The much-dreaded Trump tariffs are here, with the new US President enforcing up to 50% additional duties on imported goods from friends and foes alike. Top markets reported heavy losses with the S&P 500 falling close to 5%, Dow Jones 4%, and Nasdaq suffering a 6% decline. However, premier cryptocurrency Bitcoin has resisted the recent downward price pressure and has remained steadfast above $81k. Trump styled the aggressive April 3 move as “Liberation Day” for the USA, but it could result in a massive trade war worldwide, leading to another major economic recession. Affected entities, including America’s allies like Canada, the European Union, and others, have already announced retaliatory measures, and adversaries like China have followed suit. Bitcoin remains the only major asset that has held onto its price levels going into the weekend. The top cryptocurrency by market capitalization initially fell 5% to nearly $81k. Still, it has since recovered some of these losses and is sitting relatively comfortably at $84k, reversing the downward trend entirely. Bitcoin’s Strategic Buying Opportunity Bitcoin’s recent price stability in the face of a major American-initiated trade war offers insight into the future of global economics. The primary reason Bitcoin is showing incredible resilience is the US Dollar’s threatened status as the global reserve currency. The US’s financial burden is breaking new records at a rapid pace. The national debt has crossed $33 trillion, and for the first time in the country’s history, interest payments on this gigantic figure will exceed the national defense budget of $950 billion. Within the next six years, the interest on debt will likely surpass all US government tax collections and other sources of revenue. According to Larry Fink, the CEO of major investment bank BlackRock : “If the U.S. doesn’t get its debt under control… America risks losing that position to digital assets like Bitcoin,” Previously, Bitcoin promoters used the same logic, but here, we have the CEO of the largest bank in the world actually using it in his communique with the investors. This shows that BTC has come a long way in recent years. The stable performance of the top digital coin has resulted in investors looking at the cryptocurrency with renewed enthusiasm, not as a speculative asset but a long-term store of value similar to Gold. According to leading financial author and commentator Morgen Rochard: “Bitcoin isn’t a stock pick. It’s an opt-out button.” As Bitcoin continues to offer a much more stable alternative to the uneasiness of the global markets under the cusp of a trade war, it will continue to prove its worth as a serious investment tool.
When it comes to finding the best trusted cloud mining platform in 2025, DRML Miner stands out as a beacon of reliability and profitability. Since its inception in 2018, this UK-based platform has redefined cloud mining by combining lucrative returns with unmatched safety. Certified by the UK Financial Services Authority (FCA), DRML Miner offers a secure, transparent, and sustainable way to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and more. With over 7 million users across 120+ countries, it’s no surprise that DRML Miner has earned a stellar reputation. In this article, we’ll explore why its mining contracts are among the most profitable and how its robust security measures make it a top choice for investors. “At DRML Miner, we believe cloud mining should be safe, simple, and profitable for everyone. We’re committed to building a platform that empowers users to earn with confidence and transparency.” — CEO of DRML Miner Earn $2,000/Day: DRML Miner’s High-ROI CloudSimple and Profitable Mining Plans for Everyone Start Small New users get a $10 sign-up bonus and can try mining for just $10 using the MICROBT WhatsMiner M60S . You’ll earn $0.60 profit in one day , getting back a total of $10.60 .Another option is the Experience Plan with the Avalon Miner A1566 . It costs $100 for 2 days and earns $3.50 per day , giving you $107 total . Mid-Level Plans If you’re ready to invest more, check out the Classic Contracts : $500 for 5 days → Earn $6.25/day → Get back $531.25 $1,000 for 10 days → Earn $13/day → Total $1,130 $3,000 for 20 days → Earn $42/day → Total $3,840 Big Investments, Big Profits For higher returns: $5,000 for 30 days → Earn $75/day → Total $7,250 $8,000 for 40 days → Earn $128/day → Total $13,120 $100,000 for 55 days → Earn $2,000/day → Huge return of $210,000 Platform advantages: Get $10 for free immediately after registration, and get $0.6 for signing in every day The profit level is very high, and it is not a problem to make 1,000 yuan a day, and there is no need to pay additional service fees; Cloudflare® security protection; 24/7 technical support. operations—detailed contract terms, real-time earnings tracking, and clear payout schedules—further build trust among users. Robust Security Protocols Security is non-negotiable at DRML Miner. The platform employs cutting-edge encryption and multi-factor authentication to safeguard your digital assets. With a global network of ultra-modern data centers, your mining operations are protected against cyber threats and physical risks. This commitment to safety has earned the loyalty of millions, making DRML Miner a reliable choice for crypto cloud mining. Sustainable and Stable Operations Unlike traditional mining, which often relies on fossil fuels, DRML Miner powers its facilities with 100% renewable energy—wind, solar, and hydropower. This not only reduces environmental impact but also stabilizes operational costs, ensuring consistent returns even during market fluctuations. By choosing DRML Miner, you’re investing in a platform that’s built to last. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Is cloud mining with DRML Miner risk-free? A: While all investments carry some risk, DRML Miner minimizes it through regulated operations, secure infrastructure, and transparent contracts. Q: How do I receive my profits? A: Daily earnings are automatically credited to your account and can be withdrawn to your crypto wallet or reinvested. Q: What cryptocurrencies can I mine? A: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and other top coins—depending on the mining package you choose. Q: Do I need any technical knowledge to start? A: Not at all. DRML Miner is beginner-friendly with a simple, intuitive dashboard. Why DRML Miner Stands Out in 2025 DRML Miner’s blend of profitability and safety is unmatched. Its global reach, powered by data centers in cost-effective regions like Northern Europe and the Middle East, delivers industry-leading performance—outpacing benchmarks by over 15%. Add in a $10 welcome bonus for new users and an intuitive dashboard for tracking profits, and it’s clear why DRML Miner is the best trusted cloud mining platform in 2025. Whether you’re starting small or going all-in, DRML Miner offers a secure, lucrative path to crypto wealth. Website address: www.drmlminer.com Disclaimer: This is a paid release. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily represent those of Bitcoinist. Bitcoinist does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information available in such content. Do your research and invest at your own risk.
Mark Uyeda, the acting chairman of the SEC, said in a roundtable that the SEC is currently considering the possibility of a temporary crypto regulatory framework. This would provide intermittent relief to crypto firms. While a ‘long-term solution’ is still under work and may take a few months to come to fruition, an ‘exemptive relief’ may just be the way forward. Read on as we discuss the implications of this positive legislative move and how the best crypto to buy now can help you benefit from it. A State-Wise Crypto Regulation Not Ideal In the same round table discussion, which included representatives from firms like Uniswap, Coinbase, and Cumberland DRW, Uyeda said that state-wise crypto regulations can be regressive for the industry. It may lead to a ‘patchwork of state licensing regimes.’ Ideally, market participants should operate under a single central SEC license instead of complying with 50 different crypto regulations in the same country. This hints that the crypto regulations may be framed at a federal level, with minimum state participation. This is great news for crypto service providers, as they will be able to operate with minimum legal compliance. $BTC Holds $82K Amidst Positive Inflation Numbers Besides positive crypto regulations, the overall macro US economy is also showing signs of reversal. The US Producer Price Index (PPI) stood at 2.7% as against the expected 3.3% mark. This is the first month-over-month PPI decline since March 2024. $BTC held its highs of $82K amidst this positive news. It’s currently trading at over $85K . Another $BTC positive is the US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the performance of the dollar against a basket of partner currencies. For the first time, DXY has fallen below the 100 mark since 2022. Traditionally, a lower DXY is bullish for $BTC. The last time DXY fell this low, it led to a parabolic $BTC bull run that lasted 12 months. Now, the divergence on the DXY chart suggests it can fall to 90 as well, which is, again, positive for $BTC. With both factors – charts and regulations looking bullish – there may not be a better time to invest in crypto markets. Here are some top altcoins you should be looking at now. 1. BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) – Best Crypto to Buy Right Now Crypto is indeed finding momentum again. Just take a look at Bitcoin. It’s bouncing almost perfectly off of the 50 EMA on the weekly chart. On the short-term 4-hourly chart, too, $BTC is positive. It’s now trading above the 10, 20, and 50 EMAs, signifying a change in trend. If you’re backing Bitcoin to rise higher and want to make the most of its climb, consider becoming an early investor in BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) . It’s a new cryptocurrency that stands apart due to its unique reward system. Unlike other