#Digital currency

[reality-detective]

Their BIGGEST fear is you won't comply 🤔

[political-us]

Feb 14 (Reuters) - The rise of "pig butchering" scams and the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence likely lifted revenues from crypto scams to a record high in 2024, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.

Revenue from pig butchering scams, where perpetrators cultivate relationships with individuals and convince them to participate in fraudulent schemes, increased nearly 40% in 2024 from the previous year, the firm estimated in a report published on Thursday.

Revenue in 2024 from crypto scams was at least $9.9 billion, although the figure could rise to a record high of $12.4 billion once more data becomes available, it said.

"Crypto fraud and scams have continued to increase in sophistication," Chainalysis researchers said.

The company pointed to marketplaces that support pig butchering operations and the use of GenAI as factors making it easier and cheaper for scammers to expand operations.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/crypto-scams-likely-set-new-record-2024-helped-by-ai-chainalysis-says-2025-02-14/

[thefreethoughtprojectcom]

In an era where governments are increasingly criminalizing financial privacy, Zano stands as a beacon for those looking to opt out of surveillance capitalism and economic coercion.

Read More: https://thefreethoughtproject.com/be-the-change/what-financial-resistance-looks-like-in-the-21st-century

#TheFreeThoughtProject

[culturevulturette]

[ebonyseuphoriatarot]

[xtruss]

Society For Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) Is A System of The Past And Will Be Replaced By End of Decade — Economist

The United States Is Ready To Consider Russia's Return To The International Banking System SWIFT. Why Is It Interested In Russia's Comeback?

— Ekaterina Blinova | Sputnik International | Thursday March 27, 2025

Society For Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) and MIR (Russian: The World) Cards — © Sputnik International/Maksim Blinov

"The interest is understandable...[SWIFT] is logical and absolutely familiar for Americans," Nikita Maslennikov, an economist and expert at the Center for Political Technologies, tells Sputnik.

As of today, 159 US Companies are Operating in Russia at Full Capacity, 178 are in a semi-suspended mode but have not officially left the country, while over 300 have left permanently, as per Maslennikov.

Russia is in no rush to rejoin SWIFT as it has its own National Payment System, which has proved to be a viable alternative within the country, the pundit says. The use and testing of cross-border payment mechanisms is also already underway, per Maslennikov.

"Currently, the issues of international digital settlements are being tested. There is already an active use of digital financial assets in international payments for a number of countries and transactions," the pundit says.

SWIFT is a system of the past, Maslennikov adds, saying that by the end of the decade alternative systems will emerge. Over 90 Countries are presently testing their own Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

[bnbbropool]

What is the Difference Between a Smart Contract and Blockchain?

In today's digital-first world, terms like blockchain and smart contract are often thrown around, especially in the context of cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi), and Web3. While these two concepts are closely related, they are not the same. If you’re confused about the difference between a smart contract and blockchain, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll break down both terms, explain how they relate, and highlight their unique roles in the world of digital technology.

1. Understanding the Basics: Blockchain vs Smart Contract

Before diving into the differences, let’s clarify what each term means.

A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that stores data across a network of computers.

A smart contract is a self-executing program that runs on a blockchain and automatically enforces the terms of an agreement.

To put it simply, blockchain is the infrastructure, while smart contracts are applications that run on top of it.

2. What is a Blockchain?

A blockchain is a chain of blocks where each block contains data, a timestamp, and a cryptographic hash of the previous block. This structure makes the blockchain secure, transparent, and immutable.

The key features of blockchain include:

Decentralization – No single authority controls the network.

Transparency – Anyone can verify the data.

Security – Tampering with data is extremely difficult due to cryptographic encryption.

Consensus Mechanisms – Like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS), which ensure agreement on the state of the network.

Blockchains are foundational technologies behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others.

3. What is a Smart Contract?

A smart contract is a piece of code stored on a blockchain that automatically executes when certain predetermined conditions are met. Think of it as a digital vending machine: once you input the right conditions (like inserting a coin), you get the output (like a soda).

Smart contracts are:

Self-executing – They run automatically when conditions are met.

Immutable – Once deployed, they cannot be changed.

Transparent – Code is visible on the blockchain.

Trustless – They remove the need for intermediaries or third parties.

Smart contracts are most commonly used on platforms like Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano.

4. How Smart Contracts Operate on a Blockchain

Smart contracts are deployed on a blockchain, usually via a transaction. Once uploaded, they become part of the blockchain and can't be changed. Users interact with these contracts by sending transactions that trigger specific functions within the code.

For example, in a decentralized exchange (DEX), a smart contract might govern the process of swapping one cryptocurrency for another. The logic of that exchange—calculations, fees, security checks—is all written in the contract's code.

