17 Jul 2025, 10:30

US targets Chinese tech in undersea internet infrastructure

The United States government is adding new tools to prevent Chinese technology companies from using its computer systems for undersea internet cables. These cables are the invisible backbone of the internet, shuttling data under the seas and worldwide. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will consider new rules on Wednesday. Those rules would prevent companies from using Chinese equipment or connecting cables that had some Chinese companies involved in links between the US. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the Commission’s move was a step toward securing the next generation of communication networks in rural America and protecting the nation’s communications infrastructure. He noted that subsea cable infrastructure faced growing threats from foreign adversaries, including China, in recent years. Carr added that the FCC was acting to guard submarine cables against foreign ownership, unauthorized access, and potential malicious activity. That is the most aggressive position the FCC has taken on the security of undersea cables. The proposed rules would aim for equipment and services from firms already identified as threats to American national security. This list includes Huawei , ZTE, China Telecom, and China Mobile. New cable projects that link to United States territory and involve such companies will be prohibited, under the plan. Some older infrastructure could be subject to greater scrutiny. Washington ramps up cable security The United States has had long-standing concerns about China’s participation in global telecommunications. Subsea internet cables, in particular, are notoriously fragile. Most are rarely seen, but they are vital. They carry emails, financial information, military communications, and even the vast majority of same-day data that fuels video calls and streaming. There are more than 400 such cables around the world. A single hack or intrusion could have outsize effects. US regulators have already assisted in canceling at least four major cable projects since 2020 that would have linked the United States to Hong Kong. Security officials warned that China could exploit these connections for spying or sabotage. Last year, the Commission started re-examining its rules concerning undersea cables. It suggested that the existing rules were weak. In light of this, the Commission is seeking public comment on its plan to increase the scope of its oversight. The new rules will also consider more protections. These could range from stronger licensing regimes, more government oversight, to mandatory security audits. Saboteurs target undersea cables In 2023, Taiwan blamed Chinese vessels for deliberately severing two cables that linked the isolated Matsu Islands. The weeks-long cutoff left thousands without internet and raised fears of digital blockading. Three important undersea cables linking Europe to Asia were severed in the Red Sea in 2024. American and European intelligence officials have said the strike was most likely launched by or on behalf of Iran, as payback for a Saudi military offensive that has revived the moribund war in Yemen against the Houthis. Two cable disruptions in the Baltic Sea last year caught the attention of NATO members , prompting security concerns. While the full findings were not made public, officials indicated that sabotage was one of the main suspected causes. These episodes are a reminder that cables are no longer passive infrastructure. Now they’re being used as pawns in geopolitical contests. As threats escalate, so do calls for stronger protections. The concern is that if an adversary nation controlled a cable landing station or financed university researchers, it could eavesdrop on, or even cut, the data traffic that flows along American and global undersea cables without leaving a trace. The FCC’s announcement is part of a broader effort by the United States to “de-risk” technology supply chains from Chinese control. Washington has already worked to ban Chinese telecom companies from its domestic networks. It had barred Huawei and ZTE from supplying 5G equipment and pressured allies to do likewise. But China has condemned that approach. Its foreign ministry has denounced them as “unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises” and accused the US of politicizing technology. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

