President Donald Trump’s personal cryptocurrency portfolio suffered a dramatic decline in the first half of 2025, with its total value plunging by 78.35% since the start of the year, according to data from Finbold’s H1 2025 Cryptocurrency Market Report . On January 1, 2025, the value of Trump’s wallet stood at approximately $10.16 million. By June 30, it had fallen to just $2.20 million, representing a loss of $7.96 million over six months. The bulk of this decline occurred in Q1 , with the portfolio hitting a low of $1.96 million by the end of March. !function(e,n,i,s){var d="InfogramEmbeds";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,"script","infogram-async","https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js"); However, Trump’s holdings did show a mild recovery in the second quarter, gaining around $240,000, or 12.24%, between April and June. What crypto does Trump hold? Trump’s largest holding remains the meme token TROG, with a current valuation of over $800,000. Other notable assets include USDC, MAGA (TRUMP), and MATIC. While the wallet’s contents have drawn attention due to his return to the White House, it is important to note that not all assets were necessarily acquired by Trump himself. In the world of blockchain, wallet addresses can receive tokens from anyone without consent, and it is common practice for small crypto projects to send unsolicited tokens to high-profile figures as a publicity tactic. At its peak, Trump’s wallet held over $16 million in digital assets. World Liberty Financial (WLFI) performance in H1 In contrast to Trump’s personal portfolio, the digital asset holdings of World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a decentralized finance platform reportedly backed by Trump and his family, have seen strong growth throughout the year. The WLFI portfolio began 2025 with a valuation of $72.82 million. By the end of Q1, it had climbed to $82.51 million, marking a 13.31% increase. The momentum accelerated in the second quarter, with the portfolio soaring to $178.15 million by June 30, representing a quarterly gain of $95.64 million, or 115.89%. Overall, WLFI’s holdings grew by 59.12% in the first half of the year, adding over $105 million in value. !function(e,n,i,s){var d="InfogramEmbeds";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,"script","infogram-async","https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js"); The divergence between Trump’s personal wallet and the WLFI-managed portfolio highlights a growing gap between speculative meme token activity and structured, diversified crypto investment strategies. With institutional interest returning to the crypto space and ETF flows climbing, the market may increasingly reward fundamentals over viral attention. The post Donald Trump’s crypto portfolio loses 78% of value in first half of 2025 appeared first on Finbold .
The post Top New Meme Coin of 2025? Pepe Coin (PEPE) Competitor Picked for a Top 10 Status on CoinMarketCap appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Meme coins have always been a wild ride. From Dogecoin turning jokes into market caps to Shiba Inu creating billionaires overnight, and then PEPE exploding onto the scene in 2023, crypto’s meme sector has delivered some of the biggest gains in the space. Now, as we head deeper into 2025, a new meme contender is stealing the show, and it’s gunning for the top 10 on CoinMarketCap. Meet Little Pepe (LILPEPE) — a Pepe competitor that’s not just about internet culture, but is also rewriting what a meme coin can be. While Pepe Coin still holds its legacy position, LILPEPE is quickly becoming the new frog on the block, and it’s building real infrastructure behind the memes. LILPEPE: The Frog That Might Leap Over PEPE While Pepe Coin made history with its explosive rise in 2023, it’s clear that it wasn’t built for long-term sustainability. It lacked utility, structure, and infrastructure — everything that new investors are now looking for in 2025. That’s where Little Pepe comes in. LILPEPE isn’t just copying PEPE’s meme magic — it’s evolving it. It’s built by meme insiders who understand that today’s crypto buyers want more than just hype. Where PEPE was fun and fleeting, LILPEPE is here to stay. It offers a smoother experience, better token utility, and the infrastructure to onboard the next generation of meme projects. Yet, it keeps the frog meme culture alive and thriving. In short? PEPE may have been the meme moment of the past, but LILPEPE is building the meme movement of the future. Little Pepe (LILPEPE): Not Just Another Meme Coin Let’s face it, most meme coins are primarily driven by internet hype and community support. But Little Pepe is doing things differently. Yes, it has the meme energy, the frog branding, and the viral appeal. But underneath the surface, it’s a full-fledged Layer 2 blockchain, purpose-built for meme tokens. LILPEPE isn’t just a token — it powers its own Layer 2 network, designed to handle fast, low-cost, and secure meme token trading. That means no more waiting on expensive Ethereum gas fees or worrying about sniper bots front-running your buys. It’s meme culture with infrastructure. Pepe’s