted his tweet using the emoji, though he has not issued a statement himself.

Twitter was not immediately available for comment as to how the emoji passed through the social media site's filter.

About Author

Aislinn Keely is a reporter on The Block's policy team holding down the legal beat. She covers court decisions, bankruptcies, regulatory actions and other key moments in the legal sphere, putting them in context for the wider crypto industry. Before The Block, she lent her voice to the NPR affiliate WFUV and helmed Fordham University's student newspaper. Send tips or thoughts on all things policy and legal to [email protected] or follow her on Twitter for updates @AislinnKeely.