17 Jul 2025, 10:29

Hold 0.01 Bitcoin? You Might Own a Piece of Everything, Says Analyst

The post Hold 0.01 Bitcoin? You Might Own a Piece of Everything, Says Analyst appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Can a tiny slice of Bitcoin give you a share in the world’s wealth forever? Crypto analyst and author of “The Bitcoin Thesis”, Cole Walmsley , says yes. In a widely shared tweet, Walmsley calls Bitcoin “the greatest asymmetric opportunity in human history,” arguing that even 0.01 BTC, worth about $1,195 today, could be enough to secure your long-term stake in a world that’s shifting toward a Bitcoin standard. The Big Idea: A World Priced in Bitcoin Walmsley describes what he calls a coming “monetary singularity”, which is a future where everything, from goods and services to land and technology, is priced in Bitcoin . He says Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million means that owning any amount of it today locks in a permanent share of global value. “With 0.01 BTC in your possession, you own 1/2,100,000,000 of everything that exists,” he writes. “Not just today, but forever.” With 0.01 BTC in your possession, you own 1/2,100,000,000 of all BTC, and you own 1/2,100,000,000 of everything that exists. The craziest part is that it’s not only everything that exists today, it’s 1/2,100,000,000 of everything that exists *forever.* — Cole Walmsley (@Cole_Walmsley) July 16, 2025 Here’s the Math Behind the Claim Walmsley points to an estimated $1 quadrillion in total global value. If all of it were eventually priced in BTC, your 0.01 BTC stake would equal roughly $476,190. That’s a potential upside of nearly 400x from today’s price. And that’s just based on existing global wealth, not including future growth ! So Why Is It “Asymmetric”? The core of Walmsley’s argument is simple: Bitcoin has limited downside and unlimited upside. Your potential loss is the money you invest. Your potential gain? He argues it could be infinite if Bitcoin becomes the base layer of global money. “With Bitcoin, your downside is whatever money you put into it. Your upside is infinity,” he says. Walmsley urges people to buy at least a “little” Bitcoin, just in case it works out. You could have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

17 Jul 2025, 10:11

EU pauses probe into Elon Musk's X amid trade U.S. talks

The European Commission decided to complete trade talks with the U.S. first and paused one of the many probes into Elon Musk’s social media platform X. However, Big U.S. tech firms have come out with claims of unfair targeting by the EU, complaining that the bloc’s rules infringed on their right to free speech. Brussels has several concurrent investigations into Musk’s X under the EU’s DSA (Digital Services Act). It was expected to complete its probe into X’s violation of transparency rules before the EU’s summer, but will likely miss the deadline following the pause. One of three officials familiar with the matter said it was all tied up, adding that clarity of the EU–U.S. trade negotiations was necessary before pushing forward with investigations. The European Commission has sought to secure a trade agreement with the U.S. since April. The Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that the bloc would not change its rulebook despite pressure from the United States. President Donald Trump has directly attacked the EU probes and fines on U.S. firms, calling them “overseas extortion” and indirect taxation. Trump defended U.S. tech giants despite falling out with Musk a few weeks back. The bloc imposed fines of up to €700M on Meta and Apple for breaching antitrust regulations. Cavazzini separates X probes from trade talks European lawmaker Anna Cavazzini expected the Commission to continue “decisively” with its investigations into the X platform amid ongoing tariff negotiations with different U.S. representatives. The Commission also asserted that the investigations against X were independent of the trade talks. It added that it was fully committed to enforcing the DMA (Digital Markets Act) and the DSA. The Commission also disclosed that content moderation was another area it investigated alongside transparency violations. The Polish government and some European lawmakers also pushed the Commission to investigate X’s AI chatbot Grok. The chatbot generated some highly antisemitic tropes last week. However, the X team disagreed with the Commission’s interpretation of the DSA’s scope. The team also claimed that the Commission had disregarded entirely the “comprehensive work” done by the team to comply with the bloc’s rules. “The commission must continue making changes to EU regulations an absolute red line in tariff negotiations with the U.S.” – Anna Cavazzini , European lawmaker for the Greens Brussels officials said all decisions related to the U.S. were particularly politically sensitive due to the ongoing trade negotiations. They added that it was important not to offend Trump and his administration or escalate conflicts in transatlantic trade. However, they have also warned that any company breaching the DSA could face fines of up to 6% of its global turnover, and repeat offenders could face a total ban from European operations altogether. France launches criminal investigations against X France started investigating the X platform following accusations of high-profile political interference in Germany and Brazil. The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office claimed that X was accused of the “alteration” of automated data processing functioning and the “fraudulent” data extraction from automated data processing systems by organized groups. These accusations allowed French prosecutors to order police interviews and search operations under French law. Nine EU civil society organizations have also filed complaints against X regarding the use of users’ data to target adverts. The organizations—the Center for Democracy and Technology Europe, Global Witness, AI Forensics, Panoptykon Foundation, Entropy, VoxPublic, European Digital Rights, Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte e.V. (GFF), and Stichting Bits of Freedom—took their complaints to the French media regulator Arcom and the European Commission. The organizations urged both regulators to enforce the DSA, which prohibited targeted adverts based on sensitive user data like sexuality, race, and religion. They said their concerns were based on their probe into X’s publicly available Ad Repository database, which the DSA requires companies to set up. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot

17 Jul 2025, 09:50

Base Blockchain Unleashes Revolutionary Upgrades and Seamless Wallet Rebrand

BitcoinWorld Base Blockchain Unleashes Revolutionary Upgrades and Seamless Wallet Rebrand In the rapidly evolving world of decentralized finance, innovation is the cornerstone of progress. Today, the Base blockchain , an Ethereum Layer 2 solution, is making waves with a suite of groundbreaking announcements poised to redefine user experience and developer capabilities. These strategic advancements, including a dramatic reduction in block times and a significant rebrand of Coinbase Wallet, signal a bold step forward for the ecosystem. If you’ve ever been frustrated by slow transaction confirmations or complex gas fees, get ready for a paradigm shift. The Rise of the Base Blockchain : A New Era of Speed The Base blockchain , incubated by Coinbase, has quickly emerged as a significant player in the Layer 2 landscape. Its mission? To onboard the next billion users into the crypto economy by making decentralized applications (dApps) more accessible, affordable, and performant. The latest updates are a testament to this commitment, focusing on core infrastructure improvements that directly impact the speed and efficiency of every interaction within the Base ecosystem. Imagine a digital highway where transactions zoom past at lightning speed, almost instantaneously. This is the vision Base is bringing to life. For users, this means quicker confirmations for trades, faster interactions with decentralized applications, and a smoother overall experience. For developers, it unlocks new possibilities for building highly responsive and real-time dApps that were previously constrained by network latency. The strategic importance of Base cannot be overstated. As an L2 built on Ethereum, it inherits the security of the mainnet while offering superior scalability. This balance is crucial for fostering widespread adoption, ensuring that as more users and applications join, the network can handle the increased load without sacrificing performance or security. Revolutionizing Transactions with Flashblocks Technology One of the most significant technical upgrades announced by Base is the introduction of “Flashblocks.” This innovative enhancement dramatically reduces the network’s block time to an astonishing 200 milliseconds (0.2 seconds). To put this into perspective, Ethereum’s block time is approximately 12-15 seconds, while other fast chains like Solana aim for around 400 milliseconds. Base is now operating at a speed that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, even some of the fastest blockchains in the industry. What does 200ms block time truly mean for you? Near-Instant Confirmations: Transactions will be finalized almost as soon as you initiate them, making real-time interactions on dApps a reality. Think instant NFT mints, rapid DeFi trades, and seamless in-game asset transfers. Enhanced User Experience: The ‘waiting game’ often associated with blockchain transactions will largely disappear, leading to a more fluid and intuitive user journey, akin to traditional web applications. New dApp Possibilities: Developers can now build more complex and interactive applications that rely on immediate state changes, opening doors for innovative gaming, high-frequency trading bots, and responsive social platforms. Reduced Latency for Oracles: Data feeds from external sources (oracles) can be updated and consumed much faster, leading to more accurate and timely information for DeFi protocols and other data-intensive applications. The underlying mechanism of Flashblocks involves optimized block production and propagation, allowing validators to confirm transactions at an unprecedented pace. This technical feat is crucial for Base’s ambition to become the go-to platform for high-throughput decentralized applications, laying the groundwork for a truly responsive and dynamic on-chain experience. The Strategic Coinbase Wallet Rebrand : What It Means for Users Alongside the technical upgrades, a major user-facing change has been announced: the rebrand of Coinbase Wallet to simply “Base.” This strategic move signifies a deeper integration between Coinbase’s vast user base and its incubated Layer 2 network. It’s more than just a name change; it represents a unified vision for a seamless and intuitive crypto experience. Key implications of the Coinbase Wallet rebrand: Unified Ecosystem: The rebrand strengthens the connection between Coinbase’s centralized exchange and its decentralized Base network. Users of Coinbase Wallet will now inherently identify with the Base ecosystem, fostering a sense of cohesion. Simplified Onboarding: For new users entering the crypto space through Coinbase, the transition to using a self-custodial wallet and interacting with dApps on Base will be significantly smoother. The familiar branding reduces friction and builds trust. Enhanced Trust and Security: Leveraging the established reputation of Coinbase, the rebranded wallet instills greater confidence in users regarding the security and reliability of their assets and transactions on the Base network. Streamlined User Journey: The rebrand paves the way for tighter integration between Coinbase’s centralized services and the decentralized Base chain, potentially offering more direct pathways for users to move assets between the two. This rebrand isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic alignment designed to bridge the gap between centralized crypto access and decentralized innovation, making the latter more approachable for millions of users worldwide. It’s a clear signal that Coinbase is doubling down on its commitment to Base as a core pillar of its future strategy. Introducing MagicSpend Feature : Simplifying Crypto Payments Perhaps one of the most user-friendly innovations introduced is “MagicSpend.” This revolutionary feature allows users to pay gas fees and send transactions directly using their Coinbase balances. This addresses a long-standing pain point in the crypto world: the complexity and volatility of gas fees. For years, new users have struggled with