Pump Pad: A Meme Launch Factory One of Little Pepe’s most exciting features is its Pump Pad. This is a launchpad that lets anyone spin up a new meme coin in minutes. Every project launched on the Pump Pad gets: Automatic liquidity locks Anti-rug protection Zero tax contracts Presale Heating Up Fast Little Pepe’s presale has been red-hot. The current Stage 3 price is just $0.0012, and it’s already 76% sold out, with over $1.88 million raised and counting. With the price set to jump to $0.0013 in Stage 4, buyers are rushing to get in early before the window closes. This kind of momentum is exactly what we saw in the early launches of PEPE and SHIB, and we all know how those turned out. LILPEPE ups the game with tech and utility behind the hype. To add fuel to the fire, the project is running a massive $777,000 giveaway , where ten participants will each win $77,000 worth of LILPEPE just for buying and sharing. LILPEPE vs. PEPE: What’s the Difference? Both PEPE and LILPEPE ride on the same meme wave, but they couldn’t be more different under the hood. Feature PEPE Little Pepe (LILPEPE) Chain Ethereum Layer-2 on Ethereum Utility Meme-only Meme + Infrastructure Launchpad None Pepe’s Pump Pad Bot Protection None Sniper bot immune Gas Fees Subject to ETH congestion Near-zero While PEPE opened the meme floodgates, LILPEPE is now building the roads and bridges to let new meme coins travel farther and faster. Top 10 Potential? Here’s Why It’s Not Crazy Cracking the top 10 might sound bold, but let’s not forget: DOGE hit the top 10 purely off tweets SHIB reached the top 10 through a cult following PEPE hit billions in market cap with zero utility Now, LILPEPE is offering all the hype plus real functionality — infrastructure, launchpad, staking, fair tokenomics, and a massive community push. With centralized exchange listings lined up and influencer partnerships building momentum, LILPEPE could very well be the meme coin that defines 2025. Final Thoughts: Join the Meme Infrastructure Revolution We’ve seen what memes can do in the crypto space. But Little Pepe isn’t just riding the meme wave — it’s building the wave machine. While PEPE may have sparked the last meme run, LILPEPE could lead the next one and this time, with real tools to back up the hype. If you’re watching for the next big breakout, not just for short-term gains, but for meme coin infrastructure that could define the next bull cycle, Little Pepe deserves a serious look. This might just be the most exciting meme coin of 2025, and it’s still early. Visit littlepepe.com today and grab your spot in the future of memecoins before the next price jump. For more information about Little Pepe (LILPEPE) visit the links below: Website: https://littlepepe.com Whitepaper: https://littlepepe.com/whitepaper.pdf Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken Twitter/X: https://x.com/littlepepetoken
BitcoinWorld SharpLink Gaming’s Bold Ethereum Bet: A Strategic Move for Digital Dominance In a world increasingly embracing digital transformation, a fascinating trend is emerging: publicly traded companies are strategically allocating significant portions of their treasury reserves into cryptocurrencies. Leading this charge with a remarkable commitment is SharpLink Gaming , a Nasdaq-listed entity, whose recent actions have sent ripples through both the traditional finance and crypto spheres. Just when you thought corporate treasury strategies were predictable, SharpLink Gaming has made another audacious move, signaling a profound belief in the future of decentralized finance and digital assets. SharpLink Gaming’s Accelerating Ethereum Accumulation The gaming technology company has once again demonstrated its conviction in Ethereum (ETH) as a core component of its treasury strategy. In a recent development that caught the attention of on-chain analysts, SharpLink Gaming purchased an additional 4,951 ETH, an investment valued at approximately $12.4 million, all within a mere five-hour window. This isn’t an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a well-defined and aggressive accumulation strategy. Latest Acquisition: 4,951 ETH ($12.4 million) Total Accumulated ETH: 202,800 ETH since early June Total Investment: $528 million Average Purchase Price: $2,606 per ETH This consistent accumulation, tracked meticulously by on-chain analysts like @EmberCN on X, highlights a deliberate and long-term vision. By accumulating over 200,000 ETH, SharpLink Gaming is not just dabbling in crypto; they are making a substantial bet on Ethereum’s ecosystem and its potential for future growth and utility. Why Ethereum? The Core of SharpLink’s Treasury Strategy One might ask, why Ethereum, specifically, for such a significant treasury allocation? While Bitcoin often garners headlines for its ‘digital gold’ narrative, Ethereum offers a different value proposition. It’s not just a cryptocurrency; it’s a decentralized computing platform that powers a vast ecosystem of applications. SharpLink Gaming’s choice of ETH likely stems from several key factors: Ecosystem Utility: Ethereum is the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and numerous decentralized applications (dApps). Its network effects and developer community are unparalleled. Programmability: Smart contracts on Ethereum allow for complex, self-executing agreements, opening up possibilities for innovative financial instruments and digital interactions. Deflationary Mechanism (EIP-1559): A portion of transaction fees on Ethereum is burned, potentially making ETH a deflationary asset over time, which can be attractive for a long-term treasury hold. Future Upgrades: The ongoing development of Ethereum 2.0 (now known as the Merge and subsequent upgrades like sharding) aims to improve scalability, security, and sustainability, promising even greater utility. For a gaming company, aligning with a platform that supports cutting-edge digital ownership (NFTs) and innovative financial models could be a strategic play to position themselves at the forefront of Web3 integration. The Broader Trend: Institutional Adoption of Digital Assets SharpLink Gaming’s bold move is not an isolated incident but rather a prominent example of a growing trend: the increasing institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies. Once considered niche and risky, digital assets are now finding their way into the balance sheets of corporations, hedge funds, and even sovereign wealth funds. This shift is driven by several factors: Inflation Hedge: In an era of quantitative easing and rising inflation concerns, cryptocurrencies are increasingly viewed as a potential hedge against fiat currency devaluation. Diversification: Adding digital assets can diversify traditional portfolios, offering uncorrelated returns, although volatility remains a factor. Technological Innovation: Companies recognize the disruptive potential of blockchain technology and want to be early movers in this new paradigm. Investor Demand: A growing number of investors, both retail and institutional, are seeking exposure to digital assets, prompting companies to consider holding them directly. While MicroStrategy famously led the charge with Bitcoin, SharpLink Gaming’s focus on Ethereum highlights a growing confidence in the broader altcoin market and the specific utility offered by smart contract platforms. Challenges and Opportunities for SharpLink Gaming’s Treasury Strategy While the potential rewards of holding a significant ETH position are substantial, SharpLink Gaming also faces inherent challenges. The cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile, and large holdings can be subject to significant price swings. Regulatory uncertainty also remains a factor, with governments worldwide still developing their frameworks for digital assets. Opportunities: Capital Appreciation: If Ethereum continues its growth trajectory, SharpLink’s treasury could see significant appreciation, bolstering its financial position. Strategic Alignment: A strong ETH holding positions SharpLink to potentially integrate more deeply with Web3 gaming, NFTs, and metaverse initiatives. Market Signal: It sends a clear message to investors and the market that SharpLink is forward-thinking and embracing future technologies. Challenges: Price Volatility: The value of their ETH holdings can fluctuate dramatically, impacting financial statements. Regulatory Risk: Evolving regulations could impose new compliance burdens or restrictions. Security Concerns: Managing such a large amount of digital assets requires robust security protocols to prevent hacks or loss. Impairment Risk: Accounting rules may require companies to write down the value of their crypto holdings if the price drops, even if they don’t sell. SharpLink Gaming’s decision to embrace this aggressive treasury strategy reflects a calculated risk-reward assessment, betting on the long-term potential of Ethereum despite short-term market fluctuations. What Does This Mean for the Future of Corporate Treasuries? SharpLink Gaming’s substantial ETH accumulation could serve as a blueprint for other companies considering similar moves. As the digital asset space matures, and regulatory clarity improves, we may see more corporations diversify their treasuries beyond traditional fiat and bonds. This trend signifies a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as legitimate assets and a fundamental shift in how companies perceive and manage their financial reserves. The implications are far-reaching: increased institutional participation could bring greater stability and liquidity to the crypto markets, while also pushing for more robust regulatory frameworks and technological advancements. SharpLink Gaming is not just buying ETH; it’s investing in a future where digital assets play a central role in global finance and commerce. SharpLink Gaming’s significant and ongoing investment in Ethereum is a compelling narrative of a public company making a decisive pivot into the digital asset space. Their accumulation of over 200,000 ETH highlights a profound belief in Ethereum’s ecosystem and its potential for long-term value. This strategic move not only diversifies their treasury but also positions them at the vanguard of institutional crypto adoption. As the digital economy continues to evolve, SharpLink Gaming’s bold bet on Ethereum could prove to be a defining moment, inspiring other corporations to explore the transformative power of decentralized technologies. