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tags: How democracies and Big Tech are transforming privacy from a fundamental right to a luxury for the few. The post The global erosion of privacy: when security becomes surveillance appeared first on Atlas21.

content:
**_How democracies and Big Tech are transforming privacy from a fundamental right to a luxury for the few._**
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In recent years, it seems that Western democracies are converging toward a common model: introducing mass surveillance systems and mandatory identification, justifying themselves with apparently noble objectives: the **protection of minors**, the **fight against terrorism**, **national security**. Yet, behind these legitimate motivations, lies a transformation of the relationship between citizen and State, where privacy is becoming a privilege of the past rather than a fundamental right.

From the repeated attempts to approve European Chat Control to British identity verifications, from the Swiss e-ID to Australian and Canadian laws, a disturbing pattern emerges: controversial legislations are approved with narrow margins or imposed from above, while citizens find themselves increasingly unable to navigate without leaving traces of their identity.

### **Chat Control**

The European regulatory proposal known as “Chat Control” perhaps represents the most ambitious attempt to normalize mass surveillance in Western democracies. Officially presented as “Regulation to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse” in May 2022, the legislation aims to impose mandatory scanning of private communications to identify child pornographic material.

Service providers like **WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram** and other messaging services would have to implement automated content scanning systems, including conversations protected by end-to-end encryption. In practice, every message, file, photo or video sent would be analyzed by algorithms before reaching the recipient.

The proposal has faced a tortuous legislative path. After being blocked in December 2024 by a “blocking minority” of European governments, it returned forcefully to the agenda in July 2025 under the Danish presidency of the EU Council.

To allow content scanning, end-to-end encryption would have to be compromised through what technicians call “client-side scanning” – essentially, a **backdoor** installed directly on people’s devices. Signal [has declared](https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/chat-control-is-like-a-malware-on-your-device-signal-slams-the-eu-proposal-to-scan-your-private-chats) that the system would function as “malware installed on users’ devices”. As denounced in several parliamentary questions, this approach would undermine Article 7 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which guarantees respect for private life and communications.

Organizations for digital rights, such as the **Electronic Frontier Foundation** (EFF) and the **Chaos Computer Club** (CCC), [have expressed](https://cyberscoop.com/potential-eu-law-sparks-global-concerns-encryption-privacy/) warnings against client-side scanning, defining it as an “invasive” technology and inherently “susceptible to errors”. Moreover, automatic detection systems produce a high rate of false positives, putting innocent citizens at risk of false accusations.

The most disturbing aspect is represented by the exemptions provided for European politicians, who would enjoy special protections under the rules of “professional secrecy”.

Telegram has already threatened to exit the European market rather than compromise the encryption of its users. Signal has declared that it simply cannot implement backdoors while maintaining its security promises.

Currently, [according](https://fightchatcontrol.eu/) to the **Fight Chat Control** portal, 12 member states support the proposal, 9 declare themselves opposed and 6 have not yet taken a position. The vote, initially scheduled for October 14, 2025, was postponed after the twenty-seven States did not reach an agreement on the Danish presidency’s proposal. The dossier now returns to technical tables and could be resubmitted or reformulated.

### **United Kingdom: the Online Safety Act and the explosion of VPNs**

On July 25, 2025, the **Online Safety Act** came into force in the **United Kingdom**, legislation that imposes age verification to access adult content and potentially harmful materials, requiring the upload of identity documents, bank checks or facial scans. Officially designed to protect minors from inappropriate content, the act requires platforms and websites to verify that users are at least 18 years old through “robust” methods.

However, the definition of content subject to verification rapidly extended beyond adult sites initially targeted by the law. **Discord** and **Reddit** began requiring facial scans from British users. Even seemingly innocent services have been involved, creating a situation where browsing freely requires providing personal identifying data to countless private companies.

Verification methods include uploading photo identity documents, biometric facial scans, or the use of third-party age verification services. In all cases, a database is created that links the individual’s real identity to their online behaviors.

The reaction of British citizens was immediate. **Proton VPN** [registered](https://www.legal.io/articles/5708192/UK-s-Online-Safety-Act-Triggers-VPN-Surge-Amid-Age-Verification-Backlash) an increase in subscriptions exceeding **1,400%** in the hours immediately following the law’s entry into force. Google searches for “VPN” in the United Kingdom skyrocketed by **2,450%.** Other providers reported similar increases.

The government’s response was eloquent. Government officials declared they are _“watching very carefully”_ the use of VPNs. Proposals emerged to extend age verification requirements to VPN services themselves.

The French precedent is emblematic. In June 2025, a similar law (SREN – Sécurité et Régulation de l’Espace Numérique) came into force in **France**, causing the temporary blocking of access to numerous adult sites that preferred to withdraw from the French market rather than implement invasive verification systems; after a precautionary suspension decided in mid-June by the Administrative Court of Paris, the Council of State [annulle](https://www.conseil-etat.fr/en/news/pornographic-websites-the-order-requiring-user-age-verification-is-maintained2)[d](https://www.conseil-etat.fr/en/news/pornographic-websites-the-order-requiring-user-age-verification-is-maintained2) [it](https://www.conseil-etat.fr/en/news/pornographic-websites-the-order-requiring-user-age-verification-is-maintained2), confirming the age verification obligation for the sites concerned.

Simultaneously, the British government [announced](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g54g6vgpdo) the introduction of a mandatory digital identity system by the end of the legislature. The system, initially designed to combat illegal work, requires the use of smartphones and could gradually extend to other public services.

### **Switzerland: digital identity arriving**

On September 28, 2025, **Switzerland** approved the federal law on electronic identity (e-ID): 50.4% favorable votes against 49.6% opposed, with a turnout of 49.55%. The result marks a turning point for a country traditionally attentive to privacy and individual freedoms.

The law creates an optional digital identification system managed entirely by the State, with which citizens will be able to authenticate themselves to authorities and private companies. Possible applications include requesting the digital driver’s license, age verification for purchases subject to restrictions, access to online public services, and identification to private platforms that choose to integrate with the system.

In 2021, Swiss citizens rejected a similar proposal with **over 64%** opposing votes, mainly due to concerns related to data management by private companies. The new model, completely state-run, was presented as a response to those concerns.

Opponents [raised concerns](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/28/swiss-voters-back-electronic-identity-cards-in-close-vote) that go beyond data protection. Those who do not own a smartphone or are not familiar with digital technology risk being progressively excluded from essential services. If electronic identity becomes the standard method to access public services, those who refuse or cannot adopt it become second-class citizens.

### **Australia and Canada**

Australia [became](https://ondato.com/blog/australia-social-media-ban/) the first country in the world to completely ban access to social media (including YouTube) for minors under 16. The law, approved in November 2024 and in force since December 2025, will force platforms to implement age verification systems that could require identity documents or biometric scans for all users. The government [plans](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/23/new-rules-will-radically-change-the-way-we-use-the-internet-in-australia-and-not-just-social-media) to proceed with implementation, extending the requirements also to search engines.

In parallel, the Canadian government [is debating](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/government-border-bill-split-1.7652639) legislation that would grant broad powers to law enforcement, including legal access to electronic communications. **Bill C-2**, called **Strong Borders Act**, is a bill presented in June 2025 that extensively reforms border security, immigration, organized crime repression and anti-money laundering, also introducing new investigative powers in the digital sphere. The proposal raises serious privacy concerns because it lowers the thresholds for obtaining information from online providers, allowing in various cases **requests without judicial warrant** based on simple “reasonable suspicion”. Faced with criticism, the government has signaled the intention to resubmit a revised text that removes some of the more controversial clauses.

### **Google and the war on alternative app stores**

While gover


tags: The P2P Bitcoin trading platform is now available on Android with native Tor support. The post Bisq Easy: the decentralized exchange arrives on Android appeared first on Atlas21.

content:
**_The P2P Bitcoin trading platform is now available on Android with native Tor support._**
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Bisq**, one of the best-known peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchanges, has officially launched its mobile application for **Android** devices. **Bisq Easy** is now available for download both as a direct **APK file** and via the **Google Play Store**.

The app preserves the project’s original philosophy: private **peer-to-peer** transactions without the need for **KYC** (Know Your Customer) or any registration that could compromise user anonymity.

![bisq](https://i0.wp.com/atlas21.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/G2_MsrgaQAAV-Gy.jpeg?resize=1024%2C532&ssl=1)

One of Bisq Easy’s key features is the ability to run a **P2P node directly from the Android device**. The app automatically connects to the **Tor** network, ensuring privacy and secure communications. This implementation replicates the desktop experience: the smartphone becomes a node on the Bisq network, communicating through the integrated Tor network with full encryption.

Attention has also been given to **resource optimization**: when the app runs in the background, network connectivity generally remains active for a variable period depending on system usage and available resources. If the connection is interrupted, the system is designed to automatically reconnect within a few seconds as soon as the user reopens the app.

In addition, the development team is working on **Bisq Connect**, a companion app that will act as a “remote control” for a Bisq desktop node or one hosted on a VPS. This solution will allow users to manage their main node via a secure Tor connection and will be available for both Android and iOS.

The developers encourage users to try the app and share feedback to further improve the service.

The post [Bisq Easy: the decentralized exchange arrives on Android](https://atlas21.com/bisq-easy-the-decentralized-exchange-arrives-on-android/) appeared first on [Atlas21](https://atlas21.com).


tags: The upgrade to version 30 brings both improvements and controversy with the increase of the OP_RETURN limit from 80 to 100,000 bytes. The post Bitcoin Core v30 is here: the OP_RETURN issue splits the community appeared first on Atlas21.

content:
**_The upgrade to version 30 brings both improvements and controversy with the increase of the OP\_RETURN limit from 80 to 100,000 bytes._**
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bitcoin community finds itself divided after the official launch of the **Bitcoin Core v30** update. The release, which introduces changes to node architecture, performance, and security, has sparked mixed reactions among developers, miners, and users.

### **Key updates**

The Bitcoin Core development team has implemented several new features designed to enhance the user experience on the network. One notable addition is **optional encrypted node-to-node connections**, aimed at ensuring greater privacy for users.

The [official announcement](https://bitcoincore.org/en/releases/30.0/) on October 12 also clarified that with the release of this new major version, **all versions prior to 27.x have reached End of Life** and will no longer receive security or maintenance updates.

