Florida prosecutors have seized approximately $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a wallet tied to an overseas suspect, marking a significant application of traditional asset forfeiture doctrines to digital currencies. The case, involving a Chinese national accused of running an investment scam, demonstrates how legal frameworks like fugitive disentitlement are being adapted to target crypto assets, even when suspects remain beyond U.S. jurisdiction.
about Florida Seizes $1.5M Crypto in Fugitive Fraud CaseFederal Trade Commission
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekMeta Wins FTC Antitrust Case Over Instagram, WhatsApp
Meta Platforms Inc. has secured a decisive legal victory as a federal judge dismissed the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit challenging its landmark acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The ruling by US District Judge James Boasberg represents a significant setback for regulators seeking to rein in Big Tech’s market power and protects Meta’s strategic acquisitions from being unwound, validating a corporate strategy that has been fundamental to the company’s growth over the past decade.
about Meta Wins FTC Antitrust Case Over Instagram, WhatsAppCharacter.AI Bans Teen Chat After Suicide, Lawsuits
Character.AI will eliminate open-ended chat capabilities for users under 18 by November 25, marking a dramatic retreat from one of the platform’s core features following teen suicide cases, mounting lawsuits, and intensifying regulatory pressure. The company is shifting minors to creative tools while implementing stricter age verification systems as bipartisan senators introduce legislation to criminalize harmful AI products targeting children, signaling a broader industry reckoning over AI safety and minor protection.
about Character.AI Bans Teen Chat After Suicide, LawsuitsBhutan Builds National Digital Identity on Ethereum
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is making a strategic pivot to Ethereum as the foundation for its National Digital Identity system, marking one of the most significant real-world implementations of blockchain technology for public infrastructure. This migration from Polygon to Ethereum aims to provide all 800,000 citizens with self-sovereign digital identities by 2026, representing a major endorsement of Ethereum’s decentralization and security capabilities for national-scale applications.
about Bhutan Builds National Digital Identity on EthereumAmazon to Pay $2.5B in FTC Prime Subscription Settlement
Amazon.com Inc. has agreed to a landmark $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, marking a significant escalation in regulatory action against the tech giant. The resolution addresses allegations that Amazon employed deceptive tactics to enroll millions of customers into its Prime subscription service and then deliberately engineered a convoluted process to cancel it. This settlement, comprising massive penalties and mandatory operational changes, sends a clear message about the heightened scrutiny of consumer protection practices in the digital marketplace.
about Amazon to Pay $2.5B in FTC Prime Subscription SettlementFTC Probes Amazon, Google Over Search Ad Practices
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating Amazon and Alphabet’s Google regarding potential misleading practices in search advertising. According to sources familiar with the matter, the consumer protection unit is examining whether the companies adequately disclosed terms and pricing structures to advertisers placing ads on their platforms. The investigations, which are being conducted confidentially, represent continued regulatory pressure on major technology firms regarding their advertising practices and transparency requirements. This development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of digital advertising markets dominated by these tech giants.
about FTC Probes Amazon, Google Over Search Ad PracticesCMS Data Breach Impacts 100K Medicare Beneficiaries
A significant data breach at the CMS has exposed the personal information of 103,000 Medicare beneficiaries, with fraudulent accounts created using stolen data such as Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBI), names, and birth dates. The breach, detected in May, involved malicious actors exploiting valid beneficiary details between 2023 and 2025. CMS has deactivated the fraudulent accounts, blocked foreign IP access for new accounts, and is issuing new Medicare cards to affected individuals. While no identity fraud has been reported yet, victims are urged to monitor their credit and report any suspicious activity. The breach highlights ongoing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in government healthcare systems.
about CMS Data Breach Impacts 100K Medicare BeneficiariesEx-Celsius CEO Mashinsky Gets 12 Years for Fraud
Alexander Mashinsky, the ex-CEO of Celsius, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following his guilty plea to charges of commodities fraud and CEL token manipulation. Prosecutors accused him of misleading investors about Celsius’s yield platform while secretly liquidating millions in personal holdings. The case is part of a broader regulatory crackdown, with the SEC and CFTC also pursuing charges. Celsius’s $4.7 billion FTC settlement remains pending amid bankruptcy proceedings. This follows similar legal actions against other crypto executives like Sam Bankman-Fried and Changpeng Zhao.
about Ex-Celsius CEO Mashinsky Gets 12 Years for FraudNew SEC Chair Atkins Confirmed, Shifts Crypto Policy
Paul Atkins, President Trump’s pick to lead the SEC, was confirmed by the Senate, marking a potential turning point for crypto regulation. Atkins, who has advocated for a ‘rational and coherent’ approach to digital assets, replaces Gary Gensler, whose tenure was marked by aggressive enforcement against crypto firms. The SEC, currently operating with only three commissioners, may see further changes as Trump challenges traditional norms, including the potential overturning of a precedent protecting independent agency commissioners from being fired without cause. The crypto industry anticipates a more favorable regulatory environment under Atkins, who has significant personal investments in crypto firms.
about New SEC Chair Atkins Confirmed, Shifts Crypto PolicyRising Cryptocurrency ATM Scams Prompt Colorado Lawmakers to Consider Regulation
Cryptocurrency ATM scams are surging in Colorado, with victims losing thousands due to a lack of regulation. Scammers exploit these machines, convincing individuals to deposit cash under false pretenses, such as fake warrants from law enforcement. In response, lawmakers are considering regulations to limit transactions and enhance cooperation in investigations, as losses from such scams reached $65 million in the first half of 2024.
about Rising Cryptocurrency ATM Scams Prompt Colorado Lawmakers to Consider RegulationOsprey Seeks Review of Court Ruling in Grayscale Trade Practices Case
Osprey has requested a Connecticut court to reconsider a ruling favoring Grayscale in a $2 million unfair trade suit regarding deceptive advertising related to Bitcoin funds. Osprey argues that the judge’s decision misapplied exemptions under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act and overlooked key distinctions in advertising practices. Following the court’s ruling, the SEC approved Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust conversion to an ETF, while Osprey plans to convert its own Bitcoin Trust into a spot ETF after a failed acquisition by Bitwise.
about Osprey Seeks Review of Court Ruling in Grayscale Trade Practices CaseTrump Appoints Pro Crypto Officials to Key Regulatory Positions
Donald Trump has appointed several pro-crypto Republicans to key regulatory positions, including Caroline Pham as acting chair of the CFTC, who advocates for clearer crypto regulations. Mark Uyeda has been named acting chair of the SEC, pushing for a balanced regulatory framework. Despite these appointments, market reactions remain cautious due to Trump’s lack of mention of cryptocurrency in his inaugural address.
about Trump Appoints Pro Crypto Officials to Key Regulatory Positions