Bitcoin News

Bitcoin (BTC) was created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 as the world's first successful cryptocurrency, solving the double-spending problem that had plagued previous digital cash experiments. Operating on a decentralized proof-of-work blockchain, Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, with its monetary policy enforced through cryptographic consensus rather than central authority.

The Bitcoin network is maintained by miners who secure transactions and earn newly minted bitcoin, while a global ecosystem of traders, institutional investors, developers, and businesses continues expanding its adoption. From El Salvador's legal tender status to corporate treasury adoption by companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla, Bitcoin has evolved from a cryptographic experiment into a recognized store of value and inflation hedge.

At CoinDesk, we deliver breaking Bitcoin news and in-depth analysis covering everything from price movements and institutional adoption to technological developments and regulatory shifts. Our team tracks Bitcoin ETF launches, mining industry changes, Lightning Network growth, and the ongoing debates shaping cryptocurrency's future.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Podcasts

Crypto Update | Markets Tense as Janet Yellen Teases Disaster

By Adam B. LevineMay 17, 2023

Weekend Story | The Short-Sightedness of Run-Amok Regulators

Videos

U.K. Lawmakers Say Crypto Should Be Regulated Like Gambling

Bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), and other cryptocurrencies should be regulated as gambling due to their potential risks, a panel of U.K. lawmakers from parliament's treasury committee said Wednesday. "The Hash" panel discusses the details of the push.

May 17, 2023

Opinion

What Does the Debt Limit Showdown Mean for Bitcoin?

A U.S. debt default could catapult the cryptocurrency onto the international stage.

By David Z. MorrisMay 17, 2023

Political theatrics over the internecine debt ceiling debate on the U.S. Capitol Hill risks the international economy. Bitcoin could ascend as a global reserve and trade asset if the U.S. dollar loses status. (Strobridge Litho. Co., Cincinnati & New York/U.S. Library of Congress)

Finance

Investors Track Pepecoin Whales to Cash In on Meme Coin Mania as Wider Market Stagnates

The trend has the potential to disrupt the huge rallies bitcoin and ether have seen this year.

By Oliver KnightMay 17, 2023

Meme coin rug pulls could impact BTC and ETH (Juli Kosolapova/Unsplash)

Podcasts

CONSENSUS CONVERSATIONS: The Growth Areas for Crypto With Saga CEO Rebecca Liao

By Kamala AlcantaraMay 17, 2023

CONSENSUS CONVERSATIONS: The Exciting Future of Cold Wallets - Security Solutions In Fintech and Growth of Women in the Industry

Markets

First Mover Americas: Axie Infinity Rallies After Apple App Store Debut

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for May 17, 2023.

By Lyllah Ledesma, Omkar GodboleMay 17, 2023

Finance

Tether Says It Will Buy Bitcoin for Stablecoin Reserves Using Realized Profits

The company, which issues the $82 billion USDT stablecoin, reported $1.48 billion of net profits in 2023 Q1 and revealed $1.5 billion in BTC holdings.

By Krisztian SandorMay 17, 2023

Markets

First Mover Asia: Crypto's Rotating Profits

PLUS: Bitcoin is clearing through the unconfirmed transaction pile, but it's still at record highs

By Sam ReynoldsMay 17, 2023

Crypto traders are rotating their positions. (Caleb Woods/Unsplash)

Tech

Lightning Labs Releases 'Better' Version of Token Minting on Bitcoin After BRC-20s Clog System

The project formerly known as "Taro" has been rebranded "Taproot Assets" after Lightning Labs was hit with a trademark infringement lawsuit. The new offering, now on a testnet, comes with a "core set of features to bitcoinize the dollar," according to the firm.

By Frederick MunawaMay 16, 2023

Markets

Bitcoin Slides Below $27K as Investors Eye Debt Ceiling Negotiations

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned the U.S. could breach its debt limit by June 1, potentially setting off a recession in the event of default.

By Jocelyn YangMay 16, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 06: U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (C) listens to President Joe Biden during a hybrid meeting with corporate chief executives and members of his cabinet to discuss the looming federal debt limit in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on October 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Each of the meeting participants spoke in dire terms about the negative national and global economic reaction to Congress failing to raise the limit and the U.S. defaulting on its debt. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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