One of the main changes is the **reduction of default transaction fees**. Nodes can relay transactions with fees as low as **0.1 sat/vB**, while miners will be able to include them in the next block with a minimum fee of **0.001 sat/vB**.

The most hotly debated change concerns the **expansion of the OP\_RETURN limit**, which has increased from around 80 bytes to **100,000 bytes**. This adjustment allows for much larger amounts of **non-financial data** to be stored within Bitcoin transactions.

Although the update also includes bug fixes and performance improvements, it is the OP\_RETURN limit increase that has captured most of the attention and divided the community.

### **Reactions**

**Alex Bergeron**, Ecosystem Lead at Ark Labs, [expressed](https://x.com/bergealex4/status/1976472388104749178) excitement about Bitcoin Core v30 on X, stating his intention to _“use all of the additional OP\_Return space and will use it to make Bitcoin more like Ethereum, except better.”_

**Pavol Rusnak**, co-founder of Satoshi Labs, [said](https://x.com/PavolRusnak/status/1977366567840084219) he chose Bitcoin Core v30 for its _“great development team, peer reviewed code, sane engineering decisions_.”

Critics of the update argue that this change violates Bitcoin’s core principles as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. Concerns include the potential growth of the blockchain’s size, higher operational costs for nodes, and legal risks.

Last week, **Nick Szabo**, a well-known cypherpunk, recommended on X:

> As a (hopefully) temporary measure, run Knots. I strongly recommend not upgrading to Core v30.[https://t.co/d9HFi7T59H](https://t.co/d9HFi7T59H)
>
> — Nick Szabo (@NickSzabo4) [October 8, 2025](https://twitter.com/NickSzabo4/status/1975805206031179831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Earlier in October, Szabo [had already raised concerns](https://atlas21.com/bitcoin-core-v30-incoming-nick-szabo-breaks-silence-after-five-years/) about the legal implications of increasing the OP\_RETURN limit. According to him, node operators risk hosting “_illegal data_” for which they could be held criminally liable.

In recent months, in response to Bitcoin Core’s decisions, a significant number of node operators have adopted the alternative implementation **Bitcoin Knots**, which allows for strict data size limits to be applied. [Data](https://bitcoin.clarkmoody.com/dashboard/) from **Clark Moody Bitcoin** shows that there are currently **nearly 5,000** active Knots nodes, representing about **20%** of all nodes.

The post [Bitcoin Core v30 is here: the OP\_RETURN issue splits the community](https://atlas21.com/bitcoin-core-v30-is-here-the-op_return-issue-splits-the-community/) appeared first on [Atlas21](https://atlas21.com).


tags: Indian authorities have launched an investigation into high-net-worth traders suspected of evading cryptocurrency taxes through Binance. The post India: over 400 traders investigated for tax evasion through Binance appeared first on Atlas21.

content:
**_Indian authorities have launched an investigation into high-net-worth traders suspected of evading cryptocurrency taxes through Binance._**
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**India**’s tax authorities have opened a wide-reaching probe into **more than 400** wealthy individuals suspected of avoiding taxes on crypto transactions conducted through **Binance**. [According](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/cryptocurrency/binance-wallets-decryptedtaxman-moves-in-on-evaders/articleshow/124469585.cms?from=mdr) to _The Economic Times_, the inquiry focuses on traders who operated on the platform between 2022 and 2025.

The **Central Board of Direct Taxes** has issued an internal notice to local tax departments across several cities, requesting a detailed report on actions taken by October 17. The investigation covers the fiscal years from 2022–23 to 2024–25, during which the traders in question allegedly bypassed tax regulations.

The probe goes beyond standard exchange activity, also examining peer-to-peer transactions facilitated by the platform in India and settled through domestic bank accounts, Google Pay, or cash.

### **Government policy**

India’s tax system for cryptocurrencies is among the most burdensome in the world. Market participants face a **1%** tax deducted at source on every transaction, coupled with a **30%** tax on profits. For top-income taxpayers, the effective tax rate can reach **42.7%** when including surcharges and the **4%** cess, an additional levy used to fund targeted programs such as education and healthcare.

The government’s stance toward digital assets remains focused on strict control and taxation. Union Minister **Piyush Goyal** recently [reiterated](https://atlas21.com/india-prepares-to-launch-its-cbdc/) the administration’s intention to intensify efforts on developing a **CBDC**, while maintaining high tax rates on cryptocurrencies.

The post [India: over 400 traders investigated for tax evasion through Binance](https://atlas21.com/india-over-400-traders-investigated-for-tax-evasion-through-binance/) appeared first on [Atlas21](https://atlas21.com).


iRHTDTzGT29F2nrLb62Ug6lc++IB9/orUdabUthnX5FzlxiqUptmtwg1xHXS1MOf?iv=hajJ5QZNLkDoRhNOpO+JVg==


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RSS-to-Nostr of A Bola

about:
RSS-to-Nostr feed of A Bola
More RSS-To-Nostr can be found in my following list


AlJXZY5R6FkKSURZczb49064/kBOSgvdLkiRTmaIy7bMnxaRkxaIFKUR91vFzTDnVBVf9+zwLz4hkq2bSi2sBSEoxYF9r2PiORvTuoc51yzIPS22iFhys0Bt4e9CyK3A+99Po7gvtJU3zliq02eQE9bCRoZ3qub5TYq3D2v6jnRSaUrTCwZU07Kg2Zj4hBZFfr0V0t38OQFdz+Lo4igPK37rFXzAUrb22gDDz4o10S7YEm990UYG2plFl0AgKH0qDX72Fi+RqTJENNfrgSkBPKEm8/SrTL+A2qmZcUKgDhWiIcsuFPtYJSuC3jWJgHCbN7GZS98SXGLYsoZHLiHDTyu57VxN1nzySg+mXSihegZrdQ431IGcGJil2LfHXYBGiKSu/OvogUD5k0WCqfBStWi5qMxUQUbsTcpf9kXSFNPUx0G3/IF+90tnx0avISQfckkaV2vKHCGt5KpCZHQDAGW0EpD3sIaJZR5Fy1QFcir0gEWoqyV52QXQoJUJ+T7cEQpY6fYb9pInszhyITdOUx4L306DzDy8fZ7rnUhVLKm3WIInzaIpesYzVr52NCbu+RgyDIvHy/9cn22LTkc/BRDsRqCPi5214IHQVak5gdUdOkGYOfNbpx+xQksdPNfhdq54Raqj+hiTEpMpSL1VrZBCjR+XhB90EIIwvws5OJbqUJflxCyKSppk5eyJpCspte3utP0ulAbKaJ7ST/wuKuueweVn2VYHzwq24q/2/UdDIy3R64z7lPMjlyMtmXKWXnJQTLr2yLLGYELcm50ixO6MZ+S5N1ZnM18/ne1WcFojtlLqtEM2FAPTa87Zei3pdB5bHA1IWGSN2oCw9qOrEJ4pcMv4QC5+97h9VwqR3khaLoypZRziun4SKjsJc74Y86iLE46VVK4FQpWap6S2wst2a2/dvHb3FUpVkFP3n0elGSg=


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Alive and kicking


oUP/7J22WpW+E9GPzwPMDtksTawt8ne6F0GTBhIjKad6NVMQOmimfTKjr8nWifi4?iv=5QgSUQ2j6bK7Xbh3wPQjrg==


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ぴっこーん！！！のすらんどから、犯罪者を出そう。(´・ω・｀)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EYD_fcHUEAE9mEQ.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3JT6-WaUAE_nJw.jpg
「知ってるアカウントが「面白ツイ廃サブカル鬱病くねくね」から「笑えない独身中年精神病者」を経て「前科者」になる流れ、これ」
https://x.com/subete_0hana4/status/1977735461234671943


tags: Good Morning, Bitcoin is your latest news roundup delivering key stories, project updates, new releases, guides, research, and all things related to Bitcoin and freedom tech.

content:
[![Good Morning, Bitcoin - Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/04/image-42.png)](https://mempool.space/)

Headlines
---------

*   **Twenty One Capital is set to launch with over 42,000 BTC in its treasury.** This new Bitcoin-native firm, backed by Tether and SoftBank, is [planned to go public](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423962305/en/Tether-SoftBank-Group-and-Jack-Mallers-Launch-Twenty-One-a-Bitcoin-native-Company-Through-a-Business-Combination-With-Cantor-Equity-Partners) via a SPAC merger with Cantor Equity Partners and will be led by _Jack Mallers_, co-founder and CEO of Strike. According to a [report](http://archive.today/3PoYZ) by the _Financial Times_, the company aims to replicate the model of _Michael Saylor_ with his company, MicroStrategy.
*   **Florida's SB 868 proposes a backdoor into encrypted platforms.** The bill and its House companion have [both passed](https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/04/floridas-anti-encryption-bill-wrecking-ball-privacy-theres-still-time-stop-it) through their respective committees and are headed to a full vote. If enacted, [SB 868](https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/868/) would require social media companies to decrypt teens' private messages, ban disappearing messages, allow unrestricted parental access to private messages, and likely eliminate encryption for all minors altogether.
*   **Paul Atkins has officially assumed the role of the 34th Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).** This is a return to the agency for Atkins, who previously served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008 under the _George W. Bush_ administration. He has [committed](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/paul-atkins-sworn-us-sec-chair-2025-04-21/) to advancing the SEC’s mission of fostering capital formation, safeguarding investors, and ensuring fair and efficient markets.
*   **Solosatoshi.com has sold over 10,000 open-source miners,** adding more than 10 PH of hashpower to the Bitcoin network.

> "Thank you, Bitaxe community. OSMU developers, your brilliance built this. Supporters, your belief drives us. Customers, your trust powers 10,000+ miners and 10PH globally. Together, we’re decentralizing Bitcoin’s future. Last but certainly not least, thank you[@skot9000](https://x.com/skot9000) for not only creating a freedom tool, but instilling the idea into thousands of people, that Bitcoin mining can be for everyone again," [said](https://xcancel.com/SoloSatoshi/status/1912267232006070775) the firm on X.

*   **OCEAN's DATUM has found 100 blocks.** "Over 65% of OCEAN’s miners are using DATUM, and that number is growing every day. This means block template construction is making its way back into the hands of the miners, which is not only the most profitable for miners on OCEAN but also one of the best things for Bitcoin," [stated](https://xcancel.com/ocean_mining/status/1914943267319226620) the mining pool.

