Author: Defx Intern

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino has predicted that while bitcoin users will likely transition to quantum-resistant addresses well before advanced computers pose a genuine threat to the cryptocurrency’s cryptography, millions of lost coins, including potentially Satoshi Nakamoto’s stash, could face risks in a quantum computing future.

Ardoino emphasized that quantum computing does not present an immediate threat to Bitcoin. However, he noted that lost wallets, where the private keys are no longer known, could be vulnerable if quantum computers advance to the point of being able to break Bitcoin’s cryptography. This includes the estimated 1 million BTC mined by Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, who has been inactive since the early days of the cryptocurrency.

If quantum computing does eventually progress to a level where it can compromise Bitcoin’s security, Ardoino believes that most users will have already moved their funds to quantum-resistant addresses. Nevertheless, the lost coins, which account for a significant portion of Bitcoin’s supply, would remain vulnerable and could potentially re-enter the market if a quantum computer is able to derive their private keys.

The implications of a large number of lost bitcoins re-entering circulation could be significant. If Satoshi Nakamoto’s dormant holdings were to move, it would likely send shockwaves through the market and raise questions about the creator’s identity and intentions. Furthermore, if a substantial amount of lost coins were to be recovered and sold off, it could potentially impact Bitcoin’s price and market dynamics.

Despite these potential long-term risks, Ardoino’s outlook suggests that active Bitcoin users and the overall network will likely adapt and maintain resilience in the face of evolving technological threats. As quantum computing advances, the Bitcoin community will need to stay vigilant and proactively work on solutions to ensure the cryptocurrency’s security and integrity.

While the quantum computing threat may seem distant, Ardoino’s comments highlight the importance of ongoing research and development in cryptography and blockchain security. As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream adoption, maintaining their resilience against emerging technological challenges will be crucial for their long-term success and viability.

Tags: Bitcoin, Tether, Paolo Ardoino, Quantum Computing, Lost Bitcoins, Satoshi Nakamoto

Source: https://news.bitcoin.com/tether-ceo-predicts-lost-bitcoin-wallets-vulnerable-in-quantum-future-satoshis-stash-at-risk/

The Chainlink (LINK) price has recently experienced significant bearish pressure, falling to $17 for the first time since November 2024. This decline was triggered by broader market volatility, with Bitcoin dropping to $92,000 amid fears of a potential trade war sparked by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. However, despite the initial 32% slump, the LINK token has shown signs of recovery, currently trading above $18.

Although Chainlink appears to be set for a bullish recovery, its price movement has been sluggish over the past few days. This slowdown may be attributed to a crucial resistance level at $23.78, which could prove pivotal in determining the start of a fresh bull run. Prominent crypto trader Ali Martinez recently highlighted this key level on the X platform, basing his analysis on the average cost basis of numerous LINK investors.

According to data from IntoTheBlock, approximately 96,760 investors purchased around 110.43 million Chainlink tokens within the $20.96 to $26.25 price range, at an average price of $23.78. This high purchasing activity has created a supply barrier within this region, as investors may be inclined to sell their tokens once they break even, potentially hindering further price increases.

For Chainlink to initiate a new bull rally, it is crucial for the price to successfully breach the $23.78 resistance level. If the buying demand can overcome the potential selling pressure from investors looking to exit their positions, LINK could gain the momentum needed to continue its upward trajectory. However, if the $23.78 level proves to be a formidable barrier, the price may continue to consolidate or even face a potential pullback.

Investors and traders should closely monitor the Chainlink price action around this key level, as a decisive move above $23.78 could signal the beginning of a new bullish phase for the token. Additionally, the overall market sentiment and developments within the Chainlink ecosystem may also influence the token’s price performance in the near future.

Tags: Chainlink price, LINK, resistance level, bull rally, IntoTheBlock, Ali Martinez, technical analysis

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/news/chainlink/chainlink-price-could-start-new-bull-rally-heres-the-level-to-watch/

Amid the current market downtrend, crypto pundit Investments CEO has provided a bullish outlook for Dogecoin (DOGE), XRP, and Solana (SOL). In a recent X post, the analyst predicted that DOGE will hit $1, XRP will reach $6, and Solana will soar to $1,000, marking new all-time highs for each cryptocurrency.

