State-of-the-art seed phrase backup.
https://beta.penlock.io
For those who don't trust computers, an innovative mechanical product exists to create a seed phrase.
By following instructions, you print out and assemble paper components to generate a 12-word seed phrase without relying on any device.
Even more impressive is the method's ability to Shamir-split the seed phrase into 2-of-3 parts, which likely utilizes the SLIP-39 technique or something similar.
*Chat Control Must Be Stopped – Now!*
With its legislative proposal known as “Chat Control,” the EU Commission is trying to establish an unprecedented mass-surveillance apparatus of Orwellian proportions in the European Union.
If EU citizens don’t act now, Chat Control could become a reality and online privacy a thing of the past.
Mass surveillance is an incredibly bad idea for a number of reasons. We highlight three of them on our blog:
https://three.ma/chatcontrol
What can you do?
Since the matter may be decided this Wednesday, June 19, 2024, time is a critical factor. If you’re an EU citizen, please consider contacting your government’s representative today, asking them to vote against Chat Control.
London hospitals cancel over 800 operations after ransomware attack
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/london-hospitals-cancel-over-800-operations-after-ransomware-attack/
The article highlights the devastating consequences of a ransomware attack on the IT system of the Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, resulting in the cancellation of over 800 operations.
This incident underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare organizations, particularly those responsible for patient care.
The attack also emphasizes the need for comprehensive backup and disaster recovery strategies, as well as employee training and awareness programs to prevent such attacks.
Furthermore, it serves as a reminder of the potential life-threatening consequences of cyber attacks on healthcare systems, making it essential for organizations to invest in proactive security measures to mitigate such risks.
Introducing Ark Labs: A new venture to bring seamless and scalable payments to bitcoin
https://blog.arklabs.to/introducing-ark-labs-a-new-venture-to-bring-seamless-and-scalable-payments-to-bitcoin-811388c0001b
ARK, a groundbreaking layer two protocol, might finally offer the perfect blend of seamless payments and true self-custody. By streamlining onboarding and allowing unilateral exits, it tackles the long-standing issues of inbound liquidity and custodial risks.
This innovative approach combines the benefits of payment channels, e-cash, and Bitcoin itself, potentially revolutionizing the world of digital payments.
“The last point is crucial — users can withdraw their Ark funds at any time, even if their ASP goes offline or ceases to exist. True self-custody.” --Ark Labs
U.S. federal agencies experienced 32,000 cybersecurity incidents in 2023
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FY23-FISMA-Report.pdf
The increasing sophistication of phishing attacks in recent years suggests that government incidents will likely follow suit, making it essential to exercise extreme caution when dealing with unsolicited emails.
As we dive into an era where AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it's crucial to remain hyper-vigilant and scrutinize every unsolicited email correspondence to avoid falling prey to these increasingly cunning attacks.
Former head of NSA joins OpenAI board
https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/13/24178079/openai-board-paul-nakasone-nsa-safety
The AI ecosystem is built on a foundation of trust, but in the realm of security, it's essential to adopt a more cautious approach and minimize reliance on third-party entities.
However, there are some AI tools that offer a degree of privacy, such as Unleashed.chat and Venice.ai, which are worth exploring. It's crucial to remain vigilant and scrutinize AI providers closely, as they can significantly impact the security and privacy of your interactions.
Suriname Decentralized: the Bitcoin & Nostr conference in the Amazon
https://surinamedecentralized.com
When is Curaçao having their own decentralized conference?
Switch to a Chat GPT that is not centralized.
“When you, as a Venice user, make a request, it is transmitted to our proxy server, then directed to a pool of GPUs running across a collection of decentralized providers. After the GPU processes the request using the open-source AI model you selected, the response is then streamed directly back to your browser via the proxy, but without persisting it in any form of permanent Venice storage.”
Venice.ai Privacy Architecture
https://venice.ai/blog/venice-ai-privacy-architecture
“ICBC said that Bitcoin has managed to retain a scarcity similar to gold through its mathematical consensus mechanism. The flagship crypto has resolved issues related to divisibility, authenticity verification, and portability.
The report added that despite Bitcoin’s waning monetary attributes, its status as an asset is solidifying.”
World’s largest bank ICBC praises the evolution of Bitcoin, Ethereum as innovative financial assets
ICBC compared Bitcoin to gold and said Ethereum has established itself as “digital oil” capable of powering myriad applications across the web3 ecosystem.
https://cryptoslate.com/worlds-largest-bank-icbc-praises-the-evolution-of-bitcoin-ethereum-as-innovative-financial-assets/
“…that the lives and efforts of other men are not his property and are not there to serve his wishes. A rational man never holds a desire or pursues a goal which cannot be achieved directly or indirectly by his own effort.” -- Ayn Rand
In a world often perceived as a constant tug-of-war between individual desires and societal expectations, Ayn Rand's philosophy of rational self-interest offers a thought-provoking perspective.
Her principles challenge the conventional wisdom that pits individual interests against those of society, casting doubt on the supposed conflict between competition and cooperation.
Rand's ideas invite us to re-examine our understanding of freedom and responsibility, prompting us to question whether the perceived clash between the individual and the collective is indeed a myth.
By delving into her principles, we may uncover a more nuanced and harmonious relationship between personal pursuits and societal well-being, shedding light on the intricate interplay between self-interest and the greater good.
