Bitcoin hashrate tops 1 Zetahash in historic first, trackers show
The Bitcoin network hashrate has topped 1 Zetahash per second (ZH/s) for the first time in Bitcoin’s 16-year history, according to several blockchain data sources.Bitcoin’s hashrate crossed the milestone on April 5 at a peak of 1.025 ZH/s, according to mempool.space data, while BTC Frame data said it hit 1.02 ZH/s a day earlier.Data from Coinwarz says that Bitcoin hashrate soared to as high as 1.1 ZH/s on April 4 at block height 890,915 — however, the same data indicates that Bitcoin first crossed 1 ZH/s on March 24.Bitcoin’s hashrate has fallen back below 0.95 ZH/s on April 7 since reaching 1 ZH/s. Source: BTC FrameDiscrepancy in Bitcoin hashrate trackers The differences result from the varying approaches used to calculate hashrate — such as when block times and difficulty adjustments are measured, which Bitcoin nodes and miner pools are used to pull data from and more.Bitcoin cypherpunk Jameson Lopp also previously pointed out that estimating Bitcoin’s hashrate with one “trailing block” as opposed to five can result in a difference of over 0.04 ZH/s.“Viewing the raw Hashrate metric can be deceiving due to random variations in block times,” added Blockware Solutions head analyst Mitchell Askew, who pointed out that Bitcoin’s 30-day moving average hashrate is still around 0.845 ZH/s mark in a note to Cointelegraph.Notching 1 ZH/s is a massive network achievementDespite the discrepancies, the feat highlights the massive amount of computational power and increasing decentralization of the Bitcoin network, making it more secure than ever and significantly reducing the likelihood of a 51% attack.The Bitcoin network’s reported rise to 1 ZH/s — equivalent to 1,000 Exahashes per second — marks a 1,000x increase since late January 2016, when Bitcoin first hit 1 EH/s for the first time. The second-largest proof-of-work crypto network, Litecoin, currently boasts a hashrate of 2.49 Petahashes per second according to Coinwarz — making it around 40,000 times less computationally powerful than Bitcoin.Source: Pierre RochardAskew noted that the huge rise in hashrate has coincided with more commercial Bitcoin mining firms competing to solve Bitcoin blocks in recent years.“Miners are doubling down: expanding sites and plugging in more efficient machines,” Askew said, adding that less efficient miners could soon be washed out unless Bitcoin’s (BTC) price rallies again in the coming months.MARA Holdings is the largest Bitcoin miner with more than 50 EH/s of compute power, while the largest share of hashrate is channeled to Bitcoin mining pools Foundry USA Pool and AntPool, according to the Hashrate Index.Related: Bitcoin price drops below $80K as stocks face 1987 Black Monday rerunAt least 24 publicly listed Bitcoin companies have machines set up to mine Bitcoin, according to CompaniesMarketCap.com. Among the other large miners contributing hashrate are Riot Platforms, Core Scientific, CleanSpark, Hut 8 Mining and TeraWulf.Bitcoin’s hashrate soars as BTC plummets on recession fearsThe new all-time high in Bitcoin hashrate came in the middle of a sharp market downturn — with Bitcoin (BTC) falling nearly 10% over the last four days to $78,750, while US stocks saw an estimated $6.6 trillion loss on April 3 and 4 — the largest two-day loss ever.Much of the fall has been attributed to US President Donald Trump’s tariff plans, which many industry analysts say are sparking recession fears.Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again
Billionaire investor would 'not be surprised' if Trump postpones tariffs
Crypto-friendly billionaire investor Bill Ackman is considering the possibility that US President Donald Trump may pause the implementation of his controversial proposed tariffs on April 7.”One would have to imagine that President Donald Trump’s phone has been ringing off the hook. The practical reality is that there is insufficient time for him to make deals before the tariffs are scheduled to take effect,” Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, said in an April 5 X post.Trump may postpone tariffs to make more deals, says Ackman”I would, therefore, not be surprised to wake up Monday with an announcement from the President that he was postponing the implementation of the tariffs to give him time to make deals,” Ackman added.On April 2, Trump signed an executive order establishing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports from all countries, which took effect on April 5. Harsher reciprocal tariffs on trading partners with which the US has the largest trade deficits are scheduled to kick in on April 9.Ackman — who famously said “crypto is here to stay” after the FTX collapse in November 2022 — said Trump captured the attention of the world and US trading partners, backing the tariffs as necessary after what he called an “unfair tariff regime” that hurt US workers and economy “over many decades.” Following Trump’s announcement on April 2, the US stock market shed more value during the April 4 trading session than the entire crypto market is currently worth. The fact that crypto held up better than the US stock market caught the attention of both crypto industry supporters and skeptics.Source: Cameron WinklevossProminent crypto voices such as BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes and Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss also recently showed their support for Trump’s tariffs.Related: Trump tariffs squeeze already struggling Bitcoin miners — Braiins execAckman said a pause would be a logical move by Trump — not just to allow time for closing potential deals but also to give companies of all sizes “time to prepare for changes.” He added:”The risk of not doing so is that the massive increase in uncertainty drives the economy into a recession, potentially a severe one.”Ackman said April 7 will be “one of the more interesting days” in US economic history.Magazine: New ‘MemeStrategy’ Bitcoin firm by 9GAG, jailed CEO’s $3.5M bonus: Asia Express
Price analysis 4/4: BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, SOL, DOGE, ADA, TON, LEO, LINK