The current all-time highs for DOGE, XRP, and SOL stand at $0.74, $3.3, and $294, respectively. If these cryptocurrencies were to reach the predicted levels, it would represent significant growth in the face of the ongoing market crash, which has been fueled by economic uncertainty. Investments CEO also predicted that Bitcoin will hit a new all-time high of $150,000.

The bullish sentiment isn’t limited to just one analyst. Other crypto pundits, such as Master Kenobi, have also suggested that DOGE could soon reach the psychological $1 level, citing similarities between the current price action and that of 2017. Based on these similarities, Master Kenobi believes that DOGE could witness a 6x increase from its current level and rally to as high as $1.25, potentially peaking in mid-April or May.

Similarly, crypto analyst Dark Defender has predicted that XRP could rally to $8 in the near future and even reach $18 within this market cycle. Meanwhile, Ali Martinez and Van Eck have provided bullish projections for Solana, with Martinez suggesting a target of $350 and Van Eck stating that SOL could reach $500 by year-end.

However, for these cryptocurrencies to maintain their bullish momentum, certain conditions must be met. Kevin Capital noted that DOGE needs to get back above $0.28 to see more upside, otherwise, it risks retesting the lows and potentially dropping to $0.19. Egrag Crypto emphasized that XRP needs to close above the 21 EMA at $2.67, with a close above $2.81 being essential for bullish momentum. CasiTrades added that XRP needs to reclaim $2.90, as a rejection at this level could lead to a drop to $1.88 or $1.53. For Solana, Ali Martinez stated that SOL needs to hold above the support at $196 to maintain the bullish projection of $350.

If these cryptocurrencies can overcome their respective hurdles and reach the predicted levels, it could signal a significant shift in market sentiment and potentially spark a broader market recovery. However, investors should remain cautious and closely monitor key support and resistance levels, as the market remains highly volatile and subject to sudden changes.

Tags: Dogecoin, XRP, Solana, Crypto Market, Technical Analysis, All-Time Highs

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/news/dogecoin/dogecoin-xrp-solana-price/

In a significant move to tighten its grip on the cryptocurrency industry, Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has demanded that Google and Apple remove five unregistered crypto exchange apps from their respective app stores. The targeted exchanges include Bybit, KuCoin, Bitget, LBank, and MEXC, all of which have been operating in Japan without proper registration.

This decisive action by the FSA underscores Japan’s commitment to enforcing strict regulations on crypto exchanges serving Japanese consumers. Under the nation’s Payment Services Act, any exchange catering to Japanese users must obtain regulatory approval before commencing operations. However, the five exchanges in question have continued to provide services without appropriate registration, prompting the FSA to intervene.

The implications of this crackdown are far-reaching for both the exchanges and Japanese crypto enthusiasts. By ordering the removal of these apps from app stores, authorities aim to limit access to non-compliant platforms and prevent users from engaging in transactions that fall short of Japanese standards. While no specific penalties have been announced for non-compliance, the FSA’s stance sends a clear message that Japan takes its crypto regulations seriously.

Apple has swiftly responded to the FSA’s request, removing the targeted crypto trading apps from its Japanese App Store. Users attempting to download these apps are now met with notifications stating that they are unavailable in their country or region. Moreover, searches for the five exchanges within the App Store yield no results, effectively deterring new users from creating accounts.

Google’s response, on the other hand, remains uncertain. As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that the tech giant has taken similar action to remove the apps from the Japanese Google Play Store. Should Google follow suit, it would further restrict Japanese users’ access to these exchanges, making it increasingly difficult for them to trade crypto on unregistered platforms.

Japan’s stringent crypto regulations are among the most comprehensive in the world. In the wake of previous security breaches and fraud cases, the government has tightened its policies to ensure user protection. Licensed exchanges are required to adhere to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules, among other legal obligations.

The FSA’s recent action against Bybit, KuCoin, Bitget, LBank, and MEXC demonstrates Japan’s resolve to eliminate non-compliant services and serves as a warning to other exchanges operating without proper registration. As Japan continues to be a major hub for cryptocurrency adoption, its regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly stringent, with the FSA showing no tolerance for exchanges that fail to meet its licensing requirements.

The crackdown on unlicensed exchanges is likely to have a significant impact on the Japanese crypto market. Users who have been trading on these platforms may be forced to switch to licensed exchanges, potentially leading to a consolidation of the market. Additionally, the increased regulatory scrutiny could deter new entrants from launching unregistered exchanges in Japan, further strengthening the position of compliant platforms.

