Invest ideasNews
27 Apr 2026, 21:30
Why Does Ripple Keep Unlocking And Selling Millions Of XRP Every Month?
The mechanics behind XRP’s supply have always been public. A breakdown on X from crypto commentator Crypto Tony looks at the process of XRP unlocks in particular, with the theory that the payments technology company is, in fact, diluting every holder of XRP. The Escrow Machine and How It Works In a detailed post on X, a crypto commentator known as Crypto Tony laid out an interesting theory as to why Ripple keeps unlocking and selling millions of XRP every month to his hundreds of thousands of followers. Related Reading: 4-Figure XRP: How High Will The Price Be If Ripple Captures 50% Of SWIFT? To understand the controversy, it starts with how XRP was created and distributed. When XRP launched in 2012, all 100 billion tokens were minted at once. Ripple’s founders took 20 billion for themselves and handed the remaining 80 billion to the company. For the first five years, nothing legally prevented Ripple from selling as much of that supply as it wanted. In late 2017, the company placed 55 billion XRP into escrow accounts on the XRP Ledger. These escrows release up to 1 billion XRP every month, automatically, on a fixed schedule. This was probably meant to address concerns that Ripple could flood the market at any time. Based on that framework, Ripple releases one billion XRP each month but relocks between 60% and 80% of the tokens, and they keep the rest, which is roughly 200 to 300 million XRP. According to Crypto Tony, the remainder is kept by Ripple and used to fund the entire company. Ripple Is Diluting XRP Holders A major part of the analyst’s discussion is how Ripple has been diluting the value of traders holding XRP, citing major examples as to how this is happening. Related Reading: Is XRP The Solution To Everything? Ripple President Drops Bombshell That Changes Everything That funding model has been acknowledged publicly. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has previously indicated in interviews that XRP sales play a role in sustaining the company. The more uncomfortable chapter noted by Crypto Tony concerns how Ripple has, at various points, used its commercial partnerships to move XRP into the market through a secondary layer of sellers. An example is when Ripple paid MoneyGram more than $61 million in market development fees to use XRP. MoneyGram subsequently told reporters it sold XRP as soon as it received it, holding no inventory of the token. The SEC addressed this arrangement in its complaint against Ripple, writing that MoneyGram had become a conduit for Ripple’s unregistered XRP sales. According to Crypto Tony, every holder of XRP is being slowly diluted by the company itself, by design, on a monthly schedule that’s written into the blockchain. This is a major reason as to why XRP is now down six consecutive months. Crypto Tony also mentioned Jed McCaleb, co-founder of Ripple, as another conduit through which the holdings of XRP holders were diluted. McCaleb left the company with 9 billion XRP and spent 8 years dumping about $3.2 billion worth of his holdings. At the time of writing, Ripple still has about 33.355 billion XRP in its escrow wallets, according to data from XRPScan. Featured image from Pxfuel, chart from Tradingview.com
27 Apr 2026, 21:30
Did Someone Really Break Bitcoin’s Encryption? Here’s The Truth About What Happened
The latest threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography is quantum computing. A researcher called Giancarlo Lelli has now won a one Bitcoin prize for using quantum hardware to crack a small cryptographic key linked to the same family of mathematics that protects Bitcoin. This sounds terrifying at first glance, as it threatens the future of billions worth of Bitcoin. However, it also needs careful handling, because the truth is more complicated than breaking Bitcoin’s encryption. Researcher Makes Successful Attack On Elliptic Curve Cryptography The event came from Project Eleven’s Q-Day Prize, which was awarded to independent researcher Giancarlo Lelli. Lelli used publicly available quantum hardware to break a 15-bit elliptic curve cryptography key, using a variant of Shor’s algorithm to derive a private key from a public one. The previous public quantum attack record was a 6-bit cryptographic key in September 2025, which means Lelli’s 15-bit result extends the record by a factor of 512 in complexity. Interestingly, the hardware involved was not a classified government system or a private supercomputer. Lelli ran the attack on a publicly accessible quantum device with about 70 qubits, completing it in only 45 minutes. The implications tie directly into how BTC’s security model is structured. That matters because Bitcoin relies on the same elliptic curve cryptography that was broken. According to Project Eleven, an estimated 6.9 million BTC valued at about $520 billion, are held in addresses where the public keys have already been revealed on-chain. This includes the roughly 1.1 million BTC attributed to Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Advances like these raise concerns about how soon such holdings could become vulnerable, bringing forward timelines to when they can be under threat from bad actors. Is Bitcoin’s Encryption Broken? A 512x jump in seven months is the kind of progress curve that tends to get people’s attention. Progress at that pace suggests the computational threshold required to challenge BTC may be very close. However, Bitcoin does not use 15-bit keys. Bitcoin’s real security operates at a 256-bit scale, which is vastly beyond what was broken in this experiment. Project Eleven CEO Alex Pruden noted that “The resource requirements for this type of attack keep dropping, and the barrier to running it in practice is dropping with them.” Still, theoretical resource estimates for a full 256-bit attack have fallen massively over the past year. Google’s April 2026 whitepaper put the requirement at under 500,000 physical qubits. A subsequent paper from Caltech and Oratomic brought that figure as low as 10,000 qubits in a neutral-atom architecture. The quantum threat does not mean every Bitcoin wallet is equally vulnerable. The most discussed risk involves wallets whose public keys have already been exposed on-chain. Recent developments have given rise to the concept of “harvest now, decrypt later,” where bad actors are compiling public keys and waiting for future quantum computers to catch up.
27 Apr 2026, 21:29
XRP hits $13 billion in CME futures volume for Q1
🚀 In Q1, $XRP saw $13 billion in CME futures volume. Bitcoin led the field with $378 billion, Ethereum followed at $155 billion. Continue Reading: XRP hits $13 billion in CME futures volume for Q1 The post XRP hits $13 billion in CME futures volume for Q1 appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
27 Apr 2026, 21:28
Ripple’s David Schwartz Warns of Phishing Campaign Using Robinhood Emails
Ripple’s CTO Emeritus David Schwartz posted a warning on X, telling users that a phishing campaign had sent fraudulent security alerts appearing to come from Robinhood’s own email infrastructure. Robinhood has since confirmed the incident, attributing it to an abuse of its account creation flow rather than any breach of its systems. What the Phishing Email Looked Like and How It Got Through According to Schwartz, the fake email, whose subject line was “Your most recent login to Robinhood,” claimed that there was an unrecognized login attempt on an “iPhone 17 Pro” device at a specified time and that an account telephone number ending in “87” would be updated shortly. A “Review Activity Now” button sat at the bottom, alongside a warning that once changes were confirmed, they could not be reversed, which is standard panic-inducing language, designed to make people click before they think. Schwartz said he was not certain of the exact mechanics but believed, based on a quick look, that the emails “were somehow injected into Robinhood’s actual email infrastructure at some point.” That matters because the filters that most email providers use check to see if a message really came from the domain it says it did. If the sending path looks real, those checks pass, and that’s how the fraud landed in Schwartz’s inbox looking exactly like the genuine article. Robinhood’s support account later confirmed that “some customers received a falsified email from [email protected],” adding that the attack exploited its account creation flow and that no systems were breached, no personal information was exposed, and no funds were touched. The company’s guidance was for customers to delete the email, not click anything, and contact Robinhood through the app if worried. A Pattern That Keeps Repeating Reactions on X came quickly, with one user asking how a company of Robinhood’s size could have its official email compromised at all, while another, Demosthenes, noted that scam emails tend to multiply during unsettled market periods. Web3 builder Dpac claimed they had received a similar phishing email two days earlier from attackers impersonating XRP Cafe and flagged a separate wave running through X itself, with hijacked accounts sending malicious links via direct messages and multiple reports of wallets being drained. None of this is happening in isolation, with Ledger users in January being hit with phishing emails after a data breach at third-party e-commerce partner Global-e exposed their contacts and order details. Scammers then sent fake merger notices asking them to enter wallet recovery phrases on a fake website. Furthermore, a February report by Scam Sniffer said phishing losses had climbed 207% from December, costing victims $6.27 million across 4,741 cases as attackers used wallet poisoning and fraudulent approvals to trick users into signing away access to funds. The following month, the FBI warned Tron users about fake tokens impersonating the agency and pointing people toward a site built to harvest wallet credentials. The post Ripple’s David Schwartz Warns of Phishing Campaign Using Robinhood Emails appeared first on CryptoPotato .