Bitcoin (BTC) price has managed to stay above the $80,000 level as volatility wrecked US stock markets on April 3 and April 4. The failure of the bears to capitalize on the opportunity shows a lack of selling at lower levels.Risky assets were rattled after US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries on April 2. The fall in the US markets deepened on April 4 after China announced a retaliatory tariff of 34% on all imported US goods starting April 10.While several market participants are concerned about the near-term impact of tariffs, BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes said he loves tariffs since he expects them to be positive for Bitcoin and gold in the medium term.Crypto market data daily view. Source: Coin360On the more cautious side was market commentator Byzantine General, who said in a post on X that the cryptocurrency market’s upside would be limited due to possible tariff responses. Capriole Investments founder Charles Edwards said in his analysis that Bitcoin would turn bullish on a break and close above $91,000. If that does not happen, he anticipates Bitcoin to fall to the $71,000 zone.Could Bitcoin outperform by staying above $80,000? Will the altcoins crumble? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.Bitcoin price analysisBitcoin rose above the resistance line on April 2, but the long wick on the candlestick shows solid selling at higher levels. The price turned down sharply and broke below the 20-day exponential moving average ($84,483).BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bears will have to sink the price below the $80,000 support to strengthen their position. If they do that, the BTC/USDT pair could retest the March 11 low of $76,606. Buyers are expected to defend this level with all their might because a break and close below $76,606 could sink the pair to $73,777 and eventually to $67,000.The crucial resistance to watch out for on the upside is $88,500. A break and close above this level will signal that the corrective phase may be over. The pair could then start its journey toward $95,000.Ether price analysisEther (ETH) has been trading between the $1,754 support and the 20-day EMA ($1,928) for the past few days.ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThat increases the likelihood of a break and close below $1,754. If sellers can pull it off, the ETH/USDT pair could start the next leg of the downtrend to $1,550.A minor positive in favor of the bulls is that the relative strength index (RSI) has formed a positive divergence. That suggests the bearish momentum may be weakening. If the price rebounds off $1,754, the pair could face selling at the 20-day EMA. However, if buyers overcome the obstacle, the pair could rally to $2,111. A short-term trend reversal will be signaled on a close above $2,111.XRP price analysisXRP (XRP) bears successfully defended the 20-day EMA ($2.23) on April 2 and pulled the price to the critical support at $2.XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe downsloping 20-day EMA and the RSI below 44 increase the risk of a break below $2. If that happens, the XRP/USDT pair will complete a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern. The pair has support at $1.77, but if the level gets taken out, the decline could extend to $1.27.Buyers have an uphill task ahead of them if they want to prevent the breakdown. They will have to swiftly push the price above the 50-day simple moving average ($2.37) to clear the path for a relief rally to the resistance line.BNB price analysisBNB (BNB) bulls failed to push the price back above the moving averages in the past few days, indicating selling at higher levels.BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe moving averages have started to turn down, and the RSI is in the negative zone, signaling a minor advantage for the bears. There is support at the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of $575 and next at the 61.8% retracement level of $559.On the upside, the bulls will have to push and maintain the price above the 50-day SMA ($614) to signal a comeback. The BNB/USDT pair may rise to $644, which is a critical overhead resistance to watch out for. If buyers overcome the barrier at $644, the pair may travel to $686.Solana price analysisSolana (SOL) rose above the 20-day EMA ($128) on April 2, but the bears sold at higher levels and pulled the price below the $120 support.SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe downsloping moving averages and the RSI in the negative territory heighten the risk of a break below $110. If that happens, the selling could intensify, and the SOL/USDT pair may plummet to $100 and subsequently to $80.The bulls are unlikely to give up easily and will try to keep the pair inside the $110 to $260 range. Buyers will have to push and maintain the price above $147 to suggest that the selling pressure is reducing. The pair may then ascend to $180.Dogecoin price analysisDogecoin (DOGE) bears thwarted attempts by the bulls to push the price above the 20-day EMA ($0.17) on April 2.DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewA positive sign in favor of the bulls is that they have not allowed the price to slide below the $0.16 support. A break above the 20-day EMA could push the price to the 50-day SMA ($0.19). Buyers will have to overcome the 50-day SMA to start a rally to $0.24 and later to $0.29.Alternatively, if the price turns down from the moving averages and breaks below $0.16, it will clear the path for a drop to $0.14. Buyers are expected to fiercely defend the $0.14 support because a break below it may sink the DOGE/USDT pair to $0.10.Cardano price analysisCardano (ADA) turned down sharply from the 20-day EMA ($0.69) on April 2 and closed below the uptrend line.ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bulls are trying to push the price back above the uptrend line but are likely to face solid selling at the 20-day EMA. If the price turns down from the overhead resistance, the ADA/USDT pair could descend to $0.58 and then to $0.50.This negative view will be invalidated in the near term if the price turns up sharply and breaks above the 50-day SMA ($0.74). That opens the doors for a rally to $0.84, which may attract sellers. Related: Altcoins are set for one last big rally, but just a few will benefit — AnalystToncoin price analysisToncoin’s (TON) failure to maintain above the $4.14 resistance on April 1 may have tempted short-term traders to book profits.TON/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe TON/USDT pair broke below the 20-day EMA ($3.65) on April 3, indicating that the bullish momentum is weakening. There is support at $3.32, but if the level cracks, the pair may drop to $2.81.Instead, if the price rebounds off $3.32, the pair could attempt to form a range in the near term. The pair could swing between $3.32 and $4.14 for some time. A break and close above $4.14 will signal that the downtrend may be over. The pair could then jump to $5.UNUS SED LEO price analysisUNUS SED LEO (LEO) bears pulled the price below the uptrend line on March 2 but could not sustain the lower levels. That suggests buying at lower levels.LEO/USD daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 20-day