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.

Videos

What Caused This Week's Flash Crash?

The Week in Review panel for "All About Bitcoin" discusses the potential catalyst for this week's crypto markets flash crash. Plus, taking a look at this past week's stories making waves in the cryptocurrency space: BTC mining difficulty is recovering, node adoption for Taproot has gone over 50%, and the SEC is cracking down on Coinbase.

Sep 10, 2021

Videos

El Salvador Already Bought 550 BTC

El Salvador is on a bitcoin buying spree, having purchased 550 BTC as the Central American country’s bitcoin law went into effect Tuesday, officially adopting bitcoin as legal tender. “All About Bitcoin” host Christine Lee breaks down the Chart of the Day.

Sep 10, 2021

Videos

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Law and Impact on Remittances

El Salvador’s new bitcoin wallets could cost money services providers like Western Union and MoneyGram $400 million a year in commissions for remittances, according to CNBC. “The Hash” panel discusses the potential impact of El Salvador’s bitcoin adoption on its remittance payments and the country’s wider economy.

Sep 10, 2021

Videos

Has Surveillance Become a Way of Life 20 Years After 9/11?

Saturday is the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. “The Hash” panel reflects on its history and present legacy that has been left since, discussing its impact on today’s surveillance age and bitcoin’s emergence.

Sep 10, 2021

Finance

Bukele’s MS-13 Double Bind

The Salvadoran President has had to operate in secret while negotiating with gangs. That has raised suspicions and lent aid to his critics.

By David Z. MorrisSep 10, 2021

SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR - MAY 20: MS-13 gang members languish in one of the three 'gang cages' in the Quezaltepeque police station May 20, 2013 in San Salvador, El Salvador. These overcrowded, 12x15 cages were designed to be 72-hour holding cells for common criminals and the two rival gangs, but many of the individuals have been imprisoned for over a year. (Photo by Giles Clarke/Getty Images.)

Videos

Bitcoin Buying Opportunities to Watch

Mario Gomez Lozada, co-founder of crypto options and derivatives platform PowerTrade, discusses his reading of the crypto markets and explains key buying opportunities to watch for bitcoin. "I think we've seen a good pullback," Lozada said. "I don't think it's going to fall that much further." Plus, insights into BTC flows, spot activity, and ETH.

Sep 10, 2021

Markets