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Blockchain, mobile apps and advances in Covid tracking and tracing | Part 2

Blockchain amplifies the value of Covid testing and makes contact-tracing more effective. Here are some programs and apps now in use around the world.

Tether prosecution delayed again. Bitcoin’s false ‘double-spend’ rumors. Brave sends 24 million users to Web 3.0 via IPFS.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: BIS touts digital currencies. China’s blockchain network to add CBDCs as payment option.

China’s blockchain network adds CBDC payment layer, ConsenSys as partner

BSN’s new digital payment network will be a boon to Ethereum, stablecoins and CBDCs like China’s DCEP digital yuan while keeping other cryptos out.

Special series: blockchain, Covid-19 and the future of healthcare | Prologue

Over the next few weeks, Forkast.News will publish a special 5-part series on blockchain’s growing role in the global battle against Covid. Here is an overview.

How blockchain technology can help revive air travel | Part 1

In Part 1 of a special series on blockchain, Covid and healthcare, Forkast.News examines how the technology fosters greater trust in traveler health records.

Acoer’s Jim Nasr on using blockchain to track Covid vaccinations

Acoer’s founder and CEO offers his predictions for 2021, including blockchain being used to track Covid vaccinations as well as in the war against fake news.

How blockchain can usher in new era in crypto regulatory compliance

When it comes to issues over crypto regulations and compliance, answers could be found in blockchain technology, writes Rachid Ajaja of AllianceBlock.

What are the secrets of the most successful blockchain startups?

Why do some blockchain startups prosper and others fail? A industry expert shares insights and advice for blockchain business success in 2021 and beyond.

Big waves at SEC: Chief enforcer v. Ripple XRP is out. Is Gary Gensler new SEC chair? Elon Musk’s bitcoin flirtations.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: WhatsApp refugees swarm Signal. Bakkt to go public via SPAC. China tests out new DCEP digital yuan e-card.

Tale of two nations: How China and US diverge on blockchain policies

China is investing heavily in blockchain technology in government, dwarfing US levels. Forkast.News examines the growing gap and the paths forward.

SpaceChain’s Zee Zheng on bitcoin going mainstream and blockchain in space

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, SpaceChain’s CEO offers his predictions for 2021 on bitcoin’s growing importance and blockchain in space.

China’s 5 hottest blockchain developments in 2020

With DCEP nearing launch, China is having a banner year in blockchain-related technologies. Here’s what’s hot in China and what’s too hot to touch.

DeFi explained: The guide to decentralized finance

What is DeFi and how does it work? What are its benefits and risks? Forkast.News explains everything you need to know about one of the hottest, most lucrative and controversial crypto trends.

Digital Asset’s Yuval Rooz on China’s Blockchain Service Network and CBDC interoperability

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, Digital Asset’s co-founder and CEO offers his views on central bank digital currencies and blockchain developments in Asia.

Looking ahead: 5 predictions for crypto and blockchain in 2021

What will be hot in blockchain next year, and what will be the curveballs? Forkast.News consults top industry leaders and thinkers to bring you a crystal ball.

Ontology’s Jun Li on credit-based DeFi and more real assets coming to blockchain in 2021

The founder of Ontology and co-founder of Onchain explains the path forward for central bank digital currencies and DeFi in China in 2021.

Bitcoin became respectable this year. Will it go mainstream in 2021?

Covid’s chaos spurred systemic changes in global finance, a need for a hedge and bitcoin’s dramatic reputational shift, writes Tim Bos of ShareRing.

Year in Review: 5 biggest blockchain and crypto stories of 2020

Here are the hottest blockchain news and trends that dominated Forkast.News headlines over the past 12 months. Let the countdown to 2021 begin!

How global fragmentation is holding back blockchain’s progress

To bridge regulatory and technical gaps, World Economic Forum and Global Blockchain Business Council join forces to promote global blockchain standards.
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Blockchain Research Institute’s Alex Tapscott on stablecoins, DeFi and more

In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the bestselling author offers his views on crypto regulations, DeFi’s rise and digital assets becoming mainstream.

What’s next for Ethereum 2.0 after the Beacon Chain?

Eth2 will run in parallel with Ethereum 1 for now. For how much longer, and will this affect ether inflation and block rewards? Konstantin Richter of Blockdaemon explains.

How blockchain is painting a brighter future for art in a Covid world

Blockchain crowdfunding, tokenized ownership and NFTs are creating new opportunities for artists and museums in a time of immense financial struggles.

How blockchain can launch more space industry startups into orbit

As space becomes increasingly commercialized, blockchain has the potential to be the backbone of this new economic frontier, says Jeff Garzik of SpaceChain.

Was China Construction Bank’s $3 billion blockchain bond doomed from the start?

Beijing put a stop this week to Fusang’s China Construction Bank bond listing on the Ethereum blockchain. What was the Chinese government afraid of?
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Filecoin explained: Decentralizing cloud storage for Web 3.0

AWS is down again? Protocol Labs’ Filecoin — an ‘Airbnb for cloud storage’ — is a response to the risks inherent in centralized data storage and cloud giants

Ethereum 2.0 set for launch. Bitcoin hits record highs as Wall Street chief remains meh. Stellar hosts ARST and BRLT stablecoins.