![Good Morning, Bitcoin - Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/04/image-40.png)

Source: [orangesurf](https://xcancel.com/OrangeSurfBTC/status/1914953456483291175)

*   **Arch Labs has secured $13 million to develop "ArchVM"** and integrate smart-contract functionality with Bitcoin. The funding round, valuing the company at $200 million, was led by Pantera Capital, as [announced](https://chainwire.org/2025/04/22/arch-labs-announces-13m-funding-round-to-launch-a-native-bitcoin-virtual-machine/) on Tuesday.
*   **Tesla still holds nearly $1 billion in bitcoin.** According to the automaker's [latest earnings report](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000162828025018851/exhbit991.htm), the firm reported digital asset holdings worth $951 million as of March 31.
*   **The European Central Bank is pushing for amendments to the European Union's Markets in Crypto Assets legislation (MiCA)**, just months after its implementation. According to _Politico_'s [report on Tuesday](https://www.politico.eu/article/european-commission-livid-ecb-warn-crypto-apocalypse-donald-trump/), the ECB is concerned that U.S. support for cryptocurrency, particularly stablecoins, could cause economic harm to the 27-nation bloc.
*   **TABConf 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 13-16, 2025.** This prominent technical Bitcoin conference is dedicated to community building, education, and developer support, and it is set to return in October. Get your [tickets here](https://7.tabconf.com/).
*   **Kaduna Lightning Development Bootcamp.** From May 14th to 17th, the Bitcoin Lightning Developer Bootcamp will take place in Kaduna, Nigeria. Thisevent offers four dynamic days of coding, learning, and networking. Organized by Africa Free Routing and supported by Btrust, Tether, and African Bitcoiners, this bootcamp is designed as a gateway for African developers eager to advance their skills in Bitcoin and Lightning development. [Apply here](https://freerouting.africa/kaduna-bootcamp/).

![Good Morning, Bitcoin - Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/04/image-41.png)

Source: [African Bitcoiners.](https://bitcoiners.africa/bitcoin-newsletter/22nd-april-2025-bitcoin-is-coming-to-kaduna-%f0%9f%9a%80-126/)

Use the tools
-------------

*   [**Core Lightning (CLN) v25.02.2**](https://github.com/ElementsProject/lightning/releases/tag/v25.02.2) as been released to fix a broken Docker image. The issue was caused by an SQLite version that did not support an advanced query.
*   [**Blitz wallet v0.4.4-beta**](https://github.com/BlitzWallet/BlitzWallet/releases) introduces several updates and improvements, including the prevention of duplicate ecash payments, fixes for background ecash invoice handling, the ability for users to send payments to BOLT12 invoices from their Liquid balance, support for Blink QR codes, a lowered minimum amount for Lightning-to-Liquid payments to 100 sats, the option to initiate a node sync via a swipe gesture on the wallet's home screen, and the introduction of opt-in or opt-out functionality for newly implemented crash analytics via settings.
*   [**Utreexo v0.5.0**](https://github.com/utreexo/utreexo), a hash-based dynamic accumulator, is now available.
*   [**Specter v2.1.1**](https://stacker.news/items/954220) is now available on StartOS. "This update brings compatibility with Bitcoin Core v28 and incorporates several upstream improvements," said developer _Alex71btc._
*   [**ESP-Miner (AxeOS) v2.7.0b1**](https://github.com/bitaxeorg/ESP-Miner/releases/tag/v2.7.0b1) is now available for testing.
*   [**NodeGuard v0.16.1**](https://github.com/Elenpay/NodeGuard/releases), a treasury management solution for Lightning nodes, has been released.
*   The latest **stacker.news** [updates](https://stacker.news/items/953312) include prompts to add a receiving wallet when posting or making comments (for new users), an option to randomize poll choices, improved URL search, and a few other enhancements. A [bug fix for territories](https://stacker.news/items/953648) created after 9/19/24 has been implemented to reward 70% of their revenue to owners instead of 50%.

Other stuff
-----------

*   The April edition of the _256 Foundation_'s newsletter is [now available](https://256foundation.org/newsletters/256Foundation-Newsletter-2504_v2.pdf). It includes the latest mining news, Bitcoin network health updates, project developments, and a tutorial on how to update FutureBit's Apollo 1 to the Apollo 2 software.
*   _Siggy47_ [has posted](https://stacker.news/items/953178) a comprehensive RoboSats guide on stacker.news.
*   Learn how to run your own Nostr relay using Citrine and Cloudflare Tunnels by following [this step-by-step guide](https://yakihonne.com/article/dhalsim@dhalsim.github.io/-dPG4YzeV6cm0A2B2K2yo) by _Dhalism._
*   _Max Guise_ [has written](https://bitkey.build/building-better-bitcoin-self-custody/) a Bitkey roadmap update for April 2025.
*   _PlebLab_ [has uploaded](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2KDq4ohFXA) a video on how to build a Rust wallet with LDK Node by _Ben Carman_.

*   Do you want more? Subscribe and get No Bullshit GM report straight to your mailbox and [No Bullshit Bitcoin on Nostr](https://primal.net/news).
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*   [#FREESAMOURAI](https://freesamourai.com/)

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tags: Samourai Dojo is an end-to-end bitcoin wallet backing server for powering Samourai Wallet and other light clients.

content:
*   This version introduces the [Soroban](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/whirlpool-dencetralization-stage-1/) P2P network, enabling Dojo to relay transactions to the Bitcoin network and share others' transactions to break the heuristic linking relaying nodes to transaction creators.

[![Samourai Dojo v1.27.0: Soroban Network, PandoTx, API Key Management](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/05/image-13.png)](https://xcancel.com/PavelTheCoder/status/1925673526255665415)

*   Additionally, Dojo admins can now manage API keys in DMT with labels, status, and expiration, ideal for community Dojo providers like [Dojobay](https://dojobay.pw/). New API endpoints, including "/services" exposing Explorer, Soroban, and Indexer, have been added to aid wallet developers.
*   Other maintenance updates include Bitcoin Core, Tor, Fulcrum, Node.js, plus an updated ban-knots script to disconnect inbound Knots nodes.

> "I want to thank all the contributors. This again shows the power of true Free Software. I also want to thank everyone who donated to help Dojo development going. I truly appreciate it," [said](https://xcancel.com/PavelTheCoder/status/1925609421746389035) Still Dojo Coder.

What's new
----------

*   **Soroban P2P network.** For MyDojo (Docker setup) users, Soroban will be automatically installed as part of their Dojo. This integration allows Dojo to utilize the Soroban P2P network for various upcoming features and applications.
*   **PandoTx.** PandoTx serves as a transaction transport layer. When your wallet sends a transaction to Dojo, it is relayed to a random Soroban node, which then forwards it to the Bitcoin network. It also enables your Soroban node to receive and relay transactions from others to the Bitcoin network and is designed to disrupt the assumption that a node relaying a transaction is closely linked to the person who initiated it.
    *   Pushing transactions through Soroban can be deactivated by setting `NODE_PANDOTX_PUSH=off` in `docker-node.conf`.
    *   Processing incoming transactions from Soroban network can be deactivated by setting `NODE_PANDOTX_PROCESS=off` in `docker-node.conf`.
*   **API key management** has been introduced to address the growing number of people offering their Dojos to the community. Dojo admins can now access a new API management tab in their DMT, where they can create unlimited API keys, assign labels for easy identification, and set expiration dates for each key. This allows admins to avoid sharing their main API key and instead distribute specific keys to selected parties.
*   **New API endpoints.** Several new API endpoints have been added to help API consumers develop features on Dojo more efficiently:
    *   New:
        *   `/latest-block` - returns data about latest block
        *   `/txout/:txid/:index` - returns unspent output data
        *   `/support/services` - returns info about services that Dojo exposes
    *   Updated:
        *   `/tx/:txid` - endpoint has been updated to return raw transaction with parameter `?rawHex=1`
    *   The new `/support/services` endpoint replaces the deprecated `explorer` field in the Dojo pairing payload. Although still present, API consumers should use this endpoint for explorer and other pairing data.

### Other changes

*   Updated ban script to disconnect inbound Knots nodes.
*   Updated Fulcrum to v1.12.0.
*   Regenerate Fulcrum certificate if expired.
*   Check if transaction already exists in pushTx.
*   Bump BTC-RPC Explorer.
*   Bump Tor to v0.4.8.16, bump Snowflake.
*   Updated Bitcoin Core to v29.0.
*   Removed unnecessary middleware.
*   Fixed DB update mechanism, added api\_keys table.
*   Add an option to use blocksdir config for bitcoin blocks directory.
*   Removed deprecated configuration.
*   Updated Node.js dependencies.
*   Reconfigured container dependencies.
*   Fix Snowflake git URL.
*   Fix log path for testnet4.
*   Use prebuilt addrindexrs binaries.
*   Add instructions to migrate blockchain/fulcrum.
*   Added pull policies.

![Samourai Dojo v1.27.0: Soroban Network, PandoTx, API Key Management](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/05/image-14.png)

[#FREESAMOURAI](https://freesamourai.com/)

![Samourai Dojo v1.27.0: Soroban Network, PandoTx, API Key Management](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/05/dojo-v127.jpg)

Learn how to set up and use your own Bitcoin privacy node with Dojo [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULZoPMCYPfk).

[**Announcement**](https://xcancel.com/PavelTheCoder/status/1925609410757378206) / [Archive](http://archive.today/xT2sG)
[**GitHub Repo**](https://github.com/Dojo-Open-Source-Project/samourai-dojo/releases/tag/v1.27.0)


tags: Ashigaru Whirlpool is a ZeroLink coinjoin implementation designed to sever all deterministic links between inputs and outputs, ensuring enhanced bitcoin transaction privacy.

content:
[Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.](https://geyser.fund/project/nobsbitcoin)

*   The Ashigaru Open Source Project has released [Ashigaru Whirlpool](https://ashigaru.rs/news/announcement-whirlpool/), a version of Samourai Wallet’s Whirlpool, allowing users to join Zerolink coinjoins for enhanced Bitcoin transaction privacy.

> "This has been a huge undertaking and effort for the Ashigaru Open Source Project over the last 6 months, having to get familiar and comfortable with the extensive code base across multiple repositories. It is for this reason our development on Ashigaru mobile has been quieter and slower during this period, and for this we hope our users may now understand our justification as to why," was stated in a blog post.

