hodler

28 Apr 2026, 19:30

TON launches open self-custodial wallet standard that gives AI agents their own dedicated on-chain wallets

After riding the tap-to-earn wave and crashing dramatically, TON is making a strategic comeback. The network is placing itself in the race to become the go-to platform for autonomous AI agents by introducing a new open, self-custodial wallet standard, which grants each agent a personal on-chain wallet. Released today, April 28, 2026, the new standard introduced by the TON Tech team is pivotal to the network’s rise after its failed attempt at infiltrating the gaming era. With TON currently trading at $1.29 , the pressure is on the network to find the next credible growth engine. Toncoin price. Source: CoinMarketCap What is the agent wallet standard? TON’S new agentic wallet standard was created to give AI agents their own on-chain financial identity. Each wallet is made up of a smart contract that consists of two separate keys: one for the user and the other for the agent, allowing the agent to approve and carry out transactions using only its own operator key. This means the agent can make swaps, pay fees, and interact with decentralized apps on its own without needing access to the user’s main wallet or exposing user credentials. Additionally, the system is also designed to ensure users keep full control, as any fund placed in the agent’s control is limited to the amount the user chooses. Furthermore, the user can change the agent’s key, remove its access, or withdraw funds whenever they wish through a dedicated dashboard at agents.ton.org . Lastly, there’s no cap on how many agents a user can deploy, so users who wish to have multiple agents can do so, with each agent having access to its own independent wallet and balance. An earlier Cryptopolitan report cited McKinsey analyst projections that AI agents could be running anywhere from $3 trillion to $5 trillion of global consumer commerce by 2030. TON joins the agentic payment wave The agentic AI trend is growing immensely throughout the ecosystem, with TON’s edge in this race being its integration with Telegram , which grants developers direct access to over a billion daily users, an added benefit most chains can’t provide. While the future looks bright, it’s worth noting that the agentic wallet contracts have not yet passed a formal security audit. TON’s own documentation described the current version as a developer preview, hinting that the product needs further testing before being widely adopted. What TON has made clear, however, is that it is no longer counting on casual games to carry the network. However, given what happened with Hamster Kombat and its evident crash, the crypto market is going to need more than a promising architecture before rewarding TON with a sustained recovery. Can TON avoid a repeat of the tap-to-earn era downturn? In 2024, the TON blockchain introduced one of the fastest-growing digital products in history called Hamster Kombat . The project ended up pulling in over 300 million users and was publicly praised as a breakthrough moment in Web3 adoption. After the launch of its native token HMSTR in September 2024, Hamster Kombat lost over 260 million active players, thus shedding 86% of its users within three months. The token itself dropped more than 76% from its launch price, eventually taking a toll on other projects, including Catizen, Tapswap, and other tap-to-earn games. With the lessons from the collapse now in the history books, the question now is whether the TON blockchain can return to those highs. And if it does, how will it avoid returning to its current lows? Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

28 Apr 2026, 19:27

DeFi United Saves rsETH: New Plan

DeFi United announced the plan to restore full collateral for rsETH after the 292M$ heist. Over 300M$+ ETH was collected under Aave's leadership. The attack is attributed to the Lazarus Group; rest...

28 Apr 2026, 19:27

Bitcoin may fall to $57,000 before new highs

🔥 Bitcoin could dip to $57,000 before a major recovery. Institutional inflows in $BTC aren’t enough to confirm a new bull cycle yet. 📉 Critical data: Analysts warn the current dip may not be the true bottom. Continue Reading: Bitcoin may fall to $57,000 before new highs The post Bitcoin may fall to $57,000 before new highs appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

28 Apr 2026, 19:25

Bitwise CIO Reveals STRC Stock as the Surprising Driver Behind Bitcoin’s 20% Rally

