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Former U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to launch his own coin, which is set to take place on Wednesday. While some people speculated that it might be a cryptocurrency, Trump’s project is more of a traditional product than a digital asset.

 
New Coin to Support Presidential Campaign
Donald Trump, who is running for the presidency of the United States again, announced the launch of a new coin to raise funds for his election campaign. The project, titled "Silver Medallion First Edition President Trump," aims to distribute physical silver to Americans who support his political vision and want to see him back in office. Although many of his supporters expected Trump to release a cryptocurrency, this new coin is something entirely different.
 Launch of Limited Edition Coin
Trump announced that the coin will be sold for $100 each through the website RealTrumpCoins.com. The coin will be made of 99.9% pure silver and will only be available in a limited edition. One side of the coin will feature Donald Trump’s likeness, while the other side will display the White House accompanied by the phrase "In God We Trust."
 This coin is expected to be one of several activities that Trump undertakes to secure the necessary funding for his campaign ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in the U.S. The coin comes at a time when Trump is actively seeking new ways to bolster his campaign and ensure he has the resources he needs. He stated that this silver coin is the "ONLY OFFICIAL coin" he has designed and that was minted in the U.S. under his leadership.
 Cryptocurrency Expectations Unfulfilled
In recent months, several meme coins featuring themes related to Donald Trump have appeared in the market, capitalizing on his popularity. However, Trump has distanced himself from these unofficial tokens and emphasized during the introduction of his silver coin that:
"I’ve seen a lot of coins using my beautiful face, but they’re not official. RealTrumpCoin.com is the only place to purchase the official Trump coin."
 At first glance, Trump’s announcement of a new official coin might seem related to cryptocurrency, as many of his fans have been expecting him to introduce a digital asset. For instance, last week, 84% of bettors on the Polymarket platform believed that Trump would come out with his own cryptocurrency. This anticipation was fueled by the launch of the World Liberty Financial project, which was speculated to potentially include an official Trump cryptocurrency.
 World Liberty Financial and the True Purpose of the Coin
The World Liberty Financial project does contain a token called WLFI, but this token lacks the key characteristics of a classic cryptocurrency as many had envisioned. Although WLFI has been presented as a type of digital asset, it is not the classic cryptocurrency that Trump fans hoped for. While speculation continues regarding whether Trump will eventually come up with his own cryptocurrency project, the silver coin remains his current official product and focuses more on traditional investment in precious metals.
Thus, Trump continues to favor physical, tangible assets rather than joining the wave of digital assets that currently dominate the financial world.
Trump's fondness for cryptocurrencies.
Donald Trump also commented on the Fatty token before the presidential campaign. #Fatty caught Trump's attention because one of the characters in the game mimics Donald Trump, and they are also counting on Don's participation in their new video clip. The first episode featured UFC Champion Jiří Procházka and world-famous beauty contest winners. Fatty.io is still in presale, and it is expected to be one of the best launches of this period.
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

YouTube is significantly expanding its use of artificial intelligence and preparing new features designed to give creators more ways to grow their presence on the platform. According to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, creators will be able later this year to produce short video clips featuring their own digital likeness—an AI-generated version of their face and voice.
YouTube Shorts, the platform’s short-form video format, now averages around 200 billion views per day and will be the primary space for these new AI-driven experiments. While YouTube has not yet announced an exact launch date or detailed technical specifications, the company says more information will be shared soon.

AI as a tool, not a replacement
Digital likenesses are part of YouTube’s broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence across the platform. This year, new formats such as image-based posts are also expected to be introduced directly into creators’ channels. Creators already have access to AI-powered tools including channel analytics chatbots, automatic AI dubbing, and AI-generated clips for Shorts.
Mohan emphasized that AI is meant to support creators rather than replace them. In December, more than 1 million YouTube channels per day used the platform’s AI-powered creation tools. At the same time, over 6 million viewers per day watched at least ten minutes of content that had been automatically dubbed using artificial intelligence.

Stronger identity protection and parental controls
As AI adoption grows, YouTube is also strengthening protections for creators. The platform is expanding its likeness detection system, which flags instances where a creator’s face is used without consent in deepfake videos. This feature is being rolled out to millions of channels in the YouTube Partner Program.
YouTube is also simplifying and reinforcing parental controls. Parents will soon be able to better manage how much time their children spend watching short-form videos, including the option to set daily viewing limits all the way down to zero. Mohan stressed that parents—not governments—should decide what is appropriate for their families.

New features for YouTube TV and creative experimentation
YouTube TV will introduce a fully customizable multiview feature, allowing users to watch multiple live channels simultaneously on a single screen. In addition, more than ten specialized YouTube TV packages focused on sports, entertainment, and news will be launched, giving subscribers greater flexibility and control.
Creators will also be able to experiment with AI-generated games using text prompts and explore music creation powered by artificial intelligence. These developments come as YouTube tightens rules around content promoting digital gambling, including NFTs and in-game items.

Tackling “AI slop”
YouTube is also preparing to crack down on what Mohan described as “AI slop”—low-quality, spam-like content generated by artificial intelligence. Starting in 2026, the platform plans to significantly enhance its systems for identifying and removing misleading or manipulated content, including deepfakes.
Videos created with AI tools are already clearly labeled, and creators are required to disclose when content has been synthetically altered. YouTube’s systems also remove harmful synthetic media that violates platform policies.

A massive business with room to grow
In September, YouTube announced that it has paid more than $100 billion to creators, artists, and media companies since 2021. Analysts at MoffettNathanson estimate that if YouTube were a standalone company, its valuation would fall between $475 billion and $550 billion.
According to YouTube’s leadership, the platform remains committed to building one of the world’s most diverse creator economies—combining artificial intelligence, identity protection, and new monetization tools to turn creators’ unique visions into sustainable global businesses.

#YouTube , #AI , #DigitalMedia , #ArtificialInteligence , #worldnews

Iran’s central bank reportedly purchased cryptocurrencies worth more than $500 million in 2025 as it grappled with a deepening financial crisis and sought ways to circumvent U.S. sanctions. The findings come from a report by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic.
According to Elliptic, the central bank carried out two major purchases of the USDT stablecoin issued by Tether in April and May 2025. The conclusions are based on leaked documents as well as the firm’s own blockchain investigations.
By June 2025, most of the funds had been transferred to a domestic Iranian cryptocurrency exchange, where users could hold USDT, swap it for other digital assets, or convert it into Iranian rials. That setup changed dramatically after the exchange was hacked in June by groups aligned with Israel. Following the breach, the USDT was converted into various crypto assets and moved across multiple blockchain networks.

Sanctions, oil exports, and exclusion from SWIFT
Iran has been largely cut off from global financial markets since 2018, when then–U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal and reimposed sweeping sanctions on the country. These measures severely restricted Iran’s ability to sell oil—its primary source of foreign revenue.
The country has also struggled to repatriate export earnings and was removed from the SWIFT banking network, further limiting its access to international finance. As a result, the central bank’s ability to defend the rial and rein in surging prices has been significantly weakened.
According to the Elliptic report, seen by The Guardian, Iran appears to be using cryptocurrencies both to prevent further depreciation of the rial and to settle international trade payments. Analysts describe this strategy as the creation of a “sanctions-resistant banking system”—a parallel financial layer that preserves U.S. dollar–linked value beyond the reach of American authorities.