EMA ($9.57) is turning down gradually, and the RSI is in the negative zone, signaling a slight advantage to the bears. If the price turns down from the moving averages, the bears will make one more attempt to sink the LEO/USD pair below the $8.84 support. If they succeed, the pair may tumble to $8.Contrarily, a break above the moving averages opens the doors for a rise to the overhead resistance of $9.90. If buyers pierce the $9.90 resistance, the pair will complete a bullish ascending triangle pattern. The pair may then climb toward the target objective of $12.04.Chainlink price analysisChainlink (LINK) once again turned down from the 20-day EMA ($13.98) on March 2, indicating that the bears continue selling on rallies.LINK/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe LINK/USDT pair has strong support in the zone between $12 and the support line of the descending channel pattern. A rebound off the support zone will have to rise above the moving averages to signal a stronger recovery toward $17.50.Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will attempt to pull the price below the support line. If they can pull it off, the pair could extend the downtrend toward the crucial support at $10 and, after that, to $8.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
American Bitcoin’s ambition is to dominate mining — Hut 8 CEO
Earlier this week, Bitcoin mining giant Hut 8 revealed a partnership that includes two members of the Trump family — Donald Jr. and Eric — and its plans to launch a new mining venture, American Bitcoin. In an exclusive interview on Decentralize with Cointelegraph’s Byte-Sized Insight series, Hut 8 CEO Asher Genoot shared new details about the venture’s vision, why the timing was right and how the company plans to scale.The right team and the right time“We’ve thought about splitting out our Bitcoin mining and energy infrastructure businesses for some time,” Genoot said. “Meeting Eric and Don Jr., and seeing their deep passion for Bitcoin and infrastructure, was the perfect catalyst.”According to Genoot, the goal is clear: to build one of the world’s largest and most efficient Bitcoin mining platforms, rooted in American soil and aligned with pro-Bitcoin sentiment growing under President Donald Trump’s administration. “Eric told me, ‘I don’t want to get involved in anything that isn’t the biggest and the best,’” he said.The move comes at a pivotal moment for US-based mining. With China out of the picture post-2021 crackdown, and Washington now openly exploring the idea of a strategic Bitcoin reserve, America’s place in the global mining ecosystem is under transformation.Still, size isn’t everything. Genoot emphasized that efficiency and cost-effectiveness are core to the strategy. “We don’t want to just be the biggest. We want to be the most efficient and cost-effective miner. If our cost basis isn’t low, we might as well just buy Bitcoin.”Related: Bitcoin miner Hut 8 argues to toss ‘short and distort’ shareholder suitMining and accumulating BTCAmerican Bitcoin’s structure allows it to mine BTC at low cost, accumulate more when the market allows, and potentially expand into other Bitcoin ecosystem services. Hut 8 currently holds over 10,000 BTC on its balance sheet, worth up to $1 billion depending on market conditions. American Bitcoin aims to surpass that.And the company isn’t just bullish on Bitcoin; it’s bullish on power consumption. Genoot pushed back on criticism that mining wastes energy: “Power consumption has only increased with every tech revolution. Cheap, excess energy is what drives Bitcoin mining — and a lot of that energy is renewable.”Looking ahead, Hut 8’s mining spinoff has big ambitions. “Our focus is scaling. Our focus is taking this company public on a US exchange,” Genoot said. “You’ll hear more from us soon.”Listen to the full episode of Byte-Sized Insight for the complete interview on Cointelegraph’s Podcasts page, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And don’t forget to check out Cointelegraph’s full lineup of other shows! Got thoughts? Join the conversation on X or email us at [email protected]: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered
Zero-click attacks: How your wallet can be hacked without a click
What are zero-click attacks? Zero-click attacks allow bad actors to access your cryptocurrencies without any input from you.Imagine opening your crypto wallet one day and discovering that it’s all gone. You didn’t download any viruses or click on suspicious links. The funds just aren’t there. It’s possible you have fallen victim to a zero-click attack.A zero-click attack is a digital threat that allows hackers to access your wallet without any interaction from you.While having your wallet hacked without clicking anything sounds impossible, these threats are the latest to watch out for if you want to protect your crypto wallet. How zero-click attacks work Zero-click attacks are the latest in an endless variety of crypto wallet hacks.Typically, hackers gain access to your wallet when you accidentally download malicious software or click on a suspicious link, also known as crypto phishing attacks. However, a zero-click crypto attack executes code without any action required by you. This lack of interaction is what makes them so threatening. Instead of relying on user error, zero-click attacks access your wallet through flaws in your device’s software, be it a PC or mobile phone. Picture a burglar breaking your door not because you forgot to lock it but because they took advantage of a flaw in your door’s manufacturing. Zero-click attacks work similarly but in a virtual environment, often targeting mobile devices.Did you know? Zero-click attacks aren’t exclusive to crypto. These software-threatening assaults have been around since the early 2000s, initially targeting messaging apps and email clients. Now, they’re how wallets get hacked. How hackers target wallets with a zero-click attack Zero-click malware targets you through programming weaknesses.Here are some common ways zero-click attacks can target you.Software weaknessesIf your Android phone receives an update with a specific security flaw, a bad actor can exploit that vulnerability by simply texting you a particular set of words. Once you receive the text, it may activate that flaw and give the hacker complete control. From there, they’ll commit a wallet security breach.Similarly, hackers can target iOS devices through everyday apps like iMessage or Airdrop. In April 2024, Trust Wallet shared “credible intel” of a zero-click attack on iOS devices. The group recommended users with a crypto wallet installed disable iMessage to protect themselves until Apple produces an