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1 May 2026, 13:27
Bitcoin US Demand Weakening: Coinbase Premium Negative
US Demand for Bitcoin is Weakening: Coinbase Premium Turns Negative, Realized Losses Surge to 5.97B$. Selling Pressure Eases After April Rally. BTC Around 78K, Strong Support at 75K. Details with T...
1 May 2026, 13:26
Stakeholders bemoan data center development hurdles as Japan plays catch up
Japan is eager to build more data centers. But finding enough electricity to power them while maintaining efficiency and global competitiveness is a delicate balancing act. Data center capacity will dictate how quickly AI rolls out and which industries benefit first. At Japan’s largest technology expo, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, industry leaders drew attention to increased bidding competition for electricity between households and AI data centers. Will AI drive up electricity bills? Rocky Lee of Zettabyte, an AI infrastructure company based in Taiwan, said that tackling latency is a major factor behind electricity volume. “If you ask an AI a question and get a response 40 seconds later, that’s not an ideal customer or enterprise experience. Power has to be transferred to GPUs, which is where we see the shortage.” He warned that households in Japan will likely bear the brunt of rising electricity costs. “AI is competing with you. If somebody is willing to pay a little bit more than you, then you have a problem,” said Rocky Lee of Zettabyte, an AI infrastructure company based in Taiwan. Wholesale electricity prices have already soared in U.S. cities with a high concentration of data centers , such as Virginia, Texas, and Silicon Valley. What is regional Japan’s role? The need for low-latency AI services is prompting companies to build data centers around big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. However, the Japanese government is trying to buck this trend. Japan is home to an estimated 256 operational data centers. The U.S. , on the other hand, operates a whopping 5,400 facilities, followed by approx. 520 in Germany, 500 in the UK and roughly 450 in China. On April 24, it announced an expansion of its GX strategy with the aim of creating industrial clusters around renewable energy sources in regional Japan. The designated regions have not been made public, but likely include Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu. GMI Cloud is one AI cloud startup that is poised to build Japan’s largest data center in the southern city of Kagoshima. The massive $12 billion gigawatt-scale (GW) project is expected to be completed by 2030. Japan is a safe haven for data GMI Cloud Founder and CEO, Alex Yeh, explained that ample availability of nuclear power is just one reason for the location. “Japan is a huge hub for fiber optic internet access from the U.S. to Asia, such as South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia. That’s why Google, Amazon, Microsoft Azure are located in Japan.” Its data protection policy is an added advantage. Alex Yeh said Japan is the best choice when it comes to building highly sought-after sovereign data centers. “Data is sensitive. There’s government data, military data, and enterprise data. You don’t want data situated in geopolitically sensitive areas such as the U.S. and Korea. That’s why Japan matters.” Corporate giants bet on AI infrastructure Japan’s legacy industrial giants are pivoting toward data centers and power infrastructure in an effort to reinvent their business model and generate new avenues of growth. Japanese telecommunication giant NTT is expanding R&D into AI-native infrastructure. It currently holds the largest market share of data centers in Japan. It has more than 160 sites across all 47 prefectures. On April 27, it announced the AI x OWN initiative. It’s NTT’s effort to redesign the internet around real-time AI use. In a statement, NTT President Akira Shimada said “NTT’s AI infrastructure must shift from conventional ICT infrastructure to infrastructure for a new market premised on AI utilization.” NTT also plans to triple its domestic power capacity from approximately 300 MW today to around 1 gigawatt by fiscal 2033. Can data center deregulation boost AI competition? At SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 , Alex Yeh of GMI Cloud said top-down deregulation could make Japan globally competitive in AI data centers. He criticized legacy businesses for stifling innovation as well as the government’s preference for traditional, concrete-built data centers. “In the U.S. and Taiwan, data centers are built modularly. These are 40-foot container units that can be shipped and deployed quickly. They’re essentially pre-built data centers, with all wiring integrated, that can be dropped on-site. So why can’t we do that in Japan?” Yeh hopes Japan will turn to modular data centers, slashing construction timelines to six to eight months instead of the 18 to 24 months needed for conventional concrete facilities. There’s a middle ground between leaving money in the bank and rolling the dice in crypto. Start with this free video on decentralized finance .