*   Ashigaru Whirlpool retains the core coinjoin cycle design by Samourai’s TDevD, ZeroLeak, and OXT’s LaurentMT, with various protocol enhancements added by the Ashigaru Open Source Project.
*   Alongside the coordinator code, the [project has launched](https://ashigaru.rs/news/release-terminal-v1-0-0/) a desktop client terminal application (available on Linux, macOS, and Windows), forked from [Sparrow Terminal](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/sparrow-wallet-v1-7-0/).

[![Ashigaru Whirlpool and Terminal v1.0.0 Released](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/06/image-6.png)](news/release-terminal-v1-0-0/)

Source: [Ashigaru blog.](https://ashigaru.rs/news/release-terminal-v1-0-0/)

*   Ashigaru Terminal is a non-custodial Whirlpool client that lets users join chosen pools, enhance their transaction anonymity, and retain full control of funds during coinjoin cycles, without needing a personal Dojo server.

![Ashigaru Whirlpool and Terminal v1.0.0 Released](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/06/ashigarupool.jpg)

**NOTE:** _The_ [_Ashigaru.rs_](https://ashigaru.rs/) _website is the official home of the Ashigaru Open Source Project. The project does not maintain a presence on social media, and all second-hand information should be verified against the content on the official website._

What's new
----------

*   **Tor-Only Implementation**: Ashigaru Whirlpool operates exclusively over Tor, preventing clearnet connections to protect against IP address linking and wallet clustering by malicious coordinators.
*   **Tor identity isolation** is built in to prevent coordinators from linking session IDs across coinjoin stages, ensuring user network anonymity.
*   **Enhanced decentralization strategy:** The Tor-only setup eliminates DNS dependency and hides coordinator locations, supporting rapid deployment of new instances.

> "Our coordinator has been further modularized by eliminating the dependency of RPC connections to a local full node. The coordinator can therefore be connected to any Dojo full node over Tor, enabling faster deployment and recovery, minimal hardware resource requirements, and greater jurisdictional flexibility."

*   **Anti-Sybil Measures**: An Anti-Sybil fee, fixed at 5% of pool size, is charged for Tx0 broadcasts to enter pools, with a cap of 20 UTXOs per Tx0 for added Sybil resistance.
*   **Vulnerability Fixes**: RSA keys for Chaumian blinding are not sent to clients, mitigating potential input-output linking risks and building trust as a new development team.
*   **Output Restrictions**: Multisig addresses are barred as mix-to outputs in coinjoin cycles to maintain anonymity and compatibility with post-mix tools like Ashigaru mobile and Sparrow.
*   **Code Improvements**: Numerous under-the-hood fixes and optimizations have been made to Samourai’s forked codebase, including updated dependencies, enhanced performance, and architectural adjustments.
*   **Ashigaru Terminal**: Forked from Sparrow, Ashigaru Terminal defaults to .onion Electrum servers for privacy, with options for private server connections via Tor or clearnet.
    *   Only native SegWit Whirlpool account paths are supported for hot wallets, with mandatory BIP39 passphrases; unsupported wallet types include Legacy, Wrapped SegWit, Taproot, and multisig scripts.
    *   Tx0 fee estimation targets next-block confirmation, advising users to wait for lower rates if block space competition is high.

> "Remote and automatic update of Tor URLs for connecting to both Ashigaru Whirlpool and for transaction broadcast using our “Hanzaki” feature will be coming in a future release," was stated in a blog post.

Quick guide
-----------

*   Check out this [quick overview](https://k3tan.com/ashigaru-whirlpool/) by _k3tan_ to learn how to use the new Ashigaru Terminal:

> "My advice is to take a measured approach to this. This is new software and there may still be bugs. Start small, get comfortable, then level up progressively. Don't expect mixes straight away. It's important to be patient. Randomness of time intervals between mixes plays a role in obfuscating chainalysis. You should find using the interface overall quite responsive," [writes](https://k3tan.com/ashigaru-whirlpool/) k3tan.

*   Ashigaru Terminal is optimized for use with Sparrow Wallet, Ashigaru Mobile, and Samourai Wallet. These wallets support Whirlpool's unique account derivation paths and include spending tools tailored to maintain privacy during transactions from the pool.

[![Ashigaru Whirlpool and Terminal v1.0.0 Released](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/06/image-7.png)](https://xcancel.com/_k3tan/status/1937124159588556916)

[**Blog Post (Terminal)**](https://ashigaru.rs/news/release-terminal-v1-0-0/) / [Archive](https://archive.is/7Iv0W)
[**Blog Post (Whirlpool)**](https://ashigaru.rs/news/announcement-whirlpool/) / [Archive](http://archive.today/OIL7T)
[Gitea Repository (.onion link)](http://ashicodepbnpvslzsl2bz7l2pwrjvajgumgac423pp3y2deprbnzz7id.onion/Ashigaru)
[**K3tan's Guide**](https://k3tan.com/ashigaru-whirlpool/) / [Archive](https://archive.is/PZgO9)
[Website](https://ashigaru.rs/)


tags: The future banking stack is being built out right in front of you.

content:
Marty's Bent
------------

[![Bitcoin's iPhone Moment](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-10.32.59---PM.png)](https://x.com/macadamiacash/status/1970481871466455066?ref=tftc.io)

via [macadamia wallet](https://x.com/macadamiacash/status/1970481871466455066?ref=tftc.io)

![Bitcoin's iPhone Moment](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/09/martybent_a_happy_young_man_throwing_cashews_at_another_happy_y_4c12e067-f1ea-4045-bd76-32b63b3fb97c.png)

The team at [macadamia](https://macadamia.cash/?ref=tftc.io), a bitcoin ecash wallet built on the Cashu protocol, launched a cool feature yesterday; the ability to send people bitcoin via ecash directly in Apple's iMessage. This is a very slick UX that makes sending bitcoin to people literally as easy as sending a text message.

I tested it out with a friend who didn't have a macadamia wallet yesterday and they were easily able to download the app and claim the ecash in their wallet within a couple of minutes. The experience makes me think that this will be a great way to onboard people to bitcoin in as straight forward a way as possible. Send them ecash via the macadamia extension, they click the link, download the app, quickly connect to a mint, and redeem the bitcoin in a couple seconds. From there, they have an ecash wallet that is interoperable with the lightning network and other second layers connected via the lightning network and can begin accepting bitcoin rather trivially.

I've said it many times in recent months, but the broader "crypto" and tradfi markets are completely missing what is happening on top of bitcoin right now. While everyone is focused on bitcoin treasury companies, stablecoins and real world asset tokenization, bitcoiners are building the future tech stack of the distributed banking system on top of bitcoin. And not only that, the products being built are reaching parity with the UX of fintech products that hundreds of millions of people have become accustomed to.

With bitcoin wallets like macadamia, there is no need to understand the concept of gas fees, whether you're bridging an asset between chains or different roll up schemes, or whether or not your stablecoin will be compatible with the wallet of the person who is looking to receive it. It all just works. You can send ecash from macadamia to pay a lightning invoice and it will just work. And the best part is that you have way more privacy using ecash than you would on most other networks due to the fact that it leverages blinded signatures within the mint. The mint operator, while acting as a centralized custodian, has no idea who is sending or receiving ecash tokens within and out of the mint. It's a beautiful thing.

Pay attention to these Chaumian mint protocols, the wallets and markets built on top of them as they continue to progress.

* * *

### Traditional Risk Metrics Are Globally Mispriced

Jeff Walton argues we're witnessing a fundamental mispricing of risk across global markets. He points to Nvidia trading at 50x price-to-earnings while Bitcoin treasury companies trade at just 1.5x their net asset value, despite holding the world's hardest money. When Walton reprices corporate earnings in Bitcoin terms rather than fiat, he reveals that 99% of companies show declining earnings over time - a sobering reality masked by currency debasement.

> "If Chevron had spent 25% of their $70 billion buyback on Bitcoin, the value today would be worth more than their market cap."- [Jeff Walton](https://x.com/PunterJeff?ref=tftc.io)

This insight crystallizes the opportunity cost of traditional capital allocation. Walton emphasizes how companies with massive valuations like Nvidia ($4 trillion market cap) hold just $54 billion in actual capital, creating enormous risk gaps. The market's failure to properly price this gap between inflated valuations and real balance sheet strength represents a ticking time bomb that Bitcoin treasury strategies are positioned to exploit.

Check out the [full podcast here](https://youtu.be/EAjpgYWZ2zk?ref=tftc.io) for more on Bitcoin treasury M&A strategies, perpetual preferreds, and S&P 500 inclusion dynamics.

* * *

### Headlines of the Day

BlackRock Fidelity ETFs Hit $2.27B Volume - via [X](https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1970960060189999494?ref=tftc.io)

Plebstyle Launches Quiet 4.8 TH/s Bitcoin Miner - via [X](https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1970934382555963541?ref=tftc.io)

100 BTC Now Needed for Top Treasury Ranking - via [X](https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1970921266497642732?ref=tftc.io)

Indeed Job Postings Drop 8% Year Over Year - via [X](https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1970907556894982571?ref=tftc.io)

Global M2 Money Supply Nears All-Time High - via [X](https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1970876279131091299?ref=tftc.io)

* * *

### Bitcoin Has Crossed the Rubicon

This extended $75k–$110k range has caused some to wonder if the bull run is exhausted. But what if the on-chain evidence tells a totally different story? Join James Check (Checkmate of Checkonchain) and Connor Dolan for a data-driven discussion on what a maturing bitcoin market means for the road ahead.

James will break down:

*   Institutions reshaping the cycle: ETF flows and institutional allocator demand setting higher floors
*   Chopsolidation: why time-pain in the $75k–$110k range signals resilience, not
    exhaustion
*   Conviction on display: heavy distributions absorbed while long-term holders remain in control

On-chain metrics show bitcoin has crossed the Rubicon—from a nascent store of value into a true institutional-grade asset class. This session will help you understand what that means for this bull market and beyond—and how you might position yourself appropriately.

**Tuesday, September 30th at 3PM CT — online, free to attend.**

[![Bitcoin's iPhone Moment](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/09/D1-copy-1.png)](https://unchnd.co/3Ve67mv?ref=tftc.io)

[Register Now](https://unchnd.co/3Ve67mv?ref=tftc.io)

* * *

_Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $200M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at_ [ten31.xyz](https://ten31.xyz/?ref=tftc.io)_._

* * *

**Final thought...**

Getting better at writing when I really don't want to.

