What happened to Bitcoin...

PLUS: Turkey tames crypto...

Author

Hubert Trinkunas
January 11, 2024

Hello 👋

Fox Corp., a major U.S. media company, has unveiled a blockchain platform called Verify, designed to enable media companies to monitor online content usage and negotiate licensing deals, particularly with AI firms, utilizing a distributed internet database developed in-house, marking a unique technological approach in contrast to traditional business agreements or legal proceedings, although the wider adoption of such blockchain-based projects remains uncertain in the industry.

Turkey tames crypto: Licenses, definitions, bye-bye grey list

Trading crypto in Turkey? Buckle up for clearer rules. The government's crafting a framework to define terms, license platforms, and play nice with global standards. This means:

  • No more jargon jungle: "Crypto assets," "wallets," you name it, all get official definitions.

  • Only vetted exchanges allowed: Shady platforms get the boot, leaving a safer playing field for everyone.

  • Goodbye grey list: Aligning with the Financial Action Task Force could mean Turkey escapes its economic shadow.

Why it matters:

  • Protecting investors: Especially crucial in tough times, when crypto becomes a popular option.

  • Less shady stuff: No room for money laundering and other crypto mischief.

  • More trust, more crypto fun: Clear rules attract more people and money to the scene.

The nitty-gritty:

  • Technical details still being ironed out before the framework kicks in.

  • Crypto taxes? That's a whole other story for another day.

Overall, Turkey's tightening the reins on crypto, but in a way that benefits everyone. Investors get peace of mind, the economy gets a boost, and everyone gets to play by the same rules. It's a win-win (except maybe for shady operators, but who cares about them?).

This even shorter version condenses the information further while maintaining the key points and the playful tone. Let me know if you'd like me to make any further adjustments!

Bitcoin ETFs finally get green light in the US, ushering in a new era for crypto

Wall Street, here comes Bitcoin! The SEC has finally approved the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US, marking a major turning point for the crypto industry. This means investors can now get direct exposure to Bitcoin through a regulated product, opening the doors to broader adoption.

Here's a quick rundown of the key points:

  • Big names on board: BlackRock, Fidelity, Invesco, Grayscale, and Ark Invest are among the first to offer Bitcoin ETFs.

  • Trading starts soon: The first ETFs could start trading as early as Thursday, with BlackRock ringing the opening bell at Nasdaq.

  • Major milestone for crypto: This approval is seen as a huge validation for Bitcoin and could attract more institutional and retail investors.

  • U-turn from the SEC: The regulator had long resisted spot Bitcoin ETFs due to concerns about manipulation and fraud. But a court ruling last year forced them to reconsider.

  • Not everyone's thrilled: Some consumer protection groups worry about the risks of crypto investing, warning of potential scams and volatility.

  • SEC still cautious: The SEC chair emphasized that they haven't "approved or endorsed Bitcoin" and urged investors to be cautious.

  • Price war already brewing: ETF providers are slashing fees to attract investors, with some even waiving them temporarily.

  • Departure from typical ETFs: These funds will use cash to create and redeem shares, rather than in-kind transactions involving Bitcoin itself.

Whether this sparks a massive inflow of funds into Bitcoin remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure: this is a watershed moment for the crypto world.

Sony photos get "digital birth certificates" to fight fakes

Deepfake worries? Sony's got your back. Their new in-camera tech stamps photos with a unique "birth certificate," like an NFT for authenticity. No more Photoshop shenanigans fooling anyone.

Why it matters:

  • Verifies images: Every click gets a unique, tamper-proof signature, proving where and when it was taken. Say goodbye to fake news and deepfakes!

  • Empowers journalists: Fighting misinformation is easier with photos you can trust. Imagine news with built-in fact-checking!

  • Protects creators: Artists and photographers rejoice! Your images are safe from manipulation and theft.

Not just hype:

  • Works on existing cameras - no need for fancy new gear.

  • More than NFTs - it's about trust and verifying what you see.

Buckle up: Sony's tech could be a game-changer in the fight against digital deceit. Get ready for a world where you can believe your eyes again.

This even shorter version condenses the main points while keeping the playful tone and highlighting the key benefits. Let me know if you'd like me to make any further adjustments!

Headlines…

  • Logan Paul says he's buying back CryptoZoo NFTs for $2.3 million and suing over his derailed game.

  • Bloomberg reports Nigeria's central bank releases guidelines for crypto accounts.

  • Bitcoin developer's proposal to stop 'spam' NFTs gets shut down.

Read more…