History of DolarToday in Timeline

DolarToday is a U.S.-based website providing news and information on Latin American politics and finance. It's primarily known as a key exchange rate reference for the Venezuelan Bolivar, a currency with restricted convertibility. The website is recognized for its focus on monitoring the Venezuelan economy and reporting on its financial situation. DolarToday's role is particularly significant due to the complexities and controls surrounding currency exchange in Venezuela.

May 18, 2010: DolarToday Founded

On May 18, 2010, DolarToday was founded and headquartered in Miami, Florida, United States.

November 2013: Government Censorship Attempts

According to DolarToday, since November 2013, the Venezuelan government had been attempting to censor the website.

2013: Website Banned by Maduro

In 2013, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro banned several internet websites, including DolarToday, to prevent citizens from accessing the country's exchange rates. Maduro accused DolarToday of fueling an economic war against his government and manipulating the exchange rate.

2013: Rise to Prominence

In 2013, prior to Nicolás Maduro's election, DolarToday became the second most popular exchange rate reference in Venezuela, only behind Lechuga Verde. Following a scandal that led to Lechuga Verde's demise in 2013, DolarToday became the most popular exchange rate reference.

2014: Award Recognition

In 2014, DolarToday received a PremiosClick award and was recognized as one of the best 100 websites in Venezuela and one of the best economics websites.

March 2015: Maduro Seeks Capture of Owners

In March 2015, President Maduro announced on television his intention to ask United States President Barack Obama for the capture of the owners of DolarToday. The Venezuelan government also stated it would pursue all legal means against the company for defaming the Venezuelan economy, while attempting to censor the website and causing collateral damage to Amazon, Snapchat, and Pinterest.

October 23, 2015: Lawsuit Filed by Central Bank of Venezuela

On October 23, 2015, the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) filed a lawsuit against DolarToday for allegedly falsifying the country's exchange rates.

2015: Website Traffic and App Popularity

In 2015, DolarToday's website had approximately 1 million daily visitors. Its Android and iOS apps were among the most downloaded by mobile users in Venezuela, and it had over 3 million Twitter followers.

February 26, 2016: Lawsuit Dismissed

On February 26, 2016, the lawsuit filed by the Central Bank of Venezuela against DolarToday was dismissed by a United States judge, citing lack of authority and standing to sue.

March 4, 2016: Amended Complaint Filed

On March 4, 2016, in response to the dismissal of their initial lawsuit, the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) filed an amended complaint against DolarToday, alleging specific injuries including diminished seigniorage, harm to the reputation of the bank, and deprivation of capital available to the bank.