The Daily Unchained Web #194

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German Conservative AfD Adds Bitcoin Policy to Its Manifesto

Germany's right-wing AfD party has incorporated Bitcoin-friendly policies into its manifesto, advocating for extensive deregulation of Bitcoin, wallets, and trading platforms. The party seeks to preserve the VAT exemption for Bitcoin transactions, maintain tax-free capital gains after a one-year holding period, and protect the right to self-custody of digital assets. Emphasizing Bitcoin's independence from state control, the AfD aims to counteract regulatory pressures like the EU's MiCA framework, promoting freedom and minimal taxation in the crypto space. For more, click here.

MakersPlace Shuts Down Amid NFT Market Decline

MakersPlace, a digital art platform specializing in NFTs, announced its closure after six years due to market challenges and funding difficulties. Despite raising $30 million in 2021 and pioneering NFT conversations, the platform struggled amid a broader NFT market downturn. Users can offload their NFTs until June 2025, with Ethereum-minted assets remaining accessible on secondary marketplaces. MakersPlace joins other NFT platforms like Recur and Voice in shutting down, reflecting the industry's ongoing slump. For more, click here.

DeFi platform moves beyond beta, gearing up for its next chapter

DeFi platform Primex Finance has moved beyond its beta phase, launching its full protocol with advanced trading, lending, and leveraged yield farming features. Primex introduces innovative tools like perpetual futures trading, real-world asset integration, and user-friendly interfaces to bridge the gap between DeFi and traditional finance. The platform's liquidity mining program and upcoming public sale of its native PMX token aim to foster a community-driven DeFi ecosystem. For more, click here.

Yat Siu-backed Open Campus launches layer-3 EDU Chain on Arbitrum

Open Campus has introduced EDU Chain, a layer-3 blockchain on Arbitrum, to enhance onchain education. The chain supports decentralized, tamper-proof academic credentials stored in learners' digital wallets, empowering them with ownership of their records. With $150 million in total value locked and initiatives like hackathons and an incubator program, Open Campus aims to revolutionize education with blockchain technology, creating tokenized content and learn-to-earn models. For more, click here.

Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Jio launches mystery JioCoin on Polygon

India's Jio Platforms has launched JioCoin, a reward token on Polygon, integrated into its JioSphere browser. While its utility remains unclear, speculation suggests JioCoin could be redeemable for services like mobile recharges. Critics have questioned its transparency and utility, likening it to Brave browser's BAT token. Despite regulatory challenges in India, JioCoin highlights the potential for blockchain adoption in the country. For more, click here.

Swiss Bank PostFinance Introduces ETH Staking

Swiss state-owned bank PostFinance now offers Ether staking, allowing customers to invest with a minimum of 0.1 ETH and view rewards directly in their accounts. This move aligns with PostFinance's broader crypto services, including trading and custody, reflecting growing institutional interest in digital assets. The bank plans to expand staking options beyond Ether, aiming to make crypto investments more accessible to its 2.7 million customers. For more, click here.

Decentralized platforms may benefit from strict US crypto tax laws

Upcoming US crypto tax laws mandating third-party transaction reporting could drive investors toward decentralized platforms. Analysts suggest users may prefer DeFi protocols to avoid increased oversight, though advancements in blockchain analytics by 2027 may enhance traceability. The crypto industry faces a paradox: while regulatory clarity could legitimize the space, excessive enforcement risks pushing users to harder-to-monitor platforms. For more, click here.

Surge in Telegram Malware Scams Targets Crypto Users

Crypto scammers have shifted tactics, exploiting Telegram bots to distribute malware that steals credentials, wallet data, and browser information. This strategy has replaced traditional phishing methods, growing 2,000% since November. Security firms warn that these scams leverage fake verification bots and social engineering, making losses hard to track. Telegram has removed several malicious bots, but the rise in such attacks highlights the need for vigilance. For more, click here.

Coinbase Launches Bitcoin-Backed Loans for USDC

Coinbase now offers Bitcoin-backed loans, allowing users to borrow USDC without selling their BTC holdings. The service, available in the US except New York, leverages the Morpho protocol on Base blockchain. While the feature promises tax benefits and financial flexibility, concerns about market volatility, centralization, and automatic liquidations have drawn mixed reactions. Coinbase plans to expand this offering globally, aligning with its vision for onchain finance. For more, click here.

Bitcoin's 'Coinbase Premium' Muted Amid Reports Trump Plans to Designate Crypto a National Policy

Reports suggest President-elect Trump may designate crypto as a national policy priority, potentially creating a Bitcoin reserve. Despite these developments, U.S. demand for Bitcoin appears muted, as evidenced by a lack of Coinbase premium. Investors remain cautiously optimistic, awaiting concrete actions from the administration. The policy shift could contrast starkly with the previous administration's crypto enforcement measures. For more, click here.

Ross Ulbricht Memecoins Tag All-Time Highs On Commutation Bets

The ROSS memecoin, linked to Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, hit an all-time high as speculation grows about a possible presidential commutation. Traders have fueled its rise, with predictions of Ulbricht's release gaining traction on platforms like Polymarket. The memecoin reflects broader support for Ulbricht's cause, reigniting debates around freedom to transact and the ethical implications of Silk Road’s operations. For more, click here.

Why This OnlyFans Model Posts Machine Learning Explainers to Pornhub

Zara Dar, an OnlyFans creator and former grad student, has gained attention for posting educational videos about machine learning and calculus on Pornhub. Videos like “So what are Integrals?” have garnered over half a million views, with positive feedback from users appreciating her clear explanations. Dar believes her SFW content stands out on a platform dominated by NSFW material, making it intriguing to viewers. She earns more per million views on Pornhub ($1,000) than on YouTube ($340), highlighting the platform’s monetization potential for non-pornographic content. However, her viral success led to her LinkedIn account being banned, sparking frustration over inconsistent platform policies for content creators. For more, click here.