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China's local governments sell seized crypto to refill public coffers despite trading ban: Reuters

White House: Trump considers stock trading ban for Congressmen According to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering banning members of Congress from trading stocks, according to Watcher Guru on X. This report has emerged amid discussions about ethics

Trump considers stock trading ban for Congressmen U.S. President Donald Trump is considering banning members of Congress from trading stocks, according to Watcher Guru on X. This report has emerged amid discussions about ethics standards and financial transparency for members of

1. The Origin Story In the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, trust in traditional banking and government-controlled money systems was deeply shaken. In this climate of economic uncertainty, a whitepaper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” was published by an anonymous figure using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin wasn't just a digital currency—it was a movement. It introduced a new kind of money: decentralized, borderless, and immune to inflation caused by government overprinting. 2. Core Philosophy At its heart, Bitcoin is built on two key principles: Decentralization: No single institution or authority controls Bitcoin. It operates on a distributed network of users. Transparency: Every transaction is recorded on a public ledger, the blockchain, visible to anyone. Bitcoin was designed to give power back to the people—to allow individuals to control their own money, free from centralized interference. 3. How It Works in Simple Terms Think of Bitcoin as digital cash. Instead of banks verifying transactions, thousands of computers (called nodes) do it together. Transactions are grouped into blocks, and blocks are added to a chain—hence, blockchain. Computers that verify these transactions are called miners, and they get rewarded with Bitcoin. There will never be more than 21 million Bitcoins. This hard cap makes it more scarce than gold. 4. What Makes Bitcoin Special? Scarcity: With only 21 million to ever exist, it's like digital gold. Censorship Resistance: No one can block or reverse your transactions. Open Access: Anyone with an internet connection can use it. Portable: Send millions of dollars anywhere in the world in minutes. Inflation Hedge: It’s often seen as a shield against currency devaluation. 5. Real-World Use and Adoption Remittances: Migrant workers send money home cheaper and faster. Payments: Accepted by some businesses and online platforms. Savings Tool: Used in countries with unstable economies (e.g. Nigeria, Venezuela). Investment Asset: Seen as a long-term hold by institutions and retail investors alike. 6. Risks and Criticisms Volatility: BTC prices can swing wildly, making it risky for day-to-day use. Regulation: Some governments try to ban or restrict it. Scalability: The network can get congested, causing high fees during busy times. Energy Use: Bitcoin mining requires substantial energy, which draws environmental concerns. 7. Innovations Around Bitcoin Bitcoin has inspired a whole ecosystem: Lightning Network: A “layer 2” system for instant and cheap BTC transactions. Bitcoin ATMs: Physical machines where people can buy or sell BTC. Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC): A way to use BTC in Ethereum-based applications. Bitcoin ETFs: Financial products that allow traditional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without holding it directly. 8. Bitcoin in the Global Arena El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. Countries like Nigeria, Turkey, and Argentina have seen explosive grassroots adoption due to currency devaluation. Financial institutions like Fidelity, BlackRock, and PayPal now offer BTC services, signaling growing mainstream acceptance. 9. Cultural Impact Bitcoin has become more than money—it’s a symbol of freedom and resistance against centralized control. It’s been embraced by libertarians, entrepreneurs, tech lovers, and people living under authoritarian regimes alike. Terms like “HODL,” “Satoshi,” and “to the moon” have become part of pop culture, showing how deep Bitcoin's roots go into global consciousness. 10. Final Thoughts Bitcoin is not just a trend—it’s a foundational shift in how we think about money, trust, and individual freedom. While it’s not perfect and its journey is far from over, Bitcoin has already changed the world in profound ways. Whether you see it as a technological breakthrough, a hedge against chaos, or a bet on the future, one thing is clear: Bitcoin is here to stay. $BTC

Google to implement MiCA crypto advertising rules in Europe starting April 23 Google will implement a new crypto advertising policy in the EU starting April 23. According to the EU MiCA regulations, advertisers must obtain a crypto asset service provider (CASP) license and pass Google identity verification before they can promote crypto exchanges and wallet services in 27 member states. Google said violators will receive at least 7 days of warnings, but will not immediately ban their accounts. (Cointelegraph)