update. While Trust Wallet classified this issue as a zero-day exploit, the company acknowledged that the attack could take over devices without user input, making it a clear example of a zero-click attack.Network weaknessesTargeted attacks can breach your wallet software through proximity if you’re connected to a public wi-fi network, like at a coffee shop. The same applies to open Bluetooth connections.Here’s how it works: open networks transmit your unencrypted data between devices. Hackers can intercept those packets and send malware through them, targeting any devices with a specific software vulnerability.Any connection to your device — be it wi-fi, Bluetooth, or some other one — is a potential opportunity for a zero-click attack. That’s what makes these attacks so alarming. They can come out of nowhere. One day, a bad actor finds a way to take advantage of your device and exploits it. Decentralized application (DApp) weaknessesMost crypto wallets interact with Web3 apps, also known as DApps. Notably, the barrier to entry for creating a DApp is relatively low, but security measures can vary greatly. Even if you’re using a trusted Web3 service, its code can be vulnerable to zero-click attacks anytime. Bad actors can use that weakness, such as an error in the DApp’s smart contract programming, to access your wallet. While it can be fun to interact with new DApps, consider using a wallet holding minimal funds. That way, you can test the application while mitigating the damage from a potential zero-click wallet hack.While attacks caused by such vulnerabilities may seem completely unfair, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. What if you’ve fallen victim to a zero-click attack? Suspect you’ve fallen victim to a zero-click attack? Immediately transfer your assets.If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a zero-click attack, follow these steps to protect your crypto assets:Disconnect your device: Disconnect the device from the internet immediately.Transfer assets: Secure your Web3 wallet. Transfer your assets to another device using your wallet’s recovery phrase.Run an anti-virus check: Once your assets are safely stored on an uncompromised device, install anti-virus software to scan for any threats.Did you know? Zero-click attacks are different from zero-day attacks. Zero-click attacks can happen without interaction, while zero-day attacks require clicking on something or opening a file. Security best practices to protect against a zero-click attack Zero-click attacks may be scary, but wallet exploit prevention steps exist to protect yourself.To protect yourself from zero-click attacks, consider adopting these crypto-security best practices:Turn off auto-receive: Turn off auto-receive for texts and multimedia in any messaging apps you use.Minimize Bluetooth usage: Keep Bluetooth off when you’re not using it. This step limits access points for some zero-click attacks.Monitor your wallet connection history: Regularly check your wallet connection history. Consider moving your assets to another wallet if you notice transactions with an unknown source.Utilize a hardware wallet: Hardware wallets are USB-like devices that store your cryptocurrencies offline. Since hardware wallets are disconnected, they’re safer from cyber threats like zero-click attacks. This is always one of our top wallet security tips.Use a multisignature wallet: Multisignature crypto wallets require multiple approvals before executing a transaction. This added layer of protection can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized transactions.Update apps and software: Keep your apps and device software up to date. Updates often introduce new protections and bug fixes that can prevent zero-click attacks.Install anti-virus software: Anti-virus software regularly scans your device for abnormalities, warning you of anything suspicious.Back up your data: Most devices automatically back up your data regularly. Enable auto-backups to roll back to a previous version if your device is compromised.Tighten up app permissions: Adjust your app permissions to require manual input for activities like wallet transactions. That way, nothing can happen without your input.Two-factor authentication (2FA): Add 2FA to your important log-ins. That way, you’ll be notified if a threat attempts to access your wallet.Use a VPN: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data.Pay attention: Perhaps the most important protection is to pay attention. Browse social media like Reddit for emerging threats, follow credible cybersecurity sources, and take the proper precautions. You can never be too safe. How to check for a zero-click attack Zero-click attacks may appear out of nowhere, but there are signs of invasion.If you’re suspicious of a zero-click attack but aren’t sure, watch out for these signs:Faster battery drain: If the attack installs malware, your device battery may drain faster. You can check your battery health in your device settings.Slower device performance: Alongside faster battery drain, you may notice your device running slower than usual.Random app installs: Occasionally, zero-click attacks may install apps without your approval. If you notice an app you never installed, be wary.Unknown background processes: If your phone suddenly has new background processes going on, delve a bit deeper. These processes may be the result of a zero-click attack.Increased data usage: You can also check your device’s data usage. If you notice a spike in data consumption, it may be time to run a virus scan.Unusual text messages: If you receive unrecognized text messages or emails, block the sender immediately. These attacks may not happen right away but can lie awaiting a specific trigger. The future of zero-click attacks Zero-click attacks are hardly a new threat. They’ll continue to evolve just as security processes will.As crypto technology continues to evolve, so will crypto cybersecurity threats. Crypto wallets operate without a central authority, meaning crypto wallet security falls entirely on you. This autonomy makes crypto wallets a target for hackers, meaning delving into the space comes with risk.Additionally, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced, bad actors may leverage it to develop even more complex zero-click spyware. Future threats could include code that auto-updates after infecting your device, protecting itself from whatever you throw at it. Protecting yourself from these threats is more important than ever. You can do so by following cybersecurity experts and blogs and abiding by strong security best practices. The best protection against zero-click or any form of attack is to evolve with them.