* * *

_Download our free browser extension, **Opportunity Cost**:_ [https://www.opportunitycost.app/](https://www.opportunitycost.app/?ref=tftc.io) start thinking in SATS today.

_Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily:_ [_https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/_](https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/)

_Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:_

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[![Bitcoin's iPhone Moment](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/03/yt.png)](https://youtube.com/@TFTC?feature=shared&ref=tftc.io)

[![Bitcoin's iPhone Moment](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/03/insta.png)](https://www.instagram.com/tftc.io/?ref=tftc.io)

[![Bitcoin's iPhone Moment](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/03/twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/TFTC21?ref=tftc.io)

[![Bitcoin's iPhone Moment](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/03/primall.png)](https://primal.net/tftc?ref=tftc.io)


tags: News. Updates. Research. Stats. Everything Important You Need to Know.

content:
News
----

*   **Bitcoin mining centralization in 2025.** According to a [blog post](https://b10c.me/blog/015-bitcoin-mining-centralization/) by _b10c_, Bitcoin mining was at its most decentralized in May 2017, with another favorable period from 2019 to 2022. However, starting in 2023, mining has become increasingly centralized, particularly due to the influence of large pools like Foundry and the use of proxy pooling by entities such as AntPool.

![Block 893376: Important News of the Week](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/04/image-21.png)

Source: [b10c's blog.](https://b10c.me/blog/015-bitcoin-mining-centralization/)

*   **OpenSats announces the eleventh wave of Nostr grants.** The [five projects in this wave](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/opensats-unveils-the-eleventh-wave-of-nostr-grants/) are the mobile live-streaming app [Swae](https://github.com/suhailsaqan/swae), the Nostr-over-ham-radio project [HAMSTR](https://github.com/LibertyFarmer/hamstr), [Vertex](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/vertex-web-of-trust-as-a-service/)—a Web-of-Trust (WOT) service for Nostr developers, [Nostr Double Ratchet](https://github.com/mmalmi/nostr-double-ratchet) for end-to-end encrypted messaging, and the [Nostr Game Engine](https://ngengine.org/) for building games and applications integrated with the Nostr ecosystem.
*   **New Spiral grantee:** [**_l0rinc_**](https://xcancel.com/spiralbtc/status/1912176891609362505)**.** In February 2024, _l0rinc_ transitioned to full-time work on Bitcoin Core. [His efforts](https://github.com/l0rinc/bitcoin/tree/l0rinc/work?tab=readme-ov-file#bitcoin-core-contributions) focus on performance benchmarking and optimizations, enhancing code quality, conducting code reviews, reducing block download times, optimizing memory usage, and refactoring code.
*   **Project Eleven offers 1 BTC to break Bitcoin's cryptography with a quantum computer.** The quantum computing research organization [has introduced](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/news/project-eleven-to-award-1-btc-to-tackle-bitcoins-quantum-vulnerability) the [Q-Day Prize](https://www.qdayprize.org/), a global challenge that offers 1 BTC to the first team capable of breaking an elliptic curve cryptographic (ECC) key using Shor’s algorithm on a quantum computer. The prize will be awarded to the first team to successfully accomplish this breakthrough by April 5, 2026.
*   **Unchained has launched the Bitcoin Legacy Project.** The initiative [seeks](https://www.unchained.com/blog/introducing-the-bitcoin-legacy-project) to advance the Bitcoin ecosystem through a bitcoin-native [donor-advised fund platform](https://www.unchained.com/blog/bitcoin-donor-advised-funds) (DAF), investments in community hubs, support for education and open-source development, and a commitment to long-term sustainability with transparent annual reporting.
    *   In its first year, the program will provide support to Bitcoin hubs in Nashville, Austin, and Denver.
    *   Support also includes $50,000 to the Bitcoin Policy Institute, a $150,000 commitment at the University of Austin, and up to $250,000 in research grants through the Bitcoin Scholars program.

> "Unchained will **match grants 1:1** made to partner organizations who support Bitcoin Core development when made through the Unchained-powered bitcoin DAF, up to 1 BTC," was stated in a blog post.

*   **Block launched open-source tools for Bitcoin treasury management.** These [include](https://block.xyz/inside/block-releases-open-source-tools-for-bitcoin-treasury-management) a dashboard for managing corporate bitcoin holdings and provides a real-time BTC-to-USD price quote API, released as part of the [Block Open Source initiative](https://github.com/block/bitcoin-treasury). The company’s own instance of the bitcoin holdings dashboard is available [here](https://bitcoin.block.xyz).

[![Block 893376: Important News of the Week](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/04/image-14.png)](https://bitcoin.block.xyz/)

Source: block.xyz

*   **Bull Bitcoin expands to Mexico,** [enabling](https://www.bullbitcoin.com/blog/bull-bitcoin-launches-in-mexico) anyone in the country to receive pesos from anywhere in the world straight from a Bitcoin wallet. Additionally, users can now buy Bitcoin with a Mexican bank account.

> _"Bull Bitcoin strongly believes in Bitcoin’s economic potential in Mexico, not only for international remittances and tourism, but also for Mexican individuals and companies to reclaim their financial sovereignty and protect their wealth from inflation and the fragility of traditional financial markets," said Francis Pouliot, Founder and CEO of Bull Bitcoin._

*   **Corporate bitcoin holdings hit a record high in Q1 2025.** According to [Bitwise](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/news/corporate-bitcoin-holdings-hit-record-high-in-q1-2025-as-public-companies-accelerate-accumulation), public companies' adoption of Bitcoin has hit an all-time high. In Q1 2025, these firms collectively hold over 688,000 BTC, marking a 16.11% increase from the previous quarter. This amount represents 3.28% of Bitcoin's fixed 21 million supply.

![Block 893376: Important News of the Week](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/04/image-29.png)

Source: [Bitwise.](https://xcancel.com/BitwiseInvest/status/1911843925943337203)

*   **The Bitcoin Bond Company for institutions has launched** with the [aim of acquiring](https://xcancel.com/BitcoinPierre/status/1909229920447840602) $1 trillion in Bitcoin over 21 years. It utilizes secure, transparent, and compliant bond-like products backed by Bitcoin.
*   **The U.S. Senate confirmed Paul Atkins as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).** At his confirmation hearing, _Atkins_ [emphasized](https://cryptoslate.com/paul-atkins-confirmed-to-chair-sec-as-gary-genslers-long-term-replacement/) the need for a clear framework for digital assets. He aims to collaborate with the CFTC and Congress to address jurisdiction and rulemaking gaps, aligning with the Trump administration's goal to position the U.S. as a leader in Bitcoin and blockchain finance.
*   **Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith has been released from custody.** _Griffith_, whose sentence [was reduced](https://atlas21.com/former-ethereum-developer-virgil-griffith-released-from-custody/) to 56 months, is now seeking a pardon. He was initially sentenced to 63 months for allegedly violating international sanctions laws by providing technical advice on using cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to evade sanctions during a presentation titled 'Blockchains for Peace' in North Korea.
*   **No-KYC exchange eXch to close down under money laundering scrutiny.** The privacy-focused cryptocurrency trading platform [said](https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=577207.msg65286839#msg65286839) it will cease operations on May 1. This decision follows allegations that the platform was used by North Korea's Lazarus Group for money laundering. eXch revealed it is the subject of an active "transatlantic operation" aimed at shutting down the platform and prosecuting its team for "money laundering and terrorism."
*   **Blockstream combats ESP32 FUD concerning Jade signers.** The company [stated](https://xcancel.com/Blockstream/status/1912468478025433244) that after reviewing the vulnerability disclosed in early March, Jade was found to be secure. Espressif Systems, the designer of the ESP32, has since [clarified](https://developer.espressif.com/blog/2025/03/esp32-bluetooth-clearing-the-air/?ref=btctimes.com) that the "undocumented commands" do not constitute a "backdoor."

[![Block 893376: Important News of the Week](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/04/image-30.png)](https://xcancel.com/Blockstream/status/1912468476200997138)

*   **Bank of America is lobbying for regulations that favor banks over tech firms in stablecoin issuance.** The bank's CEO _Brian Moynihan_ is working with groups such as the American Bankers Association to advance the issuance of a fully reserved, 1:1 backed "Bank of America coin." If successful, this could limit stablecoin efforts by non-banks like Tether, Circle, and others, [reports](https://www.theblock.co/post/350860/stablecoin-turf-wars-bank-of-america-tether-and-circle-battle-to-shape-us-rules) _The Block._
*   **Tether to back OCEAN Pool with its hashrate.** "As a company committed to financial freedom and open access, we see supporting decentralization in Bitcoin mining as essential to the network’s long-term integrity," [said](https://www.theminermag.com/news/2025-04-14/tether-ocean-pool-bitcoin) Tether CEO _Paolo Ardoino_.
*   **Bitdeer to expand its self-mining operations to navigate tariffs.** The Singapore-based mining company is advancing plans to produce machines in the U.S. while reducing its mining hardware sales. This response is in light of increasing uncertainties related to U.S. trade policy, as reported by [_Bloomberg_](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-15/crypto-firm-bitdeer-prioritizes-mining-to-weather-tariff-turmoil).
*   **Tether acquires $32M in Bitdeer shares.** The firm [has boosted](https://www.theminermag.com/news/2025-04-17/tether-bitdeer-acquire-bitcoin) its investment in Bitdeer during a wider market sell-off, with purchases in early to mid-April amounting to about $32 million, regulatory filings reveal.
*   **US Bitcoin miner manufacturer Auradine has raised $153 million** in a Series C funding round as it [expands](https://www.theminermag.com/news/2025-04-17/auradine-mara-bitcoin) into AI infrastructure. The round was led by StepStone Group and included participation from Maverick Silicon, Premji Invest, Samsung Catalyst Fund, Qualcomm Ventures, Mayfield, MARA Holdings, GSBackers, and other existing investors. The firm raised to over $300 million since its inception in 2022.
*   **Voltage has partnered with BitGo** to [enable](https://www.voltage.cloud/blog/bitgo-and-voltage-team-up-to-deliver-instant-bitcoin-and-stabl


content:
[![Good Morning, Bitcoin - Tuesday, May 20th, 2025](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/05/image-8.png)](https://mempool.space/)

News
----

*   **Wallet of Satoshi teases a comeback in the US market with a non-custodial product.** According to an [announcement on X](https://xcancel.com/walletofsatoshi/status/1923875750165479768), the widely popular custodial Lightning wallet is preparing to re-enter the United States market with a non-custodial wallet. It is unclear whether the product will be open-source, but the project has clarified that "there will be no KYC on any Wallet of Satoshi, ever!" Wallet of Satoshi [ceased](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/wallet-of-satoshi-stops-serving-us-customers/) serving customers in the United States in November 2023.