BitcoinWorld Bitwise CIO Reveals STRC Stock as the Surprising Driver Behind Bitcoin’s 20% Rally In a recent analysis that has captured the attention of the cryptocurrency market, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan has identified Strategy’s preferred stock, STRC, as a primary driver behind Bitcoin’s 20% rally from its February lows. This revelation comes as the digital asset market seeks clarity on the forces propelling its recent upward momentum. Bitwise CIO Pinpoints STRC Stock as Bitcoin Rally Catalyst According to a report from The Block, Hougan asserts that while multiple factors contribute to Bitcoin’s price movement, Strategy stands out as the single largest contributor. The company has aggressively expanded its Bitcoin holdings, acquiring an additional $7.2 billion worth of BTC in the past eight weeks. This buying spree, funded through the issuance of STRC, has created a powerful feedback loop that directly impacts market prices. Hougan explains that Strategy’s capital-raising mechanism through STRC allows it to accumulate Bitcoin at a scale that few other institutions can match. The firm is expected to raise billions more for future purchases, further cementing its role as a dominant market force. This strategy, while bold, relies on the continued performance of Bitcoin to sustain its financial model. How STRC Stock Fuels Bitcoin Demand STRC is a preferred stock issued by Strategy, designed to attract income-focused investors. Unlike common equity, STRC offers a fixed dividend, making it appealing to those seeking steady returns. However, the unique aspect of STRC is that the proceeds from its sale are used to purchase Bitcoin. This creates a direct link between the stock’s performance and the demand for BTC. Hougan notes that this mechanism allows Strategy to operate as a de facto Bitcoin treasury company. By continuously issuing STRC and using the capital to buy Bitcoin, the company amplifies market demand. This process has been particularly effective during periods of price consolidation, as it provides a consistent source of buying pressure. Key Mechanics of the STRC-Bitcoin Connection Capital Raising: Strategy issues STRC to raise cash from investors. Bitcoin Acquisition: The cash is immediately used to purchase Bitcoin. Market Impact: Large-scale purchases drive up BTC prices. Feedback Loop: Higher BTC prices make STRC more attractive, leading to more issuance. This cycle has proven resilient, but it carries inherent risks. If Bitcoin’s price stagnates or declines, the entire model could face significant pressure. Sustainability of Strategy’s Dividend Model Hougan provides a detailed analysis of Strategy’s ability to sustain its dividend payments. He calculates that, in theory, the company could continue paying dividends for 42 years at Bitcoin’s current price. This long runway provides a buffer against short-term market volatility. However, he adds a critical caveat: if the price of Bitcoin remains static until 2068, the company would eventually fail. This scenario assumes no growth in the underlying asset, which would erode the value of the company’s holdings over time. Conversely, an annual price increase of 20% would allow Strategy to pay dividends indefinitely, creating a sustainable model for long-term investors. Financial Projections for STRC and Bitcoin Scenario Dividend Sustainability BTC price static until 2068 Company fails BTC price grows 20% annually Indefinite dividends Current price (2025) 42 years of dividends These projections highlight the importance of Bitcoin’s long-term price trajectory for Strategy’s viability. The company’s success is intrinsically tied to the broader cryptocurrency market’s performance. Market Context and Expert Analysis The Bitcoin rally from February lows has been driven by a confluence of factors, including institutional adoption, macroeconomic uncertainty, and regulatory clarity. However, Hougan’s analysis suggests that Strategy’s actions have been a disproportionate driver of recent gains. This perspective is supported by on-chain data, which shows significant accumulation by large wallets during the same period. The correlation between Strategy’s buying activity and price increases is difficult to ignore. Other analysts have noted similar patterns, reinforcing the idea that institutional capital flows are reshaping the market. Broader Implications for Cryptocurrency Markets The emergence of STRC as a key driver of Bitcoin demand has several implications for the market. First, it demonstrates the growing sophistication of crypto investment vehicles. Second, it highlights the potential for corporate strategies to influence asset prices. Finally, it underscores the need for investors to understand the underlying mechanics of these instruments. As more companies explore similar models, the relationship between equity markets and cryptocurrency prices will likely deepen. This convergence could lead to new forms of risk and opportunity for traders and long-term holders alike. Conclusion The Bitwise CIO’s identification of STRC stock as a primary driver of the Bitcoin rally offers valuable insight into the forces shaping the current market. Strategy’s aggressive accumulation strategy, funded through preferred stock issuance, has created a powerful feedback loop that directly impacts BTC prices. While the model faces risks if Bitcoin’s price stagnates, the company’s ability to sustain dividends for decades provides a significant buffer. Investors should monitor Strategy’s activities closely, as they are likely to remain a key factor in Bitcoin’s price dynamics. FAQs Q1: What is STRC stock and how does it relate to Bitcoin? STRC is a preferred stock issued by Strategy, a company that uses the proceeds from its sale to purchase Bitcoin. This creates a direct link between the stock’s performance and demand for BTC. Q2: How much Bitcoin has Strategy acquired recently? According to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, Strategy has acquired an additional $7.2 billion worth of Bitcoin in the past eight weeks, funded through STRC issuance. Q3: Can Strategy sustain its dividend payments indefinitely? Hougan calculates that at Bitcoin’s current price, Strategy could sustain dividends for 42 years. However, indefinite sustainability requires an annual BTC price increase of 20%. Q4: What happens to Strategy if Bitcoin’s price remains static? If Bitcoin’s price remains static until 2068, Strategy would eventually fail, as the value of its holdings would not generate sufficient returns to cover dividend payments. Q5: Is STRC stock a safe investment? STRC offers a fixed dividend, making it attractive to income-focused investors. However, its safety depends on Bitcoin’s long-term price performance, introducing cryptocurrency market risk. This post Bitwise CIO Reveals STRC Stock as the Surprising Driver Behind Bitcoin’s 20% Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 19:15

