Bitcoin in Brief Saturday: “Social” Coins, Crypto Vending, Blockchain Mileage

Reports suggest that Facebook may develop its own crypto. The plan is worth a mention, especially on the backdrop of the crypto ban imposed by the social media network. In Saturday’s Bitcoin in Brief, we also cover Telegram’s advance towards implementing its payment system using the Gram token. Some blockchain stories with beers and beamers … Read more

Ukraine’s Securities Commission Chief Seeks Legalization of Cryptocurrencies as Financial Instruments

The Chairman of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine has indicated the regulator favors a decision to recognize cryptocurrencies as financial instruments. Timur Khromayev thinks it’s time to take the matter to the country’s Financial Stability Council. The point of no return has been passed, he says.   Also read: Ukraine to … Read more

New Movies Featuring Bitcoin Hitting Theaters Soon

Several films featuring Bitcoin are coming out before the summer. The main character in “Superfly”, a remake of the 1972 crime drama “Super Fly”, is now “swapping cash for crypto.” Director X’s debut movie is scheduled for release on July 15. And in Russia, two college students are chasing a hard disk storing a fortune … Read more

Coincheck Resumes Monero Withdrawals and Sales

Japanese exchange Coincheck has announced partial resumption of operations with Monero. Its clients will be able to withdraw and sell XMR, but purchases are still unavailable. All previous requests for transactions have been canceled and users will have to initiate new transfers. They will be required to confirm the destination address, and state the purpose … Read more

Sole Seven-Star Hotel in Venezuela to Accept Only Petro

A luxury hotel, offering breathtaking views of Caracas and the Caribbean coast, will be accepting only payments in Petro, Venezuela’s national cryptocurrency. According to President Maduro, the renovated Humboldt hotel is going to be the first seven-star property in his crisis-stricken Bolivarian Republic. Also read: Venezuela’s President Launches Crypto Funded Youth Bank, Encourages Mining Farms … Read more

Azerbaijan to Tax Crypto Incomes and Profits

Gains from cryptocurrency transactions will be taxed in Azerbaijan, according to a high-ranking official from the Tax Ministry. Authorities in the energy-rich nation intend to tap into both corporate profits and personal incomes. The country has previously taken a conservative stance on cryptocurrencies but the focus on taxation now signals a change in Baku.  Also … Read more

Another Indian Company Challenges Ban on Crypto Banking

RBI’s ban on crypto-related banking services has been challenged again. Maharashtra-based Flintstone Technologies has turned to the High Court in Delhi to seek withdrawal of the April 6 circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India, calling it “arbitrary, unfair and unconstitutional.” The company points out that the central bank has not provided any reasons … Read more

Bitcoin in Brief Thursday: Crypto Traders in Troubled Waters

In today’s Bitcoin in Brief – crypto traders are in trouble due to issues with the trading platforms they have trusted. Hacked Italian Bitgrail exchange is closed again after a brief reopening. It suspended operations on request from the court of Florence, following a petition  filed on behalf of one of its creditors. Also, beleaguered … Read more

Taxis Take BCH, Stores Sell BTC in the Russian City of Rostov

Residents of Rostov, the Russian port city on the Don River, are enjoying a growing number of bitcoin-related services. Some crypto-savvy taxi drivers have started accepting Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and several BTC teller machines have been installed in supermarkets. All that happens while officials in Moscow are still mulling over the legislation needed to regulate … Read more