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum price action. This post SharpLink Gaming’s Bold Ethereum Bet: A Strategic Move for Digital Dominance first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Canada and North America’s first spot XRP exchange-traded fund ( ETF ), launched by Purpose Investments, is showing signs of strength following a choppy debut . Trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), the fund surged 11.89% on June 30, closing at $10.63. Over the past five days, the ETF has gained 6.19%, and since its inception on June 18, it is up 7.37%. XRPP ETF all-time price chart. Source: TradingView This resurgence comes despite the underlying XRP cryptocurrency struggling to break through key resistance levels. The ETF had initially mirrored the broader weakness in XRP, but appears to be decoupling somewhat in recent sessions. The product is only the second spot XRP ETF globally, following Brazil’s Hashdex XRP offering. Purpose Investments charges a management fee of 0.69%, capped at 0.89%, with any cost savings passed on to investors. Notably, Canadian residents can hold the ETF in tax-advantaged accounts such as TFSAs and RRSPs, making it an attractive vehicle for diversified crypto exposure. U.S. next to approve XRP ETF? While the Canadian and Brazilian launches have had limited impact on XRP’s global price so far, bigger developments could be on the horizon. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently requested public input on spot XRP and Solana ETF proposals from Franklin Templeton and WisdomTree. If approved, these products would be listed on Cboe’s BZX Exchange, potentially unlocking significant institutional participation and liquidity, marking the first such offering just south of the Canadian border. XRP price analysis Meanwhile, XRP’s price action continues to lag. At press time, the token was trading at $2.20, up 1% in the past 24 hours, but only 0.8% higher over the week. XRP seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold The key challenge remains a decisive break above the $2.25 resistance level, which could pave the way for a push toward $2.50. Featured image via Shutterstock The post North America’s first spot XRP ETF is breaking out appeared first on Finbold .
Bitcoin is showing signs of exhaustion at the $108,350 resistance zone. With a developing bearish divergence, declining volume, and repeated failures to break higher, price action is at risk of rotating lower toward key support. Bitcoin ( BTC ) has spent the past week consolidating under a major resistance zone near $108,350 — a level that aligns with the value area high of the current trading range. Despite attempts to push higher, price remains capped. Now, a bearish divergence is developing, suggesting the recent rally is losing momentum. If sellers step in at this level, it could trigger a rotation back toward the value area low around $100,960. Key technical points $108,350 Resistance Zone: High time frame resistance with value area high confluence Bearish Divergence: RSI is making lower highs while price pushes higher Declining Volume Profile: Lack of strong demand to break resistance structure BTC/USDT (4H) Chart | Source: TradingView Bitcoin’s rejection from $108,350 has formed a potential lower high, continuing a bearish structure that has been unfolding over the past several weeks. The level itself represents a significant barrier, with multiple rejections confirming it as a supply-heavy zone. Without a decisive breakout, the price is more likely to rotate within the established range. The bearish divergence — where price pushes slightly higher while the RSI weakens — is a typical early warning of exhaustion. This divergence is especially significant when it occurs at key resistance, as it suggests bulls are running out of steam. It also signals that the recent rally may have been driven more by short-term momentum than sustained buying interest. You might also like: DOJ busts four North Korean hackers in $900K crypto theft Volume has been steadily declining throughout this consolidation. In the context of technical resistance and divergence, this weakening volume reinforces the bearish bias. For a breakout to occur, strong volume would need to confirm a shift in demand. Without that, price is more likely to roll over and test the next key support — the point of control and eventually the value area low at $100,960. What to expect in the coming price action As long as Bitcoin remains below $108,350, the bias leans bearish. A confirmed rejection backed by increasing sell volume could trigger a clean rotation down toward $100,960. If that level fails, further downside toward the previous swing low may unfold. Alternatively, a reclaim of $108,350 on strong volume would be the first bullish signal and could invalidate the current bearish setup. Read more: Analysts say Bitcoin could hit new ATH $116k this July
Competition is heating up as more exchanges set up operations in Europe, where MiCA provides new “rules of the road.”