For Japanese crypto traders, this development serves as a reminder of the importance of using licensed exchanges. By opting for registered platforms, users can ensure that their funds are protected and that they are operating within the bounds of the law. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for traders to stay informed and adapt to the changing requirements.

Tags: Japan, Crypto Regulations, Unlicensed Exchanges, FSA, App Stores

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/japan-to-google-and-apple-get-rid-of-unlicensed-crypto-apps/

Shatterline, a new crypto-infused first-person hero shooter, has recently entered the booming hero shooter market. While the game boasts solid fundamentals, it faces an uphill battle against established genre giants.

The hero shooter genre has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with games like Overwatch and Valorant capturing massive player bases. Shatterline aims to differentiate itself by incorporating cryptocurrency elements into its gameplay and economy. However, the question remains whether this unique selling point will be enough to attract players away from the more established titles.

From a market perspective, Shatterline’s success will largely depend on how well it can execute its crypto integration. If the game can provide a seamless and engaging experience that leverages the benefits of blockchain technology, it could potentially carve out a niche within the competitive hero shooter landscape. On the other hand, if the crypto elements feel tacked on or detract from the core gameplay, players may be hesitant to invest their time and money into the game.

One potential advantage Shatterline has is the growing interest in crypto and blockchain gaming. As more players become familiar with these concepts and seek out new experiences that incorporate them, Shatterline could tap into this emerging market. However, the game will need to strike a balance between appealing to crypto enthusiasts and maintaining accessibility for mainstream gamers.

Ultimately, Shatterline’s success will hinge on the quality of its gameplay, the depth of its hero roster, and the overall polish of the experience. While the crypto angle provides a unique selling point, it alone may not be enough to overcome the stiff competition posed by the genre’s established players. Only time will tell if Shatterline can find its footing and attract a dedicated player base in this crowded market.

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Tags: Shatterline, hero shooter, crypto gaming, blockchain gaming, competitive gaming

Source: https://decrypt.co/305032/should-you-play-crypto-hero-shooter-shatterline

Recent data from Google Trends indicates a significant drop in worldwide interest for the search terms “bitcoin” and “bitcoin price” over the past month, with an even sharper decline in the last week.

This waning interest comes amidst a period of relative stability in the price of Bitcoin, which has been trading in a narrow range around the $22,000 mark for several weeks. The lack of significant price movements, either up or down, may be contributing to the reduced search volume as investors and enthusiasts find fewer reasons to actively seek out information on the cryptocurrency.

However, it’s important to note that search interest is just one metric of engagement and does not necessarily reflect the overall health or adoption of Bitcoin. Other on-chain metrics, such as transaction volume and hash rate, remain robust, suggesting that the network is still being actively used and secured by miners.

From a market perspective, the decline in search interest could indicate a cooling off of speculative fervor and a maturing of the Bitcoin market. As the cryptocurrency becomes more established and integrated into mainstream financial systems, the need for constant information-seeking may diminish. This normalization could pave the way for more stable, long-term growth driven by fundamental adoption rather than hype-fueled speculation.

That said, it’s also possible that the lull in search interest is merely a temporary phenomenon, and that significant price movements in either direction could quickly reignite public curiosity. Bitcoin has a history of volatility and the ability to generate headlines, so it’s unlikely that this current period of relative quiet will last indefinitely.

For investors, the key takeaway is to remain focused on the long-term fundamentals and real-world adoption of Bitcoin rather than getting caught up in short-term fluctuations in search trends or market sentiment. As always, thorough research and a well-considered strategy should guide any investment decisions in the cryptocurrency space.

Tags: Bitcoin, Google Trends, Search Interest, Market Analysis, Cryptocurrency

Source: https://news.bitcoin.com/bitcoin-searches-take-a-plunge-google-trends-reveals-interest-decline/

Despite a turbulent week for Bitcoin, which saw prices dip to $91,000 amid concerns of a potential trade war between the US and several countries, retail investors have significantly increased their accumulation of the cryptocurrency. According to blockchain analytics firm Glassnode, retail investors (addresses holding ≤1 BTC) are purchasing Bitcoin at an average rate of 10,627 BTC per day, a 72% surge compared to last year’s daily average.

This aggressive buying by retail investors contrasts with their behavior in November when they took profits as Bitcoin surpassed $100,000. The renewed accumulation, despite recent market woes, suggests strong confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term profitability. On the other hand, Bitcoin whales (investors holding over 1000 BTC) are offloading their assets at an unprecedented rate, moving an average of 32,509 BTC to exchanges daily since November 24.