Iran’s crypto market continues to expand
The rapid growth of crypto adoption in Iran is supported by separate research from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. In a recent report, the company estimated that Iran’s cryptocurrency activity reached $7.78 billion in 2025. An increasing number of Iranians are turning to digital assets to protect their savings from runaway inflation, seeking alternatives to increasingly expensive dollars and euros.
Since 2018, the Iranian rial has lost roughly 90% of its value, while inflation has remained persistently high at around 40–50%. Crypto activity tends to spike around major political and security events. Notable increases were recorded during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025, when joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Hackers, protests, and the role of the Revolutionary Guard
The year 2025 also saw a wave of cyberattacks. Targets included Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, and Bank Sepah—the country’s oldest bank, widely used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Hackers even breached Iran’s state television broadcasts, airing footage of women-led protests and calling on citizens to take to the streets.
Blockchain data indicate that addresses linked to the Revolutionary Guard play a dominant role in Iran’s crypto ecosystem. In the final months of 2025, they accounted for more than 50% of the total value received. While such addresses took in over $2 billion in 2024, that figure rose to more than $3 billion in 2025.

Bitcoin as a financial escape route
A notable behavioral shift emerged during mass protests at the turn of 2025–2026. Data show a sharp rise in both the volume and number of transfers into personal wallets. The most striking trend was the surge in withdrawals from Iranian exchanges into private Bitcoin wallets.
This pattern suggests that, during periods of political unrest, Iranians increasingly seek direct control over their digital assets. Bitcoin’s censorship resistance and the ability to hold value outside government-controlled financial channels are seen as particularly valuable—especially for those who may need to move quickly, relocate, or operate beyond the reach of the state-run banking system.

#iran , #CryptoNews , #Stablecoins , #USDT , #Geopolitics

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,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

XRP entered 2026 with strong momentum, but investor optimism proved short-lived. After an early-January rally that pushed the price up to $2.41, the market reversed and the token gradually gave back nearly all of its gains for the year. A combination of market instability, macroeconomic concerns, and weakening investor sentiment weighed heavily on XRP’s performance.

A strong start followed by a correction
XRP began the year on an optimistic note. Within the first six days of January, it surged by roughly 31%, briefly becoming one of the best-performing large-cap cryptocurrencies. The rally was fueled by renewed capital flows into regulated investment products linked to XRP, alongside growing interest from both institutional and retail investors.
However, the enthusiasm quickly faded. Rising caution across financial markets and the return of macroeconomic risks shifted momentum not only for XRP, but for the broader crypto sector as well. At the time of writing, XRP is trading around $1.91, representing a decline of approximately 20.7% from its January peak.

Back to early-year levels
Market data show that XRP entered 2026 at a price near $1.84. When the token fell back to this level later in January, virtually all year-to-date gains had been erased. A subsequent rebound was modest, leaving XRP up only by low single digits.
This marks a sharp contrast to its earlier performance. In 2025, XRP reached a multi-year high of $3.67 and, for a brief period in January, outperformed Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. That surge allowed XRP to reclaim third place among cryptocurrencies by market capitalization (excluding stablecoins), overtaking BNB.

Capital inflows meet macroeconomic reality
The early-January rally coincided with strong inflows into crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs). More than $1 billion flowed into these vehicles during the first trading days of the year, signaling a return of investor confidence. Spot ETF products linked to XRP alone attracted nearly $79 million in inflows over three days, building on the momentum from the previous year.
That positive impulse, however, ran into a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Expectations for near-term interest rate cuts weakened, key economic data showed limited progress, and the delay of the CLARITY bill began to weigh on market sentiment. Investor confidence was further shaken by renewed trade-war concerns after Donald Trump once again raised the prospect of higher tariffs. As a result, XRP slipped below the psychological $2 level.

What comes next for XRP
Analysts generally view macro-driven setbacks of this kind as temporary. A stabilization in sentiment could come from the broader four-year crypto cycle and, in particular, from renewed strength in Bitcoin. If forecasts of a so-called supercycle materialize, XRP could follow the broader market higher.
Regulatory developments could also play a role in improving sentiment. While opinions differ on whether current legislative proposals will deliver sufficient regulatory clarity, many market participants believe clearer rules would support wider adoption of digital assets. XRP has also been gaining recognition as a payment-focused alternative to legacy financial systems, a narrative that could strengthen its long-term outlook.
As for price targets, opinions remain divided. Some institutions, including Standard Chartered, have suggested XRP could reach as high as $8 by year-end, implying a potential reversal from the current consolidation phase. That scenario remains highly speculative, however, as extreme volatility continues to define the cryptocurrency market.

#xrp , #Ripple , #Altcoin , #CryptoNews , #CryptoMarket

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While most global stock markets weakened on Wednesday, Chinese equities moved in the opposite direction. Investors focused on the government’s increasing push for technological self-sufficiency and the acceleration of domestic artificial intelligence development, even as global markets remain gripped by uncertainty and geopolitical tension.
Strength was most evident in the technology sector. The STAR 50 Index, often compared to the Nasdaq, climbed as much as 4.3%, marking its strongest weekly gain. The broader CSI 300 Index, which tracks major mainland Chinese stocks, was up around 0.5% by mid-afternoon.

Global markets under pressure from trade tensions
Optimism in China stood in sharp contrast to developments elsewhere. Asian equities overall fell by roughly 0.8%, while the S&P 500 recorded its steepest decline since October. The sell-off followed renewed concerns over escalating trade disputes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on European countries that rejected his proposal to purchase Greenland.
China’s stock market—the second largest in the world—found support in a clear signal from Beijing: accelerate domestic technology development, strengthen artificial intelligence capabilities, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. This strategy has helped Chinese equities hold up better than expected over the past year. Strong exports and targeted government support for advanced manufacturing and technology sectors have softened the impact of tariff-related pressures.

Chipmakers lead the rally
Semiconductor companies emerged as the main drivers of gains. Although memory prices were rising across Asia, the most pronounced jumps were seen in China. Shares of Loongson Technology Corp surged by 20%, while Hygon Information Technology Co rose by about 17%.
According to Steven Tseng of Bloomberg Intelligence, the strength in chip stocks is not solely linked to memory price movements. Instead, it reflects a broader trend tied to China’s ambition to build a fully self-sufficient semiconductor ecosystem.

Outlook remains constructive
Despite mainland Chinese stocks hitting a four-year high earlier this month—and subsequent regulatory measures such as tighter margin-financing rules aimed at cooling the rally—investor sentiment remains broadly positive. Chen Shi of Shanghai Jade Stone Investment Management expects equities to continue rising, citing limited domestic investment alternatives. He believes China could outperform global markets again in the coming days.

