Decentralization


Opinion

The Decentralized Mystique

New academic research on Bitcoin’s early years undermines its foundational myths of privacy through pseudonymity and decentralization, Jaron Lanier and Glen Weyl write.

Like the Biblical story of Moses, Bitcoin’s decentralization is a powerful motivating idea. But is it true? (Paramount Pictures/Wikimedia Commons)

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New Research Unearths Insights Into Satoshi and Bitcoin’s Early Days

The paper makes no claims about the Bitcoin network today, more than a decade after the end of the period analyzed. But it underscores well-known and longstanding privacy challenges.

ANCIENT HISTORY? The era of Bitcoin analyzed in a new study long predated the advent of specialized mining machines. (Jacqueline Martinez/Unsplash)

Opinion

UST Won't Be the End of Algorithmic Stablecoins

The trail for a monetary "Holy Grail" continues, despite Terra’s collapse. So what do we do about it?

(Annie Spratt/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Opinion

Terra, Web 3 and Acceptable Risk in Innovation

Garbage Day newsletter author Ryan Broderick is skeptical about what comes after Web 2. There are challenges and opportunities ahead.

Does the UST meltdown say anything about the future and promises of crypto? (FLY:D/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Videos

Solana Labs CEO on OpenSea, Wormhole Exploit, Decentralization

Solana Labs CEO & Founder Anatoly Yakovenko discusses the network’s rapid growth and use case for NFTs, noting OpenSea’s recent decision to feature SOL assets. Plus, Yakovenko explains how the protocol addressed the Wormhole exploit and ambitions for increased decentralization. 

Recent Videos

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Is Ethereum Staking Pool Lido’s Growth an Omen of Centralization?

Lido might be on track to control over 50% of all staked ether on the Beacon Chain. Better it than Coinbase, proponents say.

(Raimond Klavins/Unsplash)

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Is Miner Concentration Once Again Jeopardizing Bitcoin? Not Exactly

The high percentage of hashrate now located in North America may look like China 2.0, but the reality is more complicated.

The bitcoin mining industry is concentrating in the U.S. (Melody Wang/CoinDesk)

Opinion

Vitalik Buterin's Dad on Ukraine, Censorship and Decentralization

Ukraine war might be the "next big push towards adoption of crypto," he said.

(Dima Buterin/Bankless, modified by CoinDesk)