the concept of gas fees – needing a separate token (like ETH) just to perform a transaction, often in fluctuating amounts. MagicSpend eliminates this hurdle entirely. Imagine wanting to send some USDC to a friend or interact with a DeFi protocol, and instead of ensuring you have enough ETH for gas, you can simply use your existing USD balance held on Coinbase. It’s akin to paying for an online purchase with your bank account balance, rather than needing to convert it to a specific digital currency just for the transaction fee. How MagicSpend transforms your crypto experience: Eliminates Gas Fee Hassle: No more worrying about managing a separate gas token or topping up your wallet with small amounts of ETH just to make a transaction. Seamless Transactions: The process of sending crypto or interacting with dApps becomes as straightforward as using any traditional online payment system. Increased Accessibility: Lowers the barrier to entry for new users who might be intimidated by the intricacies of gas fees, making crypto more approachable for the mainstream. Improved User Confidence: Users can transact with peace of mind, knowing that the underlying complexities of gas are being handled seamlessly by the platform. MagicSpend is a game-changer for user experience. It abstracts away one of the most significant friction points in decentralized applications, paving the way for broader adoption and more intuitive interactions within the Base ecosystem. This feature alone has the potential to unlock a new wave of crypto users who have previously been deterred by the technicalities of on-chain transactions. The Impact on Reducing Crypto Fees and User Experience While Base, as an L2, inherently offers lower transaction fees compared to Ethereum mainnet, the combination of Flashblocks and MagicSpend creates a powerful synergy that further enhances the overall cost-effectiveness and user experience. It’s not just about raw transaction costs, but the perceived cost and convenience. How these innovations collectively impact fees and UX: True Cost Efficiency: Flashblocks, by increasing network throughput, can help stabilize and potentially lower transaction fees on Base during periods of high demand, as more transactions can be processed within the same timeframe. Zero-Friction Fee Payment: MagicSpend effectively makes the act of paying gas fees invisible and effortless for users who hold balances on Coinbase. While the fee itself still exists, the burden of managing it disappears. This is a massive psychological win for users, akin to having an ‘all-inclusive’ payment experience. Broader Economic Accessibility: By simplifying fee management, Base opens up decentralized finance to a wider audience, including those with smaller capital who might have been deterred by the thought of disproportionately high gas fees on the mainnet. Enhanced Developer Economics: Lower, more predictable transaction costs on Base make it more attractive for developers to build and deploy dApps, fostering a vibrant ecosystem and potentially leading to more innovation and utility. These developments signify a concerted effort by Base to address some of the most persistent challenges in the blockchain space: speed, complexity, and cost. By tackling these head-on, Base is positioning itself as a leading platform for the next generation of decentralized applications, one where user experience is paramount. Looking Ahead: Base’s Vision for Decentralized Finance The recent announcements from Base are not isolated upgrades; they are integral parts of a larger, ambitious vision for decentralized finance. Base aims to be the foundational layer for mainstream adoption of dApps, bridging the gap between traditional financial systems and the burgeoning crypto economy. By prioritizing speed, user-friendliness, and cost-efficiency, Base is building an ecosystem designed for scale and accessibility. The integration with Coinbase, one of the largest and most trusted crypto platforms globally, provides Base with an unparalleled advantage in terms of user acquisition and liquidity. This symbiotic relationship ensures that Base has the resources and reach to truly make a dent in bringing decentralized technologies to the masses. However, the journey ahead for Base, like any evolving blockchain, will present its own set of challenges. Maintaining decentralization as it scales, fending off competition from other robust Layer 2 solutions, and continuously innovating to meet evolving user demands will be crucial. Yet, with the momentum generated by these recent upgrades, Base appears well-equipped to navigate these complexities. For developers, Base offers a compelling environment to build next-generation applications, benefiting from high throughput and a growing user base. For users, it promises a more intuitive, faster, and less intimidating entry into the world of decentralized applications and digital assets. These updates mark a significant milestone in Base’s journey towards becoming a dominant force in the decentralized web. Conclusion: A New Horizon for User-Centric Blockchain Base’s recent announcements — the revolutionary Flashblocks, the strategic Coinbase Wallet rebrand, and the groundbreaking MagicSpend feature — collectively herald a new era for user-centric blockchain experiences. By dramatically enhancing transaction speeds and simplifying the often-daunting process of managing gas fees, Base is not just upgrading its technology; it’s actively dismantling barriers to mainstream crypto adoption. These advancements underscore a clear commitment to creating a seamless, efficient, and accessible decentralized future. As Base continues to build on these foundations, it’s poised to empower millions more to engage with the transformative potential of blockchain technology, making complex interactions feel effortlessly simple. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping the decentralized finance ecosystem and its future price action. This post Base Blockchain Unleashes Revolutionary Upgrades and Seamless Wallet Rebrand first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