The original article:
The Virtue of Selfishness Series by Ayn Rand https://www.douglasficek.com/teaching/phi-102/rand.pdf
“Educating the world about bitcoin has succeeded in building a community of knowledgeable, dedicated, enthusiastic people from the fields of tech, economics, politics, and finance, but orange pilling has taken us as far as it can. Like many strategies, the marginal gains of educating the world were remarkable in the early stages, but they’ve flattened… Orange pilling has stopped working.” -- Roy Sheinfeld
As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, the traditional “orange-pilling” strategy – the process of educating and convincing people about the merits of Bitcoin – seems to be losing its effectiveness. This article delves into the potential limitations of this approach and explores new avenues that could drive broader adoption in a rapidly changing landscape.
The concept of orange-pilling, derived from the famous “red pill” analogy in the Matrix, has been a cornerstone of the Bitcoin community's efforts to spread awareness and understanding. However, as the technology matures and the market becomes more saturated, relying solely on educational efforts may no longer be sufficient. This article aims to provide a fresh perspective on creating real-world utility for Bitcoin, which could be the key to unlocking its true potential and driving widespread adoption.
Orange Pilling Has Stopped Working.
https://medium.com/breez-technology/orange-pilling-has-stopped-working-4a407252c7a3
“In NRA, the Court addressed a critical issue impacting not only traditional advocacy groups but any disfavored, but legal, industry. This ruling draws parallels to Operation Choke Point 2.0, where U.S. regulators have allegedly been targeting crypto businesses through financial exclusion. Moreover, the recent _Cantero_ decision sheds light on how this legal framework might impact Custodia Bank's appeal against the denial of their master account by the Federal Reserve.” -- Colin Crossman
Recent Supreme Court rulings could provide powerful legal ammunition to combat the excessive regulatory crackdown and unlawful assaults on the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency industry. These verdicts may reshape the battle against Operation Choke Point 2.0, which aims to cut off the crypto market's access to financial services. Additionally, they could influence the ongoing struggle of Custodia Bank, whose application for a Federal Reserve account was rejected, potentially opening new avenues for the bank to challenge that decision. These rulings shed light on the implications for the crypto space and may offer opportunities to counter the overreaching measures threatening its growth and innovation.
Great article by Colin Crossman.
NRA & Cantero in the Supreme Court: Implications for Operation Choke Point 2.0 and Custodia Bank
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/legal/nra-cantero-cases-implications-for-operation-choke-point-2-0-and-custodia-bank
The establishment, driven by an insatiable desire for control and oversight, has embarked on a relentless pursuit of convenience under the guise of progress. However, this facade conceals a more controlling agenda – the systematic erosion of individual autonomy in financial transactions.
By implementing intricate layers of surveillance and monitoring mechanisms, they have effectively erected barriers that impede the free flow of value between individuals. This deliberate obfuscation of peer-to-peer transactions not only undermines personal privacy but also serves as a potent tool for maintaining centralized authority over the very lifeblood of economic exchange.
Want to pay cash? That’ll cost you extra
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/want-pay-cash-ll-cost-120000404.html
“The stadium’s concession stands no longer take cash. An employee directed him to a kiosk that could convert his greenbacks into plastic. Khamallah, 41 years old, fed $200 into the reverse ATM, which subtracted a $3.50 fee and spat out a debit card with a balance of $196.50.”
The article argues that understanding Bitcoin is not a test of intelligence, but rather a test of humility. It suggests that those with high IQs often struggle to grasp Bitcoin's core principles due to their egos and preconceived notions.
The author contends that Bitcoin challenges traditional ways of thinking and requires an open mind to comprehend its decentralized, trustless nature.
The article emphasizes that Bitcoin's true value lies in its ability to transfer value without relying on third parties, which is a paradigm shift from traditional financial systems.
Ultimately, the article posits that embracing Bitcoin requires setting aside one's ego and humbly accepting a new way of thinking about money and trust.
Bitcoin is Not an IQ Test But a Humility Test
https://www.piecover.com/2024/06/bitcoin-is-not-iq-test-but-hmility-test.html?m=1
Attacker sends nearly 24,000 phishing emails derived from compromised CoinGecko third-party email platform
https://www.theblock.co/post/299099/attacker-sends-nearly-24000-phishing-emails-derived-from-compromised-coingecko-third-party-email-platform
In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, it is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with emails. One effective strategy is to embrace the concept of email segmentation, utilizing multiple single-use addresses to minimize the potential impact of security breaches or data leaks.
For iOS users, Apple's "Hide My Email" feature offers a convenient solution, providing a layer of anonymity and protection.
Android users, on the other hand, can explore viable alternatives like SimpleLogin, which empowers them to create disposable email addresses, effectively reducing their exposure to malicious actors and potential data breaches.
The Decentralized Future: Convergence of Bitcoin, AI, and 3D Printing
Imagine a world where the future of decentralization transcends the boundaries of Bitcoin alone, and instead, emerges from the convergence of a multitude of disruptive technologies. This convergence has the potential to shift power back into the hands of individuals, redefining our world in the next three decades.
At the heart of this revolution lies the synergy between Bitcoin, artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing. Bitcoin, with its decentralized and transparent nature, has already challenged traditional financial systems.
AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data and make intelligent decisions, could revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing. And 3D printing, with its potential for localized and on-demand production, could disrupt traditional supply chains and empower individuals to become self-sufficient.
Together, these technologies could create a decentralized ecosystem where individuals have greater control over their finances, data, and production capabilities. AI could optimize Bitcoin transactions and 3D printing processes, while Bitcoin could facilitate secure and transparent transactions for AI-powered services and 3D-printed products. Localized manufacturing through 3D printing could reduce reliance on centralized supply chains, empowering communities to become more self-sufficient.
This article explores the convergence of these technologies and its implications for our technological and economic future. It invites us to envision a world where centralized powers are disrupted, and individuals regain control over their lives, fostering a more equitable and sustainable society.