cryptos, BTC Bull Token will give free $BTC to its token holders. Holders of $BTCBULL who store their tokens in Best Wallet will automatically receive real $BTC every time the King Crypto reaches a new landmark, such as $150K, $200K, $250K, and beyond. Furthermore, it’s also slated to follow a deflationary model. By shaving off a portion of the total $BTCBULL supply every time Bitcoin’s price rises by $25K, the developers plan to boost the token’s demand and price. BTC Bull Token is currently in presale, which is why you can grab each token for just $0.00246. Speaking of the project, it has gotten off to an impressive start. It has already raised over $4.5M at the time of writing and is likely to continue attracting investors. Here’s how to buy $BTCBULL . 2. SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) – Brand-New Altcoin with a Fresh Prospect for the Creator Industry SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) is easily among the best cryptos to invest in right now, seeing as it’s a revolutionary AI-crypto project aiming to streamline the $85B online content creator industry. SUBBD is coming out with a new AI-powered crypto subscription platform that will offer a bunch of AI tools to online creators to help them streamline content creation, management, and distribution. Next, by allowing the fans of these creators to use their $SUBBD tokens to subscribe to exclusive content, SUBBD aims to strengthen the relationship between the creators and their audiences. Moreover, $SUBBD , which is the primary mode of payment on the SUBBD platform, can be used to chat directly with the creators, get subscription discounts, vote on which features are prioritized and which creators get onboarded, etc. What’s more, early buyers of $SUBBD can also stake their tokens and earn a decent 20% APY for the first year. You can buy $SUBBD for just $0.05515 if you get in now. The project, though new, has attracted substantial investor interest. It has already raised over $150K so far. 3. Broccoli ($BROCCOLI) – Trending Meme Coin Based on the Pet Dog of Binance’s Ex CEO $BROCCOLI is one of the very few meme coins that managed to surge in the recently downward-sloping crypto market. Inspired by the pet dog of Binance’s Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, Broccoli is proof that crypto degens’ capacity to back a coin to the hilt shouldn’t be underestimated. The token has gained over 1,150% since its launch in February, and after a long-drawn slump, it’s now back among the top trending cryptos . Having climbed more than 100% in just the last seven days, $BROCCOLI has broken out of the $0.23 resistance level. It’s currently trading at $0.27 and looks more than likely to be the next crypto to explode …again! Bottom Line Even though the US government is clearly in love with crypto, as it’s pushing for favorable regulations, it’s worth remembering that it doesn’t guarantee any returns, especially in the short term. Any amount of analysis is at the mercy of the market’s volatility. This is why it’s important to only get into crypto with an amount that’s small enough for you. Also, we always urge our readers to do their own research before investing. None of the above is financial advice, at the end of the day.
Billionaire Tim Draper has taken to X to remind market onlookers of his position on unconventional emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies. The head of Draper Associates recalls how his firm made a big bet on Bitcoin at a time when traditional market players were still largely skeptical. “We were among the first to believe in Bitcoin at Draper Associates, and we’ve continued betting on the next generation of groundbreaking ideas since. Yes, we’re still big on crypto but industry-agnostic by design. If it’s unconventional and world-shifting — we’re in.” He wrote. His assertion comes as Bitcoin corrects upwards, reclaiming the $83,529 price mark. Despite the escalating U.S.-China trade wars, the asset has successfully cleared weekly losses. Market players have remarked that the rebound is crucial for Bitcoin to retest previous support levels, turned resistance, at $94,500, according to the MVRV extreme deviation pricing bands indicator. Draper, a crypto and Bitcoin believer, reminded the market of Bitcoin’s early stages, implying that a notable change has occurred over the past few years, with skepticism dying down and adoption increasing globally. “Once upon a time, crypto had more than its fair share of doubters. The same goes for AI, self-driving cars, and numerous technologies that are now becoming commonplace. Today it’s Waymo, tomorrow it’s woolly mammoths.” He added . The billionaire, who reported making $89 million from his 5-year Bitcoin investments in 2021, has reinforced his trust in the leading cryptocurrency with bold price forecasts. After successfully predicting that Bitcoin would hit the $10,000 price mark in 2014, Draper made another bold call in November of 2024, asserting that a standard supply and demand curve could send Bitcoin to $250,000 in 2025.