1 May 2026, 13:24
The Bitcoin Debate: Ossify or Change
The exploit of Litecoin last week shows why Bitcoin users are wary of adding complexity to a monetary base layer. A day earlier, Bitcoin developer Paul Sztorc announced an eCash fork of Bitcoin in what reflects the counter-argument: that Bitcoin’s resistance to new functionality at the consensus layer carries real risks for its long-term survival and relevance. Together, they sharpen one of Bitcoin’s hardest open questions. On April 25, 2026 a day after Bitcoin developer Paul Sztorc announced his plans for an August hard fork, Litecoin suffered a setback after an attacker exploited a vulnerability in the protocol’s Mimblewimble Extension Block (MWEB) layer. While the two events are in no way related, their timing has shone light on a debate that has characterised Bitcoin development for over a decade: just how much complexity should a monetary network accept in order to support new functionality and broader use cases — and what are the costs either way? The MWEB Incident at a Glance Activated in May 2022, MWEB is an optional feature for Litecoin users, allowing those who want greater privacy to peg LTC into an extension block layer. Yet as the incident revealed, optional use does not necessarily mean optional validation complexity. Once MWEB became part of Litecoin’s consensus rules, it also became something miners and nodes had to validate correctly. According to Litecoin’s official MWEB postmortem report, developers had already identified the exploit path and patched it privately for miners in late March. In a proof-of-work network, however, upgrades depend on voluntary coordination. Since the fix was handled through miner patching rather than a widely adopted public upgrade, parts of the mining network remained exposed. When the same path was used again in April, upgraded nodes rejected the malformed block while unupgraded miners continued building on the invalid chain, which eventually ran for 13 blocks before upgraded miners coordinated to overtake it. By that time, several third-party swap protocols had processed transactions against it. The episode was resolved fairly quickly, but only after emergency coordination across mining pools and multiple staged releases. Litecoin is not Bitcoin, and the incident does not map directly onto any specific Bitcoin upgrade proposal. The relevance is broader, highlighting that once new functionality enters consensus, the risk is no longer confined to the users who choose to use it. It adds validation logic, edge cases and operational burdens for the network as a whole. The MWEB incident does not show that any Bitcoin proposal would repeat Litecoin’s failure. It shows why consensus-level changes are judged not only by what they enable, but by the assumptions, failure modes and coordination demands they introduce. A Hard Fork Built Around Drivechains After years of unsuccessful attempts to get his Drivechain proposals adopted on Bitcoin through community consensus, Paul Sztorc, CEO of LayerTwo Labs , announced on April 24 plans to force the issue through a hard fork called eCash. Scheduled for block height 964,000 in August 2026, the fork will give every BTC holder eCash at a 1:1 ratio and include tools to help users safely separate the two assets. The new chain would activate Sztorc’s long-debated Drivechain proposals: BIP300, which introduces a mechanism for creating sidechains and enforcing withdrawals via miner signalling and BIP301 , which allows miners to collect sidechain fees without running dedicated sidechain software. Together, they aim to let developers build sidechains with different rules, enabling features such as smart contracts, privacy tools and prediction markets while keeping that additional functionality off Bitcoin’s base layer. Sztorc has framed the activation path as a Core Untouched Soft Fork or CUSF — an activation route outside Bitcoin Core’s normal merge process, but not outside Bitcoin’s broader consensus risks. Activating BIP300 and BIP301 on Bitcoin itself would require a consensus change. The eCash fork sidesteps that by launching a separate Bitcoin-derived chain with those rules already enabled. Sztorc argues that the benefit is that new features could live on sidechains rather than in ordinary Bitcoin L1 transactions. The base-layer change required to enable that model, however, has consistently failed to gain sufficient support within Bitcoin’s development and user community. Sztorc has said he will cancel the fork if Bitcoin activates BIP300 and BIP301 before August, making eCash both an alternative implementation path and a way of forcing the Drivechain debate back into public view. Why Drivechains Divide Bitcoiners The rationale behind Drivechains is that sidechains linked to Bitcoin’s hash rate could absorb activity and functionality that currently flows to separate altcoins with weaker security models, while giving miners additional fee revenue from sidechain activity. That second point carries increasing weight as Bitcoin’s block subsidy declines and the network’s security budget — the total reward miners earn for securing it — comes to depend more on transaction fees. Drivechain sidechains could, according to this view, provide additional fee demand without requiring changes to Bitcoin’s issuance rules. If a sidechain failed, the damage should theoretically be contained, preventing Bitcoin’s supply from inflating or