27 Apr 2026, 21:27
XRP Coils Tight—Is $1.50 the Next Break or Fakeout?
XRP Hovers at Key Support as Analysts Watch for a Breakout Toward $1.50 XRP is currently trading in one of its most technically charged zones in recent memory. According to analyst GainMuse, price is coiling inside a high-tension structural pocket , where prolonged compression is quietly building pressure beneath the surface, often a precursor to a decisive move. At the heart of the setup is a tightly compressed structure building around $1.38–$1.40, what GainMuse describes as a multi-pattern floor. It’s more than support, it’s where a local wedge and a broader diagonal trendline converge, forming a high-confluence value zone where larger players typically position ahead of the next major move. According to CoinCodex data, XRP is trading at $1.41 , holding just above a key support zone that continues to anchor price action. While movement looks relatively quiet on the surface, the structure beneath tells a more dynamic story. Over recent weeks, XRP has worked through overlapping wedges and tightening triangles, steadily compressing into a spring-like formation. Each dip back toward the lower boundary has only added to the build-up, suggesting volatility isn’t fading, it’s being stored for a sharper move ahead. XRP Coils at a Critical Convergence Zone as $1.50 Breakout Test Looms GainMuse describes this as a classic case of structural evolution, extended compression typically giving way to sharp expansion. In the near term, XRP leans bullish toward a potential move to $1.50, but only if overhead resistance is broken with conviction. That level now becomes the first real checkpoint for continuation. Zooming out, the chart is nearing a macro convergence zone that could decide the next major phase: a transition into a stronger uptrend or continued consolidation. A clean breakout wouldn’t just clear resistance, it would expose the upper boundary of the descending channel, where price action could accelerate quickly due to thin liquidity and minimal resistance above. What stands out in this phase is the volume behavior. Price has stayed relatively muted, but underlying volume suggests steady participation building beneath the surface, often a precursor to expansion when accumulation quietly completes before momentum shows up. Rather than a simple range-bound move, XRP is tightening within a well-defined structural zone where multiple forces are converging. The next decisive move will likely hinge on how price responds to the $1.38–$1.40 floor, and whether buyers can turn this quiet accumulation into a sustained breakout.
27 Apr 2026, 21:25
Crypto Regulation Update: Devs Safe from Prosecution Unless They Aid Criminals, Says Acting U.S. AG
BitcoinWorld Crypto Regulation Update: Devs Safe from Prosecution Unless They Aid Criminals, Says Acting U.S. AG The Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche delivered a pivotal statement at the Bitcoin 2026 conference, offering a clear signal to developers in the cryptocurrency space. He declared that individuals who develop software will not face prosecution, provided they do not assist third parties in criminal activities. This announcement, reported by The Block, comes as a direct response to ongoing debates surrounding the legal treatment of privacy tools like Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet. Key Statement on Developer Liability Blanche spoke during a panel discussion at the event. He addressed a question about the regulatory approach toward Tornado Cash founder Roman Storm and the Bitcoin mixing service Samourai Wallet. The Acting AG explained a fundamental principle. He stated that developers involved in creating software will not be investigated or prosecuted. This protection applies as long as they do not help a third party use their creation for criminal purposes. This distinction marks a significant clarification in U.S. crypto regulation. Background on Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet The statement directly references high-profile cases. Tornado Cash is a decentralized cryptocurrency mixer. It was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2022 for allegedly laundering over $7 billion in virtual currency. Its founder, Roman Storm, faced legal charges for conspiracy to commit money laundering and sanctions violations. Similarly, Samourai Wallet, a Bitcoin mixing service, faced legal scrutiny for its role in facilitating private transactions. These cases created uncertainty among developers. Many feared prosecution simply for writing code. Blanche’s remarks aim to reduce that fear. Impact on the Crypto Development Community This clarification provides a crucial framework for innovation. Developers can now operate with clearer legal boundaries. The key condition is that they must not actively aid criminal activity. This includes designing tools with intentional loopholes for illegal use. It also covers direct assistance to known criminals. The