Binance adjusts collateral rates for various tokens, impacting traders' borrowing power. Traders may need to reassess their strategies to mitigate liquidation risks. Continue Reading: Binance Adjusts Margin Rates: What It Means for Traders and the Market The post Binance Adjusts Margin Rates: What It Means for Traders and the Market appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
With crypto sentiment steadily improving, traders are asking the big question: Can Bitcoin (BTC) , Ethereum , and XRP deliver a 25x return before 2026? History shows that each has done it before—under the right market conditions. While that potential draws in long-term holders, early-stage traders are turning toward new contenders like MAGACOINFINANCE , which is being closely watched for its fresh approach and strategic setup. Other projects gaining attention include Stellar (XLM) and Avalanche (AVAX) . These platforms are maintaining development momentum and growing their use cases in areas like cross-border payments, fast-layer transactions, and ecosystem expansion. PRE-SALE SELLING OUT – CLICK HERE TO SECURE A SPOT NOW MAGACOINFINANCE – Built to Disrupt the Cycle MAGACOINFINANCE is redefining what early-stage investing should look like. No staggered unlocks. No private discount rounds. No artificial scarcity games. This is a public-first launch built with real transparency and structured for long-term relevance. Its flat-entry model, combined with a capped supply of 100 billion tokens , makes it one of the cleanest setups currently on the market. And it’s not just hype—wallet activity is surging, and its growing community is backing the project with serious conviction. While others play short-term games, MAGACOINFINANCE is building steady momentum ahead of its confirmed listing at $0.007 . MAGA50X Bonus – Final Stage Live The MAGA50X token bonus gives all buyers a 50% boost in token allocation. This is a limited-time offer that will end permanently when the supply is gone. XLM and AVAX Keep Advancing Stellar (XLM) continues supporting fast, low-cost remittance solutions across borders. Avalanche (AVAX) maintains focus on scaling multichain decentralized applications. LIMITED TIME OFFER-GET 50% EXTRA BONUS WITH CODE MAGA50X Conclusion Whether or not BTC , Ethereum , and XRP hit 25x by 2026, they remain dominant forces in the market. Platforms like XLM and AVAX add stability and growth potential. But for investors looking to lock in a bold early-stage opportunity, MAGACOINFINANCE continues to deliver with focus, fairness, and undeniable traction. For more information and to participate in the presale: Website: magacoinfinance.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: Can BTC, Ethereum, and XRP Really 25x Before 2026?