Link article:
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCALIZED MANUFACTURING: BITCOIN, AI AND 3D PRINTING
A look at the similarities between AI, 3D printing, and Bitcoin in terms of their disruptive potential as decentralized technologies.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/decentralization-and-localized-manufacturing-bitcoin-ai-and-3d-printing
Sooner or later you will be misidentified by your government with noble and good intentions.
'I was misidentified as shoplifter by facial recognition tech'
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-69055945
“Fedimint is a scalable self-custodial off-chain programmability layer on top of Bitcoin. It allows for use cases that are difficult, time-consuming, and unscalable for general users to do on-chain today. You might think I had a typo calling Fedimint a self-custodial network. Let me explain…” --Tony Giorgio
Embracing Nuance and Exploring Novel Solutions
In our pursuit of solutions, we often risk overlooking the nuances that could unlock a wealth of novel and highly valuable approaches to our problems. The goals we set for ourselves, such as those envisioned with Bitcoin, should not be viewed as final conclusions but rather as points along a never-ending spectrum of exploration and growth. Fedimint represents a profound shift in the realms of trust and privacy for Bitcoin users, breaking down enormous barriers to the provision of services. By embracing the nuances and remaining open to innovative solutions, we may discover paths that transcend our current limitations and unlock new horizons of possibility.
Evaluate how this approach measures up against Bitcoin's trust model and other currency networks. Compare it to Wrapped Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain, zero-knowledge roll-up technologies, state chains running on secure enclaves considered noncustodial, and other cryptocurrencies without questionable pricing schemes (insofar as they are legally permitted to operate as self-custodial networks).
This article reframes both the problem and the solution to the many challenges of building in this new industry.
Fedimint (Federated Ecash) is Self-Custodial by Tony Giorgio
https://tonygiorgio.com/fedimint/
Our thought processes and perspectives are like to trails winding through a forest.
The ideas we frequently have become clear, but when we get distracted exploring new concepts or fixating on future goals, even our familiar mental paths can become overgrown and obscured by the noise of the world.
This is why it's beneficial to periodically revisit and refresh the core ideas and viewpoints that have guided us—to retrace those trails, allowing us to regain clarity on the perspectives that shaped our current understanding.
This is a very important idea in grasping why Bitcoin works, and how it emerges from the individual enforcement of the Bitcoin rules, and how utterly revolutionary this seemingly simple concept really is.
Here is the read, enjoy.
Bitcoin Miners Beware: Invalid Blocks Need Not Apply
Bitcoin is an impenetrable fortress of validation.https://medium.com/hackernoon/bitcoin-miners-beware-invalid-blocks-need-not-apply-51c293ee278b
“This capability ensures that participants can trust the system's integrity without the need for mutual trust among users. It fundamentally alters how trust is brokered globally, extending the reach of reliable transactions beyond traditional, geographic, and institutional boundaries.” -- Adolfo Contreras
Bitcoin's Transformative Potential for Global Financial Inclusion
Blockstream has published a thought-provoking piece by Adolfo Contreras, titled “Scaling Trust: Bitcoin's Role in Bridging the Global Digital Divide.”
This insightful article delves into how Bitcoin redefines trust in our increasingly globalized and digitized world. It explores the revolutionary impact of blockchain technology, shedding light on its potential to transform financial systems, particularly in developing nations.
The article provides an in-depth analysis of the fundamental elements of trust, tracing the evolution of financial institutions and their role in fostering confidence in economic transactions.
Contreras skillfully examines how Bitcoin's decentralized and transparent nature challenges traditional models of trust, offering a compelling alternative that could empower underserved communities worldwide.
By leveraging the immutable and borderless nature of blockchain technology, Bitcoin presents a unique opportunity to bridge the digital divide and promote financial inclusion on a global scale.
The article offers a compelling perspective on how this innovative technology could disrupt existing power structures and democratize access to financial services, empowering individuals and communities that have historically been marginalized or excluded from traditional banking systems.
Overall, Contreras' article is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound implications of Bitcoin and blockchain technology on the global financial landscape.
It provides valuable insights into the fundamental shifts in trust dynamics and the potential for these emerging technologies to catalyze positive change, particularly in regions where access to financial services has been a persistent challenge.
Here is the articles link:
Scaling Trust: Bitcoin’s Role in Bridging the Global Digital Divide
https://blog.blockstream.com/scaling-trust-bitcoins-role-in-bridging-the-global-digital-divide/
“It is like exercising a veto you hold for anything and everything, and yes, vetoes are important in consensus systems. But disrupting conversation is not the veto, the actions of actual transacting economic actors deciding what software to run or not run is the veto. This denial of service on dialogue is not some noble or righteous crusade to save Bitcoin, it is an active attack on those economic actors and their ability to gain a better understanding making an informed decision on whether to veto something or not.” -- Shinobi
This read helps us navigate the turbulent discourse on Bitcoin Consensus
The realm of Bitcoin consensus has become a contentious battleground, with the surrounding dialogue often marred by disruptive forces.
One alarming trend that has emerged is the prevalence of “denial-of-service attacks” aimed at stifling meaningful discussions within the Bitcoin community.
This phenomenon raises critical questions:
Is it a calculated attempt to silence innovative ideas and dissenting voices?
Or is it a necessary friction to uphold the integrity of Bitcoin's foundational principles?
Alternatively, could it be an unavoidable consequence of Bitcoin's remarkable success and the diverse perspectives it has attracted?