statement suggests that passive development, without malicious intent, will not trigger prosecution. This distinction aligns with broader legal principles of intent and action. Broader Implications for Crypto Regulation The announcement fits into a larger pattern of evolving U.S. crypto regulation. The government has sought to balance innovation with security. Previous actions, like the sanctioning of Tornado Cash, drew criticism for overreach. Critics argued that punishing developers for writing code stifles technological progress. Blanche’s statement attempts to address these concerns. It offers a more nuanced approach. Developers are not automatically liable. They must take active steps to facilitate crime. This could encourage more development in privacy-focused technologies. Expert Reactions and Analysis Legal experts have weighed in on the statement. Many see it as a positive step for clarity. However, some caution that the devil is in the details. The phrase ‘aid criminals’ remains open to interpretation. What constitutes aiding? Does designing a privacy tool inherently aid criminals? The government must provide further guidance. For now, the statement provides a baseline. Developers should avoid any direct collaboration with illegal actors. They should also document their intent clearly. This documentation can serve as evidence of good faith. Timeline of Key Events To understand the significance, consider the timeline: August 2022: U.S. Treasury sanctions Tornado Cash. August 2023: Roman Storm is arrested and charged. April 2024: Samourai Wallet founders are arrested. May 2025: Todd Blanche speaks at Bitcoin 2026 conference. This sequence shows a shift from aggressive enforcement to a more targeted approach. The statement suggests the government is learning from past criticisms. Practical Advice for Developers Developers should take proactive steps. First, avoid any direct communication with known criminals. Second, implement clear terms of service that prohibit illegal use. Third, monitor for abuse of their platforms. Fourth, cooperate with law enforcement when necessary. These actions demonstrate a lack of intent to aid crime. They also build trust with regulators. The crypto regulation landscape remains complex. But this statement offers a clearer path forward. Comparison with Other Jurisdictions Other countries have taken different approaches. The European Union’s MiCA regulation focuses on licensing and transparency. It does not directly address developer liability. Singapore has a more permissive stance. It encourages innovation but punishes illegal use. The U.S. approach now appears more balanced. It protects developers while holding them accountable for active misconduct. This could make the U.S. a more attractive destination for crypto innovation. Conclusion Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has provided a crucial clarification on crypto regulation. Developers are safe from prosecution if they do not aid criminals. This statement addresses the uncertainty created by the Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet cases. It offers a clear legal boundary. Developers must avoid active assistance to illegal actors. This framework balances innovation with security. It encourages the development of privacy tools without fear of automatic prosecution. The crypto community now has a clearer path forward. Further guidance will be needed to define ‘aiding criminals’ precisely. For now, this marks a significant step in U.S. regulatory policy. FAQs Q1: What did Acting U.S. AG Todd Blanche say about developer liability? A: He stated that developers will not face prosecution if they do not assist third parties in criminal activities. This applies to software development, including privacy tools. Q2: How does this affect the Tornado Cash case? A: The statement provides context for the case against founder Roman Storm. It suggests that liability depends on active assistance to criminals, not just writing code. Q3: What should developers do to stay safe under this guidance? A: Developers should avoid direct collaboration with illegal actors, implement clear terms of service, monitor for abuse, and cooperate with law enforcement. Q4: Does this statement change existing U.S. crypto regulation? A: It provides clarification but does not change existing laws. It offers a framework for interpreting intent and action in future cases. Q5: Will this encourage more privacy-focused development? A: Yes, many experts believe it will. The reduced fear of prosecution could lead to more innovation in privacy tools like mixers and wallets. Q6: What is the next step for regulators? A: Regulators will likely need to provide more detailed guidance on what constitutes ‘aiding criminals.’ This will help developers understand the exact boundaries. This post Crypto Regulation Update: Devs Safe from Prosecution Unless They Aid Criminals, Says Acting U.S. AG first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