#china , #stockmarket , #AI , #TechStocks , #Investing

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Despite speculation that the U.S. administration might step back from supporting crypto legislation, the White House is once again trying to revive negotiations on a key bill that would define the regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States. Behind the scenes, a tense struggle is unfolding between policymakers, regulators, and the crypto industry itself.
Sources close to the administration suggest that frustration over repeated delays had grown so strong that a complete withdrawal of support was even considered. Nevertheless, the White House ultimately decided to maintain pressure and push for a deal.

White House Adviser: Now Is the Time to Act, Not to Wait
The Executive Director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, Patrick Witt, openly called on both the crypto industry and lawmakers to accept compromises. According to him, the United States is currently in a uniquely favorable position: the president is supportive of crypto, the administration holds influence in Congress, and key regulatory agencies are open to dialogue.
Witt warned that missing this window of opportunity could have serious consequences. If regulation were only introduced after another major market shock or collapse, it would likely be rushed through under fear and political pressure—similar to what happened after the 2008 financial crisis—and could end up being far more restrictive for the industry.

Coinbase Comes Under Fire
Tensions escalated further after Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange, withdrew its support for the proposed legislation. Its CEO, Brian Armstrong, stated that “no bill is better than a bad bill,” a comment that triggered sharp criticism from within the White House.
Witt challenged this stance, arguing that such statements are only possible thanks to the current administration’s pro-crypto attitude. He also emphasized that a crypto market structure bill will eventually be passed regardless—arguing that the real question is not “if,” but “when.”

Why the Legislation Matters So Much
Congress is currently debating how regulatory authority over crypto assets should be divided between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, unresolved issues surrounding stablecoins, yield-bearing products, and decentralized protocols have sparked strong resistance from parts of the industry as well as from the traditional banking sector.
Due to this pushback, several key legislative steps have been delayed. At the same time, banks have intensified lobbying efforts, arguing that crypto firms should not be allowed to offer stablecoin-based yield products that could compete with traditional financial institutions.

Davos, Banks, and Delayed Decisions
The situation is further complicated by the fact that part of the discussion has shifted to the international stage. Representatives from the crypto sector and major banks are expected to meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where additional lobbying efforts are likely to shape the final form of the legislation.
In response to mounting criticism, the U.S. Senate has postponed key hearings until late January, underscoring how difficult it has become to reach consensus.

Compromise Now—or Harsher Regulation Later
According to the White House, the current moment is pivotal. Either a compromise-based crypto law is passed now, while political conditions remain relatively favorable, or regulation will be delayed and eventually imposed under far less forgiving circumstances.
As Patrick Witt made clear, an industry worth several trillion dollars cannot continue operating indefinitely without a comprehensive regulatory framework. The question is no longer whether regulation will arrive—but under what terms, and who will have a seat at the table when it does.

#whitehouse , #USPolitics , #bitcoin , #DigitalAssets , #USPolitics

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The cryptocurrency market was hit by a violent shock that wiped out $1.08 billion in a single day and forced more than 182,000 traders to close their positions. The event occurred on January 20, 2026, with nearly all losses falling on traders who were positioned for further price increases in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The market sent a clear message: leveraged trading has become extremely dangerous in an environment of tightening global liquidity.

Liquidation Cascade Crushes Long Positions
Within 24 hours leading up to January 20, 2,729 individual positions were liquidated. Long traders absorbed almost the entire damage—$1.08 billion, while short positions accounted for just $79.67 million, highlighting how one-sided market positioning had become.
Bitcoin and Ethereum dominated liquidation volumes:
Bitcoin (BTC): $427.06 millionEthereum (ETH): $374.47 million
The largest single liquidation occurred on the BTCUSDT_UMCBL pair on Bitget, totaling $13.52 million.
Major platforms were heavily affected:
Hyperliquid – $132.39 million in just 4 hoursBybit – $91.35 millionBinance – $64.08 million
As prices moved sharply against leveraged positions, exchanges triggered automatic margin calls, creating a chain reaction of forced selling that accelerated the downturn.

One Trader “Rekt” Five Times in a Single Day
Notable trader Machi Big Brother was liquidated five times in one day, losing $24.18 million. He still holds 2,200 ETH worth $6.67 million, but those holdings are at risk if Ethereum drops to $2,991.43.
Warning signs were already present. Most altcoins are now trading with daily RSI levels below 50, a threshold that typically signals continued selling pressure.
The ratio of liquidations to open interest remained elevated across the market—a metric that tracks how much of active positions are being forcibly closed by exchanges, which tends to spike during stress events.
The result is a depleted market: trading accounts wiped out, capital exhausted, and buyers arriving too late—when the market needs them most.

Japan Tightens the Global Liquidity Noose
Conditions worsened further due to developments outside crypto. On January 20, Japan’s bond market experienced a major shift:
The 30-year Japanese government bond yield jumped 25 basis points to 3.86%The 10-year yield rose 8 basis points to 2.34%
Both levels represent modern-era record highs.
For years, ultra-low Japanese yields fueled global carry trades—borrowing yen cheaply to invest in higher-yielding assets such as cryptocurrencies. As yields rise, these trades become more expensive, prompting capital to flow back into Japan.
The Bank of Japan now faces a dilemma:
tightening policy risks market instability,capping yields risks weakening the yen.
Either way, the era of easy global liquidity is fading.

Davos Uncertainty and the Risk of Another Sell-Off
Another layer of uncertainty comes from the World Economic Forum in Davos, where ongoing political discussions could lead to tighter regulatory measures. Combined with weakening technical indicators, shrinking liquidity, and depleted trading capital, the risk of renewed volatility is rising.
Once again, crypto markets are reminded of a hard truth: leverage amplifies gains—but in moments of stress, it takes everything. When conditions flip, exchanges liquidate without mercy, leaving traders completely “rekt.”

What Comes Next?
Until global financial conditions improve and new liquidity enters the system, downside pressure may persist. Only lower price levels or a meaningful shift in macroeconomic trends are likely to attract fresh capital.
The coming days will reveal whether crypto markets can absorb this liquidation shock—or whether another wave of forced sell-offs lies ahead.

#BTC , #cryptocrash , #CryptoMarket , #cryptotrading , #bitcoin

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Despite Bitcoin reaching multiple new all-time highs over the past year, global public interest in the flagship cryptocurrency has declined sharply. Data from online searches and social media activity reveal a striking disconnect: while prices surged, public attention faded.
According to Google Trends data and social media analytics, search volume for the term “Bitcoin” fell by approximately 50% year-over-year in 2025, even as Bitcoin climbed to record price levels and briefly exceeded $126,080.

Record Prices, Weak Attention: Bitcoin Loses Media Momentum
Bitcoin rose above $120,000 in 2025 and set a new all-time high at $126,080, yet public engagement failed to return to levels seen in previous market cycles. This paradox highlights a growing separation between price performance and social or media attention.
Bitcoin developer Jameson Lopp noted that the number of posts on X mentioning “Bitcoin” declined by 32% between 2024 and 2025, totaling approximately 96 million posts. This reinforces the view that discussion around Bitcoin weakened even as prices rose.