Four Indian police officers are now under investigation for tampering with digital assets and locked up in evidence. According to police sources, the four officers attached to the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) are now being investigated by the police after the Karnataka government granted the sanction. According to reports , the evidence the former Indian police officers tampered with were proceeds of criminal activities seized from international hacker, Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki, after he was arrested in 2020. According to the sources, A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Karnataka Police Criminal Investigation Department was appointed to look into the Bitcoin scam tied to the hacker. The sanction was approved under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, with the group arresting Sridhar Pujar, a current deputy superintendent of police, and police inspectors Prashanth Babu, Chandradhar S R, and Lakshmikanthaiah, in connection to the crime in 2024. The sources mentioned that the SIT had gathered evidence that police officers tampered with the devices seized from Sriki and his associate, Robin Khandelwal, by employing the services of private cyber experts. The group was also looking into corruption in the case. Indian police officers under scrutiny for evidence tampering According to the police source, there has been a movement of Bitcoin, which has caused suspicion and a need for investigation. “There has been a transfer of Bitcoin from one of the accused to a technical expert. There is also the question of the claim of the disappearance of cryptocurrency held by the hacker after he was arrested and taken into police custody (in 2020). These are being investigated as acts of corruption by the police officials,” the source said. The police source highlighted that once the investigation is complete, the SIT will need additional sanctions under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act to file a charge sheet against the officers. They will also need one under the Karnataka Police Act and Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code to proceed. According to the SIT, their probe found that a cyber expert brought in to assist with the investigations by the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) into the illegal activities of Sriki in 2020 illegally accessed a crypto wallet of the hacker’s accountant, moving Bitcoin worth over $2,000 into his crypto wallet. During the investigation, the SIT fingered five people, including cyber expert K S Santhosh Kumar who owns a private firm called Group Cyber ID Technology Pvt Ltd in Bengaluru, and the four Indian police officers, in its FIR, alleging illegal concealment, breach of trust by a public servant, and destruction of evidence filed in the Cyber Crime Police station of the CID in January 2024. SIT’s investigations unravel illegalities The details of the investigation revealed there were numerous procedural lapses by the Indian police, including illegal detention, and lack of documentation of the logins, passwords, and data for computer usage by the accused. The Indian police officers were also accused of providing a laptop worth Rs. 60,000 (about $700) to the accused to facilitate hacking. In the statements documented by the Indian police in earlier charge sheets filed by the CCB, Sriki mentioned that he had about 400 to 500 Bitcoins in his possession when he was apprehended by the authorities. The CCB is yet to recover any of the Bitcoin allegedly acquired illegally by the hacker. According to investigations conducted by SIT, in January 2021, under the instructions of Babu, the cyber expert Kumar gained access to the crypto wallets, email accounts, and bank accounts of Sriki and Khandelwal and changed their logins and passwords in the absence of court orders or witnesses. In its FIR, the SIT also mentioned that Babu provided a laptop worth $690 to Sriki, where the hacker accessed his account on Amazon Web Services, but none of the data he accessed was collected for evidence by the officers. The same police officers who were part of the CCB Bengaluru police from 2020 to 2021 were also accused in September 2023, with the FIR showing that they tampered with two laptops in evidence after they were seized by Sriki. Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More
Stocks Rally Despite Trade and Inflation Pressures U.S. equities rebounded on Friday, April 11, after a roller-coaster week, as investor sentiment picked up even as Treasury yields rose and fresh tariff fears resurfaced. The S&P 500 rose 1.81%, the Nasdaq gained 2.0%, and the Dow rose over 1.5%. The rebound followed a week of economic worry, as consumer sentiment dipped and inflation fears gathered pace. Bitcoin Briefly Tops Over $84K Bitcoin briefly crossed the $84,000 mark before settling at $83,796. The flagship cryptocurrency was supported by risk-on sentiment and continued institutional interest. Its strength mirrored broader market resilience and growing investor hunger for non-traditional assets amid macro uncertainty. U.S.-China Trade War Escalates Uncertainty between the U.S. and China remains a wildcard. Following a 145% tariff hike by the U.S., China imposed tariffs of up to 125% on key U.S. imports. As markets dismissed the recent actions, analysts warn that prolonged disagreements can restore volatility. JPMorgan Lifts Wall Street Mood JPMorgan Chase surpassed Q1 expectations with earnings per share of $5.07 on $45.31 billion in revenue. The strong results provided much-needed confidence. However, CEO Jamie Dimon provided a cautious outlook, warning of “considerable turbulence” ahead due to inflation, global conflicts, and regulatory risks. Gold Hits Record High Gold futures soared past $3,200, driven by safe-haven demand as investors sought to hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The rally underscores the residual nervousness in markets despite the rally in risk assets on Friday. Outlook: Volatility Ahead Investors are optimistic but cautiously so. While strong corporate earnings and Bitcoin’s rally are cause for optimism, inflation, trade tensions, and geopolitics may continue to keep markets on edge. How markets navigate these headwinds will set the tone for the second quarter.