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: After BitMEX, are more CFTC crackdowns coming soon? China frees OKEx founder, exchange to resume services.

Blockchain is now on the front line against climate change

Blockchain technology is spurring more carbon credit trading while lowering costs for young investors to get involved, says Stefan Rust of Sonic Capital, in a special Forkast.News interview.

Thailand’s ‘crypto cold season’ makes for a land of frowns

Thailand once marketed itself as a cryptocurrency frontier market and an alternative to Hong Kong and Singapore. What happened?

Why cybersecurity will be DeFi and blockchain’s next big challenge

DeFi’s explosive growth may be the cryptocurrency world’s biggest story in 2020. But is the industry ignoring risks and cybersecurity gaps?

How blockchain can reduce global warming via carbon credit investments

Can tokenizing investments in carbon trading help the world achieve Paris Agreement goals? Stefan Rust of Sonic Capital explains in a Forkast.News Q&A.

Cryptocurrency’s carbon footprint is massive and not sustainable

Bitcoin and crypto mining now use more energy than some nations. To help lead fintech into a greener future, Ripple pledges to be carbon net-zero by 2030.

Filecoin mainnet launch brings Web 3.0 apps to the mainstream

After some early turbulence, Filecoin is now opening up applications like video streaming and social networks that used to exist only in centralized Web 2.0.

Conflux launches Tethys mainnet in China with government thumbs up

Conflux Network enjoys special government status in some parts of China— and now it’s ready for mainnet launch.

TALES FROM THE CRYPT: 10 blockchain and Bitcoin horror stories for the ages

Just in time for Halloween, gather ’round for this blood-curdling crypto news flashback that will have you HODLing a blanket. Beware the death grip on Bitcoin wallets!

How serious is the FDA in pursuing blockchain for food safety?

Despite talk, US Food and Drug Administration has not explored blockchain for food safety in meaningful ways, according to a Forkast.News investigation

How blockchain could remix the music industry (and why it hasn’t yet)

Most artists earn a pittance and have little bargaining power against record labels and streaming platforms. But blockchain could level the playing field.

Macau is using blockchain to bring back tourists. Is Hong Kong next?

A blockchain-based health code system that can certify a visitor’s Covid-free status has reopened travel between Macau and mainland China

Ep. 35 | Filecoin launch hits miner turbulence. USDC adds Stellar to rely less on Ethereum. Associated Press to publish US elections data on blockchain.

Other top news: OKEx cryptocurrency exchange freezes services amid police investigation. Investors bet $100 million on ‘neobank’ Razorpay in India

Why blockchain and crypto regulations are ‘necessary evil’ for US and Europe

Regulatory finesse toward cryptocurrency and DeFi will spur investment while not stifling innovation, says Alex Tapscott of Blockchain Research Institute

How China is embracing blockchain, from DCEP to BSN

Blockchain has become a national priority in China’s public and private sectors, in contrast to many Western governments’ approach to cryptocurrency.

Filecoin launches mainnet in competitive blockchain cloud storage market

Kraken, Huobi and Gemini have all confirmed that they will list the token days after Filecoin rival EOS confirms its deal with Google

Blockchain and Space Law 3.0: How smart contracts can help govern the moon and outer space

As nations and private firms venture farther into the galaxy, blockchain and distributed ledger technology could help enforce rules and resolve conflicts.

Blockchain VC deals are on the upswing despite Covid-19

PwC and Crunchbase data show cryptocurrency industry M&A deals and venture capital funding already surpassing last year’s volumes, with investments shifting to Asia

PwC’s ‘Time for Trust’ report misses mark on blockchain in China

The ‘Time for Trust’ report downplays the growing impact that blockchain is having on China’s economy. Here’s what’s really going on with this technology.
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Ep. 34 | Square buys $50 million worth of bitcoin. Google Cloud bets on EOS blockchain. CBDCs ramp up around the world.

Other top news: China accelerates digital currency testing with 50,000 e-RMB ‘red packets.’ Hong Kong as DCEP’s future sandbox. VC in India.

China leads in blockchain patent filings, but how much of that is real?

Blockchain patent filings may not be indicative of China’s technological prowess or patent quality — especially when standards are questionable
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Why blockchain and crowdfunding are mutually beneficial technologies

The $14 billion global crowdfunding market is expected to triple by 2026. Here’s how blockchain is fueling this trend.

Ahead of massive IPO, Ant Group launches blockchain platform for global B2B trade

The Chinese fintech giant rolls out its ‘Trusple’ platform for cross-border business uses, on the eve of an IPO anticipated to be the largest in the world.

Blockchain is shooting for the stars in the new Space Age

In the first of a special two-part series, Forkast.News examines how blockchain — from smart contracts to crowdfunding missions — could transform public and private ventures in outer space.