[![Good Morning, Bitcoin - Tuesday, May 20th, 2025](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/05/image-5.png)](https://xcancel.com/walletofsatoshi/status/1923875750165479768)

*   **Vulnerability disclosure: Remote crash due to addr message spam in Bitcoin Core versions before v29.** Bitcoin Core developer _Antoine Poinsot_ [disclosed](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/EYvwAFPNEfsQ8cVwiK-8v6ovJU43Vy-ylARiDQ_1XBXAgg_ZqWIpB6m51fAIRtI-rfTmMGvGLrOe5Utl5y9uaHySELpya2ojC7yGsXnP90s=@protonmail.com/T/#u#mc3e78110ae4b67757a616e3c7492ce1cc56858c1) an integer overflow bug that crashes a node if spammed with addr messages over an extended period. A fix was released on April 14, 2025, in [Bitcoin Core v29.0.](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/bitcoin-core-v29-0/) The issue is rated Low severity.
*   **Coinbase Know Your Customer (KYC) data leak.** The U.S. Department of Justice, including its Criminal Division in Washington, is [investigating](https://www.theblock.co/post/354935/doj-launches-criminal-investigation-into-coinbase-cyberattack-bloomberg) a cyberattack on Coinbase. The incident involved cybercriminals attempting to [extort $20 millio](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/coinbase-discloses-breach-faces-up-to-400-million-in-losses/)n from Coinbase to prevent stolen customer data from being leaked online. Although the data breach affected less than 1% of the exchange's users, Coinbase now faces [at least six lawsuits](https://www.tradingview.com/news/cointelegraph:e50cbbb4d094b:0-coinbase-hit-with-wave-of-lawsuits-over-customer-data-breaches/) following the revelation that some customer support agents were bribed as part of the extortion scheme.
*   **Fold has launched Bitcoin Gift Cards**, [enabling users](https://investor.foldapp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fold-introduces-most-convenient-way-buy-and-share-bitcoin-new) to purchase bitcoin for personal use or as gifts, redeemable via the Fold app. These cards are currently available on Fold’s [website](https://foldapp.com/bitcoin-gift-card) and are planned to expand to major retailers nationwide later this year.

> "Our mission is to make bitcoin simple and approachable for everyone. The Bitcoin Gift Card brings bitcoin to millions of Americans in a familiar way. Available at the places people already shop, the Bitcoin Gift Card is the best way to gift bitcoin to others," said Will Reeves, Chairman and CEO of Fold.

*   **Corporate treasuries hold nearly 1.1 million BTC**, representing about 5.5% of the total circulating supply (1,082,164 BTC), per [BitcoinTreasuries.net](https://bitcointreasuries.net/entities/tether-holdings) data. Recent purchases include Strategy adding [7,390 BTC](https://btctimes.com/strategy-acquires-7-390-bitcoin-as-class-action-lawsuit-filed/) (total: 576,230 BTC), Metplanet acquiring [1,004 BTC](https://contents.xj-storage.jp/xcontents/33500/b701fd66/1080/4ce0/9206/7989fd6ade07/140120250519557359.pdf) (total: 7,800 BTC), Tether holding over 100,521 BTC, and XXI Capital, led by _Jack Mallers_, starting with 31,500 BTC.
    *   Meanwhile, a group of investors [has filed](https://www.theblock.co/post/354851/strategy-and-co-founder-michael-saylor-faces-class-action-lawsuit-involving-alleged-federal-securities-law-violations) a class action lawsuit against Strategy and its executive _Michael Saylor_. The lawsuit alleges that Strategy made overly optimistic projections using fair value accounting under new FASB rules while downplaying potential losses.
*   **The U.S. Senate voted to advance the GENIUS stablecoin bill** for further debate before a final vote to pass it. Meanwhile, the House is crafting its own stablecoin legislation to establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins and their issuers in the U.S, [reports](https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/05/19/senate-advances-stablecoin-bill-clearing-the-way-for-final-passage) _CoinDesk._
*   **French 'crypto' entrepreneurs get priority access to emergency police services.** French Minister of the Interior, _Bruno Retailleau,_ [agreed](https://protos.com/french-government-gives-crypto-entrepreneurs-priority-police-line/) on measures to enhance security for 'crypto' professionals during a meeting on Friday. This follows a [failed kidnapping](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/05/15/crypto-exchange-ceos-daughter-grandson-targeted-in-paris-kidnap-attempt) attempt on Tuesday targeting the family of a cryptocurrency exchange CEO, and two other kidnappings earlier this year.
*   **Brussels Court declares tracking-based ads illegal in EU.** The Brussels Court of Appeal [ruled](https://therecord.media/eu-court-rules-tracking-based-ads-illegal) tracking-based online ads illegal in the EU due to an inadequate consent model. Major tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and X are affected by the decision, as their consent pop-ups fail to protect privacy in real-time bidding, writes _The Record_.
*   **Telegram shares data on 22,777 users in Q1 2025**, a [significant increase](https://www.404media.co/telegram-gave-authorities-data-on-more-than-20-000-users/) from the 5,826 users' data shared during the same period in 2024. This significant increase follows the arrest of CEO and founder _Pavel Durov_ [last year](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/telegram-founder-pavel-durov-charged-on-12-criminal-counts-in-france/).
*   **An Australian judge has ruled that Bitcoin is money**, [potentially exempting](https://www.afr.com/wealth/personal-finance/this-court-case-could-make-your-bitcoin-profits-tax-free-20250430-p5lvft) it from capital gains tax in the country. If upheld on appeal, this interim decision could lead to taxpayer refunds worth up to $1 billion, per tax lawyer _Adrian Cartland_.

Use the tools
-------------

*   [**Bitcoin Safe v1.3.0**](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/bitcoin-safe-v1-3-0/) a secure and user-friendly Bitcoin savings wallet for beginners and advanced users, introduces an interactive chart, Child Pays For Parent (CPFP) support, testnet4 compatibility, preconfigured testnet demo wallets, various bug fixes, and other improvements.
*   [**BlueWallet v7.1.8**](https://github.com/BlueWallet/BlueWallet/releases) brings numerous bug fixes, dependency updates, and a new search feature for addresses and transactions.
*   [**Aqua Wallet v0.3.0**](https://github.com/AquaWallet/aqua-wallet/releases/tag/v0.3.0) is out, offering beta testing for the reloadable Dolphin card ([in partnership with Visa](https://btctimes.com/aqua-pushes-forward-with-visa-as-moonpay-partners-with-mastercard/)) for spending bitcoin and Liquid BTC. It also includes a new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) text scanner to read text addresses like QR codes, colored numbers on addresses for better readability, a reduced minimum for spending and swapping Liquid Bitcoin to 100 sats, plus other fixes and enhancements.

![Good Morning, Bitcoin - Tuesday, May 20th, 2025](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/05/image-7.png)

Source: [Aqua wallet.](https://xcancel.com/AquaBitcoin/status/1923169207346225655/photo/1)

*   The latest firmware updates for [**COLDCARD Mk4 v5.4.3 and Q v1.3.3**](https://xcancel.com/COLDCARDwallet/status/1922658877562360154) are now available, featuring the latest enhancements and bug fixes.
*   [**Nunchuk Android v1.9.68.1**](https://github.com/nunchuk-io/nunchuk-android/releases/tag/android.1.68.1) and [**iOS v1.9.79**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nunchuk-bitcoin-wallet/id1563190073) introduce support for custom blockchain explorers, wallet archiving, re-ordering wallets on the home screen via long-press, and an anti-fee sniping setting.
*   [**BDK-cli v1.0.0**](https://github.com/bitcoindevkit/bdk-cli/releases/tag/v1.0.0), a CLI wallet library and REPL tool to demo and test the BDK library, now uses bdk\_wallet 1.0.0 and integrates Kyoto, utilizing the Kyoto protocol for compact block filters. It sets SQLite as the default database and discontinues support for sled.
*   [**publsp**](https://github.com/smallworlnd/publsp) is a new command-line tool designed for Lightning node runners or Lightning Service Providers (LSPs) to advertise liquidity offers over Nostr.

> "LSPs advertise liquidity as addressable Kind 39735 events. Clients just pull and evaluate all those structured events, then NIP-17 DM an LSP of their choice to coordinate a liquidity purchase," [writes](https://njump.me/nevent1qqsrpdcdjyw2yz4fp3aas7mr24e7f6sxe2n3wexjwpu09ev5pgm3z2qpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqzypwe8ymf9knyvku79g55ygmz0g5hue5dk99xy7s4jup8v4dev2nly7wfa0j) developer _smallworlnd._

*   [**Lightning Blinder**](https://github.com/supertestnet/lightning_blinder) by _Super Testnet_ is a proof-of-concept privacy tool for the Lightning Network. It enables users to mislead Lightning Service Providers (LSPs) by making it appear as though one wallet is the sender or recipient, masking the original wallet. Explore and try it out [here](https://supertestnet.github.io/lightning_blinder/).

*   [**Mempal v1.5.3**](https://github.com/aeonBTC/Mempal/releases/tag/v1.5.3), a Bitcoin mempool monitoring and notification app for Android, now includes a swipe-down feature to refresh the dashboard, a custom time option for widget auto-update frequency, and a


tags: Sparrow is a free and open-source modern desktop Bitcoin wallet application supporting most hardware wallets and built on common standards such as PSBT, with an emphasis on transparency and usability.

content:
[Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.](https://geyser.fund/project/nobsbitcoin)

![Sparrow Wallet v2.2.1: Recent Blocks View, Improved Camera, Tor & P2A Updates](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/05/sparrow-wallet-v220.jpg)

This update brings key enhancements for clarity and usability:

*   **Recent Blocks View**: Added to the Send tab and inspired by Mempool's visualization, it displays the last 2 blocks and the estimated next block to help choose fee rates.
*   **Camera System Overhaul**: Features a new library for higher resolution detection and mouse-scroll zoom support when available.
*   **Vector-Based Images**: All app images are now vectorized and theme-aware, enhancing contrast, especially in dark mode.
*   **Tor & P2A Updates**: Upgraded internal Tor and improved support for pay-to-anchor (P2A) outputs.
*   **Linux Package Rename**: For Linux users, Sparrow has been renamed to sparrowwallet (or sparrowserver); in some cases, the original sparrow package may need manual removal.
*   Additional updates include showing total payments in multi-payment transaction diagrams, better handling of long labels, and other UI enhancements.