AI and blockchain — A match made in heaven
Opinion by: Merav Ozair, PhDTech moguls cannot stop heralding the artificial intelligence revolution — from Bill Gates to Sundar Pichai to Jensen Huang — signaling that agentic AI and robotics will claim our jobs and act as our autonomous assistants performing on our behalf in our professional and personal lives.Whether these scenarios happen in a few years or are decades away, we will most likely evolve into that future in some manner, and technology, once again, will reshape our lives. Without the support of blockchain technology, however, it would be quite difficult, and potentially impossible, for agentic AI and robotics to evolve to what its proponents expect them to.If we expect these services and devices to act autonomously, security, privacy, transparency and accountability will be at the top of our minds. These areas are where blockchain shines and can support AI weaknesses to facilitate the scaling and evolution of this vision. Blockchain strengths support AI weaknessesBlockchain technology can significantly bolster the security of AI models by leveraging its key features such as decentralization, immutability, traceability, smart contracts, data privacy and identity verification. For example, but not limited to:The decentralization aspect eliminates a single point of attack, increasing the resilience of AI models against breaches. The immutability of blockchain ensures that the data used in training AI models and the models themselves cannot be illicitly altered, maintaining the integrity of the models. Every alteration or decision made by the AI model can be audibly traced through blockchain, providing unparalleled transparency and accountability. Smart contracts automate the enforcement of data access and usage rules, preventing unauthorized or unethical use of AI models. Smart contracts can ensure that data is only used for training and testing and by authorized personnel, locking the option to be used for other purposes. Combining these rules with multiparty computation could prevent or at least mitigate AI adversarial attacks. Blockchain allows secure multiparty computation, ensuring data privacy during AI model training by keeping the data decentralized. Blockchain’s secure identity verification enhances the safety of AI systems by preventing unauthorized access. Integrating AI with blockchain can establish a secure, transparent, traceable and decentralized AI environment, protecting our privacy, enhancing accountability and manifesting responsible AI.Transactions: Programmable AI meets programmable blockchain AI agents and robotics are programmable. Smart contacts, the driver of digital assets, are programmable. It makes perfect sense that digital assets would be the preferred payment rail for agent-to-human and agent-to-agent, which includes robotics. Crypto is an internet-native, programmable money with several advantages for powering the agent-based economy. As AI agents become more autonomous and engage in micro-transactions at scale, crypto’s efficiency, borderless nature and programmability will make it the preferred medium of exchange over traditional fiat rails.Recent: Sentient open-source AI search outperforms GPT-4o and PerplexityThe true intersection of Web3 and agentic AI for financial transactions could emerge through new tokens and protocols tailored for this use case. These could extend stablecoin capabilities by integrating agent-specific functionalities.In this scenario, payments could be made using a specialized asset that agents can stake for quality control. Slashing policies could penalize poor performance, while validators could resolve disputes based on task quality. Additionally, agents’ reputations could be directly tied to their token stakes. Incorporating rules via smart contracts enables users to have control over their autonomous workers/assistants, enabling a shutdown or even a “kill switch,” if necessary, when AI agents start behaving dangerously. If Goldman Sachs wants to create AI agents that think and act like a seasoned employee in a highly regulated industry and with imperative risk to financial systems and at the extreme financial markets’ stability, it would be vital, not optional, to have these AI agents controlled by programmable tokens.While this approach requires advancements in both Web3 and agentic AI, it is not as distant as it may seem.Blockchain development firm Skyfire recently launched a payment platform that allows AI agents to spend money autonomously. Helmed by former Ripple vice president of products and services Amir Sarhangi, the company’s platform enables a business to give a pre-loaded wallet to an AI agent. The company’s protocol converts the cash into USDC (USDC). In early March, Skyfire brought its payments network that enables AI agents to make autonomous transactions out of beta.Using digital assets for robotics, VR devices and agentic AI transactions goes beyond a mode of payment for transactions. It could enhance user experience and security and enable endless business models that have never existed.It would be interesting to see how it all plays out and whether other companies will follow.There are risk issues to be addressed, however, and we should be mindful of how they are, at the very least, mitigated. This is where we should carefully consider the security measures discussed previously.Stepping out of “tunnel vision” to a multifaceted approachThere is a lot of focus on the evolution of AI — generative AI, agentic AI, reasoning models, physical world models and more — all focusing on the premise that AI is the sole technology that we need to achieve AI autonomous agents at scale. This is quite a tunnel vision approach to how products are built, and it is somewhat myopic: not understanding what needs to be accomplished beyond AI models’ advancement for the ecosystem to evolve and scale.AI, advanced as it can be, cannot stand on its own and needs the support of blockchain technology — a programmable match made in heaven. Therefore, we must act in a multifaceted approach. We should think about and treat AI and Web3 together in terms of innovation, regulation and infrastructure. This is fundamental to the bedrock of a successful agentic economy.“Dreams are built with solid foundations,” and the time to build them is now.Opinion by: Merav Ozair, PhD. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
How to sell crypto via MetaMask: A beginner’s guide to cashing out