It is crucial to strike a balance between fostering open discourse and maintaining the core values that have made Bitcoin a revolutionary force in the financial landscape.
While the free exchange of ideas is essential for the growth and evolution of any technology, it is equally important to safeguard the fundamentals that have earned Bitcoin its credibility and widespread adoption.
Original article
A DENIAL OF SERVICE ATTACK ON BITCOIN CONSENSUS
The reason conversations around consensus are a dysfunctional mess is not because of the people proposing changes, it's because of the people refusing to listen in good faith.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/a-denial-of-service-attack-on-consensus
Lightning Addresses with Trust Minimization
Mutiny wallet introduces an innovative approach to creating lightning addresses that minimizes trust requirements.
It leverages your ecash public key to lock incoming payments, which you must subsequently spend into your own lightning node to access the funds.
This concept, while not entirely new as it underpinned the Hermes project, gains significance through its implementation in a popular lightning wallet.
By integrating this trust-minimized method for generating lightning addresses, Mutiny wallet empowers users with an accessible means to enhance privacy and security when transacting on the Lightning Network.
Federated Lightning Addresses for Mutiny+ Users
We're happy to announce that we're launching the preview version for Mutiny+ users!
https://blog.mutinywallet.com/federated-lightning-addresses-for-mutiny-users/
My Lightning address for life:
williamsantiago@mutiny.plus
Mullvad VPN has confirmed the existence of critical DNS leak problems in certain Android VPN apps due to inherent bugs in the Android operating system.
The issues can occur in multiple scenarios, such as if the VPN is active without any DNS server configured, or for a short period while the VPN app is reconfiguring the tunnel or being force stopped/crashing.
These leaks can expose users' browsing history, location, and ability to bypass internet censorship, even with the "Always-on VPN" and "Block connections without VPN" settings enabled.
Mullvad has reported the issues to Google and is implementing a workaround, but the problems should be addressed at the OS level to protect all Android users.
DNS traffic can leak outside the VPN tunnel on Android
https://mullvad.net/en/blog/2024/5/3/dns-traffic-can-leak-outside-the-vpn-tunnel-on-android
Does it apply to ios devices?
No, the DNS leak issues described do not apply to iOS devices. The search results specifically mention that the problems stem from bugs in the Android operating system itself, and only affect certain Android VPN apps.
The Mullvad VPN app for iOS uses the "on-demand VPN" function which acts as a kill switch when the VPN is connected, and should not leak traffic.
The article also notes that while there are some potential privacy issues with iOS, such as traffic to Apple services bypassing the VPN tunnel, there are no issues analogous to the Android DNS leaks described.
So in summary, the critical DNS leak vulnerabilities are limited to Android devices and apps, and do not impact iOS users of Mullvad VPN or other VPN services. The problems require fixes at the Android OS level by Google.
"This is a fancy way of saying that you need money to make markets, and you need decentralized, open, digital money to make decentralized, open, digital markets.
Furthermore, higher layers require lower layers to exist, but lower layers benefit from the value created at higher layers. However valuable layer one Bitcoin can be as a new global money, it can become significantly more valuable if we recognize it as a crucial technical building block to building markets with the potential to disrupt many other human networks." --Dhruv Bansal, Ryan Gentry & Allen Farrington Bitcoin's base layer enables us to rethink how we approach the prevalent problems of internet centralization, abusive platforms, and censorship. By breaking these concerns down into their most fundamental components and solving each one individually, we can begin to address the broader challenges of permissionless communication, scalable decentralized payments, service provision, and globally accessible open networks. The team at AxiomBTC, including authors Dhruv Bansal, Ryan Gentry, and Allen Farrington, explores how Bitcoin can be leveraged to re-decentralize the internet in their latest piece.
By focusing on Bitcoin's core capabilities and applying them to specific issues, we may uncover new paths to solving the internet's systemic problems.
The Bitcoin Stack
Decentralized Order Books as a Framework for Decentralizing the Internet
https://www.axiombtc.capital/stack
Not Displaying backup seed phrase after wallet creation
Shifting Responsibility to the Individual
The rationale behind not displaying backup words (also known as seed phrases or recovery phrases) is to shift the responsibility to the sovereign individual. This approach aims to avoid creating a single point of failure that could compromise the security of the user's assets.
Empowering the Individual
By not providing the backup words directly within the app, the responsibility for safeguarding this critical information falls on the individual user. This approach empowers the user to take ownership of their digital assets and the associated security measures.
Challenges of Personal Responsibility
However, as you rightly point out, we live in a society where personal responsibility can be perceived as too much hard work. Many users may find the burden of properly storing and protecting their backup words to be a significant challenge.
Balancing Security and Usability
The decision to shift the responsibility to the individual is a trade-off between security and usability. While it enhances the overall security of the system by eliminating a potential point of failure, it also places a greater burden on the user to manage their own security practices.
Educating Users
To address this challenge, it is crucial for the app or service providers to offer comprehensive educational resources and guidance to help users understand the importance of properly securing their backup words and the consequences of failing to do so. This can include step-by-step instructions, best practices, and even tools to facilitate secure storage and management of the backup words.
By striking a balance between security and usability, and providing adequate user education, the app or service can empower individuals to take responsibility for their digital assets while minimizing the risk of security breaches.
Bitcoin's Volatility During the 2016-2018 Bull Run
It's important to note that Bitcoin's journey during the 2016-2018 bull run was not without its challenges. Over that period, the cryptocurrency experienced six significant draw-downs of approximately 30% each.
This volatility is a characteristic of the digital asset market, where sharp price fluctuations are not uncommon.