While large sell-offs by whales are generally seen as a bearish signal, the Bitcoin community remains bullish, attributing a significant portion of the offloading to profit-taking rather than a loss of confidence. The recent accumulation surge by retail investors has also served as a key absorber of supply, mitigating potential drastic price declines.

At press time, Bitcoin trades at $96,679, consolidating within the $95,000–$100,000 range and setting the stage for a potential breakout. For an uptrend confirmation, bulls must drive prices beyond the critical $105,000 resistance level. Despite a 5.71% price dip over the past week, trading volume has surged by 17.22%, signaling increased market activity and interest.

The contrasting behaviors of retail investors and whales highlight the complex dynamics at play in the Bitcoin market. As retail investors continue to accumulate, their sustained demand will be crucial in maintaining Bitcoin’s bullish structure. However, the market must also absorb the increased selling pressure from whales, which could potentially limit upside potential in the short term.

Overall, while the recent accumulation by retail investors is a positive sign for Bitcoin’s long-term prospects, the cryptocurrency’s path to new all-time highs may face challenges as it navigates the ongoing tug-of-war between retail optimism and whale profit-taking. As always, investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility as the market continues to evolve.

Tags: Bitcoin, retail investors, whales, accumulation, profit-taking, market dynamics, technical analysis

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/news/bitcoin/retail-investors-boost-bitcoin-accumulation-by-72-amid-intense-whale-selling-details/

Hailey Welch, the influencer known as “Hawk Tuah girl,” has finally addressed the controversial HAWK memecoin scam that occurred in December 2024. After nearly two months of silence, Welch released a now-deleted podcast episode discussing the token’s launch and subsequent crash, which left many investors empty-handed.

The HAWK memecoin, launched in partnership with Web3 platform overHere, was touted as a project that would “redefine the crypto space.” However, the token experienced a meteoric rise and fall within hours of its launch, hitting a $500 million market cap before plummeting by 90%. On-chain data revealed that a cluster of wallets controlled 80% of the supply, and pre-sale buyers quickly dumped their tokens, causing the price to nosedive.

During the podcast, Welch claimed that she had no knowledge of crypto and entered the space after being introduced to the project by a “friend of a friend.” She was allegedly told that the project would be a long-term coin and that the money she made would go to her charity. Welch’s lawyer explained that the deal was a “brand image likeness” agreement, and they had no involvement in the token’s development or tokenomics.

The influencer was paid $125,000 upfront to promote the memecoin and was promised an additional $200,000 within 30 days of the launch. She was also supposed to receive a 10% allocation of the HAWK supply, with a 1-year lockup period. However, her lawyer claims that the tokenomics continued to change throughout the process, and Welch never received the second payment.

The controversy surrounding the HAWK memecoin scam highlights the risks associated with influencer-promoted projects in the crypto space. Investors should always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when considering investments, especially in the volatile world of memecoins.

The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of influencers and their teams when promoting crypto projects. While Welch claims to have had no knowledge of the project’s inner workings, her association with the memecoin undoubtedly contributed to its initial hype and subsequent crash.

As the crypto market continues to evolve, it is crucial for investors to remain vigilant and for influencers to carefully consider the projects they choose to endorse. The HAWK memecoin scam serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of investing in unvetted projects and the importance of due diligence in the crypto space.

Tags: HAWK memecoin, crypto scam, influencer, Hailey Welch, Hawk Tuah girl, rug pull

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/hawk-crypto-scam-hawk-tuah-girl-breaks-silence-on-december-rug-pull/

In a surprising turn of events, Tron has outperformed not only the broader altcoin market but also Bitcoin in terms of price performance. Tron’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its dominance in USDT transactions, the rise of meme coins on its network, and the launch of a new launchpad called SunPump.

Tron’s efficiency in processing USDT transactions has made it the preferred network for stablecoin transfers, despite Ethereum holding more USDT overall. This has driven significant adoption and contributed to Tron’s growth.

Moreover, the meme coin phenomenon has added another layer to Tron’s success. The launch of SunPump, a meme coin launchpad, has ignited a frenzy of activity, leading to the creation of over 94,000 new tokens and a $10 million incentive program for developers. The power of meme hype cannot be underestimated, as evidenced by SunPump’s ability to outpace even established platforms like Pump.fun in daily token creation.

