The Daily Unchained Web #195

In the coming weeks as part of The Unchained Web newsletter, I have arrannged a number of interviews with Members of the German Parliament (Bundenstag) for the Alternative for Germany party (#AfD) regarding their policies on emerging technologies. The interviews will be available both in English and German. The first interview will be on AfD's #bitcoin and #web3 policy. If there are any questions you want me to ask, do not hesitate to DM me.

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EU Ramps Up Investigation into X Amid Musk Feud

The European Union has intensified its investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The probe now includes examining the platform's recommender algorithms, with X required to submit internal documents by February 15. This development follows Musk’s engagement with European political figures and his vocal support for free speech. X faces potential fines of up to 6% of its annual global revenue if found non-compliant, while European government bodies increasingly migrate to alternative platforms like BlueSky. For more, click here.

Winklevoss twins’ Gemini exchange selects Malta as Europe MiCA hub

Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, has chosen Malta as its European hub to comply with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The move follows Gemini securing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in Malta, adding to its licenses in five other European nations. While MiCA clarifies crypto regulations, challenges remain, particularly regarding custody requirements and stablecoin treatment. Gemini views this as an opportunity to streamline its operations and expand its services across the EU. For more, click here.

Trump’s DeFi Platform Secures ENS Domains Amid Memecoin Launches

World Liberty Financial, a Trump-backed DeFi platform, has acquired Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domains linked to the Trump family, including barrontrump.eth and erictrump.eth. The purchases coincide with the launch of Trump’s memecoin, TRUMP, which reached a market capitalization of $9 billion, and Melania Trump’s MEME token, valued at $6 billion shortly after launch. While some see the move as a novelty in crypto adoption, others criticize it as exploitative, with concerns about insider benefits and ethics. For more, click here.

Vitalik Buterin announces leadership changes for Ethereum Foundation

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled leadership reforms at the Ethereum Foundation to improve technical expertise and ecosystem communication. The changes aim to emphasize decentralization, privacy, and censorship resistance while avoiding political lobbying. The foundation faced criticism in 2024 for conflicts of interest and declining revenue amid a proliferation of layer-2 networks. Buterin’s leadership overhaul seeks to address these issues and strengthen Ethereum’s long-term vision. For more, click here.

Crypto Community Reacts to Trump and Melania Meme Coins as Market Sinks

Ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, his TRUMP and Melania’s MELANIA memecoins surged, with TRUMP hitting a $72 billion valuation. The launches drew liquidity from the broader crypto market, affecting Bitcoin and major altcoins. While proponents hail this as a step toward crypto adoption, critics view it as a conflict of interest and a distraction from broader market goals. The controversy highlights the growing influence of political figures in crypto. For more, click here.

Wyoming and Massachusetts Join Growing List of States Considering Bitcoin Reserves

Wyoming and Massachusetts have introduced legislation to establish Bitcoin reserves, joining a growing number of U.S. states exploring public investments in digital assets. Wyoming’s proposal limits Bitcoin investments to 3% of state funds, while Massachusetts’ more permissive bill allows up to 10% in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. These moves follow President-elect Donald Trump’s calls for a federal Bitcoin reserve and signal increasing state-level interest in Bitcoin as a strategic asset. For more, click here.

Sony Just Launched an Ethereum Network—Will It Get PlayStation Games?

Sony has officially launched Soneium, its Ethereum layer-2 network, designed to integrate blockchain into entertainment sectors like gaming, music, and film. While no direct integration with PlayStation has been confirmed, Soneium’s development hints at potential gaming applications. The network also offers NFT-based fan engagement tools and incubator programs to attract creators. Soneium marks a significant step in mainstream blockchain adoption, leveraging Sony’s global influence. For more, click here.

Digital Currency Group Settles SEC Charges for $38 Million

Digital Currency Group (DCG) has agreed to pay $38 million to settle SEC allegations related to its bankrupt subsidiary, Genesis Global Capital. The SEC accused DCG of misleading investors about Genesis’ financial health following the collapse of Three Arrows Capital, which defaulted on a $2.4 billion loan. Genesis executives allegedly downplayed the impact, leading to misleading public statements. The settlement allows DCG to focus on future initiatives while addressing past regulatory scrutiny. For more, click here.

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