Despite these temporary setbacks, Bitcoin ultimately demonstrated its resilience, going on to reach new all-time highs and solidifying its position as a major player in the global financial landscape. https://image.nostr.build/b3eb6d7f6e3cf4016e1ac88124a909dd98bf43e6f8da62675892feb579da44c6.jpg
What is the 10101 coordinator?
https://10101.finance/blog/what-is-the-10101-coordinator/
10101 aims to bring self-custodial p2p perpetual futures trading to users without sacrificing UX. Centralized exchanges are easy as they only have to keep a book updating all events on their own system.
But 10101 is distributed. Every user is running their own trading node through the 10101 app or dlc connect web app.
What is the 10101 coordinator?
https://10101.finance/blog/what-is-the-10101-coordinator/
10101 aims to bring self-custodial p2p perpetual futures trading to users without sacrificing UX. Centralized exchanges are easy as they only have to keep a book updating all events on their own system.
But 10101 is distributed. Every user is running their own trading node through the 10101 app or dlc connect web app.
“The internet assumed NOTHING, and it won because it had the basic, robust, open building blocks upon which all the innovation actually occurred. The same thing has happened with Bitcoin over the last 15 years and is now starting to happen with Nostr.
And it’s right on time, because the gateways to the internet have centralized to such a degree that the very topography of the web is changing. Access to this open bazaar is being threatened because the applications who were once gateways, have started to become gatekeepers.
To fix this, and to fundamentally fix the internet, we need to upgrade the Internet stack and establish a new suite of superior products, services, and applications that compete on value, not on gatekeeper economics.” --Aleks Svetski
My observation on the below article.
Bitcoin as a model stack added to the 20th century OSI model.
The Evolution of the Internet
The internet has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. What started as an open, decentralized bazaar based on the internet protocol has now become a more centralized, platform-siloed experience.
The Path Forward
By examining the history of the internet, we can begin to discern a path forward to escape the trap we have found ourselves in.
Bitcoin as a Model stack added to the OSI model
In this context, Bitcoin can be stacked on top of the 20th century OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model for the “internet of value” stack. A decentralized, open framework for enabling the secure exchange of digital assets and value.
Just as the original OSI model provided a standardized architecture for interconnecting different computer systems, Bitcoin offers a decentralized protocol for the peer-to-peer transfer of digital value without relying on centralized intermediaries. This aligns with the original vision of an open, decentralized internet.
By studying the principles and architecture of Bitcoin, we may be able to glean insights that can help guide the evolution of the internet towards a more decentralized, user-empowering model in the 21st century.
Original article
Reviewing Reviews
https://highlighter.com/npub1dtgg8yk3h23ldlm6jsy79tz723p4sun9mz62tqwxqe7c363szkzqm8up6m/Reviewing-Reviews-lpinxchttps://image.nostr.build/0201b09b95c166404384aba0858ff217da9f34c0427f6204ea3f68afd5d774b0.jpg
“As we discussed in Entering the Bitcoin Renaissance, our last edition, Lightning Labs CEO and Co-Founder Elizabeth Stark told The Block, “a major narrative of the next cycle will be the bitcoin renaissance, and it has already begun in full swing.” Only a few months later, and that is proving to be quite prescient!” --Ryan Gentry
The Bitcoin Renaissance: Exploring the Advancements in the Lightning Ecosystem
Highlights from the Lightning Labs Article
The article “The Bitcoin Renaissance: How Lightning Will Connect Everything” from Lightning Labs provides an insightful look into the major advancements happening in the layer 2 ecosystems built on top of Bitcoin. Here are the key points covered:
1. Surge in Development Excitement: The article highlights the growing excitement and development activity around the Lightning Network and other layer 2 solutions on Bitcoin. This includes the unveiling of numerous innovative projects in recent months.
2. Increasing Connection between Lightning and AI: The article delves into the emerging synergies between the Lightning Network and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). It explores how these two technologies can complement each other and drive new use cases.
3. Projects to Watch: The article identifies several prominent projects within the Lightning ecosystem that are worth keeping an eye on as the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve. These projects are solving real-world problems and creating new value.
Personalized Insights
As a dedicated cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in the networking, cyber-security, and fintech domains, I found this article to be a valuable resource for understanding the current state of the Lightning ecosystem and the exciting developments unfolding.
The surge in development activity and the increasing integration of Lightning with AI are particularly intriguing to me. I can see the potential for these advancements to enhance security, enable new financial applications, and drive innovation in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
Given my background in blockchain and crypto assets, I'm especially interested in the projects mentioned that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with the Lightning Network. I'll be sure to follow the progress of these initiatives as the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve.
Overall, this article provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the “Bitcoin Renaissance” happening in the layer 2 space. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the future of Bitcoin and the innovative solutions emerging within its ecosystem.
Article Link:
The Bitcoin Renaissance Is in Full Swing: How Lightning Will Connect Everything Off-Chain.
https://lightninglabs.substack.com/p/the-bitcoin-renaissance-is-in-full
Why do Bitcoin miners sometimes produce empty blocks despite there being unconfirmed transactions in the mempool?
Empty Blocks, Full Mempool
An analysis of Bitcoin blocks mined without any transactions even when there were transactions waiting to be confirmed.
https://blog.lopp.net/empty-bitcoin-blocks-full-mempool/
DoJ sets its sights on Bitcoin privacy
https://freedom.tech/doj-tightens-strangehold-on-bitcoin-privacy/
"As a privacy advocate
While it may seem too simple, the first and most important way that we can all take up the fight for privacy is to keep talking about this case and its implications.
The moment we are silent and let the DoJ prosecute Samourai Wallet in the dark, we have lost."