the corruption of the main chain’s transaction history. The objection is that this containment comes with new assumptions, particularly around miner authority. Under BIP300, withdrawal approval is enforced by miners over an extended signalling period — a design intended to make theft costly, but one that gives miners a meaningful role in whether sidechain withdrawals are approved. A coalition controlling sufficient hash power could delay or manipulate withdrawals in ways that harm depositors. More broadly, critics such as Peter Todd argue the proposal adds complexity to Bitcoin’s security model, lacks the kind of fraud-proof mechanism they would want for sidechain withdrawals and creates incentive dynamics that are difficult to model under adversarial conditions. These objections have been raised consistently since BIP300 was first submitted in 2017, and they have not been resolved to the satisfaction of enough Bitcoin stakeholders to move the proposal forward. Why Bitcoin is Hard to Change Bitcoin’s upgrade process has no formal governance layer, with changes requiring something approaching consensus across developers, miners, node operators, exchanges, custodians, businesses and users — a standard that has kept the base layer narrow and, proponents argue, trustworthy. For many institutional holders, that conservatism is not merely a governance quirk but part of Bitcoin’s appeal. The argument for ossification, i.e. the view that Bitcoin’s base layer should become increasingly difficult to change, treats immutability as a feature rather than a constraint. In that sense, predictability and rule stability become central to the investment case. The 2017 block size wars have become the go-to precedent for what happens when that consensus fractures. Bitcoin Cash forked at block 478,558 with significant miner support and an explicit technical rationale, inheriting Bitcoin’s full transaction history and codebase. What it did not inherit was Bitcoin’s monetary legitimacy — the accumulated social consensus that makes a monetary network function as one. A fork can copy a network’s code and history, but not the trust that users, exchanges and node operators have chosen to place in it. eCash will face a version of that same challenge. The Unresolved Trade-Off Rightly or wrongly, the Litecoin incident gives fresh impetus to the argument for keeping Bitcoin’s base-layer changes rare, narrow and heavily scrutinised. Sztorc’s eCash proposal does, however, raise a valid point. If many proposals for extending Bitcoin’s functionality struggle to gain support, development does not stop. It simply migrates elsewhere, namely to networks and execution environments that may have thinner security, less mature tooling or more centralised trust assumptions. Whether that outcome is acceptable depends on how one weighs Bitcoin’s monetary properties against the cost of pushing useful functionality outside Bitcoin’s consensus system. For many institutions with significant exposure to Bitcoin, it’s far from an abstract debate. Their investment case rests substantially on Bitcoin remaining a narrow, predictable base layer with fixed supply and rules that are resistant to change. Sztorc’s hard fork does not threaten that directly, but the debate it has reopened does ask whether those same properties could make it harder to adopt changes some developers believe Bitcoin needs. Bitcoin’s upgrade debate is therefore not simply about innovation versus conservatism, but about which risk is greater: changing the consensus layer in ways that could compromise Bitcoin’s reliability, or refusing changes that some developers argue may be fundamental to its long-term survival and relevance. The post The Bitcoin Debate: Ossify or Change appeared first on Bitfinex blog .
1 May 2026, 13:21
CoinDesk 20 performance update: Bittensor (TAO) gains 5.5%, leading index higher
Bitcoin (BTC), up 1.9% from Thursday, was also a top performer.
1 May 2026, 13:18
Bitcoin ETF inflows hit $1.97 billion in April spike
🚀 Bitcoin ETF inflows reached $1.97 billion in April, the highest yet this year. Investor interest in $XRP funds surged, hitting multi-month highs. Continue Reading: Bitcoin ETF inflows hit $1.97 billion in April spike The post Bitcoin ETF inflows hit $1.97 billion in April spike appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
1 May 2026, 13:15
Iran Sends a New Proposal via Pakistan as Focus Shifts to Ending the War: Urgent Diplomatic Move
BitcoinWorld Iran Sends a New Proposal via Pakistan as Focus Shifts to Ending the War: Urgent Diplomatic Move Iran has delivered a new proposal via Pakistan, Al Jazeera reported, citing diplomatic sources. This development signals a potential shift in Tehran’s strategy as nuclear negotiations face significant hurdles. The focus may now move toward ending the ongoing war rather than advancing nuclear talks. Iran Sends a New Proposal via Pakistan: A Strategic Shift According to Al Jazeera, sources confirmed that Iran’s new proposal was transmitted through Pakistani intermediaries. This channel offers a neutral route for communication. It bypasses traditional Western mediators. The move comes after months of stalled nuclear negotiations. Pakistan maintains strong ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia. This makes it a credible broker. The proposal’s exact contents remain undisclosed. However, analysts suggest it focuses on de-escalation. It aims