5. Real-World Applications of Blockchain

Blockchains are not limited to cryptocurrencies. Their properties make them ideal for various industries:

Finance – Fast, secure transactions without banks.

Supply Chain – Track goods transparently from origin to destination.

Healthcare – Secure and share patient data without compromising privacy.

Voting Systems – Transparent and tamper-proof elections.

Any situation that requires trust, security, and transparency can potentially benefit from blockchain technology.

6. Real-World Applications of Smart Contracts

Smart contracts shine when you need to automate and enforce agreements. Some notable use cases include:

DeFi (Decentralized Finance) – Lending, borrowing, and trading without banks.

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) – Automatically transferring ownership of digital art.

Gaming – In-game assets with real-world value.

Insurance – Auto-triggered payouts when conditions (like flight delays) are met.

Legal Agreements – Automatically executed contracts based on input conditions.

They’re essentially programmable agreements that remove the need for middlemen.

7. Do Smart Contracts Need Blockchain?

Yes. Smart contracts depend entirely on blockchain technology. Without a blockchain, there's no decentralized, secure, and immutable platform for the smart contract to run on. The blockchain guarantees trust, while the smart contract executes the logic.

8. Which Came First: Blockchain or Smart Contract?

Blockchain came first. The first blockchain, Bitcoin, was introduced in 2009 by the anonymous figure Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin’s blockchain didn’t support smart contracts in the way we know them today. It wasn’t until Ethereum launched in 2015 that smart contracts became programmable on a large scale.

Ethereum introduced the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), enabling developers to build decentralized applications using smart contracts written in Solidity.

9. Common Misconceptions

There are many misunderstandings around these technologies. Let’s clear a few up:

Misconception 1: Blockchain and smart contracts are the same.

Reality: They are separate components that work together.

Misconception 2: All blockchains support smart contracts.

Reality: Not all blockchains are smart contract-enabled. Bitcoin’s blockchain, for example, has limited scripting capabilities.

Misconception 3: Smart contracts are legally binding.

Reality: While they enforce logic, they may not hold legal standing in court unless specifically written to conform to legal standards.

10. Benefits of Using Blockchain and Smart Contracts Together

When used together, blockchain and smart contracts offer powerful advantages:

Security – Combined, they ensure secure automation of processes.

Efficiency – Remove delays caused by manual processing.

Cost Savings – Eliminate middlemen and reduce administrative overhead.

Trustless Interactions – Parties don't need to trust each other, only the code.

This combination is the backbone of decentralized applications (DApps) and the broader Web3 ecosystem.

11. Popular Platforms Supporting Smart Contracts

Several blockchain platforms support smart contracts, with varying degrees of complexity and performance:

Ethereum – The first and most widely used platform.

Solana – Known for speed and low fees.

Cardano – Emphasizes academic research and scalability.

Polkadot – Designed for interoperability.

Binance Smart Chain – Fast and cost-effective for DeFi apps.

Each platform has its own approach to security, scalability, and user experience.

12. The Future of Blockchain and Smart Contracts

The future looks incredibly promising. With the rise of AI, IoT, and 5G, the integration with blockchain and smart contracts could lead to fully automated systems that are transparent, efficient, and autonomous.

We may see:

Global trade systems are using smart contracts to automate customs and tariffs.

Self-driving cars using blockchain to negotiate road usage.

Smart cities are where infrastructure is governed by decentralized protocols.

These are not sci-fi ideas; they are already in development across various industries.

Conclusion: A Powerful Partnership

Understanding the difference between smart contracts and blockchain is essential in today's rapidly evolving digital world. While blockchain provides the secure, decentralized foundation, smart contracts bring it to life by enabling automation and trustless execution.

Think of blockchain as the stage, and smart contracts as the actors that perform on it. Separately, they're impressive. But together, they're revolutionary.

As technology continues to evolve, the synergy between blockchain and smart contracts will redefine industries, reshape economies, and unlock a new era of digital transformation.

[reality-detective]

Tulsi Gabbard on the cashless society and CBDCs… Coming Soon!!! 🤔

“They’re giving themselves all of the power”

[codexofforbiddenknowledge]

Could cryptocurrency be a tool for financial control? This YouTube video exposes the blockchain conspiracy behind digital currency—Bitcoin, CBDCs, and more! Watch and uncover the truth on our YT channel!

[globalupdatespot]

A Full Overview of How to Understand Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency has changed how money works in the last ten years by creating a new decentralized and borderless monetary system model. This digital currency uses blockchain technology to make peer-to-peer transfers safe, clear, and quick. As more people and businesses use Bitcoin, it is essential to understand how it works, its pros and cons, and its future. Read more

[theblockdrop]

🏛️ U.S. CBDC Incoming? What It Could Mean for Crypto

💬 The U.S. is exploring a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)—basically, digital dollars on a centralized blockchain.

