Celsius’ Alex Mashinsky pleads guilty to fraud, some Tornado Cash sanctions are overturned, and billionaires complain about “debanking”. Originally published on December 5, 2024.
The cryptocurrency industry spent almost $200 million to influence the outcomes of the 2024 United States elections. This unprecedented degree of corporate spending from a relatively small industry had a major effect — but probably not in the way you think. Let's talk about where the money came from, where it went, what the cryptocurrency industry's goals are in politics, and what to do now. This is an audio version of my original video ....
Crypto’s efforts to buy the 2024 elections paid off, and we’re in for a bumpy ride. Originally posted on November 15, 2024.
A message to those asking “what do I do now?” Originally published on November 8, 2024.
Coinbase threatens me that continuing to report on their activities would be “.... unwise”. Also, election spending hits a fever pitch, with several new crypto PACs coming out of the woodwork. Originally published on November 2, 2024.
Independent publishing is one important facet of the media ecosystem, and while I love it, I know it is not the path for everyone. Originally published on October 26, 2024.
Unpacking my conversation with FTX executive Ryan Salame, where we discussed his claims that he’s innocent of the charges for which he’s now serving seven and a half years in prison. Originally published on October 21, 2024.
Harris shouts out crypto in her “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men”, one crypto exec leaves prison as another enters, and Stand With Crypto bets on the favorites. Originally published on October 16, 2024.
Earlier this year, I gave a talk at the XOXO festival in Portland, Oregon about the very important fight for our web, and how we can all play a part in it. Here's a recording of that talk.
Why did the former Alameda Research CEO receive only two years imprisonment for her role in the FTX collapse? Originally published on October 2, 2024.
A simple technique offers the best of both worlds: total control over your own work, while still maintaining a presence on third-party platforms. Originally published on September 27, 2024.
Crypto resurfaces on the campaign trail and the FTX fallout continues to unfold. Also, merch! Originally published on September 23, 2024.
FTX fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried says he wants a do-over, and some more ill-received blockchain games suggest “GameFi” has an uncertain future. Originally published on September 17, 2024.
The recent Second Circuit decision in Hachette v. Internet Archive is only the latest battle in the war on libraries and the freedom to read. Originally published on September 12, 2024.
Even the most pro-Trump crypto faithful think Trump’s new crypto scheme is a terrible idea. Also, an FTX crypto executive earns some benefit of the doubt, a lawsuit accuses “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli of disrespecting the Wu-Tang Clan, and there's a hamburglary. Originally published on September 6, 2024.
Paradigm has polled some Democratic voters about crypto and released a summary of their results. How does it stack up to other industry polls, which are often heavily manipulated to paint a deceptively rosy picture? Originally published on August 30, 2024.
As parts of the crypto industry scramble to court the Harris administration with events like “Crypto4Harris”, others insist it is Harris who must “bend the knee”. Originally published on August 17, 2024.
I'm joined by investment strategist and bitcoiner Lyn Alden to continue an earlier conversation about sexism in the bitcoin world. Links we discuss in this interview: DL News article on the gender breakdown of speakers at Bitcoin 2024 Association for Women in Cryptocurrency (AWIC) "State of Inclusion" survey Pantera survey on gender and pay in the industry " Understanding Bitcoin Adoption in the United States: Politics, Demographics, & Sentiment " by Andrew Perkins and Troy Cross Peter McCor...
Coinbase responds to campaign finance violation allegations, Trump panders to bitcoiners, and I talk about my chat with Lyn Alden about sexism in bitcoin. Originally published on August 7, 2024.
Actively involved in contract negotiations with a federal government agency, Coinbase was likely prohibited from making its $25 million contribution to the Fairshake crypto super PAC in May 2024. Originally published on July 30, 2024, and updated on August 5.
I don’t believe that it has. In addition to all the spending, the cryptocurrency industry has been working overtime to sell a story: that there is a large contingent of voters who will be strongly factoring in candidates’ crypto policy stances when they vote in the upcoming elections. The problem is, it’s a story that does not seem to be well supported by data. Originally published on July 29, 2024....
Coinbase’s Stand With Crypto Alliance fudges the numbers, a (former) crypto industry CEO has a meltdown, and another exchange suffers a nine-figure hack. Originally published on July 23, 2024.
FollowTheCrypto.org : A new project to track cryptocurrency industry spending to influence 2024 elections in the United States. Originally published on July 12, 2024.
How will recent Supreme Court decisions affect the crypto world? Also, more absurdity from the crypto lobby, and some new regulatory actions. Originally published on July 5, 2024.
The crypto industry jumps on the Trump train. Originally published on June 24, 2024.
Are US legislators warming to crypto? The SEC approves Ethereum ETPs, and a crypto bill gets through the House. Originally published on June 7, 2024.
As election season kicks into high gear, we need to watch how cryptocurrency companies are influencing US politics. Originally published on May 30, 2024.
I am more worried about privacy than crypto crime. Originally published on May 23, 2024.
The Justice Department worries about the stability of Ethereum, DCG tries to bilk their subsidiary's creditors, and Biden threatens a crypto veto. Originally published on May 18, 2024.
Changpeng Zhao's sentencing, FOIA requests reveal past FBI investigations into Coinbase, and the SEC is on a Wells notice bender. Originally published May 7, 2024.