Bringin - This is a lightning app that’s taking a different approach by integrating with IBAN, the international bank network in Europe. The main idea is that merchants can get paid in lightning and have the amount deposited in fiat right away. It makes lightning payments, once completed, more reliable than something like credit cards and cheaper to boot. They use Breez SDK to make this work and the idea is that they’ll expand the offerings as they scale up.
Bringin Bitcoin to Retail Banking with the Breez SDK
https://medium.com/breez-technology/bringin-bitcoin-to-retail-banking-with-the-breez-sdk-e4d5822dca5c
Humans have a natural tendency to seek efficiency and conserve energy where possible. This is often reflected in the way financial regulatory authorities approach their responsibilities. When given the option to perform their duties from the comfort of a desk, they may be inclined to do so, rather than exerting the additional effort required to physically investigate matters on-site.
Fiat currency, with its ability to be expanded through fractional reserve banking, has enabled this comfortable, desk-bound approach to regulation. However, this system has been criticized as a "cheat" created by bureaucrats to circumvent the constraints of sound money, such as gold.
The emergence of digital gold, represented by Bitcoin, is poised to disrupt this dynamic. As a sound digital money standard, Bitcoin has the potential to end the comfort and convenience afforded by fiat currency.
This transition may lead to a gradual return to a more rigorous, hands-on approach to financial regulation, as the inherent limitations of fiat currency are exposed.
CITI's Creativity & Innovation week presents:
Bitcoin Basics WORKSHOP
Learn to Buy, Sell and use securely and much more!
Includes hands-on activities to get you started.
https://www.meetup.com/bitcoincuracao/events/300550107/?
Scheduling software that allows you to get paid in Bitcoin
Share the link to your public calendar so that people can schedule you and pay you in Bitcoin.
https://lncal.com
"That dogma was necessary — without it the people who have built this ecosystem into what it is today wouldn’t have had the motivation to do so. Without that dogma, those people would not have had customers and users to build anything for in the first place. It was the foundation of everything we have around us today.
Now the inevitable is happening: the foundation is cracking."
~ Shinobi
In this article, Guy Swan delves into the intricate dynamics of ideological dogmas within the Bitcoin community. The piece examines the sustainability of the foundational beliefs that have underpinned the growth and development of the cryptocurrency's ecosystem thus far.
The central focus is on what happens when the dogmatic pillars that have supported Bitcoin's rise begin to show signs of crumbling. The article provides insightful perspectives that challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding Bitcoin's perceived invulnerability to ideological shifts.
By exploring the evolving controversies within the Bitcoin community, the article offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between ideology, technology, and the future trajectory of this groundbreaking digital currency.
Dogma Kills Brain Cells
All cultures require some overarching belief to hold it together as a cohesive identity. But when that belief is followed too blindly it leads to stagnation and dissent. From "The Inscription Issue".
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/dogma-kills-brain-cells
"On the face of it, Bitcoin’s existence seems to violate Mises’s theorem, unless a preceding non-monetary use can be demonstrated. That is, Bitcoin would have to be first valued for its direct utility before it could hold indirect exchange value. So have the criteria been met, or does Bitcoin violate the theorem?" - Emile Phaneuf
The argument that Bitcoin violates Ludwig von Mises's Regression Theorem is a common one among those who have been involved with Bitcoin for some time.
However, the emergence of Bitcoin raises important questions about the applicability of Mises's observation in the digital age. The Regression Theorem posits that the value of money is derived from its previous use as a medium of exchange.
With the advent of Bitcoin, a purely digital currency with no physical form, one could argue that it challenges this theorem. After all, Bitcoin did not evolve from a previous commodity money, but rather was created from scratch as a new form of digital money.
Yet, the success and widespread adoption of Bitcoin suggests that there may be more nuance to Mises's theory than is often assumed. The dynamics of the digital economy, with its rapid innovation and global connectivity, may require a re-examination of how we understand the origins and value of money.
The rise of Bitcoin, and the broader developments in decentralized finance (DeFi), offer an opportunity to revisit and potentially expand upon Mises's insights. As a cybersecurity professional with experience in blockchain and crypto assets, I find this a fascinating area of inquiry, with important implications for our understanding of money and the future of finance.
Original article: Mises’s Regression Theorem, Bitcoin, and Subjective Value Theory https://www.aier.org/article/misess-regression-theorem-bitcoin-and-subjective-value-theory/
This website offers a comprehensive overview of the most well-capitalized nodes operating on the decentralized network.
These powerful nodes exist for specific reasons and are typically run by prominent entities such as major cryptocurrency exchanges and leading lightning network companies.
By highlighting the largest nodes and their operators, this resource provides valuable insights into the key infrastructure supporting the decentralized ecosystem.
Understanding the role and composition of these high-capacity nodes can offer important context about the underlying dynamics and distribution of influence within the network.
The Lightning Power List
https://megalithic.me/power_list
Asynchronous Lightning Payments
Voltage provides a comprehensive overview of the utility and advancements in asynchronous lightning payments.
As they highlight, there have been several innovative ideas in this space, many of which require the recipient to come back online before the payment can be completed.
However, Voltage also points out some of the potential risks associated with these approaches, which include the need to trust the Lightning Service Provider.
To address these concerns, technologies like BOLT12 and PTLCs could be leveraged to prevent the reuse of invoices, thereby enhancing the security and reliability of asynchronous lightning payment systems.
