Coronavirus

Big Tech Signs Rare Open Source Pledge to Boost Supplies During COVID-19

Major tech firms are opening their patents to allow developers to build much needed tools during the coronavirus crisis.

By Daniel KuhnApr 20, 2020

Open sourcing patents will enable the development and iteration of essential goods, which otherwise would be stymied by copyright law. (Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash)

Policy

European Contact Tracing Consortium Faces Wave of Defections Over Centralization Concerns

Contact tracing researchers fear Europe could choose a centralized system that puts personal privacy at risk.

By Benjamin PowersApr 20, 2020

Markets

Russians Withdrew a Year's Worth of Cash in a Month Over Coronavirus Fears

Russians have been withdrawing vast amounts of cash after President Putin announced new coronavirus measures.

By Sebastian SinclairApr 20, 2020

Withdrawing rubles at a Russian ATM.(Credit: Shutterstock/Iana Alter)

Markets

Some US Citizens Look to Be Splashing Their Stimulus Cash on Cryptocurrency

Exchanges like Coinbase are reporting a spike in deposits matching the $1,200 value of U.S. government stimulus checks.

By Paddy BakerApr 20, 2020

Finance

Bitcoin ATMs Expand Despite Shelter-in-Place Rules

Bitcoin ATM networks are simultaneously growing and retracting due to coronavirus precautions.

By Daniel KuhnApr 19, 2020

Finance

In Canada They're 'Essential,' In Argentina They're Shut Down: Bitcoin Miners Reckon With COVID-19

Here's how the "Great Lockdown" is redrawing the bitcoin mining landscape. The halving and economic crisis may be priced-in – but local politics aren't.

By Leigh CuenApr 17, 2020

Tech

Spanish Researchers Working to Curb Coronavirus Spread With Blockchain App

As well as helping predict the spread of COVID-19, the app could act as a digital version of government certificates permitting citizens to go to work or the store.

By Sebastian SinclairApr 17, 2020

Tech

Five Ways Blockchain Tech Can Help Us During This Pandemic

From identity to rewards for socially-positive behavior, blockchain tech has useful features in a pandemic emergency.

By Don Tapscott, Alex TapscottApr 17, 2020

Policy

Russians Troll Government COVID-19 App With 1-Star Ratings, Harsh Reviews

The Russian government released an app to track citizens during the coronavirus pandemic. Privacy advocates are leaving bad reviews in the app stores.

By Anna BaydakovaApr 17, 2020

BEFORE THE 'CYBER GULAG': A young woman in Moscow wearing a medical mask on March 25, four days before the city imposed a lockdown. People wanting to leave their homes now need electronic permission. (Credit: Shutterstock)

Markets

Circle CEO Claims 'Explosive' Stablecoin Demand From Everyday Businesses

Dollar-backed stablecoins are surging in popularity, and much of the demand is from normal businesses, not just crypto traders, Circle’s CEO said.

By Nikhilesh DeApr 17, 2020

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