Ethereum News

Ethereum (ETH) was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders as the world's first programmable blockchain, enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) that extend far beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions. After transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus through "The Merge" in 2022, Ethereum now processes transactions more efficiently while maintaining its position as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 innovation.

The Ethereum ecosystem encompasses thousands of decentralized applications, from DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Aave to NFT marketplaces, gaming platforms, and layer-2 scaling solutions like Arbitrum and Polygon. Developers, validators, and users interact within this programmable economy where ETH serves as both a digital currency and the fuel powering smart contract execution through gas fees.

CoinDesk covers all aspects of Etherum, from protocol upgrades and scaling developments to DeFi innovation and regulatory implications. Our reporters track everything from Ethereum's roadmap milestones and staking developments to the broader implications of programmable money and decentralized autonomous organizations.

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

Videos

Chinese Ethereum Mining Pool SparkPool to Halt All Services Due to Crackdown

The world’s second-largest Ethereum mining pool, SparkPool, which initially stopped providing services to new Chinese users, has now expanded its suspension to all users by Sept. 30 following China's tightened crackdown on cryptocurrencies. "The Hash" panel discusses the outlook for mining operations in China and the wider repercussions of the country's most comprehensive crypto ban to date.

Sep 27, 2021

Policy

7 Nights in Pyongyang: Inside the North Korean Trip That Got Ethereum’s Virgil Griffith Arrested

The Ethereum Foundation’s Virgil Griffith pled guilty Monday to charges related to his trip to North Korea for a blockchain conference. Author Ethan Lou was on that trip. The following is adapted from Lou’s new book, “Once a Bitcoin Miner: Scandal and Turmoil in the Cryptocurrency Wild West.”

By Ethan LouSep 27, 2021

Markets

Crypto Funds Draws Most New Money in 3 Weeks Even as China Cracks Down

Bitcoin had $50 million in inflows last week.

By Lyllah LedesmaSep 27, 2021

New money flows into crypto funds last week reached the highest since early September. (CoinShares)

Videos

Ethereum Developer Virgil Griffith Goes on Trial for Allegedly Advising North Korea

Virgil Griffith, a developer of the Ethereum network arrested at the end of 2019 on allegations he helped educate North Koreans about cryptocurrencies, will begin his trial Monday. Plus, the potential outcomes of the bipartisan infrastructure bill as the U.S. House of Representatives are to vote Monday.

Sep 27, 2021

Finance

DAOs May Be the Future of Work, but Don’t Bet on Them Being the Next Big Asset Class

The decentralized nature of DAOs and their dependence on vibrant, committed communities can be at odds with investors who are just in it for the virtual Benjamins.

By Andrew ThurmanSep 26, 2021

Videos

Time’s NFT Launch Sends Gas Fees Spiraling

Time magazine launched a new NFT collection dubbed "TIMEPieces" Thursday, offering "unlimited access" to its website through 2023. All 4,676 tokens, each priced at 0.1 ETH tied to digital artworks, were sold in minutes. But the sale also clogged the Ethereum blockchain, with buyers spending almost four times as much on transaction fees as they did on the NFTs themselves. "The Hash" hosts react, discussing the implications for a historic American institution getting involved in the NFT space.

Sep 24, 2021

Finance

Coach and GQ China to Release Six NFTs on Ethereum

The launch will mark Coach’s first foray into digital tokens.

By Eliza GkritsiSep 24, 2021

A Coach store in New York. (WestportWiki/Wikimmedia Commons)

Videos

Dfinity Foundation’s Internet Computer Blockchain Brings Smart-Contract Capabilities to Bitcoin Network

Blockchain company Dfinity’s Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) is integrating with bitcoin to enable smart contracts on BTC. Following a community vote to upgrade the network, it will allow developers to let their creativity run wild in developing all manner of Web 3.0 services, already seen on Ethereum from DeFi to NFTs.

Sep 23, 2021

Finance