[![Sparrow Wallet v2.2.1: Recent Blocks View, Improved Camera, Tor & P2A Updates](https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/content/images/2025/05/image-12.png)](https://xcancel.com/SparrowWallet/status/1925130328697369071)

*   [**Sparrow v2.2.1**](https://github.com/sparrowwallet/sparrow/releases) is a bug fix release that addresses missing UUID issue when starting Tor on recent macOS versions, icons for external sources in Settings and Recent Blocks view, repackaged `.deb` installs to use older gzip instead of zstd compression, and removed display of median fee rate where fee rates source is set to Server.

**Learn how to get started with Sparrow wallet:**

Release notes (v2.2.0)
----------------------

*   Added Recent Blocks view to Send tab.
*   Converted all bitmapped images to theme aware SVG format for all wallet models and dialogs.
*   Support send and display of pay to anchor (P2A) outputs.
*   Renamed `sparrow` package to `sparrowwallet` and `sparrowserver` on Linux.
*   Switched camera library to openpnp-capture.
*   Support FHD (1920 x 1080) and UHD4k (3840 x 2160) capture resolutions.
*   Support camera zoom with mouse scroll where possible.
*   In the Download Verifier, prefer verifying the dropped file over the default file where the file is not in the manifest.
*   Show a warning (with an option to disable the check) when importing a wallet with a derivation path matching another script type.
*   In Cormorant, avoid calling the `listwalletdir` RPC on initialization due to a potentially slow response on Windows.
*   Avoid server address resolution for public servers.
*   Assume server address is non local for resolution failures where a proxy is configured.
*   Added a tooltip to indicate truncated labels in table cells.
*   Dynamically truncate input and output labels in the tree on a transaction tab, and add tooltips if necessary.
*   Improved tooltips for wallet tabs and transaction diagrams with long labels.
*   Show the address where available on input and output tooltips in transaction tab tree.
*   Show the total amount sent in payments in the transaction diagram when constructing multiple payment transactions.
*   Reset preferred table column widths on adjustment to improve handling after window resizing.
*   Added accessible text to improve screen reader navigation on seed entry.
*   Made Wallet Summary table grow horizontally with dialog sizing.
*   Reduced tooltip show delay to 200ms.
*   Show transaction diagram fee percentage as less than 0.01% rather than 0.00%.
*   Optimized and reduced Electrum server RPC calls.
*   Upgraded Bouncy Castle, PGPainless and Logback libraries.
*   Upgraded internal Tor to v0.4.8.16.
*   Bug fix: Fixed issue with random ordering of keystore origins on labels import.
*   Bug fix: Fixed non-zero account script type detection when signing a message on Trezor devices.
*   Bug fix: Fixed issue parsing remote Coldcard xpub encoded on a different network.
*   Bug fix: Fixed inclusion of fees on wallet label exports.
*   Bug fix: Increase Trezor device libusb timeout.

**Linux users**: Note that the `sparrow` package has been renamed to `sparrowwallet` or `sparrowserver`, and in some cases you may need to manually uninstall the original `sparrow` package. Look in the `/opt` folder to ensure you have the new name, and the original is removed.

What's new in v2.2.1
--------------------

*   Updated Tor library to fix missing UUID issue when starting Tor on recent macOS versions.
*   Repackaged `.deb` installs to use older gzip instead of zstd compression.
*   Removed display of median fee rate where fee rates source is set to Server.
*   Added icons for external sources in Settings and Recent Blocks view
*   Bug fix: Fixed issue in Recent Blocks view when switching fee rates source
*   Bug fix: Fixed NPE on null fee returned from server

[**Announcement**](https://njump.me/nevent1qqszm2pjnt464tu242awrwkyvqgt590rvsf2lk7lgj0glpae0ts0epspp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqzyzl85553k5ew3wgc7twfs9yffz3n60sd5pmc346pdaemf363fuywv4yjku6) / [Archive](http://archive.today/V2tHL)
[**GitHub Repo**](https://github.com/sparrowwallet/sparrow/releases)


tags: LND v0.19.0-beta: RBF Cooperative Close, Improved Payment Reliability & More

tags: The Lightning Network Daemon (LND) is a complete implementation of a Lightning Network node developed by Lightning Labs.

content:
[Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.](https://geyser.fund/project/nobsbitcoin)

*   The newest LND release brings upgrades that empower developers with better on-chain management, significantly boost backend scalability for expanding services, and ensure a more seamless and dependable payment experience.

> "We are excited to announce the release of LND v0.19.0 beta! This new release focuses on making LND more secure, scalable, and reliable for powering global bitcoin and stablecoin transactions," was announced in a blog post.

*   Some highlights of this release include a Replace-By-Fee Cooperative Close for flexible channel closure fees, migration of invoices to SQL for faster startups, enhanced payment reliability through improved pathfinding, transaction sweeper improvements, the addition of Testnet4 support for stable testing, among other things.

> "As always, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our external contributors across development, review, and testing. A total of 51 developers contributed to this release. For the complete list of changes included in this release, check out the [full release notes](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/releases/tag/v0.19.0-beta)."

What's new
----------

*   [**New RBF cooperative close flow**](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9610)**.** It uses RBF to enable either side to increase their fee rate using their _own_ channel funds. Channel peers must support the `option_simple_close` for this new protocol to work. This new feature can be activated with a new config flag: `--protocol.rbf-coop-close`.
    *   This feature isn't compatible with older LND versions; fee bumping with them uses CPFP. It already works with Eclair v0.12.0 or up, and should work with other implementations as they roll out support for this protocol. The protocol currently does not support Taproot channels and Taproot asset channels.
*   **Support for archiving channel backups** **in a specific folder for future reference.** It comes with a new config option, `disable-backup-archive` (default: `false`), to control whether previous backups are archived.
*   [**Support**](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/8390) **for** [**experimental endorsement**](https://github.com/lightning/blips/pull/27) **signal relay.** Deployed experimentally to assist ongoing channel jamming research, it has _no impact_ on routing.
*   **Initial support for** [**quiescence**](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/8270)**.** This protocol gadget is required for upcoming Dynamic Commitments and Splicing features.
*   **Historical Sync**: Fixed [a race condition](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9424) blocking initial sync due to syncer's internal state handling.
*   **Max Fee Rate** is [now respected](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9491) during cooperative close initiation for both parties, not just the remote party.
*   Lots of other [**bug fixes**](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/blob/master/docs/release-notes/release-notes-0.19.0.md#bug-fixes).
*   **Performance Improvements:**
    *   Limit outbound [gossip traffic bandwidth](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9607) with --gossip.msg-rate-bytes and --gossip.msg-rate-burst. Set burst to the maximum bytes transmittable without rate limiting, and rate to the ongoing permitted rate.

*   Ability to use ZSTD for log rotation.
*   [Remove redundant iteration](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9496) over a node's persisted channels when updating the graph cache with a new node or node update.

*   **Functional Enhancements:**
    *   [Add pagination](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/8998) for wallet transactions.
    *   [Make](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9562) `MaxWaitNumBlocksFundingConf` configurable for faster test timeouts, with a default of 2016 blocks for production.
    *   Change sweeper to [attempt sweeps](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9627) if the budget is partially covered, preventing delays and high fees.
    *   [Validate](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9603) MPP parameters before payment to avoid path finding loops and timeouts.
*   **Functional Updates:**
    *   Enable [log compression](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9017) with ZSTD using the logging.file.compressor argument.
    *   [Enhance SCB file](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/8183) with more data for last-resort rescue when a peer is unavailable.
    *   Update channel.backup file at shutdown in LND.
    *   Introduce [chainio subsystem](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9315) to sync subsystems with the current best block, fixing delays in HTLC sweeping due to block height discrepancies in ChainArbitrator, UtxoSweeper, and TxPublisher. Click [here](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/blob/master/chainio/README.md) to learn more.
    *   Sweeper now uses [configured budget values](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9274) for HTLCs with `--sweeper.budget.deadlinehtlcratio` and `--sweeper.budget.deadlinehtlc`.
    *   Consider blockbeat dispatcher height [when checking](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9501) if lnd is synced to chain.
    *   Allocate restricted slots for peers via [\--num-restricted-slots](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9458).
    *   Added support for bitcoin [testnet4](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9620).
    *   [Removed](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9621) x/exp/maps dependency.
    *   Add [\--no-disconnect-on-pong-failure option](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9801) (default: false) to manage peer disconnection on pong failure or mismatch.
*   **RPC Additions and Updates.** Some RPCs that previously returned an empty response now provide a [short status message](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/7762) to help command line users confirm successful execution or background initiation. The following CLI commands no longer return an empty response ({}):

    *   `lncli wallet releaseoutput` (`WalletKit.ReleaseOutput` RPC)
    *   `lncli wallet accounts import-pubkey` (`WalletKit.ImportPublicKey` RPC)
    *   `lncli wallet labeltx` (`WalletKit.LabelTransaction` RPC)
    *   `lncli sendcustom` (`Lightning.SendCustomMessage` RPC)
    *   `lncli connect` (`Lightning.ConnectPeer` RPC)
    *   `lncli disconnect` (`Lightning.DisconnectPeer` RPC)
    *   `lncli stop` (`Lightning.Stop` RPC)
    *   `lncli deletepayments` (`Lightning.DeleteAllPaymentsResponse` RPC)
    *   `lncli abandonchannel` (`Lightning.AbandonChannel` RPC)
    *   `lncli restorechanbackup` (`Lightning.RestoreChannelBackups` RPC)
    *   `lncli verifychanbackup` (`Lightning.VerifyChanBackup` RPC)