BitcoinWorld Unprecedented: TRUMP Token Now Accepted for Official Trump Merchandise In a move that’s sending ripples through both the crypto world and political circles, the TRUMP token has officially crossed a significant threshold. What was once a niche digital asset primarily traded on decentralized exchanges is now being accepted as a legitimate form of payment on official Trump merchandise stores. This development marks a fascinating intersection of digital currency, political engagement, and mainstream commerce, potentially paving the way for broader adoption of cryptocurrency payments in unexpected arenas. The announcement, made via the TrumpMeme X account, confirmed that holders of the TRUMP token can now use their digital assets to purchase a range of official products. This includes everything from distinctive fragrances to stylish sneakers and elegant watches, linking the vibrant world of political memecoins directly to tangible consumer goods. It’s a bold step that challenges conventional notions of how digital currencies are perceived and utilized. What Does This Mean for TRUMP Token Holders? For individuals who have invested in or acquired the TRUMP token , this announcement transforms a speculative asset into a practical tool. No longer is the token solely a vehicle for trading or a statement of support; it now holds tangible utility. This shift can be a significant psychological boost for the community, demonstrating a real-world application beyond the digital realm. Direct Utility: Token holders can bypass traditional payment methods and use their crypto directly. Enhanced Legitimacy: Acceptance by official merchandise stores lends a new layer of credibility to the token. Community Engagement: It fosters a stronger sense of community among supporters who can now use their shared digital asset for purchases. Potential for Increased Demand: As utility grows, so too might the demand for the token, potentially influencing its market value. This move isn’t just about making purchases; it’s about validating the concept of a politically-themed digital asset. It highlights how quickly the landscape of digital assets is evolving, pushing boundaries previously thought impenetrable by less conventional cryptocurrencies. How Are Cryptocurrency Payments Being Integrated? The integration of cryptocurrency payments on e-commerce platforms is a complex but increasingly common process. While the exact technical details of how the Trump merchandise stores are facilitating these transactions haven’t been fully disclosed, it typically involves a payment gateway provider that converts the cryptocurrency into fiat currency (like USD) for the merchant, or the merchant holding the crypto directly. Here’s a general overview of how such integrations usually work: Payment Gateway: Merchants often use third-party crypto payment processors (e.g., BitPay, Coinbase Commerce) that handle the conversion of crypto to fiat, shielding the merchant from price volatility. Direct Wallet Integration: Less common for mainstream commerce due to volatility, but some merchants might accept direct wallet-to-wallet transfers for specific cryptocurrencies. User Experience: Customers typically select a crypto payment option at checkout, scan a QR code with their crypto wallet, and confirm the transaction. The ease of use and security of these systems are paramount for widespread adoption. For Trump merchandise stores, ensuring a seamless checkout experience will be key to encouraging token holders to use their TRUMP tokens. The Rise of Political Memecoins: A New Frontier for Digital Assets? The phenomenon of political memecoins has been a contentious yet captivating aspect of the crypto market. These tokens, often created around political figures, movements, or ideologies, blend internet culture with financial speculation. While many are short-lived and highly volatile, the TRUMP token (often associated with the MAGA community) has shown remarkable resilience and a dedicated following. This latest development raises crucial questions about the future of such assets: Aspect Traditional Memecoins Political Memecoins (e.g., TRUMP token) Primary Driver Internet humor, viral trends Political affiliation, community support Utility Often none beyond speculation Growing, now including merchandise payments Community Broad, often transient Dedicated, politically motivated Regulatory Scrutiny Increasing, but often reactive Potentially higher due to political ties The acceptance of TRUMP token for merchandise could set a precedent, inspiring other political memecoins to seek similar utility, thereby legitimizing a sub-sector of digital assets that was once dismissed as purely speculative. Challenges and Considerations for This Bold Move While the utility aspect is a clear benefit, integrating cryptocurrency payments , especially with a politically charged token, comes with its own set of challenges: Price Volatility: Cryptocurrencies, including TRUMP token, are notoriously volatile. This can pose risks for both consumers (if the token’s value drops significantly between purchase and delivery) and merchants (if they hold the token). Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies, particularly memecoins and those tied to political figures, is still evolving. This could lead to future legal complexities. Public Perception: Accepting a political memecoin could draw criticism from those who view it as unprofessional or a step towards further financialization of politics. Security Risks: As with any crypto transaction, there are inherent security risks related to wallet management and phishing attempts. Despite these hurdles, the willingness of official Trump merchandise stores to embrace this payment method suggests a strategic decision to tap into a dedicated, crypto-savvy supporter base. Actionable Insights for Investors and Enthusiasts For those interested in the evolving crypto landscape, this development offers several key takeaways: Monitor Utility: Keep an eye on tokens that are developing real-world utility beyond just trading. These often show more sustainable growth potential. Understand the Niche: For political memecoins , utility tied to the figure or movement they represent can be a powerful driver. Evaluate the strength and dedication of the community. Risk Assessment: Always conduct thorough research and understand the inherent risks of investing in highly volatile digital assets . Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Observe Market Trends: This move could signal a broader trend of niche cryptocurrencies finding specific use cases within their communities. The acceptance of TRUMP token on official stores is not just a transaction; it’s a statement about the increasing blurring lines between digital finance, political movements, and consumer culture. A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Commerce? The integration of TRUMP token for purchasing Trump merchandise is more than just a novelty; it could be a harbinger of future trends in digital commerce. As more communities form around specific digital assets, the demand for practical utility will inevitably grow. This could lead to a future where: Brand-Specific Tokens: Major brands might issue their own tokens, offering loyalty rewards or exclusive purchasing power. Community-Driven Economies: Online communities, political movements, or fan bases could develop their own internal economies powered by custom tokens. Increased Crypto Adoption: As more everyday transactions become possible with crypto, mainstream adoption could accelerate beyond just speculative trading. While the path ahead is still uncertain, this move by the Trump merchandise stores is a tangible example of how innovative thinking can push the boundaries of what’s possible with cryptocurrency payments . It underscores the ongoing evolution of digital assets from speculative instruments to functional tools in the global economy. In conclusion, the acceptance of TRUMP token for official Trump merchandise is a landmark event. It not only provides tangible utility for token holders but also highlights the growing influence of political memecoins and the expanding landscape of cryptocurrency payments . This unprecedented step could very well be a blueprint for how niche digital assets find real-world application, shaping the future of commerce and community engagement in the digital age. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping digital asset institutional adoption. This post Unprecedented: TRUMP Token Now Accepted for Official Trump Merchandise first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Tron (TRX) has surpassed Ethereum in USDT transaction volume, driven by significant whale activity and over one million daily retail transactions. SRM Entertainment’s strategic staking of TRX on JustLend highlights
Cloudflare, the internet infrastructure company responsible for routing about 20% of global web traffic, has announced it will begin blocking artificial intelligence (AI) crawlers by default. The change, effective Tuesday, changes how AI companies will be allowed to access content hosted on the web after publishers pushed for more control and compensation for their data. The content delivery network (CDN) helps websites cache and serve data closer to users. With this new policy, any new domain signing up for Cloudflare services will be prompted to decide when and if AI bots can access their content, or they can choose to block scrapers altogether. Cloudflare launches tools to control AI access The change adds to Cloudflare’s earlier initiatives to give publishers more control over their data. Last year, the company introduced a one-click solution to block all known AI bots and a dashboard to monitor crawler activity. Site owners use the tool to distinguish between crawlers scraping data for AI training, search purposes, or other uses. Tuesday’s announcement formalizes those protections and enforces them by default. “ AI crawlers have been scraping content