Google Expands Pentagon Access to Its AI After Anthropic Refuses Similar Deal — A Controversial Move

BitcoinWorld Google Expands Pentagon Access to Its AI After Anthropic Refuses Similar Deal — A Controversial Move Google has expanded Pentagon access to its artificial intelligence, granting the U.S. Department of Defense permission to use its AI on classified networks for all lawful purposes. This decision follows Anthropic’s public refusal to provide the same unrestricted terms to the DoD. The move marks a significant shift in the AI industry’s relationship with the military and has sparked internal and external debate. Google Expands Pentagon Access to Its AI: The Core Agreement According to multiple news reports, Google’s new contract with the DoD allows the military to use its AI models for a wide range of applications. The agreement includes access to Google’s cloud infrastructure and AI APIs for classified networks. This essentially permits all lawful uses, though Google’s statement includes language that it does not intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. However, the Wall Street Journal reports that it is unclear whether these provisions are legally binding or enforceable. Google is now the third major AI company to sign such a deal with the DoD. OpenAI immediately signed a similar agreement, as did xAI. This pattern suggests a growing trend of AI companies seeking government contracts despite ethical concerns. Anthropic’s Refusal and the Pentagon Lawsuit The context of this deal is crucial. Anthropic, a leading AI model maker, publicly refused to grant the DoD the same unrestricted terms. The Pentagon wanted unrestricted use of AI, while Anthropic insisted on guardrails to prevent its technology from being used for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Because Anthropic refused these use cases, the DoD branded the model maker a “supply-chain risk” — a designation normally reserved for foreign adversaries. This designation has led to a lawsuit between Anthropic and the DoD. A judge last month granted Anthropic an injunction against the designation while the case proceeds. This legal battle highlights the tension between AI companies’ ethical commitments and national security demands. Google’s Internal Conflict: Employee Protests Google’s decision did not come without internal dissent. A total of 950 Google employees have signed an open letter asking the company to follow Anthropic’s lead and not sell AI to the Defense Department without similar guardrails. The employees argue that selling AI without strong restrictions could enable harmful applications. Despite this, Google proceeded with the deal. The company tells Bitcoin World that it is “proud” to be among the AI companies supporting national security. Google’s full written statement emphasizes its commitment to responsible AI use, stating that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons unless a human is overseeing such operations. What Google’s Statement Says A Google spokesperson provided the following statement: “We are proud to be part of a broad consortium of leading AI labs and technology and cloud companies providing AI services and infrastructure in support of national security. We support government agencies across both classified and non-classified projects, applying our expertise to areas like logistics, cybersecurity, diplomatic translation, fleet maintenance, and the defense of critical infrastructure.” The statement continues: “We believe that providing API access to our commercial models, including on Google infrastructure, with industry-standard practices and terms, represents a responsible approach to supporting national security. We remain committed to the private and public sector consensus that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weaponry without appropriate human oversight.” AI Defense Contracts: A Growing Trend The race for AI defense contracts is accelerating. Here is a brief timeline of recent developments: Anthropic (2024-2025): Refuses DoD terms, gets labeled a “supply-chain risk,” and files a lawsuit. OpenAI (2025): Signs a deal with the DoD shortly after Anthropic’s refusal. xAI (2025): Follows suit with its own DoD agreement. Google (2025): Expands Pentagon access to its AI, becoming the third major player. This timeline shows a clear pattern. Companies that refuse military contracts face significant pressure, while those