    *   The ForwardInterceptor's MODIFY option now [merges](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9240) custom range TLVs with existing HTLC records, overwriting conflicting values with API-supplied ones.
    *   [Make](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9405) ProofMatureDelta in gossip configurable via --gossip.announcement-conf, defaulting to 6.
    *   [Add LockedIn boolean field](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9602) to lnrpc.HTLC to show if an HTLC is locked in by the remote peer.
    *   [Allow custom lock ID and duration in FundPsbt](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9724) RPC.
    *   Extend [lnrpc.RPCMiddlewareRequest](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9739) to include [gRPC metadata](https://grpc.io/docs/guides/metadata) pairs from the initial request's context.Context.
    *   [Updated](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9772) `PendingSweeps` to return all registered outputs in the RPC response, regardless of future locktime, enabling planning for upcoming sweeps and custom aggregation logic. Added `MaturityHeight` field to `PendingSweep` for absolute locktime value.
    *   [Add BumpForceCloseFee RPC endpoint](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/8843), moving lncli functionality to LND for broader accessibility.
    *   Enhance walletrpc.FundPsbt with an option to [set fees as sat\_per\_kw](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9013) for greater precision.
    *   [Add a new option in walletrpc.FundPsbt](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/8600) to specify the maximum fee-to-output amounts ratio.
    *   [Sort](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9337) lnrpc.Invoice.Htlcs by InvoiceHTLC.HtlcIndex in the list invoices RPC response.
    *   Set a [default 60-second timeout](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9359) for routerrpc.SendPaymentV2 when timeout\_seconds is unset or 0.
    *   Include [custom\_channel\_data for custom channels](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9504) in lnrpc.ClosedChannels response.
*   **lncli updates and additions:**
    *   Allow [pre-generated macaroon root key](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9172) in lncli create and lncli createwatchonly for deterministic macaroon generation.
    *   [Add --sat\_per\_kw flag](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9013) to lncli wallet fundpsbt for precise fee rate specification.
    *   Include [\--max\_fee\_ratio argument](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/8600) in lncli wallet fundpsbt to set maximum fee-to-output amounts ratio.
    *   [Enhance](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9390) lncli listchannels and lncli closedchannels output with human-readable short channel ID and BOLT02 channel ID; rename chan\_id to scid for accuracy.
    *   Initiate cooperative close flow in [coop close case](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9491) even with active HTLCs, disabling the channel for new HTLCs and starting the flow when no HTLCs remain.
    *   Introduce macaroon constraint for [IP range-based access restriction](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/pull/9546), expanding beyond spe


tags: Bitcoin has many properties. It's influence on your psyche is probably its most powerful.

content:
Marty's Bent
------------

[![Bitcoin: The Greatest Founder's Coach Out There](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-29-at-1.50.20---PM.png)](https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1972693315695833320?ref=tftc.io)

via [TFTC](https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1972693315695833320?ref=tftc.io)

![Bitcoin: The Greatest Founder's Coach Out There](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/09/martybent_A_man_sitting_at_his_desk_weighing_two_things_on_a_ba_324ba7e2-0721-4109-b7ee-4a6235ffa756.png)

I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Luke Thomas last Friday to record an episode of the TFTC podcast:

Luke has been instrumental in helping me think about how we're building the business side of things at TFTC for a few years now. He's someone I greatly admire and has always been incredibly generous with his time and has been more than willing to knowledge share as it pertains to trends he's seeing in AI, marketing and business building. When you find the time, I highly recommend you check out our discussion. Especially if you're curious to learn about the state of AI, how businesses are applying it correctly and incorrectly, what businesses will thrive moving forward and the intersection of AI and bitcoin.

I won't spoil the whole conversation, but I wanted to expand on one of the topics we discussed; viewing bitcoin as a "founder's coach". This is a concept that we have never articulated in this way, but is core to everything we do at [Ten31](https://www.ten31.xyz/?ref=tftc.io). If you've been reading this newsletter for long enough I'm going to take it that you've also been holding bitcoin and if you've been holding bitcoin for long enough I'm going to assume that it has rewired your brain in terms of how you approach your personal finances. Once you experience the positive benefits of holding bitcoin as it monetizes and increases in purchasing power, you are inevitably forced to audit everything else in your life that you allocate money to and seriously weigh the opportunity costs.

"Would my money be better spent at the bar, or does it make more sense save some money and buy some bitcoin instead?"

"Should I stretch for that second home we'll only live in for a couple of months a year, or should I buy bitcoin instead?"

"Am I working hard enough? Are there other things I could be doing on the side to make more money to save in bitcoin?"

Bitcoin forces you to see the opportunity cost in everything. The impetus for us creating the [Opportunity Cost](https://www.opportunitycost.app/?ref=tftc.io) extension was to help make this process easier and crystal clear.

But, as Luke notes and we viscerally understand at Ten31, this same concept applies to businesses and the founders who run them. Once you put bitcoin on your company's balance sheet, it immediately goes to work as a founder's coach that forces you to considerably weigh opportunity costs, lights a fire of urgency under your ass to scale revenue and profitability as quickly as possible, and - most importantly - think with a very long-term perspective in mind. Every decision is met with the nagging question, "Is this going to help us accumulate more bitcoin?"

We've seen bitcoin's role as a founder's coach have profound effects on the companies we've invested in at Ten31. Many of the companies in our portfolio have raised money, allocated a material portion of their raise to establish a bitcoin treasury, and have had the luxury of not having to go back to the market to raise and dilute their equity. On top of this, with the opportunity cost of capital allocation brought to the fore of every decision made within the company, which has enabled companies to scale revenue and reach profitability with team headcounts that are far smaller than what the startup world has come to expect over the last three decades.

Jack Mallers talks about this a lot in regards to what he and his team have built at Strike. They are six years old, very profitable, scaling extremely fast, have more operational exposure globally than Coinbase and have done so with a head count lower than 100.

The founder's coach feature of bitcoin is profoundly powerful for individual companies. I've seen it up close and personal here at TFTC and across the portfolios of companies we're invested in at Ten31. I can only imagine the compounding second and third order effects on the economy, quality of life and the strength of the human experience when every company runs on a bitcoin standard.

It's fitting that I had this conversation with Luke on Friday and committed to writing about this part of our conversation today because I just landed in Utah for our annual Ten31 portfolio company retreat. I'll be spending the next few days with the Ten31 team and executives from our portfolio to expand on this idea, many others and how we can work harder and smarter to bring about a bitcoin standard.

We're going to win.

* * *

### This Will Be the "Most Hated Rally" of the Next Decade

Jeff Walton predicts Bitcoin treasury strategies will spark the most despised market rally of the next decade. He argues this hatred stems from a fundamental clash of worldviews - traditional finance professionals can't grasp why companies should hold Bitcoin, while many Bitcoiners don't understand sophisticated leverage strategies. This creates a perfect storm of misunderstanding from both camps.

> "Risk is mispriced globally... I think there will be a risk repricing over time that is just going to confuse so many people."- [Jeff Walton](https://x.com/PunterJeff?ref=tftc.io)

Walton believes these strategies are fundamentally reshaping finance by demonstrating that Bitcoin-backed securities offer superior risk-adjusted returns compared to traditional corporate debt. As more companies adopt these strategies and outperform traditional investments, the entire financial world will be forced to reconsider basic assumptions about value, risk, and corporate treasury management - a painful but necessary evolution.

Check out the [full podcast here](https://youtu.be/EAjpgYWZ2zk?ref=tftc.io) for more on M&A strategies, Bitcoin-backed credit instruments and S&P 500 inclusion dynamics.

* * *

### Headlines of the Day

[BLS Halts Data if US Government Shuts Down](https://x.com/WatcherGuru/status/1972697688635289727?ref=tftc.io)

[Bitcoin Credit Enables Free Market Soft Landing](https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1972684793956479394?ref=tftc.io)

[Momentum Builds on COVID Vaccine Exposures](https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1972718516550684954?ref=tftc.io)

[Coinbase CEO Bullish on Legislation](https://x.com/WatcherGuru/status/1972714511821156780?ref=tftc.io)

[Gold Hits All-Time High Above $3830](https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1972710018119074021?ref=tftc.io)

* * *

### Bitcoin Has Crossed the Rubicon

This extended $75k–$110k range has caused some to wonder if the bull run is exhausted. But what if the on-chain evidence tells a totally different story? Join James Check (Checkmate of Checkonchain) and Connor Dolan for a data-driven discussion on what a maturing bitcoin market means for the road ahead.

James will break down:

*   Institutions reshaping the cycle: ETF flows and institutional allocator demand setting higher floors
*   Chopsolidation: why time-pain in the $75k–$110k range signals resilience, not
    exhaustion
*   Conviction on display: heavy distributions absorbed while long-term holders remain in control

On-chain metrics show bitcoin has crossed the Rubicon—from a nascent store of value into a true institutional-grade asset class. This session will help you understand what that means for this bull market and beyond—and how you might position yourself appropriately.

**Tuesday, September 30th at 3PM CT — online, free to attend.**

[![Bitcoin: The Greatest Founder's Coach Out There](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/09/D1-copy-1.png)](https://unchnd.co/3Ve67mv?ref=tftc.io)

[Register Now](https://unchnd.co/3Ve67mv?ref=tftc.io)

* * *

### Obscura – The World’s Best VPN Built by Bitcoiners

Created by Carl Dong (former Bitcoin Core contributor), unlike other VPNs, it _can’t_ log your activity by design, delivering verifiable privacy you can trust.

[![Bitcoin: The Greatest Founder's Coach Out There](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/08/newsletter-1.jpg)](https://obscura.net/?ref=tftc.io)

[USE CODE TFTC25](https://obscura.net/?ref=tftc.io)

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**No trade-offs**: browse freely with fast, reliable speeds.

**Exclusive Deal for TFTC Listeners:**
Sign up at [obscura.net](https://obscura.net/?ref=tftc.io) and use code **TFTC25** for **25% off your first 12 months**.

Now available on **macOS, iOS, and WireGuard**, with more platforms coming soon — so your privacy travels with you wherever you go.

* * *

_Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $200M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at_ [ten31.vc/invest](https://ten31.vc/invest?ref=tftc.io)_._

* * *

**Final thought...**

I'm honored to know the REAL John Arnold.

* * *

_Download our free browser extension, **Opportunity Cost**:_ [https://www.opportunitycost.app/](https://www.opportunitycost.app/?ref=tftc.io) start thinking in SATS today.

_Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily:_ [_https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/_](https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/)

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