without limits. Our goal is to put the power back in the hands of creators, while still helping AI companies innovat e,” said Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince in a statement released today. According to company records, Cloudflare’s Pay per Crawl system, the foundation of this initiative, is a marketplace where AI companies and content owners can agree on compensation per access. Both parties must have Cloudflare accounts, and once set up, they can negotiate prices and terms for web crawling activities. Cloudflare acts as a broker in the transaction, charging the AI company and passing the earnings to the publisher. AI developers rue limited website access Several AI developers, including OpenAI , the Microsoft-backed artificial intelligence firm behind ChatGPT, have declined to participate in the program. In a recent public statement, the company lambasted Cloudflare for inserting a new intermediary between publishers and AI developers. OpenAI mentioned it has a history of honoring the robots.txt protocol, a file that allows website operators to control crawler access, and insisted that it respects site preferences. In a June analysis, Cloudflare claims to have found a gap between scraping frequency and traffic referrals. Google’s crawler, for example, accessed websites 14 times for every visit it sent back. In comparison, OpenAI’s bot scraped sites 17,000 times for every referral. UK-based technology lawyer Matthew Holman told CNBC that AI crawlers can be intrusive and potentially harmful to user experience. “ They have been accused of overwhelming websites and significantly impacting user experience ,” he said . Holman added that if Cloudflare’s system works as intended, it could nerf the ability of AI chatbots to collect and train on large-scale web data. Publishers rally behind Cloudflare Major media companies are in support of Cloudflare’s efforts to reclaim control over digital content. Publishers, including TIME, The Associated Press, Conde Nast, The Atlantic, ADWEEK, and Fortune, have all agreed to block AI bots by default. Media outlets have been accepting data scraping from platforms like Google in exchange for traffic and ad revenue. But the current AI-driven ecosystem has no such reciprocity. For many, AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude consume content without meaningful engagement or revenue for original sources. Cloudflare says it will continue to work with developers to push AI crawlers that wish to be allowed access to disclose their identity, purpose, and crawling behavior. “Original content is what makes the Internet one of the greatest inventions in the last century,” CEO Matthew Prince stated. “We have to come together to protect it.” KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast
The post Did the Senate Pass the Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News As of this afternoon, the United States Senate remains locked in a marathon voting session on President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” a nearly 1,000-page legislative package that stands as the key part of Trump’s second-term plans. But, the big question on everyone’s mind today is: Did the Senate pass the Big Beautiful Bill? What Happened In The Senate? U.S President Donald Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ which narrowly passed the key Senate vote with 51 to 49 last week. As the bill now heads for its next round of votes now all eyes on today’s Senate season. The Senate, which currently has 52 Republicans and 48 Democrats, has been debating the bill for several days. So far, the bill has not passed. Two Republican senators have expressed concerns about the cuts to Medicaid and nutrition programs, joining all Democrats in opposing the bill in its current form. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that the chamber is “close” to a final vote but that lawmakers are still negotiating some changes. The vote was expected to happen before July 4th. Why Does Trump Want It Passed Before July 4th? Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” is a $2.1 trillion package. It includes major tax cuts, more money for border security and the military, and reductions in social programs like Medicaid and food stamps. Supporters, mostly Republicans, say the bill will create jobs, strengthen national security, and give people more money. Trump has called it “the most beautiful bill ever written” and wants it signed before July 4th. But Democrats say the bill is too risky. It would add $3.3 trillion to the national deficit over the next ten years. While it gives $1.2 trillion in tax cuts, mostly for high-income families, it also cuts $200 billion from important programs like Medicaid and food aid. What Happens Next? If the Senate passes the bill, it will return to the House of Representatives for final approval because the Senate has made changes to the original bill. Only after both chambers agree can the bill be sent to President Trump to be signed into law.