Thursday, June 28, 2018

Bitcoins for humanity

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June 28, 2018

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THE FEATURE

A Plan to Send Millions in Bitcoin to Venezuela Is Moving Ahead

Developer Jonathan Wheeler is at an impasse of sorts.

The former bank employee turned developer doesn't want to say too much about his newest project, an effort he believes could soon help people living under one of the world's most oppressive monetary regimes. That's because he needs others to help him with his mission – getting bitcoin in the hands of Venezuelan citizens by way of a massive mobile airdrop.

The problem is that spilling too much intel could put those he's working with in danger.

The Venezuela government routinely arrests people with deviating political opinions and has even gone as far as to ban technologies citizens have used to circumvent its censorship. That's not to mention the fact that Venezuela's government has already launched its own cryptocurrency, the petro, which it's painted as key to its economic revival.

Still, Wheeler is set on ditching efforts to try and help the country by way of political change. Instead, he wants to use bitcoin to quell an economic crisis so severe people are finding it difficult to pay for necessities (food is in such short supply, in fact, the majority of the population is losing weight).

And he's eager to share that the project is no longer just a lofty ambition sketched out on Medium, but that it has some legs – supporting a growing team developing a mobile app called Azul, which he hopes, by the end of the year, will be enough to draw millions in donations.

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Wait, there's more:

Bithumb Claims to Have Retrieved $14 Million in Hacked Cryptos
The Korean exchange says it has clawed back some of the millions lost in a theft of cryptocurrencies including bitcoin, XRP and bitcoin cash.

Bitcoin Price Defends $6K as Traders Go Long
Bitcoin's technical charts continue to call a drop below $6,000, yet investor activity indicates a corrective rally could be on the cards.

Crypto Venture Firm to Invest 200K Ether in US Startups
A China-based venture firm focused on the crypto industry aims to invest 200,000 ethereum in U.S. startups

A Plan to Send Millions in Bitcoin to Venezuela Is Moving Ahead
Developer Jonathan Wheeler plans to airdrop bitcoin across Venezuela, in an ambitious attempt at quelling the country's ongoing economic crisis.

Bank Regulator Proposes Chinese Crypto License In Research Paper
A research paper from China's banking regulator suggests the country should let ICOs operate legally under a financial regulatory framework.

Decentralizing Popular Dapps Isn't Just a Scaling Problem
The most popular dapps face unique barriers to full decentralization that don't have much to do with the normal scaling complaints about ethereum.

US Judge Says Boxer-Backed ICO Token Is a Security
A Florida district court has published an analysis explaining how Centra Tech's CTR token is a security. 

FBI Agent Estimates 130 Crypto Investigations Underway
The FBI is currently running 130 different cryptocurrency-related investigations, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

But Why? Crypto Looks for Answers As Facebook Eases Ad Ban
Facebook recently announced they would lift a ban on crypto advertisements causing widespread speculation on social media over potential next steps.

Coinbase CEO Unveils Crypto Charity for the Unbanked
Coinbase CEO and co-founder Brian Armstrong wants to help the unbanked access financial services with a new charity, GiveCrypto.org.

The SEC Is Seeking Comment on Yet Another Bitcoin ETF
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is once again seeking comments on potential bitcoin-based exchange traded funds (ETFs). 

Block.One CTO: Arbitrator Controversy Damaged EOS Community
The CTO of Block.One wants to curtail the controversial EOS arbitrator's role – if not eliminate it entirely.

Chat App Kik Launches 'Crypto-Economy' With Kin Token Integration
Messaging app Kik's users can now begin earning and spending its kin token with the launch of its "crypto-economy," the company said Wednesday.

Pornhub Adds Tron, ZenCash as Crypto Payment Options
Pornhub, the largest pornography site in the Internet world, announced today that it will accept TRON(TRX) and ZenCash soon as payment methods.

Risk Flight? Bitcoin Dominance Hits 9-Week High
Bitcoin's percentage of the crypto market is up – a sign that investors are likely switching their money from alternative cryptocurrencies.

Malta Passes Trio of Bills as Part of 'Blockchain Island' Plan
Malta's parliament has passed three bills on crypto assets and blockchain, in a big step toward its plan to become a "Blockchain Island."

Zeroing In: Zcash Sets 2-Year Course for Better Crypto Privacy
Nearly two years after launch, Zcash is entering what could be a crucial period, one that could expand the core features of its technology.

Crypto Startup Uphold Moves to Become Licensed U.S. Broker-Dealer
Digital money platform Uphold is looking to become a Finra-registered broker-dealer following a new acquisition, the company says.

Korean Watchdog Tightens Rules on Crypto Exchange Bank Accounts
Banks in South Korea are now required to monitor all accounts held by crypto exchanges following a tightening of anti-money laundering measures.

Bitcoin Price Risks Another Fall Below $6K, Charts Say
After yesterday's drop, bitcoin could fall below the $6,000 mark, but will likely fare better other cryptocurrencies.
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