Short-Lived Attention Spikes, No Sustained Momentum
Public interest only saw brief upticks around specific events, including:
🔹 The inauguration of President Donald Trump

🔹 The pardon of Ross Ulbricht related to Silk Road

🔹 The re-establishment of the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
However, none of these events resulted in lasting engagement. Traditionally significant milestones such as Bitcoin Pizza Day generated only marginal interaction. Even Bitcoin’s breakout above $120,000 failed to trigger a large-scale return of retail enthusiasm.
In October, when Bitcoin hit its peak of $126,080, social media activity remained muted. Shortly afterward, a sharp market correction occurred: on October 10, over $19 billion in leveraged crypto positions were liquidated, likely further dampening market enthusiasm.

Core Bitcoin Advocates Remain Active as Broader Interest Fades
While mainstream discussion declined, prominent Bitcoin figures remained highly engaged. Narrative-tracking tools such as Perception show steady output from long-time Bitcoin supporters despite falling search interest.
🔹 Michael Saylor ranked first with 1,268 Bitcoin-related posts, with nearly 97% carrying a neutral or optimistic tone.

🔹 Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, posted more than 11,450 updates, often focusing on security, code integrity, and quantum-computing risks.

🔹 Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, published 9,445 Bitcoin-related tweets, with a 23% positivity rate, emphasizing individual freedom, human rights, and financial sovereignty.

Market Sentiment Remains Cautious Despite Price Recovery
Santiment data indicates that social sentiment toward Bitcoin shifted toward a more bearish stance in mid-January 2026, even as prices rose from $90,320 to $97,540.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index remained largely in the “fear” or “extreme fear” zones throughout most of 2026, signaling persistent investor caution despite the market rebound.
However, CryptoQuant data suggests a possible shift: the 30-day moving average of the Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index crossed above the 90-day moving average, indicating improving short-term sentiment despite lingering long-term concerns.

Conclusion
Over the past year, Bitcoin reached historic price highs while simultaneously experiencing a significant decline in public interest. A 50% drop in search activity, weaker social engagement, and cautious sentiment suggest that the current rally is being driven more by institutional capital than by retail hype. Nevertheless, the core Bitcoin community remains highly active—potentially laying the groundwork for the market’s next phase.

#BTC , #bitcoin , #CryptoMarket , #DigitalAssets , #CryptoNews

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Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has announced that 2026 should mark a decisive return of decentralized social networks into the mainstream. According to him, a healthy society cannot function without high-quality mass communication tools — and today’s platforms are failing because they prioritize short-term engagement over users’ long-term interests.
Buterin emphasizes that there is no simple technical fix that can immediately solve the problems of today’s social media. The key, in his view, is competition — and decentralization is what makes real competition possible. A shared data layer allows anyone to build their own client application without being dependent on a single company or algorithm.

Buterin Is Already Actively Using Decentralized Platforms
Vitalik Buterin also revealed that he has fully returned to decentralized social networks since the beginning of this year. He stated that every post he has read or published in 2026 has been accessed via firefly.social.
This multi-client platform enables users to read and publish content across X, Bluesky, Farcaster, and Lens. However, Buterin noted that his activity on Bluesky remains limited due to its 300-character limit, which is unsuitable for his longer analytical reflections.

More Content Headed to Lens and Farcaster
Buterin also announced plans to significantly increase his activity on Lens this year and encouraged the community to spend more time on Lens, Farcaster, and the broader decentralized social ecosystem.
According to him, the crypto industry must move beyond endless tweeting within a single global “information war zone.” He described Lens as a new open frontier, where more meaningful and higher-quality forms of interaction can emerge.
He also praised the Aave team for their work managing Lens so far and said he is curious to see how the project evolves over the next year.

Why Social Networks Must Solve Social Problems — Not Just Maximize Profit
Buterin stresses that decentralized social platforms should be built by people who genuinely understand social interaction and human communication, rather than purely focusing on monetizing attention. In this context, he sharply criticizes a phenomenon he calls “corposlop.”

What “Corposlop” Is — and Why It’s Dangerous
Earlier this month, Buterin explained that corposlop represents a corporate social media model that maximizes outrage, dopamine hits, and short-term engagement at the expense of long-term value. It also includes mass data collection, poor data stewardship, and, in many cases, the sale of user data to third parties.
According to Buterin, this model creates a hollow, homogeneous, and often harmful digital culture that presents itself as polished and trustworthy while actually encouraging behavior designed solely to maximize profits.
While he agrees with much of this criticism, Buterin emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the open web and the sovereign web.
“Be sovereign. Reject corporate justification. Believe in something.”
— Vitalik Buterin

The Sovereign Web as an Alternative to Digital Manipulation
Buterin notes that Bitcoin maximalists recognized the risks of corporate capture early on, which is why they resisted ICOs, alternative tokens, and financial applications beyond Bitcoin. While their concerns were valid, he acknowledges that their approach sometimes overly restricted users.
By contrast, the sovereign web, according to Buterin, includes applications focused on privacy protection, local environments, and genuine user control over content. Social media platforms should give users authority over what they see, while financial tools should help people grow wealth responsibly — not manipulatively.
Today, digital sovereignty means acting based on values, protecting privacy, and resisting psychological and algorithmic manipulation. It’s not about short-term gains, but about long-term human needs — and those should be at the core of the future internet.

#VitalikButerin , #defi , #ETH , #CryptoNews , #CryptoCommunity

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The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and OpenAI have joined forces on an ambitious $50 million initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across African healthcare systems. The program, called Horizon1000, is designed to help governments and healthcare institutions deploy AI tools to improve access to care and raise the overall quality of medical services.

Horizon1000: AI as a Response to the Healthcare Workforce Shortage
Horizon1000 will provide African countries with practical expertise on integrating AI into healthcare—ranging from earlier disease detection to clinical decision support. According to the Gates Foundation, the initiative could reduce mortality rates and ease the severe shortage of healthcare workers that affects many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The partners stress that these tools will not be imported, one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, they will be developed in close collaboration with local policymakers and healthcare leaders to ensure they meet region-specific needs.

Clear Targets Through 2028
By 2028, Horizon1000 aims to support up to 1,000 primary healthcare clinics and surrounding communities across several African countries, starting with Rwanda. The foundation has already established an AI for Health Center in Kigali to anchor the program locally.
At last year’s Africa HealthTech Summit, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, described AI as the third major turning point in the history of medicine, following vaccines (1796) and antibiotics (1928). He highlighted practical successes such as Zipline’s drone deliveries of blood and medical supplies to remote hospitals—now a routine, life-saving service across rural Rwanda.

The Data Behind the Urgency
The Gates Foundation points to a shortfall of nearly 6 million healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa—a gap that education systems are unlikely to close in the near term.