ASYNC PAYMENTS ON THE LIGHTNING NETWORK
https://voltage.cloud/blog/lightning-network-faq/how-async-payments-on-lightning-network-work/
Analysis of the Lightning Network: Tradeoffs and Opportunities
- Maturing User Experience
As the article points out, the initial user experience (UX) of the Lightning Network was quite poor. However, this challenge has since evolved into an opportunity for
Lightning Service Providers (LSPs) to step in and improve the UX for end-users.
- Profitability of LSP Businesses
As these LSP services mature, their long-term viability will ultimately depend on the profitability of the Lightning transactions they facilitate.
The article highlights that this is a key consideration as the Lightning Network continues to evolve.
- Advantages over On-Chain Transactions
While Lightning is not a panacea for all transaction problems, the article argues that it is significantly better than having everything occur on the main blockchain.
This is a positive development, as it provides an alternative that can help scale Bitcoin's capabilities.
- Incremental Progress
The article emphasizes that we don't need to solve every transaction challenge all at once. The maturation of the Lightning Network, with its improving UX and emerging LSP business models, represents incremental progress that should be viewed positively.
As the technology continues to evolve, further opportunities and tradeoffs will likely emerge.
Overall, the article provides a balanced analysis of the current state of the Lightning Network, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities that have arisen as this layer-2 scaling solution has matured.
It's a thoughtful assessment of the technology's progress and the factors that will shape its long-term viability.
Liquidity on Lightning: Moving from UX to Economix
https://medium.com/breez-technology/liquidity-on-lightning-moving-from-ux-to-economix-6e597d9e1abd
This directory indexes almost every Bitcoin swap services exist including the swap flow and detailed fees on every swap services.
https://stacker.news/items/502134
Swaproot: cheaper and more private on-chain deposits on Phoenix
https://acinq.co/blog/phoenix-swaproot
As the Lightning Network continues to mature, the hope is that more wallet providers will follow Phoenix's lead and adopt similar privacy-enhancing features.
"The mechanisms enforcing this modern censorship are not confined to private sectors or individual platforms but are significantly directed and influenced by the U.S. government itself. This intertwining of state powers with censorship activities marks a troubling departure from traditional American values, where free speech has been held sacred." ~ Dr. Joseph Mercola
The Concerning Rise of Online Censorship
The Troubling Emergence of Modern Censorship
- The internet, once hailed as a bastion of free speech and open discourse, has undergone a concerning transformation. A partnership between governments, the military-industrial complex, tech giants, and the mainstream media has subtly, yet steadily, turned the online landscape into a tightly monitored, controlled, and censored environment.
The Implications for Free Speech
- This development raises serious concerns about the future of free speech online.
The ability to freely express ideas, share information, and engage in open dialogue - core principles of a healthy democracy - appears to be under threat. The fear is that this trend could lead to the stifling of diverse perspectives and the suppression of dissenting voices, ultimately undermining the very foundations of a free and open society.
Potential Solutions and Actions
- Addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach. Increased transparency and accountability from the entities involved, stronger legal protections for online speech, and the development of decentralized, censorship-resistant platforms could all play a role in safeguarding the internet's role as a forum for free expression. Additionally, raising public awareness and encouraging civic engagement may empower individuals to take action and push back against the encroachment of modern censorship.
As a cybersecurity professional with a deep understanding of the technological landscape, I share your concerns about the troubling emergence of this modern censorship system. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires vigilance and a concerted effort to preserve the internet's role as a bastion of free speech and open discourse. By working together, we can strive to find solutions that uphold the fundamental principles of a free and democratic society.
El Salvador's Bitcoin Multisig Wallet Address
El Salvador has recently transferred a large portion of its Bitcoin holdings, around 5,689 BTC worth $388 million, to a new physically secured cold wallet stored in a vault within the country's territory.
The process of transferring the Bitcoin to this new cold wallet involved using a multisignature (multisig) setup, where multiple private keys are required to authorize transactions. Specifically:
- The first transfer of 1,120 BTC ($76.5 million) was made on March 13 via a 3-of-5 multisig authorization, where 4 out of 5 signatories approved the transaction.
- The largest transfer of 4,000 BTC ($273 million) occurred on March 14, about 2 hours after the announcement.
The multisig setup helps increase the security of the Bitcoin holdings by eliminating "key person risk" and requiring multiple parties to authorize transactions, rather than relying on a single individual.
Here is the Link to the address:
https://mempool.space/address/32ixEdVJWo3kmvJGMTZq5jAQVZZeuwnqzo
Overall, El Salvador's use of a multisig cold wallet setup demonstrates their commitment to securely storing their growing Bitcoin reserves within the country's territory. https://image.nostr.build/a22ecc22ee17c3b70ae75c145194965a2974ed7a9eff3874b4fe3730b3d37782.jpg
The idea, which was always inevitable, is to plug Lightning into the existing banking infrastructure of IBANs and SEPA. As a result, merchants can accept bitcoin with instant settlement, it enables MiCA-compliant on- and off-ramps for bitcoin, and companies can pay their employees in bitcoin, all with only minimal KYC and fees.
Bringin Bitcoin to Retail Banking with the Breez SDK
https://medium.com/breez-technology/bringin-bitcoin-to-retail-banking-with-the-breez-sdk-e4d5822dca5c
“In a system that depends on irresponsible government spending (especially for perpetual war) and fiat printing to cover that irresponsibility, alarm bells cannot be allowed to work. There must be no pure price signals.” --MacroScope
I wonder how many really understand the bitter opposition by policymakers to #Bitcoin and especially an ETF.
https://twitter.com/MacroScope17/status/1769400435188601164
Build your own “do-everything-yourself” Bitcoin full node that will make you a sovereign peer in the Bitcoin and Lightning network.