When Federal Reserve official Neel Kashkari appeared on CNBC and said the Fed has “tools to provide more liquidity to the market,” Crypto X instantly interpreted this statement as a vow to print dollars. If it happens, what are the implications for Bitcoin? It is not clear if the Fed will use its tools to add liquidity to the market. Agency officials continue to reinforce the idea that they are not in a hurry to take any action regarding the ongoing tariff chaos. The Fed wants to see the results of negotiations between the U.S. and other countries, Kashkari says. US Core CPI Inflation is back below 3% for the first time in 4 years. This should be enough for the Fed to resume cutting rats in June. https://t.co/l5IYmkeySJ pic.twitter.com/pvOHrTLqaL — Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) April 10, 2025 Yet, the Fed is satisfied with the improving CPI inflation rate (in March, it reached 2.4%) and will not prioritize any other task before it fulfills its mission of bringing inflation to a 2% rate. For the first time in five years, prices saw a monthly drop of 0.1%. BREAKING: Core CPI Inflation in the US just fell below 3.0% for the first time since March 2021 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cQbrxGy1cp — The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) April 10, 2025 The Fed will likely deflect from cutting interest rates to keep pushing inflation down, while Trump hopes that the Fed will cut the rates to help the markets. Many experts agree that Trump wants to weaken the dollar to boost exports and offset the trade deficit. Kashkari doesn’t see the trade deficit as something extraordinary for the U.S. The disagreement on the interest rate led to a slow-burning conflict between Trump and the Fed Chair, Jerome Powell. Reportedly, Trump seeks to terminate Powell through the Supreme Court before his term ends. The U.S. president can’t fire the Federal Reserve Chair without cause. Read more: Trump seeks to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell via the Supreme Court. Good news for the crypto market? Will the Fed add liquidity to the markets? The short answer is “not yet.” Kashkari said the Fed has the tools to provide liquidity, but he noted that the agency won’t intervene until it is clear that the market cannot correct itself. And the 90-day pause on tariffs doesn’t add clarity to the situation. Considering that the fear index is high and a recession is likely, the Fed could have been more proactive and cut rates to encourage people to enter the markets and inject the economy with liquidity. Rising bond yields signal a weakening economy, and Kashkari admitted that the Fed is paying close attention to this market. However, the policymakers keep waiting. To prevent the premature increase of liquidity that might have boosted inflation and saved the markets from total collapse, they need to act accurately, which is not easy in the conditions of the tariff policy that makes little sense to many people. Kashkari notes that the decline of the U.S. dollar during turbulent times is unusual. He sees it as the shift in investors’ preferences. The Fed finds itself in a no-win situation. The inflation rate is still above the preferred 2% level, while keeping the interest rates high leads to higher mortgage interest and problems in refinancing the national debt. How does inflation affect the crypto market? If the Fed decides to draw liquidity to the markets, it is not clear which method the agency will use. The crypto X community reacted to Kashakari’s interview pretty unambiguously, suggesting the Fed is going to print money. Kashkari mentioned a different tool to add liquidity. https://t.co/qnG48iVi4o pic.twitter.com/ntqz4uwQi6 — The ₿itcoin Therapist (@TheBTCTherapist) April 11, 2025 He said Standing Repo Facilities, or domestic standing repurchase agreement facilities, are a backstop measure that keeps overnight interest rates in check and provides liquidity in the form of Fed funds against US Treasury debt and mortgage-backed securities. But the short-term inflation influx is probable, and the Fed’s task is not to let it spiral into long-term inflation. In recent years, inflation spikes have stimulated the growth of cryptocurrencies as people start to look for alternative ways to save and invest money. So, in general, times of economic turbulence are seen as an opportunity for the crypto market. A vivid example is the rise of the crypto market following the grandiose sell-off triggered by the announcement that COVID-19 gets a pandemic status. Bitcoin is powered by Chaos. — Michael Saylor (@saylor) April 10, 2025 Bitcoin’s supply keeps on increasing. Thus, we can speak about Bitcoin’s own inflation, but the new BTC units hit the market with ever-declining speed and will eventually stop at the 21 million mark. It makes Bitcoin different from fiat money printed by central banks. As a top crypto with a fixed supply, Bitcoin may be seen as a hedge against inflation. Its inclusivity, global accessibility, and independence from the government leverage trust in Bitcoin, while traditional institutions and governments lose people’s trust during inflation sprints. While Bitcoin is deflationary, the supply and demand mechanism makes its value volatile in the short term. Many point to Bitcoin’s long-term ability to accumulate value, which makes it a store-of-value asset. While the Bitcoin-stocks correlation exists, it can be called defining, so Bitcoin can still be an alternative to traditional investments. Read more: US dollar index crashes, raising hopes of Bitcoin and altcoin prices
