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The ‘godfather of crypto’ risked lifetime in jail, laying foundation for Bitcoin
Widely credited as the inventor of digital cash, David Chaum is sometimes known as the “father of online anonymity” or the “godfather of cryptocurrency,” whose work inspired the near-mythical group called the Cypherpunks from which Bitcoin emerged.
Beginning his studies in computer science in the late 1970s, when encryption was classified at the same level as nuclear technology, Chaum quickly realized that the technology would be crucial to ensure the continuation of privacy and democracy in the digital age. More recently, he founded xx Network, a privacy-focused blockchain whose connected xx Messenger Chaum hopes will withstand attacks even by quantum computers of the future.
“The National Security Agency was taking the position that cryptography was born classified, even if you created it yourself — like nuclear weapons technology,” Chaum recalls. He was told around 1980 that conferences on the subject would naturally not be allowed and that “people who organize them would be prosecuted.”
Cryptography, encryption, cypherpunks, xx Network, xx Messenger, xx Coin, privacy, quantum computing, Ecash, DigiCash, democracy, Hannu Nurmi — “I was risking spending the rest of my life in jail,” he says.
The ‘godfather of crypto’ risked lifetime in jail, laying foundation for Bitcoin
Widely credited as the inventor of digital cash, David Chaum is sometimes known as the “father of online anonymity” or the “godfather of cryptocurrency,” whose work inspired the near-mythical group called the Cypherpunks from which Bitcoin emerged.
Beginning his studies in computer science in the late 1970s, when encryption was classified at the same level as nuclear technology, Chaum quickly realized that the technology would be crucial to ensure the continuation of privacy and democracy in the digital age. More recently, he founded xx Network, a privacy-focused blockchain whose connected xx Messenger Chaum hopes will withstand attacks even by quantum computers of the future.
“The National Security Agency was taking the position that cryptography was born classified, even if you created it yourself — like nuclear weapons technology,” Chaum recalls. He was told around 1980 that conferences on the subject would naturally not be allowed and that “people who organize them would be prosecuted.”
Cryptography, encryption, cypherpunks, xx Network, xx Messenger, xx Coin, privacy, quantum computing, Ecash, DigiCash, democracy, Hannu Nurmi — “I was risking spending the rest of my life in jail,” he says.
Demand for widely used euro stablecoin is huge, says DeFi expert
The market capitalization of Tether (USDT), a United States dollar-pegged stablecoin, is currently over $65 billion. USD Coin (USDC), another stablecoin backed by the U.S. dollar, clocks in near $55 billion. Some reports estimate that the total market cap of dollar-backed stablecoins is over $160 billion.
Despite this success of dollar-based stablecoins, there has not been a euro stablecoin that is even remotely comparable in size. By the end of June, the U.S.-based company Circle announced that it will launch its own euro stablecoin, Euro Coin (EUROC), on the Ethereum blockchain. With a euro-based stablecoin, uncomplicated euro transfers will be possible worldwide in the future, as is currently the case with the U.S. dollar.
Instead of the eurozone-based business, Circle has opted to issue the planned euro stablecoin via the U.S. bank Silvergate. But, is it permissible for a digital coin tied to the euro to be issued outside the eurozone? How will European regulators react? Can Circle simply ignore the upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and operate the stablecoin from outside the European Union? And, why is there still no major euro stablecoin?
Cointelegraph auf Deutsch asked these questions to Patrick Hansen. The former head of blockchain at the German digital association Bitkom was, until recently, head of strategy and business development at wallet provider Unstoppable Finance. Now Hansen advises companies such as Presight Capital and the Blockchain Founders Group and has a hotline to the European Parliament.
Euro stablecoin issued outside the EU
The European Central Bank (ECB) is keeping its options open on whether and when to launch a digital euro. However, it’s still not really clear to Patrick Hansen what exactly the ECB wants to achieve with a central bank-issued digital euro. “Whether it is to become a kind of digital cash or rather a new payment option. That’s why it's so difficult to evaluate the project,” he said.
Demand for widely used euro stablecoin is huge, says DeFi expert
The U.S. company Circle is launching a regulated stablecoin that is pegged to the euro, but what does this mean for the eurozone?
NFT and Islamic education: A new frontier to teach religion?
