John Oates

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Freelance writer and editor. John was news editor at the Register 2005-2011.

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FinCEN logo
FinCEN boss lays out Bitcoin rules
The boss of US regulator FinCEN has outlined what Bitcoin exchanges need to do to keep the feds happy and stay out of prison.
FinCEN logo
Mt-Gox
Mt. Gox bans anonymous currency deals
Mt. Gox will no longer accept anonymous accounts - the company is determined not to end up the next target of US secret service action.
Mt-Gox
British pounds cash
Alternative payments growing fast in the UK
In 2012 use of cash for shopping fell 10 per cent - and the rate of decline is accelerating.
British pounds cash
money laundering
Bitcoin exchanges need to grow up fast
Bitcoin exchanges shouldn't expect the same free ride from regulators that giant "too-big-to-fail" banks like HSBC have enjoyed.
money laundering
Closed sign in a shop window.
CryptoCurrent shuts shop
CryptoCurrent has put its business on hold while it investigates the cost of getting properly licensed.
Closed sign in a shop window.
Roseanne Barr
Roseanne Barr backs bitcoin
American actress Roseanne Barr has tweeted cryptic support for Bitcoin.
Roseanne Barr
1239214_39711428
Vancouver curry house takes Bitcoin for biryani
You can now exchange your virtual coins for an actual, real world curry.
1239214_39711428
China flag
Chinese whispers hit Bitcoin, again
Rumours suggesting the Chinese government was moving to block Bitcoin related traffic on its networks have been dismissed.
China flag
RuneScape
Welsh teen guilty of virtual money theft from RuneScape
A Welsh teenager has been found guilty of computer misuse offences relating to the theft of virtual currency from a RuneScape account.
RuneScape
Bitcoin community strength
Bitcoin community adapts to hackers and fraudsters
Bitcoin community strength