Crypto
Stablecoins
US lawmakers’ proposed ban on algorithmic stablecoins draws industry backlash
The Lummis-Gillibrand stablecoin bill could heavily limit stablecoins in the US.
CBDCs
New Zealand’s CBDC roadmap enters design consultation stage
The Reserve Bank could launch a digital New Zealand Dollar by 2030.
Layer-2
Worldcoin unveils World Chain, a Layer-2 network ‘built for humans’
The network is set to go live this summer.
CBDCs
Israeli central bank official says digital payment methods have ‘eroded’ the role of cash
A central bank official said that the versatility of CBDCs will allow them to compete with other digital payment methods that have sidelined traditional cash in recent years.
NFTs
PayPal ends protection for NFT transactions due to industry volatility
the firm is dropping NFT purchase protections and reducing NFT seller protections due to "uncertainty around proof of order fulfillment" and other concerns.
AI
Buenos Aires charges Worldcoin with consumer law violations, warns of $1.2 million fine
The province's actions follow other allegations from Spain and Portgual.
Technology
On-chain sleuth ZachXBT says X’s controversial ‘not a bot’ fee unlikely to eliminate scams
X updated its policy on April 15 to require new users to pay a small annual fee before posting, liking, bookmarking, and replying as a spam-prevention measure.
Regulation
UK to legislate ‘whole host’ of crypto activities starting in the summer
The UK will make regulatory allowances for stablecoins, staking, custody, and more.
Mining
Bitfarms expands Bitcoin mining hashrate to 7 EH/s with Quebec upgrades
The company introduced over 5,000 devices in two locations.
Taxes
Top IRS official says ‘pure crypto tax crimes’ on the rise alongside scams
IRS criminal investigation chief Guy Ficco reported an "uptick" in tax evasion related to crypto transactions and gains.
ETF
Bitwise reveals spot Bitcoin ETFs outperformed pre-release predictions by a significant margin
Spot Bitcoin ETFs are on track to surpass even the most optimistic predictions about their year-end AUMs.
AI
Microsoft, AWS pledge $17.9 billion to develop AI technology in Japan as part of US deal
Microsoft and Amazon Web Services will invest a $2.9 billion and $15 billion to establish AI-related infrastructure and education in Japan as part of the deal.