that accept them gain lucrative government revenue. The DoD’s designation of Anthropic as a “supply-chain risk” sends a strong message to other AI companies. Ethical Guardrails: Are They Enforceable? One of the central questions in this debate is whether ethical guardrails are legally binding. Google’s agreement includes language that it does not intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. This language is similar to contract language used by OpenAI. However, the Wall Street Journal reports that it is unclear whether such provisions are enforceable. Critics argue that without clear enforcement mechanisms, these guardrails are merely aspirational. The DoD’s own actions, such as labeling Anthropic a risk for refusing to remove guardrails, suggest that the Pentagon prioritizes unrestricted access over ethical constraints. Expert Analysis on Contract Language Legal experts note that contract language about “intent” is often difficult to enforce. If the DoD uses Google’s AI for a purpose that Google says it does not intend, proving a breach of contract would require showing that Google knew or should have known about the use. This is a high legal bar. Furthermore, the DoD’s classified networks make external oversight nearly impossible. Without transparency, it is difficult to verify whether the AI is being used in accordance with the stated guardrails. Impact on the AI Industry and National Security Google’s decision has significant implications for both the AI industry and national security. On one hand, the DoD gains access to cutting-edge AI technology for logistics, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure defense. These are legitimate national security needs. On the other hand, the lack of strong guardrails raises concerns about potential misuse. Domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons are two areas where many experts believe AI should be strictly limited. The absence of enforceable restrictions could set a dangerous precedent. The AI industry is now divided. Some companies, like Anthropic, are taking a principled stand. Others, like Google, OpenAI, and xAI, are prioritizing government contracts. This split could lead to further legal battles and regulatory scrutiny. Conclusion Google expands Pentagon access to its AI after Anthropic refuses similar deal, marking a pivotal moment in the AI defense landscape. While Google claims its agreement includes ethical guardrails, the enforceability of those provisions remains unclear. The decision has sparked internal employee protests and external criticism, but it also positions Google as a key player in national security AI. As the lawsuit between Anthropic and the DoD proceeds, the industry will be watching closely to see how these ethical and legal questions are resolved. FAQs Q1: Why did Anthropic refuse the Pentagon’s AI deal? Anthropic refused because the Pentagon wanted unrestricted use of its AI, including for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Anthropic insisted on guardrails to prevent these uses. Q2: What did the Pentagon do after Anthropic refused? The Pentagon labeled Anthropic a “supply-chain risk,” a designation normally reserved for foreign adversaries. Anthropic sued the DoD, and a judge granted an injunction against the designation while the case proceeds. Q3: What does Google’s deal with the Pentagon include? Google’s deal allows the DoD to use its AI on classified networks for all lawful purposes. Google’s statement says it does not intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, but the enforceability of this language is unclear. Q4: How many Google employees protested the deal? A total of 950 Google employees signed an open letter asking the company to follow Anthropic’s lead and not sell AI to the Defense Department without strong guardrails. Q5: Which other AI companies have signed similar deals with the Pentagon? OpenAI and xAI have also signed deals with the DoD, making Google the third major AI company to do so. This post Google Expands Pentagon Access to Its AI After Anthropic Refuses Similar Deal — A Controversial Move first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 19:12

France Arrests 88 Suspects in BTC Key Attacks

France charged 88 suspects in key attacks targeting BTC owners. The PNACO operation led to 75 arrests. Since 2023, 135 incidents have been shaken by Ledger and judge kidnappings. CertiK: 72 cases i...