The rise of meme coins has shown that they are no longer mere jokes but have the potential to pump entire ecosystems. Tron’s explosive growth is a testament to this, with SunPump playing a significant role in supercharging the network’s adoption.

Looking ahead, a new meme-powered project called MIND of Pepe ($MIND) is capturing attention by blending AI with crypto. With an impressive $5.4 million raised in presale and a growing community, $MIND aims to leverage AI to enhance user engagement and create unique experiences within its ecosystem.

While the long-term viability of meme coins remains to be seen, their current popularity and ability to drive hype cannot be ignored. As Tron continues to ride this wave, it will be interesting to observe how the dynamics between established cryptocurrencies and meme-driven projects play out in the market.

For investors, the key takeaway is to approach meme coins with caution and conduct thorough research before investing. The potential for significant gains is undeniable, but so are the risks associated with highly speculative assets.

As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about market trends and adapt accordingly. The rise of Tron and the impact of meme coins serve as a reminder that the crypto space is constantly shifting, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors and enthusiasts alike.

Tags: Tron, Bitcoin, Meme Coins, SunPump, MIND of Pepe, AI, Crypto Market

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/tron-beats-bitcoin-thanks-to-meme-hype-can-mind-of-pepe-be-next/

Solana (SOL) has been facing significant selling pressure since late January, losing over 40% of its value after reaching all-time highs. The price action remains bearish, with SOL struggling to find strong support as the broader market experiences volatility. Investors are growing increasingly cautious, fearing that further declines could follow if key levels fail to hold.

However, top analyst Daan believes that Solana could see a swift recovery if it manages to maintain its current structure. In a recent technical analysis shared on X, Daan revealed that Solana is still holding above a key diagonal trend line and the Daily 200MA/EMA. This suggests that if SOL can defend this area, it could regain strength and push higher in the coming weeks.

While Solana’s recent price action has been concerning, the overall structure still looks intact. If the market regains momentum, SOL could quickly reclaim lost ground and make another run toward its previous highs. The coming days will be crucial as investors watch closely to see if Solana can defend its support levels or if further downside is on the horizon. A strong bounce from current levels could mark the beginning of a new bullish phase for SOL.

Solana is currently trading at a critical zone after dropping more than 14% since Tuesday, testing the last support level that maintains its long-term bullish structure. If SOL fails to hold its current demand level, it could face sustained selling pressure, potentially leading to a deeper correction.

Daan emphasized that these support levels have historically played a crucial role in determining SOL’s trend direction, making them a key focus for traders and investors. However, he also pointed out a technical concern regarding the two sweeps of the 2021 all-time high, which could indicate market uncertainty. Despite this, Daan believes that if the market finds momentum again, Solana could recover quickly and make another run toward higher price levels.

For now, SOL’s ability to hold above key support levels will determine its short-term direction. If bulls manage to defend these areas and push the price back above resistance, a strong rebound could be in play. Solana (SOL) is currently trading at $192 after a volatile and bearish start to February. The price is holding at the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA) and remains 5% above the 200-day simple moving average (SMA), signaling that this is a critical moment for bulls to step in and defend the long-term trend.

If SOL manages to hold above these key indicators, the next objective for bulls will be reclaiming the $200 mark, a psychological and technical resistance level. A successful push above this level would signal strength and set the stage for a larger recovery in the coming weeks. However, if SOL fails to hold above the 200-day EMA and loses this crucial support, the price could face a significant drop toward lower demand areas around $170. This would confirm a deeper correction and extend the bearish momentum that has dominated the market since late January.

With the market still under pressure, SOL’s ability to defend its long-term moving averages will determine its next move. A rebound from these levels would indicate bullish resilience, while a breakdown could accelerate selling pressure and push the price further into lower demand zones.

In conclusion, Solana is at a critical juncture, and its ability to hold above key support levels will be a determining factor in its short-term price action. If SOL can maintain its current structure and the market regains momentum, a swift recovery and potential run toward new all-time highs could be on the horizon. However, if support levels fail to hold, further downside and a deeper correction may be in store for Solana.

Tags: Solana, SOL, Solana Analysis, Solana Price, Solana Support, Technical Analysis

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/news/solana/solana-holds-support-above-key-indicator-expert-sees-push-to-ath-if-momentum-returns/