PayPal has reversed its decision to withhold Consortium News funds after a backlash from social media, news outlets and CN donors.
PayPal sent Consortium News an email on Tuesday night saying: Your PayPal funds are now eligible for withdrawal. CN immediately withdrew the funds. PayPal gave no reasons for its reversal, as it had given no reasons for its initial action. The account remains shut down, though it appears no longer permanently, as PayPal is asking CN to take steps to restore it without saying what those steps are.
PayPal initially said it had slapped a permanent limitation on Consortium News, adding explicitly: You cant use PayPal anymore.
We noticed activity in your account thats inconsistent with our User Agreement and we no longer offer you PayPal services.
Because of potential risk exposure, weve permanently limited your account. Youll no longer be able to use the account for any transactions.