Key takeawaysNot all tokens can be sold immediately. Airdropped or obscure tokens may lack liquidity or could be scams, so it’s important to check before attempting to cash out.Swapping and bridging may be required. To sell, you might need to convert tokens to ETH or stablecoins and bridge them to the Ethereum mainnet.MetaMask integrates fiat off-ramps. You can use the MetaMask Portfolio to sell ETH directly, but be prepared for KYC with third-party providers.Non-KYC and P2P options exist. Platforms like Bisq or LocalCoinSwap allow trading without ID, but they carry more risk and require caution.There are plenty of ways you might end up with a mix of different cryptocurrencies sitting in your MetaMask wallet.Maybe you work in Web3 — as a developer, copywriter or designer — and your client paid you in their project’s native token.Or maybe you’re part of a Bitcoin mining pool and occasionally receive rewards straight to your wallet.You could be farming yield in decentralized finance (DeFi), earning annual percentage yield (APY) on your locked assets. Or, perhaps the most straightforward of all: You completed a few SocialFi tasks and received some community tokens via an airdrop.Whatever the case, you’ve got crypto in your MetaMask — and now you want to turn it into cash.In this guide, you’ll learn all the ways you can sell your crypto and withdraw the funds to your bank account or even in cash — whether you’re going through official Know Your Customer (KYC) channels or sticking to more private, non-KYC routes.Things to know before selling tokens on MetaMaskBefore you can turn your tokens into cash, there are a few things you need to get sorted in MetaMask because “not all tokens are created equal.” It’s not always as simple as hitting a “sell” button — especially if you’ve just received tokens via an airdrop or from a lesser-known project.1. Why some airdropped tokens can’t be sold (yet)Just because a token shows up in your wallet doesn’t mean it’s ready to be sold. In fact, many airdropped tokens aren’t listed on exchanges at all. That means there’s no market where you can sell them — not yet, anyway. You might see a price attached to the token, but without buyers or liquidity, that value isn’t something you can actually realize right now. So, while it’s great to receive free tokens, they may end up sitting idle in your wallet for a while.Did you know? If you see a “100% sell fee detected” warning on a token, it’s likely a scam. Scammers airdrop these tokens, hoping you’ll try to sell or interact with them. But when you do, the smart contract takes the full amount — leaving you with nothing. Worse, some link to fake decentralized applications (DApps) that ask you to “claim” or “unlock” the tokens. Connecting your wallet or signing a transaction there can let scammers drain your real assets.2. Adding missing tokens to your walletSometimes, you’ll receive tokens that don’t even show up in MetaMask at first. That doesn’t mean they’re not there — it just means MetaMask doesn’t recognize them by default. You’ll need to add them manually by grabbing the token’s contract address (usually from the project’s official site or Etherscan) and importing it into your wallet. Once you do that, your balance will show up properly.Similarly, if you want to receive any asset other than Ether (ETH), the “Import Tokens” option lets you manually add these missing tokens so they show up in the assets list.3. Getting ready to swap or bridgeEven if your tokens are visible in MetaMask and technically have value, that doesn’t always mean you can sell them for cash right away. Many smaller or newer tokens don’t have direct fiat trading pairs — so you won’t be able to exchange them straight into dollars or euros. To get around this, you’ll usually need to swap them for something more liquid, like ETH or a stablecoin such as USDC (USDC), which are more commonly supported by fiat off-ramps.In some cases, your tokens might also be sitting on a different blockchain — like Arbitrum, BNB Chain or Polygon — while most fiat withdrawal options only support Ethereum mainnet. When that’s the case, you’ll need to bridge your tokens over to Ethereum before you can sell them.One way to handle both of these steps — swapping and bridging — is by using platforms that combine them into a single flow. For example, with Symbiosis.finance, you can swap a token on one chain and receive a more widely accepted token on Ethereum, all in one transaction. This can save you a few steps and reduce the chance of user error when hopping between tools.How to sell crypto with MetaMaskThe simplest way to sell crypto that you hold on MetaMask is by using the application itself. Here’s what to do:Open MetaMask portfolio: In your MetaMask extension or app, click the “Buy & Sell” button. This will take you to the MetaMask Portfolio site, where you can manage all your assets and begin the selling process.Start the sale process: Click on “Move crypto” at the top of the page and select “Sell” from the dropdown options.Choose your region and currency: MetaMask will ask for your country of residence and preferred fiat currency. This step ensures you’re shown accurate provider options and payout methods available in your area.Enter sale amount: Select Ether and enter how much you’d like to convert.Pick a payout option: Next, choose where you want the fiat to go. Depending on your region and provider availability, you might be able to send it to a bank account, PayPal or another method.Compare offers: MetaMask aggregates offers from several third-party providers (like MoonPay, Transak, Sardine, etc.), showing you real-time exchange rates, fees and estimated payout times. Take a moment to compare and pick the best option for you.Complete the sale: Once you’ve chosen a provider, MetaMask will guide you through sending the crypto. You’ll confirm the transaction in your wallet, and the funds will be transferred to the provider, who handles the fiat payout.There are two things to keep in mind when using the MetaMask application:Firstly, while the application itself might not ask you for KYC, the third-party providers will. So, expect to get your documents ready for this one.Secondly, MetaMask’s sell feature only supports ETH on the Ethereum mainnet. This is where the bridging will come in as was explained earlier.Withdrawing crypto via centralized exchangesIf you’d rather cash out your crypto through a centralized exchange, Coinbase is a popular option. It’s beginner-friendly, offers fiat withdrawals, and supports a wide range of assets. Just note: You’ll need to complete KYC verification before withdrawing any fiat.Here’s how to do it, step by step:1. Send crypto from MetaMask to Coinbase First things first: You’ll need to move your funds from MetaMask to Coinbase.Log in to your Coinbase account and hit “Send & Receive” at the top.Switch to the “Receive” tab, pick the crypto you’re sending (like ETH or USDC), and copy the wallet address