Lawmaker Criticizes Biden-Harris Administration’s Approach to Defi Regulation

House Financial Services Subcommittee Chairman French Hill emphasized the need to understand decentralized finance technologies during a hearing. He criticized the Biden administration’s regulatory approach and urged Congress to keep discussions open on supporting defi innovation. Hill noted that current regulatory frameworks were created for a system reliant on centralized intermediaries, not the decentralized, peer-to-peer … Read more

Peter Schiff Warns Against Owning Bitcoin ETFs, Cites ‘Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins’

Economist and gold advocate Peter Schiff argues that bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) contradict the core principles of the cryptocurrency by undermining decentralization and peer-to-peer transactions. He criticizes recent buyers of bitcoin for focusing solely on profit, suggesting this behavior indicates an impending collapse. Schiff also slammed Senator Cynthia Lummis’ bill proposing a U.S. bitcoin reserve, … Read more

Nigerian Witness Says Binance Users Operate Under False Identities

A witness in the ongoing Nigerian money laundering trial against Binance has alleged that many local users of the cryptocurrency exchange platform are operating under false identities. The witness further claimed that by allowing users to withdraw Nigerian naira (NGN), a regulated activity, Binance is in violation of local laws. Money Laundering Charges A deputy … Read more

Bitcoin Miners Contend With Fifth Network Difficulty Increase of 2023

Bitcoin miners are contending with the fifth network difficulty increase since February 24, 2023, following a 1.72% rise on April 20 at block height 786,240. The network’s difficulty now stands at 48.71 trillion, marking a 22.62% increase over the last 55 days since block height 778,176. Bitcoin’s Difficulty Has Risen More Than 22% Since Block … Read more

Bitcoin Difficulty Reaches New All-Time High After Fourth Consecutive Increase

On April 6, 2023, Bitcoin’s difficulty rose 2.23% higher at block height 784,224, touching another all-time high. It’s the fourth consecutive difficulty increase on the Bitcoin network since Feb. 24, and the protocol’s current difficulty is 47.89 trillion, which is only 2.11 trillion away from reaching the 50 trillion range. Bitcoin Difficulty Jumps 2.23% Higher … Read more

P2P Bitcoin Exchange Paxful Suspends Marketplace With Uncertainty of Return

According to a message from Paxful Founder and CEO, Ray Youssef, the peer-to-peer bitcoin trading platform is suspending its marketplace, and the company is uncertain if it will return. Youssef cited challenges such as regulations and some key staff departures, but he also noted that he could not share the full story at this time. … Read more

Bitcoin Difficulty Increases for Third Time in Six Weeks, Miners Remain Undeterred With High Hashrate

On March 23, 2023, bitcoin experienced another difficulty increase, following two previous rises in the last month, jumping 7.56% higher. Currently, bitcoin miners have not been deterred by the increases, as the network hashrate has been coasting along at 346 exahash per second (EH/s). Bitcoin Hashrate Remains High Despite Recent 7.56% Difficulty Rise As of … Read more