Bitcoin-inspired art ‘Portraits of a Mind’ debuts at Christie’s New York

A giant 40-painting series of blockchain art aims to capture the image and ethos of Satoshi Nakamoto in the source code that he left behind.

China’s national blockchain network offers 24 new chains to users for free—with a catch

China’s latest state-backed blockchain initiative’s official name proclaims that it is ‘public.’ But is it really? Forkast.News explains.

Tencent Cloud continues blockchain expansion with two new platforms

Aside from cross-chain compatibility and scaling, the Shenzhen tech giant is also aiming to resolve data privacy and security issues in healthcare and finance.
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How blockchain is reforming the colored gemstone trade, from ‘mine to finger’

Everledger CEO Leanne Kemp explains blockchain’s role in promoting ethical labor and confidence in goods like wine. Are less toxic electric cars next?

Rented hash power for 51% attacks is a ‘huge vulnerability’ for proof-of-work blockchains, says ETC Labs CEO

Ethereum Classic Labs CEO Terry Culver calls the hash rental market shady “like under a rock somewhere…. They’re basically money laundering operations.”

Conflux’s Open DeFi project aims to bridge East and West — with its own cryptocurrency in China

Despite China’s bans on crypto and ICOs, the permissionless blockchain protocol has also done a ‘regulatory compliant fundraise.’ How is Conflux pulling it off?

Filecoin’s mainnet aims for the clouds of Web 3.0

Web 2.0 gave users the power to engage with other users and contribute content to the network, but data is still stored in centralized databases. Web 3.0 wants to end all of that.

Are blockchain game voxels the new square foot?

From CryptoKitty pets to metaverses like Minecraft and Decentraland, blockchain video games are redefining what it means to own virtual property.

Why blockchain is the trust-building technology our post-Covid world needs

By promoting transparency and data security, blockchain is poised to transform international trade. Dr. Geoff Jiang of Ant Group explains how.

Ep. 28 | FTX buys Blockfolio in $150 million deal. What’s up with the 300 crypto-terror accounts? China forks BSN to retain control.

Also: Japan’s deputy PM Taro Aso urges greater blockchain cooperation. Inner Mongolia raises bitcoin mining costs. Fintech investments in S. Korea.

Will Ethereum 2.0’s launch be blockchain’s iPhone moment?

Released this week after much anticipation, Eth2 could finally become “the world’s computer” that the original Ethereum aspired to be. What challenges lie ahead?

Why decentralization and democratic governance are blockchain myths

Many blockchain protocols claim to be decentralized, but industry practices show the opposite. Even Bitcoin is largely controlled by a few.

Joe Lubin of ConsenSys on acquiring Quorum: ‘a match made in blockchain heaven’

In a special Forkast.News interview, the CEO who co-founded Ethereum discusses the deal with JPMorgan, DeFi’s rise, and expectations for Ethereum 2.0.

Ep. 27 | YFI soars past bitcoin. ConsenSys acquires JPMorgan’s Quorum blockchain. OMG Network integrates Tether transfers.

Other top news: $50 billion in cryptocurrency leaves China. Severe flooding in Sichuan destroys bitcoin mining farms. DeFi in India.

US Postal Service explores blockchain-assisted mail-in voting system

A USPS patent application outlines models for blockchain-secured absentee ballots for future elections.

Ethereum at the crossroads: Where does the popular blockchain go from here?

As Ethereum moves toward its 2.0 upgrade, here is a reflection on the open-source platform’s transformational impact on the blockchain ecosystem.

US authorities are taking aim at DeFi. Are crypto loans next?

DeFi crypto lending — a loosely regulated industry that grew by 700% last year — is catching investor attention. What do the IRS and SEC think?

Ep. 24 | Bitcoin riding high again. Philippines enters global CBDC race. Cardano’s Shelley mainnet goes live.

Other top news: China imposes standards for blockchain companies. Huobi launches digital asset custody business. Blockchain VC in the Middle East.

How blockchain can transform telehealth and Covid patient care

Covid is accelerating telemedicine and patient data protection needs. Here’s how digital ledger applications can take healthcare to the next level.

Why 10,000 Antminers disappeared from Bitmain-owned crypto mining farm

Latest salvo in Bitmain’s epic civil war: World’s largest crypto mining equipment maker accuses estranged co-founder of absconding with customers and a big chunk of the world’s hashing power.
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How tokenization via blockchain can digitize assets and open up investment opportunities

Cryptocurrencies are enabling illiquid assets — like real estate, art and even pro athlete contracts — to be tokenized. What does this mean for investors?

UNICEF has invested in 100 startups. Could your blockchain project be no. 101 — and receive funding in crypto?

The UN, which now has a CryptoFund, wants to incubate new technology that would benefit children around the world. Apply now, or help get the word out!
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5 ways blockchain can help the world better survive Covid-19 and the next crisis

Management guru Don Tapscott and his son Alex Tapscott — co-authors of the best seller, “Blockchain Revolution” — explain how blockchain’s “internet of value” can transform healthcare, the economy and more.
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