Coinbase gives you.Make sure the network matches — for example, if you’re sending ETH, it should be on the Ethereum (ERC-20) network.Now open MetaMask:Click “Send,” paste in that Coinbase address, and enter how much you want to transfer.Double-check the network — if you send it to the wrong one, your funds could disappear.Hit “Confirm,” and your crypto should show up in Coinbase after a few minutes.2. Sell crypto for fiat on CoinbaseOnce your funds land in Coinbase, it’s time to cash out.Head to “Buy & Sell” at the top and switch to the “Sell” tab.Choose the crypto you just received and decide how much you want to sell.Pick where you want the money to go — like your linked bank account, PayPal or your Coinbase balance.Review the details (including any fees), then hit “Sell.”Did you know? When withdrawing via centralized exchanges, be cautious of minimum withdrawal amounts and any associated fees. Check these details in advance to make sure the limits and costs are acceptable to you before committing to this route.Peer-to-peer with KYCWith peer-to-peer (P2P), you’re not selling your crypto to the exchange. Instead, you’re selling it to another user. You choose a buyer based on their offer and preferred payment method (like bank transfer, Revolut, Wise, etc.). Once they send the money to your account, you release the crypto to them. The platform holds your crypto in escrow during the process, so no one can just disappear with your funds.With centralized exchanges, you’ll have to complete KYC before you’re able to trade in this manner. Selling via P2P on BinanceGo to Trade > P2P.Choose the coin you want to sell and browse the list of available buyers.Select a deal, confirm the order, and wait for the buyer to make the payment.Once the payment has arrived in your account, confirm it and release the crypto from escrow.Did you know? Some peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency exchanges offer a “cash by mail” option, allowing users to send physical cash through postal services or couriers to settle transactions.Cashing out of your MetaMask wallet without KYCFor those looking to convert cryptocurrency from their MetaMask wallet to fiat currency without undergoing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, there are still a few viable paths.Decentralized P2P platforms let you trade directly with other users, much like their centralized counterparts, though often with minimal or no KYC requirements. LocalCoinSwap: A non-custodial P2P marketplace that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and payment methods, including cash. It offers escrow protection and emphasizes privacy.Bisq: A fully decentralized exchange that supports a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Monero (XMR). It runs on a peer-to-peer protocol and doesn’t require user accounts or KYC.However, without KYC, you’re responsible for vetting the person you’re trading with. Check their reputation, review any available trade history, and always follow platform safety guidelines.Using cryptocurrency ATMs to withdraw crypto from MetaMaskWithdrawing funds from your MetaMask wallet using cryptocurrency ATMs — often referred to as Bitcoin ATMs — is an option that allows you to convert your digital assets into cash. Here’s how you can approach this method:Locate a cryptocurrency ATM: Begin by finding a cryptocurrency ATM in your vicinity. Websites like CoinATMRadar provide directories of Bitcoin ATM locations worldwide, detailing the services they offer and the cryptocurrencies they support.Prepare your MetaMask wallet: Ensure that the cryptocurrency you intend to withdraw is supported by the ATM. Bitcoin ATMs predominantly support Bitcoin (BTC), so you may need to use a decentralized exchange (DEX) to swap your current tokens for BTC within your MetaMask wallet. Be mindful of transaction fees and exchange rates during this process.Initiate the withdrawal process: At the ATM, select the option to withdraw cash. The machine will prompt you to specify the amount you wish to withdraw and provide a QR code representing the ATM’s wallet address.Transfer funds from MetaMask: Using your MetaMask wallet, scan the QR code provided by the ATM to input the recipient address accurately. Enter the exact amount of cryptocurrency required and confirm the transaction. Be aware that network congestion can affect transaction times.Collect your cash: Once the blockchain confirms the transaction, the ATM will dispense the equivalent amount in cash, minus any applicable fees. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to longer, depending on network conditions.When using crypto ATMs, you should expect very high fees, and while small transactions don’t usually require KYC, larger ones still might.Are MetaMask crypto transactions taxable?Taxes aren’t the most exciting topic, but they matter when converting crypto from a MetaMask wallet into fiat. Selling crypto, whether through MetaMask, an exchange or a P2P deal, may trigger a taxable event, and understanding the applicable rules is essential.Selling crypto = possibly taxableIn most countries, including the US, selling crypto for fiat (like US dollars, euros, etc.) is treated like selling property. That means if you bought ETH at $1,000 and sold it later for $1,500, you’ve made a $500 capital gain — and that’s usually taxable.Even swapping one crypto for another (say, ETH for USDC) can trigger the same kind of tax obligation, even if no fiat is involved. So, yeah, it’s not just cashing out that counts — any trade can be reportable.To stay on top of it, keep a record of:When you bought and sold each assetHow much you bought and/or soldWhat it was worth in fiat at the timeAny fees paid along the way.These details make life way easier when tax season rolls around — or if your accountant gives you that look.Know your local rulesCrypto laws aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every country has its own stance, and even within the same country, rules can vary depending on how you’re using crypto.In the US, for example, selling crypto could fall under capital gains tax rules or even money transmission laws, depending on how you’re moving the funds. Other countries might have more lenient — or much stricter — regulations.So, here’s what to do:Look up your local crypto tax laws (even if they seem vague or outdated).Stay current — regulations are evolving fast.Talk to a pro if you’re unsure. A crypto-savvy accountant or legal adviser can help you avoid nasty surprises.Even if you’re using non-KYC methods or decentralized tools, tax authorities may still expect a full report. Being proactive about it will save you headaches later — and might even save you money.Happy cashing out!