According to estimates from the World Health Organization, poor-quality care contributes to 6–8 million deaths every year in low- and middle-income countries. These figures do not include millions living in rural areas with no access to healthcare at all.
Bill Gates noted that in regions facing acute staff shortages and weak infrastructure, AI could be a breakthrough for expanding access to quality care.

Concerns Remain: Accuracy, Bias, and Language
Despite the optimism, experts urge caution. Critics warn that AI systems can misdiagnose patients, especially if symptoms are described inaccurately. Another concern is data bias: many AI models are trained on datasets that underrepresent women and ethnic minorities, potentially leading to incomplete or skewed recommendations.
Language is another major challenge. Africa is home to thousands of languages and dialects, yet most healthcare data and AI models are trained primarily in English. This could disadvantage patients and clinicians who do not use English as a first language.
A study published last year by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that even how a medical question is phrased can influence AI responses. Patients whose messages included spelling errors, informal language, or vague wording were 7–9% more likely to be advised not to seek medical care compared with those using perfectly formatted text.

A Heavy Responsibility for Developers
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the responsibility developers carry in shaping these systems:
“Artificial intelligence may be a scientific miracle no matter what, but for it to become a social miracle, we have to find ways to use this incredible technology to genuinely improve people’s lives.”
Horizon1000 therefore represents both a major opportunity and a critical test. If AI solutions can be aligned with local realities, the initiative has the potential to fundamentally transform healthcare delivery across Africa.

#AI , #Afrika , #technews , #SamAltman , #BillGates

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Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) has announced a key milestone for its first digital token initiative. The company has set February 2, 2026, as the record date for its upcoming token airdrop. This date will be used to determine which shareholders are eligible to receive the token.
According to the official announcement, any investor who owns at least one full share of DJT as of February 2, 2026, and is classified as either a beneficial owner or a registered holder, will qualify to receive a non-transferable crypto token.

Token Designed as a Utility, Not a Security
Trump Media previously clarified that the upcoming token does not represent equity ownership, voting rights, or any financial stake in the company. Instead, it is designed as a shareholder utility token, intended to provide holders with access to recurring benefits and discounts across Trump Media’s ecosystem.
These benefits are expected to apply to products such as Truth Social, Truth+, and Truth Predict. The initiative aims to strengthen engagement with shareholders by offering value beyond traditional capital market participation.
The company also confirmed a partnership with Crypto.com, which will be responsible for minting the tokens and providing blockchain custody services.

Allocation Details Still Pending
Trump Media first revealed its digital token plans on December 31, at which time it stated that distribution would occur on a 1:1 basis—one token per DJT share. In its most recent update, however, the company did not reiterate this ratio, noting instead that additional details regarding the allocation process will be disclosed at a later date.
Commenting on the initiative, Devin Nunes, CEO and Chairman of Trump Media, said the move is designed to benefit shareholders while improving transparency:
“We look forward to leveraging Crypto.com’s blockchain technology in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines for the benefit of our shareholders, including enhancing transparency by gaining clearer insight into bona fide shareholders as of the record date.”

Market Reaction: Initial Spike, Then Pullback
Following the announcement, Trump Media shares jumped more than 7% on Monday, although the stock gave back most of those gains by the end of the trading session.

Trump Media Expands Its Blockchain Strategy
The token airdrop is part of a broader effort by Trump Media to integrate blockchain technology across its business operations. Over the past year, the company has rolled out several blockchain-related initiatives.
In collaboration with Crypto.com, Trump Media is also involved in a SPAC merger with Yorkville Acquisition Corp., aimed at forming a new entity called Trump Media Group CRO Strategy. The initiative focuses on accumulating CRO tokens and supporting the expansion of the Cronos ecosystem.
Additionally, earlier reports indicated that Trump Media is developing a market prediction platform called Truth Predict, along with exploring the launch of multiple cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through its fintech division, Truth.Fi.

#TRUMP , #TruthSocial , #TrumpMedia , #blockchain , #CryptoNews

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Despite rising activity from large investors, Uniswap (UNI) has so far failed to follow whale accumulation with a price recovery. Even though supply is being absorbed, the market structure remains bearish and UNI continues to struggle.
One major whale recently re-entered the market after panic-selling 798,734 UNI for $4.26 million. Just days later, the same entity took advantage of lower prices and bought back 757,684 UNI for $3.66 million, signaling a shift in sentiment—but not yet a trend reversal.

UNI Slides After Failed Breakout Attempt
After attempting a breakout roughly a week ago, Uniswap faced strong resistance and dropped to $5.8. Since then, UNI has been trading inside a descending channel, with the broader crypto market sell-off intensifying the downside pressure.
At the time of writing, UNI was trading at $4.92, marking a daily decline of 1.29% and extending its weekly downtrend. This price weakness prompted investors—particularly whales—to step in and buy the dip.

Whales Take Profits, Then Re-Accumulate
Once UNI reached $5.8, large holders began taking profits. This pushed market momentum briefly to a peak of 6.2, but the increased selling volume quickly weakened bullish momentum and prevented further upside.
The whale momentum index then fell from 6.2 to 5.6, resulting in a negative price impact of at least 4.46%. This decline showed that once whales exited, remaining buyers lacked the strength to push prices higher.

During this phase, on-chain tracking identified a specific whale. As the market turned lower, the investor sold 798,734 UNI for $4.26 million at a price of $5.33 per token. After this sale, UNI continued falling to a local low of $4.5, before staging a modest bounce.
As prices kept declining, the same whale re-entered the market, purchasing 757,684 UNI for $3.66 million at an average price of $4.83 per token. This move suggests confidence in a potential recovery, though not confirmation of a trend reversal.

Demand Strengthens, but Price Still Lags
Alongside the whale’s return, demand metrics shifted sharply. Buyer strength surged to 96, while seller dominance dropped to 3.5. By comparison, sellers dominated the previous day with a reading of 67, highlighting a dramatic swing toward buyers.
Another key signal came from spot market flows. UNI’s spot netflow remained negative for four consecutive days, indicating increased spot demand. At the time of writing, netflow stood at –$290,000, a major improvement from –$3.13 million the previous day.

Is This Enough to Reverse the Trend?
Despite these bullish demand signals, Uniswap has yet to show sustainable upside momentum. The RSI rose from 32 to 35, but remains deep in bearish territory. UNI is also trading below its short-term moving averages (19 MA and 21 MA), confirming continued downside pressure.
If bearish conditions persist, UNI could revisit the $4.5 level. However, if whale demand holds and buyer strength continues to increase, the token could reclaim its moving averages and target key resistance at $5.8.

Final Thoughts
A Uniswap whale repurchased 757,684 UNI for $3.66 million after panic-selling 798,734 UNI for $4.26 million just days earlier. While this behavior points to renewed confidence among large holders, UNI remains under strong bearish pressure, and current demand has not yet been sufficient to pull the token out of its decline.

#uniswap , #UNI , #CryptoWhales , #altcoins , #defi

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The Bitcoin market is undergoing a major shift. Control over BTC’s price action is gradually moving away from long-term holders toward a new generation of whales that entered the market only within the past year. Their behavior is increasingly determining whether Bitcoin moves higher or remains under pressure.

