EU member states have reached a landmark agreement to advance controversial ‘Chat Control’ regulations targeting child sexual abuse material online, breaking years of political deadlock. The compromise maintains voluntary scanning provisions for messaging platforms and online services, drawing immediate criticism from privacy advocates who warn of mass surveillance implications. The deal, endorsed by Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard, now moves to final negotiations with the European Parliament to establish specific implementation requirements for content scanning.
about EU Advances Chat Control Rules Despite Privacy ConcernsEuropean Parliament
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekZcash Soars 700% Amid Privacy Revival & Halving Hype
Zcash is defying the broader crypto market downturn with an astonishing 700% rally since September 2025, reaching as high as $728 on November 7 despite Bitcoin’s decline toward $100,000. The privacy-focused cryptocurrency’s surge comes ahead of its mid-November halving event and amid renewed interest in privacy solutions, with over 30% of ZEC supply now in shielded pools representing record private usage. This remarkable performance raises critical questions about whether the rally represents sustainable growth or a coordinated pump amid looming regulatory pressures.
about Zcash Soars 700% Amid Privacy Revival & Halving HypeDigital Euro Set for 2027 Pilot, 2029 Europe Rollout
The European Central Bank is accelerating development of its digital euro, targeting a pilot launch in mid-2027 followed by a full European rollout in 2029. ECB President Christine Lagarde announced the move to the ‘next and final phase’ of CBDC preparation, emphasizing the importance of digitizing cash. However, crypto enthusiasts remain skeptical about privacy and centralization risks as Europe joins a growing global race to develop central bank digital currencies.
about Digital Euro Set for 2027 Pilot, 2029 Europe RolloutBelgium Declares Bitcoin, Ethereum Not Securities
Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) has delivered a landmark ruling that Bitcoin and Ethereum do not qualify as securities under Belgian law, providing crucial regulatory clarity for the crypto industry. The decision represents a significant victory for cryptocurrency stakeholders while maintaining that other regulations may still apply to digital assets with payment or exchange functions, positioning Belgium as taking a progressive stance in European crypto regulation ahead of the upcoming Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA).
about Belgium Declares Bitcoin, Ethereum Not SecuritiesECB Digital Euro: Boosting Payment Resilience & Inclusion
The European Central Bank’s digital euro initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s payment infrastructure against cyber threats and physical disruptions while promoting financial inclusion. ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone highlighted vulnerabilities in current systems, citing incidents like undersea cable sabotage and power outages that risk transaction continuity. The digital euro would provide a public payment rail alongside private solutions, with features such as multi-region processing, an ECB-run app for cyber resilience, and offline peer-to-peer payment capabilities. Additionally, the ECB is designing adaptive interfaces—including voice commands and large-font displays—to accommodate over 30 million visually impaired and 34 million hearing-impaired citizens, alongside support through local institutions like post offices and libraries.
about ECB Digital Euro: Boosting Payment Resilience & InclusionChillhouse Flips Housecoin in Absurd Solana Meme Coin Battle
Chillhouse, a Solana meme coin created to mock Housecoin and Chillguy, flipped Housecoin in market cap this week, peaking at $26 million before dropping 33%. The surge triggered a wave of even more ridiculous tokens like Farthouse and Chillgull. Housecoin, which once hit a $120 million market cap, brands itself as a ‘hedge against the housing market,’ reflecting broader economic pessimism. Meanwhile, Chillhouse’s community now aims to surpass Chillguy’s $44 million valuation, fueling absurd narratives like linking the Chillguy cartoon to 9/11. The trend highlights the speculative, culture-driven nature of meme coins, where intrinsic value is nonexistent, and pumps rely solely on viral relevance.
about Chillhouse Flips Housecoin in Absurd Solana Meme Coin BattleEU Tech Sovereignty Push Led by Bitcoin-Friendly Lawmaker
Sarah Knafo, a pro-Bitcoin member of the European Parliament, emphasizes that Europe is still in the early stages of its digital revolution, which is crucial for competing with economic powerhouses like China and the US. The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), led by Knafo, has adopted a non-binding report advocating for a European digital ecosystem policy. The proposal addresses concerns over Europe lagging behind in strategic sectors such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, semiconductors, and communication infrastructure. The European Parliament is set to vote on this tech sovereignty initiative soon.
about EU Tech Sovereignty Push Led by Bitcoin-Friendly LawmakerStablecoins: The Future of E-Commerce Payments?
The article explores the growing role of cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, in e-commerce. While crypto adoption is still in its early stages, large companies are increasingly accepting digital payments for their benefits like lower fees and global accessibility. However, volatility remains a major hurdle. Stablecoins, backed by assets and regulated under frameworks like the STABLE Act, present a viable alternative by mitigating risks and enhancing transparency. Platforms like Shopify and PayPal are already integrating stablecoins, signaling a shift toward mainstream adoption. The piece highlights how stablecoins could bridge gaps in financial inclusion and transform cross-border transactions, urging businesses to consider them as a strategic, long-term payment solution.
about Stablecoins: The Future of E-Commerce Payments?Belgium Excludes Bitcoin, Ether from Securities Classification
Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) has clarified that decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum do not qualify as securities under national law, as they lack an issuer and are generated by code rather than contractual agreements. However, if these assets serve payment or exchange functions, other regulations may apply. The FSMA’s ‘stepwise’ approach is technology-neutral and aligns with the upcoming Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA), expected in 2024. The ruling contrasts with the U.S. SEC’s stance, particularly regarding Ethereum. Additionally, Belgium mandates registration for crypto service providers, reinforcing compliance with anti-money laundering rules.
about Belgium Excludes Bitcoin, Ether from Securities ClassificationMoonPay secures MiCA approval to enhance European crypto operations
Crypto payments firm MoonPay has received approval under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, effective December 30, 2024, marking a significant step in establishing a unified regulatory framework for digital assets in the European Economic Area. Co-founder and CEO Ivan Soto-Wright emphasized the approval reflects the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and security as it aims to strengthen its presence in Europe. Additionally, MoonPay recently obtained a money transmitter license in Texas and is reportedly in talks to acquire Helio Pay for nearly $150 million, further expanding its operations.
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