In terms of whether NFTs are halaal or haram, Islam is usually taught with the intention of fitting into the world's ever-changing demands, said Shukla.
Morgan Stanley encourages investors to buy battered El Salvador Eurobonds
The banking giant estimated that El Salvador wouldn’t face any issues with its debt payment for another year, despite the crisis it's facing currently.
Solana price enters correction territory after 80% monthly gains
Solana (SOL) ticked modestly lower on July 20 after testing a critical technical resistance, suggesting further pullback moves in the coming weeks.
SOL price eyes 50% wipeout
SOL's price decreased by over 4% to $44 after failing to breach a multi-week ascending trendline resistance. Interestingly, this resistance level comes as a part of what appears to be a bearish continuation pattern dubbed the "bear flag."
A previous test of the same resistance trendline in late June had preceded a 30%-plus price drop, illustrating a higher distribution sentiment among SOL traders near the level. Therefore, the latest pullback from the same range could lead to an extended downside retracement.
SOL/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewMeanwhile, the bear flag's lower trendline has been capping SOL's sharp pullback moves. As a result, SOL's extended correction scenario could have its price hit the support level, now near $35.40 — a 20% drop from current price levels.
Additionally, a decisive close below the lower trendline would risk triggering the bear flag breakdown setup, wherein the price falls by as much as the height of the downtrend (called "flagpole") that preceded the flag's formation.
Solana price enters correction territory after 80% monthly gains
Solana (SOL) ticked modestly lower on July 20 after testing a critical technical resistance, suggesting further pullback moves in the coming weeks.
SOL price eyes 50% wipeout
SOL's price decreased by over 4% to $44 after failing to breach a multi-week ascending trendline resistance. Interestingly, this resistance level comes as a part of what appears to be a bearish continuation pattern dubbed the "bear flag."
A previous test of the same resistance trendline in late June had preceded a 30%-plus price drop, illustrating a higher distribution sentiment among SOL traders near the level. Therefore, the latest pullback from the same range could lead to an extended downside retracement.
SOL/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewMeanwhile, the bear flag's lower trendline has been capping SOL's sharp pullback moves. As a result, SOL's extended correction scenario could have its price hit the support level, now near $35.40 — a 20% drop from current price levels.
Additionally, a decisive close below the lower trendline would risk triggering the bear flag breakdown setup, wherein the price falls by as much as the height of the downtrend (called "flagpole") that preceded the flag's formation.
Human protocol introduces blockchain coordination layer for data contribution
Users receive rewards for contributing data on the Human Protocol, which can be used an initial-point of learning for algorithms.
Human protocol introduces new blockchain coordination layer for data contribution
Users receive rewards for contributing data on the Human Protocol, which can be used an initial-point of learning for algorithms.
Polygon zero-knowledge EVM rollup aims cheaper Web3 transactions
Polygon uses zero-knowledge proof to club multiple transactions into groups before relaying them over to the Ethereum blockchain as a single transaction.
Polygon zero-knowledge EVM rollup aims cheaper Web3 transactions
Polygon uses zero-knowledge proof to club multiple transactions into groups before relaying them over to the Ethereum blockchain as a single transaction.
US senator blasts SEC for non-judicial actions against crypto companies
Senator Emmer highlighted the SEC’s politicization of regulations and called them power-hungry regulators that discourage good-faith regulations.
Gemini receives virtual asset service provider license in Ireland
New York-based crypto exchange Gemini opened its local office in Dublin, Ireland, last year. Now, it is granted with a VASP license.
What are crypto faucets and how do they work?
By completing simple tasks, users can use a crypto faucet to earn modest coin payouts (similar to the minuscule drops of water trickling from a leaky faucet).
What are crypto faucets and how do they work?
By completing simple tasks, users can use a crypto faucet to earn modest coin payouts (similar to the minuscule drops of water trickling from a leaky faucet).
US federal agency issues legal advisory on NFT investments
The advisory primarily targets reporting of NFTs investments that represent “property,” such as real estate.
Bitcoin holds 5-week high as trader suggests ‘parabolic' bear trend is over
A crypto renaissance sees Bitcoin price challenge major resistance and long-term trendlines in a much-needed show of strength.