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✅ Proponents say it could:

Make payments faster

Increase financial access

Bring blockchain to the mainstream

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❌ Critics warn it could:

Increase government surveillance

Kill the privacy Bitcoin was built to protect

Be used to restrict spending in emergencies

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👀 Meanwhile, crypto Twitter is divided.

🔥 Would you use a CBDC? Or is this a step toward a digital dystopia? 🔁 Reblog if crypto should stay decentralized.

[thefreethoughtprojectcom]

A bill filed in the Michigan House would take the first steps toward limiting the impact of any potential future central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the state.

Read More: https://thefreethoughtproject.com/money/michigan-bill-would-take-first-steps-against-a-cbdc

#TheFreeThoughtProject

[eviansintl]

[marshmallowfairbanks]

$100k Bitcoin 🚀

Marshmallow Fairbanks

[learnwithmearticles]

Technology's Use of Water

While water is renewable, it is finite. Its renewability depends on us using and managing our water resources responsibly.

Previous articles on this page have discussed hydropower and how it produces less waste and costs less than other resources. We have also briefly discussed how other energy sources consume water as a coolant or receptacle for waste. Entire university courses are dedicated to human uses of water.

Water Scarcity

Only 3% of water on Earth is freshwater. Of course, we need this to drink, but we need it for many more services beyond that.

Many plumbing fixtures are made of copper, which saltwater severely corrodes, same as lead and, over a longer time, PVC. Toilets on average use 1-5 gallons of water per flush. If we want to preserve freshwater by switching to saltwater plumbing, we would have to rethink and re-pipe entire plumbing systems.

We lose safe water in rain, as well. Supported by a study in Environmental Science and Technology, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2022 stated that rainwater is not safe to drink. Chemicals known as per-/poly-fluoroalkyl substances break down extremely slowly, and have leached from many products like cleaners, fabrics, and shampoo into the water cycle. Removing PFAS from water requires filters of activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes, which also require frequent maintenance.

A lot of water is also not available to us because it is in ice caps and glaciers, which are estimated to be about 68% of Earth’s freshwater. This water is also being lost, because as glaciers melt at increasing rates, that freshwater becomes saltwater in the ocean.

These limitations mean that water is not necessarily renewable yet, especially because treating water produces its own waste and pollution. We have to be responsible with the small percentage of water we have access to.

Irresponsible Use

There are a ridiculous amount of ways in which we waste water. Leaks, watering lawns, and leaving taps running are some of the big household wastes of water. While individual accountability and changes can still make a big difference, I want to focus on bigger impacts.

One example is in nuclear power production. Nuclear power plants use water to cool down used fuel when it is done being used in the reactor. This results in radioactive and thermal water pollution.

Agriculture is another common cause of water pollution. Excess water from rain or artificial watering runs off of agricultural fields and flows towards streams and bodies of water. This runoff often includes amounts of fertilizers and pesticides ranging from minimal to extremely harmful. This leads to improper levels of oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen within the water. Like water contaminated by pharmaceuticals, this is not safe to drink, and something not safe for skin contact.

Technology is also a major factor of water demands. Artificial Intelligence and cryptocurrency are heavy water consumers.

AI is beneficial within waste management, as it is able to quickly analyze information and identify issues, potential problems, and potential areas of improvement. Unfortunately, AI training requires a large amount of water. One study states that training GPT-3 alone can evaporate 700,000 liters of freshwater. In 2027, AI is predicted to consume 4.2 to 6.6 billion cubic meters of water. In comparison, Denmark nationally consumes around one billion cubic meters in a year.

Cryptocurrency is even worse. It goes through a process called mining in which transactions are verified and new ‘coins’ are generated into the system. This process is extremely water-demanding. For example, in 2021, mining of Bitcoin consumed more than 1,600 gigaliters of global water. On average, each cryptocurrency transaction consumes 16,000 liters of water in cooling down the computer equipment and the power plants that provide the electricity.

Saltwater as an alternative in these situations does exist; however, this process has the disadvantages of one-time use, large water intake, sewage discharge, and ocean pollution. Technology has begun to improve on this method with seawater circulation cooling technology, which reduces sewage discharge and water intake, but remains an imperfect solution.

Technology has the potential to drastically improve environmental management and restoration, but still has a long way to go before we offset the huge impacts we have made. Freshwater is taken for granted by many people, and the systems that disproportionately consume the most of it are not held accountable. This cycle must stop if we want to make water a truly renewable resource.

Additional Resources

1. Water Renewability

2. Corrosion on Plumbing

3. Treating PFAS

4. Household Water Waste

5. Nuclear Water Waste

6. AI Helping Water Management

7. AI Water Consumption

8. Crypto Mining Water Consumption

9. Seawater cooling technology

[ebonyseuphoriatarot]