The Balkanization of Bitcoin: The Next Attack on BTC Is About Mining Provenance
From Iran miner control to “OFAC compliant blocks,” a new attack vector has emerged.
May 7, 2021
Host
:format(webp)/downloads.coindesk.com/arc/failsafe/user/1x1.png)
From Iran miner control to “OFAC compliant blocks,” a new attack vector has emerged.
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, NEAR.org and Genesis Trading.
Today on the Brief:
- Square puts up monster Q1 bitcoin numbers
- First crypto comments from new SEC Chair Gary Gensler
- 3 new institutional bitcoin developments
Our main discussion:
As bitcoin becomes more mainstream, the attempts from the powers that be to control it will become more subtle. This week, NLW argues we got a preview of a new approach to trying to exert that control. He argues there is a new attempt to Balkanize Bitcoin and looks at:
- Iran banning crypto that wasn’t mined in the country
- Marathon mining an “OFAC-compliant” block
- Kevin O’Leary insisting on only owning bitcoin not mined in China
Image credit: Allexxandar/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Other Episodes
The Case for U.S. Stablecoin Regulation
Apr 20, 2023
Congress Grills Gensler on Anti-Crypto Stance
Apr 19, 2023
An AI Primer for Bitcoiners
Apr 13, 2023