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum co-founder, published a privacy roadmap to increase security for the Ethereum ecosystem. Responding to calls from community members to address privacy concerns involving crypto mixers, transparency, and regulation, Buterin outlined a brief plan to tackle the problem of balancing privacy with decentralization. Tornado Cash, the Ethereum mixing service, was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022. Tornado mixes different transactions together to disguise a token’s history. The U.S. government contended that the mixer facilitated money laundering and stamped down on anyone connected to the network. For that matter, many Ethereum developers steered clear of Tornado to protect themselves from the government. Moreover, ethereum validators and block builders limited their use of Tornado, making the blockchain slower. In his roadmap, Buterin relied heavily on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) to solve the privacy problem. ZKP uses cryptographic algorithms to verify transactions without uncovering the underlying data. Algorithms that enhance privacy, especially at the lower layers (e.g., L1), are being sought after, providing security for both customers and businesses. Buterin’s roadmap includes four main areas of privacy: on-chain privacy, partial anonymization of applications, safeguarding privacy of ‘reads’ to the blockchain, and network-level anonymity. He suggests this could be achieved by introducing privacy functions to wallets, including a user-friendly interface and security features activated by default. He further indicates that modularity could be used to enhance privacy, such as with the ‘one address per application model’, where an address links to itself rather than to other addresses in the network. The roadmap includes a plan to simplify operations, with FOCIL and EIP-7701 standards, so that unnecessary metadata is reduced to a bare minimum, disallowing censors from filtering out content. Eavesdropping will be reduced by incorporating the short term TEE based Remote Protocol Calls (RPC), until Private Information Retrieval becomes more viable. Eavesdropping will be reduced by using multiple RPC, so that sensitive data is not exposed on the network. By lowering the attack space, Buterin aims to increase the security of blockchain users. Private transactions, moreover, will be made more secure and cost-effective by using proof aggregation protocols. Private wallets should have added features to keep private keys safe and should keep user data private to avoid data leakage. And links between applications should remain concealed so that RPC nodes, by accident or on purpose, cannot access metadata. Pascal Caversaccio, an Ethereum security researcher, pointed out that trustless technology opens the door to surveillance and a lack of privacy. A graph could be mined from the Ethereum metadata to detect the flow of money through the blockchain and view an individual’s balance. EIP-7701 simplifies security protocols by increasing their modularity, restructuring them so they don’t need relays or public broadcasters. RPC nodes could be used to eavesdrop on a user’s transaction. Security, therefore, can be enhanced by using programming techniques such as modularity to decrease the amount of data roaming around on the blockchain. Buterin seems to propose a programming approach to improving anonymity, with the added benefit of improving speed and efficiency. Ethereum has a very modular structure, and this strategy could fit in with the overall direction and expertise of the Ethereum community. Blockchain transactions have had increased scrutiny regarding privacy concerns. Ethereum has always stressed the importance of transparency, being an open-source project. But now, transparency is proving to be a double-edged sword, with increased accountability on one side and the dangers of censorship on the other side. Many enterprises prefer Ethereum because it has a strong development team. But various sectors like healthcare and finance require more secure transactions to preserve the privacy of their customers.