BTC Is Changing Hands: New Players Are in Charge
On-chain data suggests that a significant portion of Bitcoin changed owners in 2025. While some transfers may be technical in nature, the growing share of newly created wallets points to an influx of fresh capital. These newer investors, however, lack experience with previous market cycles, which strongly influences how they react to price volatility.
A key indicator is Realized Cap, which tracks BTC’s value based on the price at which coins last moved on-chain. This metric is increasingly concentrated among new whales, signaling that large amounts of Bitcoin were acquired at much higher price levels—often near all-time highs above $120,000.

Veteran Investors Took Profits, Control Shifted
Throughout 2025, long-term holders and legacy whales gradually began taking profits. Their place was taken by new capital that entered the market toward the end of the recent bull run. Wallets aged between 6 and 12 months now control more than 17% of Bitcoin’s marginal supply, making them one of the most influential selling cohorts.
This transition is happening at a sensitive moment. Bitcoin recently dropped as low as $86,000 as market sentiment deteriorated. Newer holders tend to react more impulsively, often locking in gains quickly or cutting losses, weakening the traditional long-term holding narrative.

New Whales Are Under Pressure
The average acquisition price for new whales sits around $98,000, meaning many have only recently reached breakeven. With spot prices trending lower again, a growing portion of this group has slipped back into losses. Estimates suggest that new holders are currently sitting on approximately $6 billion in unrealized losses, a factor that could heavily influence their future behavior.
In contrast, older whales remain largely unaffected. Their average realized price is around $40,000 per BTC, making current price levels far less threatening. Their activity has been sporadic and limited, contributing little to selling pressure.

The Market Is Returning to Distribution Mode
Recent sell-offs show that new whales are increasingly willing to sell into weakness. Rather than acting on long-term conviction, their behavior is focused on risk management and capital preservation. If this trend continues, Bitcoin may remain in a distribution phase until losses are fully absorbed or the market reaches capitulation followed by recovery.
This is reflected in sentiment indicators as well. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has fallen to 32, firmly back in fear territory. While Bitcoin briefly attempted to stabilize, the broader outlook remains uncertain and heavily dependent on how this new generation of large holders responds to continued volatility.

#BTC , #CryptoWhale , #bitcoin , #CryptoMarket , #DigitalAssets

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Tensions between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and xAI founder Elon Musk have once again spilled into the public arena. The two tech leaders exchanged sharp remarks on social platform X, with Musk even urging users to “not let their loved ones use ChatGPT.”
The dispute was sparked by claims circulating on X suggesting that OpenAI’s language model ChatGPT played a role in several tragic user outcomes. Musk labeled the allegations “demonic” and launched a direct attack on OpenAI’s leadership. Altman responded by pointing out that Musk had previously criticized ChatGPT for being overly restrictive, while now accusing it of being too permissive.
Altman emphasized the scale of responsibility OpenAI carries:
“Nearly a billion people use ChatGPT. Some of them may be in extremely fragile mental states. We are doing everything we can to handle these situations safely and respectfully—but these are complex and tragic cases.”

OpenAI Acknowledges Risks, Updates Safety Mechanisms
According to a BBC report from last year, approximately 0.07% of ChatGPT’s weekly active users showed signs of mania, psychosis, or suicidal ideation. Another 0.15% engaged in conversations with explicit indicators of suicidal intent. In response, OpenAI updated ChatGPT to better recognize crisis signals and respond with empathy and safety-focused guidance.
Altman acknowledged that balancing protection for vulnerable users while maintaining the tool’s usefulness is extremely challenging. However, he stressed that the issue cannot be solved through blunt restrictions alone.

An Old Rift Resurfaces: OpenAI vs. xAI
Altman and Musk were once collaborators. They co-founded OpenAI in 2015 as a nonprofit AI research lab focused on public benefit. Musk left OpenAI’s board in 2018 and later became one of its most vocal critics, particularly regarding its partnership with Microsoft and its shift toward a commercial structure.
Musk went on to launch xAI and its AI model Grok, which has recently drawn criticism for controversial behavior. Grok was accused of sexualizing images, a claim xAI disputes. In early January, the company warned that any attempts to generate illegal content would be treated as if the user had uploaded such material themselves.
Altman responded indirectly, suggesting that Musk’s products have serious issues of their own that warrant scrutiny.

Tesla Under Fire: Autopilot and Fatal Accidents
The clash extended beyond AI. Altman also criticized Musk’s automotive company Tesla, citing reports of fatalities linked to the Autopilot system. He noted that his own brief experience using Tesla’s system left him feeling it was far from safe.
A Bloomberg investigation further highlighted cases where Tesla vehicle doors could not be opened following crashes, contributing to fatal outcomes. Tesla has since stated it is considering technical changes, including automatic door unlocking during power loss and redesigning door handles.

A Broader Battle Over the Future of Technology
The public confrontation between Altman and Musk underscores a deep philosophical divide between two former allies. While Altman stresses responsibility, safeguards, and incremental improvements, Musk warns of dangers while facing scrutiny over his own technologies.
The dispute is not merely personal—it reflects a larger debate over how far advanced technologies should go and who bears responsibility for their societal impact.

#OpenAI , #SamAltman , #ElonMusk , #AI , #Grok

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The price of Shiba Inu (SHIB) has continued to decline in recent days amid a weakening sentiment across the broader crypto market. Geopolitical risks and pressure on global financial markets have weighed on risk assets, including popular meme coins. Despite this, technical charts are beginning to show a formation that could signal a notable rebound.
Quick snapshot
🔹 SHIB is forming a large descending wedge, a pattern often preceding a strong bounce

🔹 The supply of SHIB tokens held on exchanges continues to decline

🔹 In a recovery scenario, $0.000010 stands out as a key resistance level
Shiba Inu fell to a daily low of $0.0000087, marking a 3.68% intraday drop and sitting about 25% below this year’s high. The token remains roughly 78% below its 2025 peak, with its market capitalization sliding to around $4.5 billion.

Macro pressure and ecosystem challenges weigh on price
The recent weakness in SHIB mirrors the broader crypto sell-off. Bitcoin and most altcoins declined after Donald Trump announced new tariff measures targeting several countries, including Germany and France. Investor caution was further fueled by developments in Japan, where government bond yields surged to multi-decade highs amid expectations that the Bank of Japan could raise interest rates multiple times this year.
Shiba Inu has also been pressured by a sharp slowdown in its burn rate. After more than 30 million tokens were burned the previous day, the amount destroyed on Tuesday plunged by 98% to just 500,000 SHIB.
Another drag comes from the Shibarium network, where data shows that total value locked (TVL) has dropped by 50% over the past 30 days to roughly $729,000, placing it among the smallest players in the Layer-2 sector.