to reduce regional tensions. Why Pakistan? The Diplomatic Channel Explained Pakistan has a history of mediating in Middle Eastern conflicts. It facilitated talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023. This new role leverages that experience. The channel offers discretion and regional understanding. Key reasons for using Pakistan include: Neutral ground : Pakistan is not directly involved in the conflict. Trusted relationships : It maintains diplomatic ties with all parties. Previous success : It helped broker the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement. This approach signals Iran’s willingness to explore alternative paths. It reflects a pragmatic shift in foreign policy. Nuclear Negotiations Unlikely to Succeed: The Context Nuclear talks between Iran and world powers have faced repeated setbacks. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) collapsed after the US withdrawal in 2018. Subsequent efforts to revive it have failed. Key obstacles include: Enrichment levels : Iran now enriches uranium to 60%, near weapons-grade. Inspections : The IAEA reports reduced access to nuclear sites. Sanctions : US sanctions remain in place, crippling Iran’s economy. Given these challenges, Tehran appears to be recalibrating. Ending the war may offer a more achievable goal. It could also ease economic pressures. Timeline of Nuclear Talks and Their Failure Understanding the timeline helps clarify the shift: Year Event 2015 JCPOA signed 2018 US withdraws 2021 Talks resume in Vienna 2023 Talks stall indefinitely 2025 Iran sends new proposal via Pakistan This progression shows a clear pattern of diminishing returns from nuclear diplomacy. Focus May Shift to Ending the War: Regional Implications The war in question involves multiple regional actors. It has caused significant humanitarian suffering. Shifting focus to ending the war could have profound effects. Potential impacts include: Reduced hostilities : A ceasefire could save lives. Economic relief : Lower tensions might ease sanctions. Regional stability : Peace could reduce proxy conflicts. Iran’s proposal likely includes terms for de-escalation. It may involve mutual troop withdrawals. It could also include guarantees for non-aggression. Expert Analysis: What the Proposal Might Contain Dr. Farzad Ramezani, a Middle East analyst, suggests the proposal is pragmatic. “Iran recognizes that nuclear talks are deadlocked. Ending the war offers a tangible win. It also improves Iran’s international standing.” Possible elements of the proposal: Ceasefire terms : Immediate halt to hostilities. Humanitarian corridors : Safe passage for aid. Prisoner exchanges : Mutual release of detainees. These elements align with Iran’s stated goals of regional security. Pakistan’s Role as Mediator: Opportunities and Risks Pakistan’s involvement carries both opportunities and risks. On the positive side, it offers a trusted channel. It also enhances Pakistan’s diplomatic profile. However, risks include: Bias accusations : Pakistan’s ties to Saudi Arabia may raise concerns. Domestic backlash : Involvement in foreign conflicts is unpopular. Failure consequences : A failed mediation could damage credibility. Despite these risks, Pakistan appears committed. Its foreign office confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts. International Reactions to the New Proposal The international community has reacted cautiously. The United States has not commented publicly. The European Union expressed hope for progress. Saudi Arabia welcomed any initiative that reduces tensions. China and Russia, both allies of Iran, have voiced support. They see the proposal as a constructive step. The UN has called for all parties to engage in good faith. This mixed response reflects the complexity of the situation. Conclusion Iran’s new proposal via Pakistan represents a significant diplomatic maneuver. It shifts focus from stalled nuclear talks to ending the war. This move offers a potential path to de-escalation. It also highlights Pakistan’s growing role as a mediator. The coming weeks will reveal whether this initiative gains traction. For now, it offers a glimmer of hope in a volatile region. FAQs Q1: What is Iran’s new proposal about? Iran’s new proposal, delivered via Pakistan, focuses on ending the ongoing war rather than nuclear negotiations. It aims to reduce regional tensions and achieve a ceasefire. Q2: Why did Iran choose Pakistan as a mediator? Pakistan has strong ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia, making it a neutral and trusted channel. It also has a history of successful mediation in the region. Q3: Are nuclear negotiations completely over? While not officially over, nuclear talks are unlikely to succeed in the near term. Iran’s shift in focus suggests a pragmatic recalibration of priorities. Q4: What could be the impact of ending the war? Ending the war could lead to reduced hostilities, economic relief through eased sanctions, and greater regional stability. It could also improve Iran’s international standing. Q5: How has the international community reacted? Reactions are cautious but generally positive. The US has not commented, while the EU and UN have expressed hope. China and Russia support the initiative. This post Iran Sends a New Proposal via Pakistan as Focus Shifts to Ending the War: Urgent Diplomatic Move first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
