Bitcoin News

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

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

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

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

Tech

The Bitcoin Halving Is Here, and With It a Giant Surge in Transaction Fees

The launch of Casey Rodarmor's new Runes protocol sent fees surging as users rushed to etch new digital tokens that can be launched atop the Bitcoin blockchain.

By Jamie Crawley, Sam ReynoldsApr 20, 2024

Screenshot of livestreamed watch party hosted by Tone Vays (YouTube)

Consensus Magazine

Bitcoin Pioneer Hal Finney Posthumously Wins New Award Named for Him

The Human Rights Foundation has set aside 33 bitcoin to honor individuals who contribute to Bitcoin's advancement.

By Daniel KuhnApr 19, 2024

Markets

Bitcoin Whales Bought $1.2B BTC Amid the Price Dip, Fueling the Quick Rebound

IntoTheBlock data shows that the largest bitcoin investors added nearly 20,000 BTC to their holdings as the top crypto briefly buckled below $60,000 on fears of military escalation between Iran and Israel.

By Krisztian SandorApr 19, 2024

Opinion

Bitcoin Will Power the Next DeFi Summer

The blockchain is emerging as a critical security-provider for decentralized apps and as an asset with newfound utility and interoperability.

By Brendon SedoApr 19, 2024

Token unlocks are usually bearish events, increasing a token's supply.(FLY:D/Unsplash)

Consensus Magazine

Google Searches for 'Bitcoin Halving' Get Higher Than 4/20

One of the closely watched indicators of retail interest is booming.

By Daniel KuhnApr 19, 2024

Opinion

Leaving Behind Bitcoin Sectarianism

After years of infighting over how to scale the blockchain, the community is again experimenting with ways to turn Bitcoin into a suitable platform to develop on.

By Patrick DuganApr 19, 2024