One key positive: SHIB continues to leave exchanges
Despite the negative backdrop, there is a constructive signal. The amount of SHIB held on exchanges has been steadily declining in recent months, suggesting that some investors are withdrawing tokens to private wallets and accumulating them with a longer-term perspective.
Historically, such trends have often preceded stronger price moves.

Technical outlook: descending wedge could mark a trend shift
The daily chart shows that SHIB formed a bottom near $0.00000685 earlier this year before rallying to $0.000015 on January 4. Since then, the price has retreated and remains below the 50-day and 100-day exponential moving averages, indicating that bears still control the short-term trend.
However, from a technical standpoint, the most important development is the formation of a large descending wedge, created by two converging trendlines. Earlier this year, price briefly broke above the upper boundary of this pattern and then retested it—this break-and-retest structure is widely regarded as a reliable continuation signal in technical analysis.
As the wedge narrows, the probability of a decisive move increases. If a rebound is confirmed, the initial upside target would likely be the $0.000010 level, which marks this year’s key resistance.

Bottom line
Shiba Inu remains under pressure from macroeconomic and ecosystem-specific factors, but its technical structure suggests that a potential reversal may be approaching. Declining exchange balances and a maturing descending wedge create conditions that could support a recovery—timing, however, remains the critical question.

#SHIB , #shibaInu , #memecoin , #altcoins , #memecoin

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has once again confirmed that the Trump administration plans to add seized Bitcoin to the nation’s strategic digital asset reserves. According to Bessent, the government remains committed to halting the sale of confiscated cryptocurrencies and instead holding them as long-term strategic assets.
Speaking at a press conference in Davos on Tuesday, Bessent told reporters that the sale of seized Bitcoin remains suspended, in line with current U.S. policy.
“If assets are seized through criminal proceedings, the policy of this administration is to transfer those Bitcoins into our digital asset reserve after restitution is addressed, rather than selling them,” Bessent said in response to questions about the U.S. strategy for a strategic Bitcoin reserve in 2026 and speculation surrounding alleged Bitcoin seizures from Tornado Cash developers in the Southern District of New York.
He added that the first necessary step was to stop selling seized assets, a move the administration has already implemented. Only then, he said, can these assets be formally incorporated into forfeited government reserves.

Questions Remain Around Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet Cases
Bessent declined to comment in detail on the ongoing legal case involving Tornado Cash developers. However, the matter has fueled speculation over whether U.S. authorities are fully complying with Executive Order 14233, which requires confiscated Bitcoin to be transferred into the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR).
Earlier this month, Bitcoin Magazine reported that the Southern District of New York may have acted inconsistently with the executive order by failing to transfer forfeited Bitcoin into the SBR. Media outlets also questioned whether the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS)—acting on behalf of the Department of Justice—used Coinbase Prime to liquidate more than 57 BTC seized from Samourai Wallet developers Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill.
The USMS later denied those claims, stating that it did not sell the referenced Bitcoin and that it was unaware of how Bitcoin Magazine obtained the information. Similarly, Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the White House Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, said last week that Bitcoin seized in the Samourai Wallet case was not liquidated and will remain part of the SBR.
Despite these assurances, questions persist as to why the Department of Justice signed agreements with Samourai Wallet developers that included provisions related to asset liquidation.

No Immediate Plans for Additional Bitcoin Purchases
Uncertainty also surrounds whether the U.S. government plans to actively acquire additional Bitcoin beyond seized assets. Bessent has repeatedly emphasized that, for now, the administration is focused solely on growing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve through confiscated BTC, with no immediate plans to purchase Bitcoin on the open market.
However, he clarified that budget-neutral acquisition strategies are still under consideration. One such proposal is the BITCOIN Act, reintroduced in March 2025 by Senator Cynthia Lummis.
The legislation has made little progress and is unlikely to advance in the near term, as congressional focus has shifted toward broader crypto market structure legislation. Adding to the uncertainty, Senator Lummis is expected to retire from the Senate next year, further reducing the bill’s prospects.

#bitcoin , #BTC , #CynthiaLummis , #ScottBessent , #CryptoMarket

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A senior White House adviser on digital assets is urging Congress to move quickly on approving comprehensive crypto market reform legislation, warning that the current opportunity may not last. According to him, delaying action could ultimately lead to much harsher regulations in the future.
Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, shared his views publicly on X as lawmakers continue debating the CLARITY Act, a bill aimed at establishing clearer rules for cryptocurrencies across the United States.

“The Question Is No Longer If, but When”
Witt says the debate in Congress has shifted away from whether a comprehensive crypto market structure bill will pass, and toward when it will finally be approved. Without strong federal regulation, a multi-trillion-dollar industry remains stuck in regulatory uncertainty.
As digital assets become increasingly intertwined with the banking system, capital markets, and institutional investment, the risks of regulatory inaction continue to grow. According to Witt, waiting for the “perfect moment” could prove counterproductive.
He notes that major financial regulations are often passed after crises rather than during periods of stability — a pattern the U.S. should avoid repeating in the crypto sector.

Risk of Regulation Driven by Fear
Witt warned that if Congress fails to act now and a major event occurs — such as another market shock or crypto industry collapse — lawmakers would face immense pressure to respond quickly. That could result in punitive legislation similar to the Dodd-Frank Act, which was passed following the 2008 financial crisis.
Such laws, he argues, are often written under political urgency and fear, with limited debate. This could suppress innovation, harm U.S. competitiveness, and weaken the country’s position in the global digital asset economy.

A Rarely Favorable Political Environment
According to Witt, the current political landscape offers a rare alignment: a crypto-friendly president, control of Congress, and regulatory agencies such as the SEC and CFTC that are perceived as more open to working with the industry.
This alignment creates an ideal environment for crafting balanced, effective, and long-term regulatory clarity. However, Witt cautions that waiting too long risks losing this window of opportunity, especially if political leadership changes.

Industry Concerns Slow Legislative Progress
Despite broad agreement on the need for regulation, progress on the bill has stalled in recent weeks due to disagreements over specific provisions rather than the bill’s core objective.
A major setback came when Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto exchange and a previously strong supporter of the administration, withdrew its backing of the bill. Coinbase raised concerns that certain provisions could negatively impact tokenized equities, DeFi privacy, and how stablecoin issuers provide yield to users.
As a result, a planned Senate Banking Committee hearing was postponed, despite expectations of significant momentum.

Compromise Is Essential, Witt Says
Witt acknowledged the industry’s concerns but emphasized that compromise is necessary to move forward. Passing the bill will require at least 60 votes in the Senate, making bipartisan cooperation unavoidable.
He stressed that lawmakers must avoid letting the pursuit of a perfect solution block progress altogether — and instead act while the political conditions remain favorable.

#whitehouse , #CryptoRegulation , #DigitalAssets , #USPolitics , #CryptoMarket

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The price of Pi Network has come under significant downward pressure throughout January. Volatility across the broader crypto market remains elevated, and unfavorable conditions are weighing on Pi Coin more heavily than on many other projects. This is not just a general risk-off move—it is largely driven by structural supply dynamics that short-term improvements in sentiment have failed to offset.