17 Jul 2025, 09:40

Urgent Crypto Donations Ban: UK Minister Pat McFadden’s Controversial Call

BitcoinWorld Urgent Crypto Donations Ban: UK Minister Pat McFadden’s Controversial Call The intersection of cryptocurrency and traditional politics has always been a fascinating, often contentious, frontier. Recently, this dynamic took a sharp turn in the United Kingdom, sparking a vital debate that resonates far beyond its borders. The very idea of crypto donations to political parties, once seen by some as a step towards modernizing political finance, is now under intense scrutiny. Are we witnessing a necessary crackdown on potential illicit funding, or an overreaction to a nascent technology? Why the Push for a UK Crypto Ban? Pat McFadden’s Stance The call for a comprehensive UK crypto ban on political donations comes directly from Pat McFadden, the UK Cabinet Office Minister. His reasoning, as reported by Cointelegraph, is straightforward: the inherent difficulty in tracing such donations. In an era where transparency in political funding is paramount, the perceived anonymity or pseudonymity of cryptocurrency transactions presents a significant challenge to existing regulatory frameworks. McFadden’s concerns highlight a broader apprehension among regulators worldwide regarding digital assets. While blockchain technology offers immutable records, the ability to link those records to real-world identities without robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures remains a hurdle. For political finance, this means: Lack of Donor Transparency: Identifying the ultimate source of funds can be challenging, raising questions about foreign influence or undeclared interests. Compliance Nightmares: Existing election laws are not designed for the unique characteristics of digital assets, creating a compliance void. Risk of Illicit Funds: The fear that untraceable funds from criminal activities could seep into the political system. The Challenge of Tracing Crypto Donations: A Closer Look When Pat McFadden speaks about the difficulty in tracing crypto donations, he’s touching upon a core issue that has plagued the adoption of cryptocurrencies in regulated sectors. While every transaction on a public blockchain like Bitcoin is recorded and publicly viewable, linking a wallet address to an individual or entity requires off-chain information, usually provided by exchanges or service providers. Without this, the ‘traceability’ becomes complex. Consider the stark contrast between traditional fiat donations and cryptocurrency contributions: Feature Traditional Fiat Donations Cryptocurrency Donations Tracing Relies on bank transfers, clear sender/receiver identities. Public ledger but pseudonymity of wallet addresses; requires off-chain data for identity. Regulatory Oversight Well-established frameworks (e.g., Electoral Commission rules). Nascent, often unclear or non-existent specific regulations for political funding. Transparency Donor identities often disclosed publicly above certain thresholds. Transaction amounts are public, but donor identity is not inherently linked. Global Reach Cross-border transfers involve international banking regulations. Easier to send funds globally, potentially bypassing national financial controls. This inherent difference is what drives concerns from figures like Pat McFadden, who are tasked with upholding the integrity of the political finance system. Bitcoin Donations: A New Frontier for Political Funding? Adding fuel to this fiery debate was the announcement two months prior that Nigel Farage’s Reform Party would be the first political party in British politics to accept Bitcoin donations . This move was lauded by some as a progressive step, embracing modern financial technologies and potentially attracting a new demographic of donors interested in digital assets. For the Reform Party, it represented an opportunity to differentiate itself and tap into a growing pool of wealth held in cryptocurrencies. The decision by the Reform Party highlights the tension between