Bitcoin falls toward $80K and prints ‘death cross’ as US stocks mimic 2020 COVID-19 crash
Bitcoin (BTC) hit new monthly lows at the April 3 Wall Street open as US unemployment data added to pressure on risk assets.BTC/USD 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBitcoin gives early April gains as stocks plummetData from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView confirmed the first trip below $82,000 for BTC/USD since the start of the month.After initially surging as high as $88,580 as the US government unveiled reciprocal trade tariffs, Bitcoin soon ran out of steam as the reality of the stronger-than-expected measures hit home.US stocks then followed, with the S&P 500 down over 4% on the day at the time of writing.“Today’s -3.7% drop puts the S&P 500 on track for its largest daily decline since the 2020 pandemic lockdowns,” trading resource The Kobeissi Letter wrote in part of a reaction on X. “Since the after hours high at 4:25 PM ET yesterday, the S&P 500 has erased nearly $3 TRILLION in market cap.”S&P 500 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThereafter, US initial jobless claims came in below estimates, at 219,000 versus the anticipated 228,000, per data from the US Department of Labor (DoL).“The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 224,000 to 225,000. The 4-week moving average was 223,000, a decrease of 1,250 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up by 250 from 224,000 to 224,250,” an official press release stated.Stronger labor market trends are traditionally associated with weaker risk-asset performance as they imply that policymakers can keep financial conditions tighter for longer.Data from CME Group’s FedWatch Tool nonetheless continued to see markets favor an interest-rate cut from the Federal Reserve at the June meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).Fed target rate probabilities (screenshot). Source: CME Group“As recession odds rise, markets think that the Fed will be forced to cut rates as soon as next month,” Kobeissi added.Bearish BTC price action could last “3-6 months”BTC price action predictably continued to disappoint on short timeframes as $80,000 support became uncomfortably close.Related: Bitcoin price risks drop to $71K as Trump tariffs hurt US business outlook“Stair step up then elevator down,” popular trader Roman summarized in part of his latest X analysis.Market commentator Byzantine General flagged short positions increasing across major crypto pairs, concluding that tariffs would ensure that lackluster conditions would continue.“I could see a stop hunt below the local lows before a pump to squeeze shorts, then probably more chop that slopes downward,” he told X followers. “I do think that with the tariff responses that are most likely coming upside will be limited.”Bitcoin and Ethereum market data. Source: Byzantine General/XOnchain analytics firm Glassnode had more bad news. According to their data, Bitcoin printed a new “death cross” involving the convergence of two midterm moving averages (MAs).“An onchain analogue to the Death Cross has emerged. The 30-day volume-weighted price of $BTC has crossed below the 180-day, signaling weakening momentum,” an X post announced. “Historically, this pattern preceded 3–6 months of bearish trends.”Bitcoin realized price “death cross” impact data. Source: Glassnode/XEarlier this week, Glassnode observed that speculative sell-offs in recent months have fallen considerably short of volumes traditionally associated with blow-off BTC price tops.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Trump’s pick for SEC chair makes it out of committee
Lawmakers in the US Senate Banking Committee voted to advance the nomination of Paul Atkins to be a member of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), paving the way for a full floor vote in the chamber.In an April 3 executive session of the banking committee, lawmakers voted 13-11 for Atkins to serve two consecutive terms as an SEC commissioner, taking over former Chair Gary Gensler’s term and another term ending in 2031. Atkins’ nomination will soon go to the Republican-controlled Senate for a full floor vote, where many experts suggest he is likely to be confirmed.Senator Tim Scott addressing lawmakers on April 3. Source: US Senate Banking CommitteeBefore calling for a vote, committee chair Tim Scott said Atkins would bring “much-needed clarity for digital assets.” Ranking member Elizabeth Warren reiterated earlier concerns about Trump’s SEC pick helping “billionaire scammers” like former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and Tesla CEO Elon Musk “actively trying to destroy” federal agencies. Related: Crypto has a regulatory capture problem in Washington — or does it?The committee also advanced nominations for Jonathan Gould as Comptroller of the Currency, Luke Pettit as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, and Marcus Molinaro as Federal Transit Administrator. The majority of Democrats on the committee were not present on April 3, with Senator Warren acting as a proxy for many votes.This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.
EY updates privacy L2 as nixed Tornado Cash sanctions ease fears
Big Four accounting firm EY, formerly Ernst & Young, has changed its enterprise-focused Ethereum layer-2 blockchain Nightfall to a zero-knowledge rollup design as it says corporate clients are more comfortable with privacy solutions with easing US sanctions.EY said in an April 2 announcement that Nightfall’s new source code, “Nightfall_4,” simplifies the network’s architecture and offers near-instant transaction finality on Ethereum while making it more accessible to users than its previous optimistic rollup-based version.EY’s global blockchain leader, Paul Brody, told Cointelegraph that switching to a ZK-rollup model “means instant finality, but it also makes operations simpler since you don’t need a challenger node to secure the network,” which verifies the correctness of transactions.The move away from optimistic rollups means Nightfall users won’t need to challenge potentially incorrect transactions on Ethereum and wait out the challenging period, leading to faster transaction finality.No such feature is present with zero-knowledge rollups, meaning that a transaction becomes final as soon as it is added into a Nightfall block, EY said. It is the fourth major update to Nightfall since EY launched the business-focused Ethereum layer 2 in 2019.Nightfall enables the firm’s business partners to transfer tokens privately using Ethereum’s security while being cheaper than the base network. It also uses a technology that binds a verified identity to a public key through digital signatures to try to stem counterparty risk.Nixed Tornado Cash sanctions “helped people feel comfortable”Brody said the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions on the crypto mixing service Tornado Cash “had a chilling effect on legitimate business user interest.”“Even though we long ago took steps to make Nightfall unattractive to bad actors, since it cannot be used anonymously, the removal of OFAC sanctions has really helped people feel comfortable that using a privacy technology will not be risky,” he added.Nightfall’s code is open source on GitHub but remains a permissioned blockchain for EY’s customer base, competing with the likes of the IBM-backed Hyperledger Fabric, R3 Corda and the Consensus-built Quorum.Brody said that EY’s blockchain team is working toward “a single environment that supports payments, logic, and composability.”Currently, the firm requires Nightfall and Starlight, a tool that can change smart contract code to enable zero-knowledge proofs “to enable complex multiparty business agreements under privacy,” he added.“We’ll spend some time supporting Nightfall_4 deployments initially,” Brody said. “Then we’ll move on to the development of Nightfall_5.”Magazine: What are native rollups? Full guide to Ethereum’s latest innovation