Supply Outpaces Demand as Token Unlocks Continue
The main source of pressure remains the ongoing daily release of new tokens. More than 4.6 million PI enter circulation each day, systematically reducing scarcity and limiting upside potential. As a result, even brief rebounds tend to run quickly into supply, preventing the price from holding higher levels.
The situation is further complicated by an upcoming larger unlock of roughly 55.8 million PI toward the end of the month. Markets are already pricing this in, dampening buyers’ willingness to step in aggressively. Investors recognize that supply growth is pre-programmed and independent of sentiment or near-term fundamentals.
Recent improvements in payment features and ecosystem utility have yet to translate into a meaningful increase in demand. For now, growing use cases have not been sufficient to absorb the steady flow of newly unlocked tokens.

Large Exchange Balances Amplify Selling Pressure
Another negative factor is the sizeable PI balances held on centralized exchanges, totaling approximately 419 million tokens. These reserves represent readily available supply that can quickly hit the market, acting as a persistent cap on price advances.
Whenever short-term demand appears, part of this exchange-held supply tends to be sold, stalling recovery attempts. The result is a market where supply growth continues to outpace organic demand, leaving the price structure skewed toward distribution.

Technical Picture: Structure Breaks Down as Bears Take Control
From a technical standpoint, conditions deteriorated further after Pi Coin fell below the key $0.20 level, which flipped from support into resistance. This breakdown ended the prior consolidation phase and shifted the market into a continuation of the downtrend.
While a temporary floor has formed near $0.18, buying interest remains defensive rather than proactive. Rallies are shallow and quickly met with renewed selling pressure.
Technical indicators reinforce this bearish outlook:
Price is trading below the parabolic SAR around $0.208The negative directional index significantly outweighs the positiveAn ADX near 26 suggests the trend still has strength and is not yet exhausted
If momentum fails to improve, the next area of market focus lies around $0.15, where a potential stabilization attempt could emerge.

Summary: January as a Stress Test for Pi Network
Pi Network appears to be experiencing one of its most challenging months in recent history. The combination of regular token unlocks, large exchange balances, and a weakened technical structure makes sustained upside difficult.
Until there is clear absorption of supply and a reclaim of prior key levels, the longer-term price outlook remains strained and fragile. January is shaping up as a crucial stress test for the project—and so far, Pi Network is struggling to pass it.

#pi , #PiNetwork , #Altcoin , #CryptoNews , #CryptoAnalysis

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Solana Mobile has officially launched its native SKR token, designed to support and expand the mobile ecosystem built around the Seeker smartphone. The token has been distributed via an airdrop on the Solana network, targeting eligible Seeker device users and selected app developers based on their activity.
Users have 90 days to claim their tokens. Any SKR not claimed within this period will be returned to the airdrop pool.

SKR Airdrop Is Live: Who’s Eligible and How to Claim
According to Solana Mobile’s official announcement, the airdrop went live on January 20 at 9:00 PM ET. Eligible Seeker users and qualifying developers can claim SKR directly through the built-in wallet on their device.
To complete the claim, users must hold at least 0.01 SOL in their wallet to cover network fees. The claim window closes on April 20, after which all unclaimed tokens will be automatically reallocated.
In addition to Seeker users, the airdrop also includes developers who launched high-quality apps during the first season of the Seeker dApp Store. The initiative aims to reward creators who help grow the mobile ecosystem and improve the user experience.

SKR Supply and Allocation
SKR has a fixed maximum supply of 10 billion tokens, with an allocation designed to support long-term ecosystem growth:
30% reserved for airdrops and early unlocks25% allocated to ecosystem growth and partnerships10% set aside for liquidity and launch support10% directed to the community treasury to fund future ideas and proposalsThe remaining tokens are split between Solana Mobile (15%) and Solana Labs (10%)
Staking, Governance, and the Inflation Model
SKR plays a central role in staking and governance. Holders can stake their tokens via the Seed Vault Wallet and earn up to 25.4% annually by supporting governance decisions, app management, and device oversight.
Users can unstake at any time, with a 48-hour cooldown before tokens are returned to their wallet.
The token’s inflation model is designed to balance early incentives with long-term sustainability. Inflation starts at 10% in the first year and gradually declines to 2%, supporting stable, long-term growth of the Seeker ecosystem.
Overall, SKR represents a core building block of Solana Mobile’s strategy—aligning users, developers, and governance under a clear economic framework to drive the next phase of mobile ecosystem expansion.

#solana , #sol , #Web3 , #blockchain , #CryptoAdoption

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European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has warned that uncertainty is creeping back into the global economy, driven by fresh tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, now increasingly aimed at Europe. Speaking to CNN on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Lagarde said rising trade tensions are undermining trust between the United States and the European Union.
According to Lagarde, companies on both sides of the Atlantic are not only concerned about the potential size of new tariffs, but above all about the lack of clarity over what may come next. That unpredictability, she stressed, is more damaging to the economy than the tariffs themselves.

ECB: Uncertainty Weighs on Investment and Growth
Lagarde emphasized that the core issue is not just the risk of new trade barriers, but the fact that businesses, investors, and markets are operating without a clear outlook. In such an environment, companies tend to delay investment plans, hiring decisions, and long-term strategies—developments that could ultimately slow economic growth.
Trade, she noted, acts as a bridge between Europe and the United States. European firms have a strong presence in the U.S., while American companies are deeply embedded in European markets. Sudden or unpredictable tariff changes disrupt firms that rely on stable trade rules and increase economic risk.
For the ECB, this is particularly concerning as reduced corporate spending and investment could dampen the momentum of the European economy at a sensitive time.

Inflation and Monetary Policy Risks
Trade uncertainty may also affect inflation dynamics. If tariffs push up the cost of imported goods, price pressures could re-emerge, complicating the ECB’s efforts to maintain price stability—especially given Europe’s reliance on imports from the U.S.
Interest rates in the euro area have been on hold since June, and neither investors nor economists currently expect imminent changes. However, François Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Bank of France, said any new tariffs would need to be closely assessed, even if their immediate impact on prices is expected to be relatively muted.
Still, a tougher U.S. stance toward Europe could challenge the ECB’s relatively benign outlook for inflation and economic activity in the coming years. While the eurozone has shown resilience to rising protectionism so far, officials continue to stress that risks remain elevated.

Call to Protect Transatlantic Trade Ties
Lagarde underscored that the U.S. and Europe share deep and longstanding economic ties, built on trade, mutual investment, and job creation. Putting these relationships at risk, she said, does not make sense from either an economic or policy perspective.
She urged leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to carefully weigh the consequences of any trade actions before moving forward, warning that escalation could prove costly.
Lagarde also remarked that Europe has been through similar trade disputes before. When she said this was a “movie we’ve already seen,” she was referring to past trade conflicts with the U.S. that generated significant uncertainty but few lasting benefits. In her view, those experiences should serve as a reminder of the importance of avoiding a repeat of the same mistakes.

#ECB , #TRUMP , #Eu , #Inflation , #globaleconomy

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