Bitcoin

Bitcoin is the pioneer of blockchains and cryptocurrencies, introduced in a white paper released in 2008 by an apparently pseudonymous person or group of people known as Satoshi Nakamoto. The document described a peer-to-peer method of transferring money without the use of financial institutions. The cryptocurrency known as bitcoin or BTC debuted in 2009. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger (a blockchain) by entities known as miners who engage in process called proof-of-work. Miners are rewarded for doing that by getting newly minted bitcoin. Some proponents view BTC as an alternative to fiat currencies and a hedge against inflation. Bitcoin has inspired the creation of numerous other cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person

Finance

Bitcoin Mining Power Consumption Exceeds 2020: Report

Miners are on track to use 91 TWh this year.

By Sheldon RebackSep 13, 2021

Markets

Bitcoin Eyes US Inflation Report, Potential Dollar Liquidity Squeeze

Bitcoin’s mid-May crash happened after U.S. reported inflation at three-year highs.

By Omkar GodboleSep 13, 2021

Finance

On Having Fun Staying Poor

Those plebs on Twitter may have your best interest in mind.

By Bradley RettlerSep 11, 2021

(C-SPAN screenshot, modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

Market Wrap: Cryptocurrencies Stabilize as Regulatory Concerns Rise

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are rangebound as analysts monitor regulatory developments.

By Damanick Dantes, Tracy WangSep 10, 2021

Videos

Week Ahead: What’s Next for El Salvador’s Bitcoin Law With Lightning Network Playing Big Role

CoinDesk’s Tech Managing Editor Christie Harkin and Markets Managing Editor Brad Keoun discusses what’s to come next week in the world of bitcoin as the price of BTC consolidates and El Salvador has officially rolled out its Bitcoin Law with the Lightning Network playing a critical role.

Sep 10, 2021

Videos

What Caused This Week's Flash Crash?

The Week in Review panel for "All About Bitcoin" discusses the potential catalyst for this week's crypto markets flash crash. Plus, taking a look at this past week's stories making waves in the cryptocurrency space: BTC mining difficulty is recovering, node adoption for Taproot has gone over 50%, and the SEC is cracking down on Coinbase.

Sep 10, 2021

Videos

El Salvador Already Bought 550 BTC

El Salvador is on a bitcoin buying spree, having purchased 550 BTC as the Central American country’s bitcoin law went into effect Tuesday, officially adopting bitcoin as legal tender. “All About Bitcoin” host Christine Lee breaks down the Chart of the Day.

Sep 10, 2021

Videos

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Law and Impact on Remittances

El Salvador’s new bitcoin wallets could cost money services providers like Western Union and MoneyGram $400 million a year in commissions for remittances, according to CNBC. “The Hash” panel discusses the potential impact of El Salvador’s bitcoin adoption on its remittance payments and the country’s wider economy.

Sep 10, 2021

Videos

Has Surveillance Become a Way of Life 20 Years After 9/11?

Saturday is the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. “The Hash” panel reflects on its history and present legacy that has been left since, discussing its impact on today’s surveillance age and bitcoin’s emergence.

Sep 10, 2021

Finance

Bukele’s MS-13 Double Bind

The Salvadoran President has had to operate in secret while negotiating with gangs. That has raised suspicions and lent aid to his critics.

By David Z. MorrisSep 10, 2021

SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR - MAY 20: MS-13 gang members languish in one of the three 'gang cages' in the Quezaltepeque police station May 20, 2013 in San Salvador, El Salvador. These overcrowded, 12x15 cages were designed to be 72-hour holding cells for common criminals and the two rival gangs, but many of the individuals have been imprisoned for over a year. (Photo by Giles Clarke/Getty Images.)

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