Bitcoin

Mapping the Bitcoin Economy Could Reveal Users’ Identities

"The new research comes at a time when investment in the bitcoin economy is booming (see “Bitcoin Hits the Big Time”), and as it is being scrutinized by U.S. authorities. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has seized a total of $5 million from Mt Gox, the largest exchange where people go to convert between bitcoins and conventional currencies. Last month, New York’s financial regulator subpoenaed 22 companies to gather information about their dealings with Bitcoin. 'The Bitcoin protocol still has huge potential for anonymity,' says Sarah Meiklejohn, who led the research project, 'but the way that people are using it is not achieving anonymity at all.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMapping the Bitcoin Economy Could Reveal Users’ Identities

How We Got Busted Buying Drugs On Silk Road’s Black Market

"To be clear, we weren’t caught by law enforcement–so far at least, our experiment last month in ordering small amounts of marijuana from three different Bitcoin-based online black markets hasn’t resulted in anyone getting arrested. But a few weeks after those purchases, I asked Sarah Meiklejohn, a Bitcoin-focused computer science researcher at the University of California at San Diego, to put the privacy of our black market transactions to the test by tracing the digital breadcrumbs that Bitcoin leaves behind. The result of her analysis: On Silk Road, and possibly on smaller competitor markets, our online drug buys were visible to practically anyone who took the time to look." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingHow We Got Busted Buying Drugs On Silk Road’s Black Market

6 cutting-edge bank alternatives

"Tired of plain-vanilla banks and bucks? A fleet of upstart companies and even old ones with new offerings are betting yes. Offerings range from innovations, such as virtual currencies, to older ones, such as company credit unions, that can save you money. 'Most places these days want to be one-stop shops,' says Robert Laura, president of Synergos Financial Group in Howell, Mich. Meanwhile, banks are dinging people with ATM fees or overdraft protection. Laura warns buyers to beware. Watch out for limited services or high fees. Not every alternative money source may be for you. Some are works in progress. That said, here are six banking alternatives on the rise." Continue reading →

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Bitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

"Bitcoin’s growth in 2013 has accelerated tremendously, driven largely by economic concerns which bitcoin is uniquely positioned to solve. This has been evidenced so far this year by conditions in Cyprus, China and Argentina, and has highlighted bitcoin’s potential in less developed nations likeKenya as well. All of the countries listed above are known for high inflation rates, strict capital controls, or a combination of both – a scenario that is beginning to unfold in India. This analysis will address India’s current economic climate and the factors that would affect the population’s propensity to adopt bitcoin on a large scale." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

Bitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

"Bitcoin’s growth in 2013 has accelerated tremendously, driven largely by economic concerns which bitcoin is uniquely positioned to solve. This has been evidenced so far this year by conditions in Cyprus, China and Argentina, and has highlighted bitcoin’s potential in less developed nations likeKenya as well. All of the countries listed above are known for high inflation rates, strict capital controls, or a combination of both – a scenario that is beginning to unfold in India. This analysis will address India’s current economic climate and the factors that would affect the population’s propensity to adopt bitcoin on a large scale." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

Bitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

"Bitcoin’s growth in 2013 has accelerated tremendously, driven largely by economic concerns which bitcoin is uniquely positioned to solve. This has been evidenced so far this year by conditions in Cyprus, China and Argentina, and has highlighted bitcoin’s potential in less developed nations likeKenya as well. All of the countries listed above are known for high inflation rates, strict capital controls, or a combination of both – a scenario that is beginning to unfold in India. This analysis will address India’s current economic climate and the factors that would affect the population’s propensity to adopt bitcoin on a large scale." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

Own your Identity with BitShares

"Inspired by the protocols behind Bitcoin, we are developing technologies that will help you take control over your identity, finances, and communication while eliminating most any form of identity theft. Invictus Innovations has combined the technologies of Bitcoin, BitMessage, Namecoin, with several new methods to bring the benefits of encryption to the masses. Apple introduced the Macintosh in 1984 with the promise of showing us why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984’. This message has remained close to the heart of Invictus Innovations; we intend to fulfill the promise Apple made thirty years ago." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingOwn your Identity with BitShares

Own your Identity with BitShares

"Inspired by the protocols behind Bitcoin, we are developing technologies that will help you take control over your identity, finances, and communication while eliminating most any form of identity theft. Invictus Innovations has combined the technologies of Bitcoin, BitMessage, Namecoin, with several new methods to bring the benefits of encryption to the masses. Apple introduced the Macintosh in 1984 with the promise of showing us why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984’. This message has remained close to the heart of Invictus Innovations; we intend to fulfill the promise Apple made thirty years ago." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingOwn your Identity with BitShares

Own your Identity with BitShares

"Inspired by the protocols behind Bitcoin, we are developing technologies that will help you take control over your identity, finances, and communication while eliminating most any form of identity theft. Invictus Innovations has combined the technologies of Bitcoin, BitMessage, Namecoin, with several new methods to bring the benefits of encryption to the masses. Apple introduced the Macintosh in 1984 with the promise of showing us why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984’. This message has remained close to the heart of Invictus Innovations; we intend to fulfill the promise Apple made thirty years ago." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingOwn your Identity with BitShares

Own your Identity with BitShares

"Inspired by the protocols behind Bitcoin, we are developing technologies that will help you take control over your identity, finances, and communication while eliminating most any form of identity theft. Invictus Innovations has combined the technologies of Bitcoin, BitMessage, Namecoin, with several new methods to bring the benefits of encryption to the masses. Apple introduced the Macintosh in 1984 with the promise of showing us why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984’. This message has remained close to the heart of Invictus Innovations; we intend to fulfill the promise Apple made thirty years ago." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingOwn your Identity with BitShares