innovation and regulation. On one hand, it showcases the potential for cryptocurrencies to democratize fundraising and offer alternative avenues for financial support. On the other, it immediately triggered alarms for those concerned about the regulatory blind spots. For political parties, accepting Bitcoin donations could offer: Reduced Transaction Fees: Potentially lower costs compared to traditional payment processors. Global Accessibility: Easier for supporters worldwide to contribute. Technological Edge: Positioning the party as forward-thinking and tech-savvy. However, these benefits come with significant risks, particularly the regulatory uncertainty that Minister McFadden has pointed out. The lack of clear guidelines means parties accepting such donations are operating in a grey area, potentially exposing them to future compliance issues or public backlash. Navigating the Future of Political Donations in the UK The call for a ban on political donations in cryptocurrency by Pat McFadden is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a larger global challenge: how to integrate rapidly evolving digital finance with established regulatory frameworks. The UK, like many nations, is grappling with finding a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring financial integrity and security. What could the future hold for crypto in UK politics? Several paths are possible: Outright Ban: The most immediate solution proposed by McFadden, simplifying regulatory oversight but potentially stifling innovation and limiting donor choice. Strict Regulation: Implementing robust KYC/AML requirements specifically for political crypto donations, mirroring existing fiat rules. This would require cooperation from crypto exchanges and potentially new legislation. Self-Regulation/Industry Standards: Less likely for political finance, but a model where the crypto industry itself develops best practices for transparency. Technological Solutions: Development of new blockchain tools that enhance traceability for compliance purposes, without sacrificing user privacy where not required by law. The debate ignited by McFadden’s comments forces a crucial conversation about the nature of money in politics. As digital assets become more mainstream, the pressure on governments to develop clear, enforceable regulations will only intensify. The outcome in the UK could set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues. A Compelling Summary: The Unfolding Crypto-Political Drama Pat McFadden’s call for a ban on crypto donations to UK political parties has brought the complex relationship between digital assets and democratic processes into sharp focus. Citing concerns over traceability, the Cabinet Office Minister’s stance directly challenges the growing trend of parties, like Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, embracing cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for fundraising. This controversy underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks that can both accommodate technological innovation and uphold the foundational principles of transparency and accountability in political finance. The path forward for crypto donations in the UK remains uncertain, but the debate has undoubtedly begun, signaling a critical juncture for both the crypto industry and political governance. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin institutional adoption. This post Urgent Crypto Donations Ban: UK Minister Pat McFadden’s Controversial Call first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

17 Jul 2025, 09:30

The Smarter Web Company Expands Bitcoin Holdings to 1,600 BTC and Introduces New Valuation Metric

The Smarter Web Company PLC, a London-listed technology firm, has announced the purchase of an additional 325 bitcoin, increasing its total holdings to 1,600 BTC as part of its ongoing treasury policy outlined in “The 10 Year Plan.” The recent acquisition, totaling £27,145,693 at an average price of £83,525 ($112,157) per bitcoin, reflects the company’s