No need to trust anyone else.
https://microbolt.guide/en-US
"Bitcoin will probably crash again but it is neither a Ponzi scheme nor a bubble – it’s something far worse: It is an inherently secure, tightly-controlled asset with a regulated supply, and is therefore a subversion to the whole basis of free-market financial capitalism." -- Alan Kohler
Is Bitcoin potentially more detrimental than a Ponzi scheme?
Could Bitcoin be a permanent fixture while fundamentally challenging our existing system?
Is this a potential threat akin to an insurgent assault on nations?
What if a disruptive asset like Bitcoin jeopardizes the security and stability of our financial systems, undermining the foundations of our achievements?
Explore the risks associated with Bitcoin in Alan Kohler's latest article.
Alan Kohler: Bitcoin is not a Ponzi bubble. It’s worse – an insurrection
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/finance/2024/03/06/alan-kohler-bitcoin-insurrection
Signal Protocol is becoming the standard for ETEE
To comply with DMA, WhatsApp and Messenger will become interoperable via Signal protocol
https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/06/to-comply-with-dma-whatsapp-and-messenger-will-become-interoperable-via-signal/?guccounter=1
The Signal Protocol is a non-federated cryptographic protocol that offers end-to-end encryption for voice and instant messaging conversations. It includes the Double Ratchet Algorithm, which ensures secure message exchange between parties by deriving new keys for each message and incorporating Diffie-Hellman calculations into the key derivation process. The protocol has been widely adopted by various messaging apps like Signal, Wire, and WhatsApp for its robust security features and encryption capabilities.
“Of all measurement instruments, the clock is the most valuable because so many of the things we sacrifice to create are not fungible. The massive clock towers of Europe, with their enormous loud and resonant bells, broadcasting time, fairly across the town and even the countryside, rather than the last relics of the medieval, were the first building block of the wealthy modern world.” -- Nick Szabo
A Measure of Sacrifice by Nick Szabo from 2002
https://nakamotoinstitute.org/library/a-measure-of-sacrifice
Family Dollar to Close Nearly 1,000 Stores
The chain has struggled for years. Its parent company, Dollar Tree, cited inflation, theft and reduced government benefits as challenges that had prompted the closings.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/business/family-dollar-stores-closing.html
A great business case is for a brand called
The Satoshi “The Sat store”
A Bitcoin satoshi is the smallest denomination of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, named after its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. One bitcoin is divisible into 100 million satoshis, with each satoshi equal to 0.00000001 bitcoin.
Currently, $1.00 = 1,377 sats
Introducing Devin, the first AI software engineer
And setting a new state of the art on the SWE-bench coding benchmark
https://www.cognition-labs.com/blog
Worried about SIM swaps? Now, you have options.
This guide dives into additional methods to enhance your phone's security, such as two-factor authentication (2FA).
21 tips for securing your bitcoin
https://blog.keys.casa/21-tips-for-securing-your-bitcoin
Efani ( @efani. @haseeb ), a reputable service provider, employs an 11-layer authentication protocol to safeguard against unauthorized number porting by hackers. It's encouraging to witness various companies prioritizing this concern.
This hardware wallet is designed for mobile use and operates without requiring any power. Utilizing NFC technology for all functions and featuring a display, it stands out for its simplicity. Its core functionality focuses on displaying and securely signing transactions, embodying the essential purpose of a hardware wallet. While currently in the pre-order phase,
https://twenty-two.xyz
“Whether you're a rekt crypto bro or a friend of fiat, there is one thing that is especially difficult to accept. The one thing that sets Bitcoin apart: it all works without anyone in charge.” --Gigi
The global community involved in cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies is probably surprised as Bitcoin, once more, has not ceased to exist. It continues to surge towards record highs, despite being viewed as an unsupported speculative bubble resembling the historical tulip mania by conventional fiat and cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Here is this great read:
“Dear Crypto & Fiat Bros”
An open letter to the confused and dismissive.
https://dergigi.com/2022/11/19/dear-crypto-fiat-bros/
"It might feel as if the promised future is perpetually out of reach, but building Lightning is a lot like climbing a mountain. Climbers never really see the summit until they’re standing on top of it. They often can’t even see over the next ridge. Planning the ascent is important, but most of the time you’re simply concentrating on the next foothold. But the steps add up. Just like the view from the top is the reward for all that effort, a brighter monetary future will be our reward for building the network bit by bit." --Roy Sheinfeld
A concise exploration of a technical challenge that also reveals an underlying truth, providing a compelling narrative. It's easy to become disillusioned by Bitcoin's unmet lofty expectations, but it's essential to maintain a clear view of our origins. We must measure our progress based on our actual starting point, rather than against an idealized past or unrealistic hopes. Let's examine an insightful piece by Roy Sheinfeld, the CEO of Breez
The Past, Present, and Future of Offline Payments
https://medium.com/breez-technology/the-past-present-and-future-of-offline-payments-1ddb46054e11
Inflation In A Hyperbitcoinized World
https://allenfarrington.medium.com/inflation-in-a-hyperbitcoinized-world-a51500a473e6
In a hyperbitcoinized world, inflation can still occur despite the limited supply of 21 million BTC. This challenges traditional economic models and raises questions about the nature of inflation.
To explore this concept further, you can listen to Allen Farrington's 2021 analysis on the subject.
“Izzy said there could be inflation in a hyperbitcoinized world. And she's right. Calm down, maxis, calm down!
Explaining why this is true sheds light on yet another of Bitcoin’s quasi-magical properties and paints our hyperbitcoinized future an even rosier shade of orange. This is good for Bitcoin.” --Allen Farrington
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