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Consumers Growing Demand for Improved Cryptocurrency Payment Platforms on the Rise

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A recent article analyzing Point of Sale (PoS) cryptocurrency systems had the following headline: “Analysis: The Rise of Point of Sale Cryptocurrency Systems – Demand for solutions has grown as more and more retailers start accepting cryptocurrency payments.” The article continued: “During the past month, amidst the usual bombardment of cryptocurrency and blockchain-related stories, something caught this author’s tired eyes. In the space of two weeks, four articles related to cryptocurrency point of sale (PoS) systems cropped up across the industry’s media outlets. For cryptocurrency fanboys, PoS systems will be old news. But though the technology may have been around, at least in cryptocurrency terms, for a while, it remains – globally – largely unused.” The article continued: “That could be about to change due to a confluence of factors. Even taking into account the recent plumment in bitcoin’s value (in 2018), the cryptocurrency market is much less volatile than it was 12 months ago. That makes payments a more viable option for both payment service providers (PSPs) and merchants. At the same time, cryptocurrency is now something most people are familiar with. True they may not hold any, but the market boom at the start of this year took cryptocurrency from being a niche industry to something the ‘average joe’ is familiar with. Finally, and on a purely pragmatic level, there are now a number of companies offering the means by which businesses can start selling their products via cryptocurrency.  Active Companies in the industry include NetCents Technology Inc.(CSE:NC) (OTC:NTTCF), Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ), PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL), Xunlei Limited (NASDAQ: XNET), HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSX-V: HIVE) (OTC: HVBTF).

The article concluded with: “Bitcoin may have taken a beating (in the last quarter of 2018) but an overall trend towards lower volatility, and a reduction in the number of get-rich-quick traders is a positive sign that cryptocurrencies are starting to behave like regular markets and not Ponzi schemes. But if they really want to be currencies, not just a strange blend of commodity and security, they must have some practical use. PoS systems are a step in that direction. Not only will they allow existing holders of cryptocurrencies to start spending their holdings, but they will also continue to normalize the market and attract newcomers to it. On top of that, with no chargebacks and lower transaction fees, they could also offer retailers better value for money.”

NetCents Technology Inc. (CSE:NC) (OTCPK:NTTCF) (Frankfurt:26N) BREAKING NEWS:  NetCents Technology is pleased to issue a letter to shareholders from the CEO, Clayton Moore.  Dear Fellow Shareholders – Today, I am pleased to provide you with our view on the cryptocurrency sector which has seen a rebound as well as to highlight a few of the key strategic successes that has enabled NetCents to continue be a leader in the market.

Over the last few years, the cryptocurrency market has gone through its ups and downs and some would say even profound changes. In late 2017 and early 2018, investors and retail banks were heavily investing into the crypto space and in many instances their decisions were based on hype alone. The adoption of regulations in the crypto sector and normal market maturation all worked in concert to create a bear market and a prolonged “crypto winter”.  No one predicted the cryptocurrency sector would go through such a large correction nor as rapidly as it did.

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We have consistently aligned ourselves with key people and companies in the payment and crypto sectors while always maintaining a Plan B in our back pocket. This approach has allowed the Company to  keep moving forward  through some very challenging times.  There is every indication the crypto winter is in indeed thawing. Aside from the price appreciation of Bitcoin which has rebounded from a low of approximately $3,200 USD in early December to where it is today hovering around the $5,300 USD mark, the future for crypto-currencies as a viable mainstream payment option looks very promising. Amazon and PayPal are both now seriously looking at accepting crypto currency and for either of these two entities to do so, will greatly influence the overall acceptance and usage.

The questions which I am asked most often by investors, shareholders and other stakeholders are in regard to share structure, access to growth capital and revenues. To date, the company has approximately 56 million shares issued and outstanding on a fully diluted basis, which, when compared to other participants in the crypto sector is often less than half. Regarding the issuance of stock options, I would like to mention that we seek to incentivize valued employees currently working hard to bring success to NetCents, aligning their incentives with our shareholders. It is precisely this structure and approach which allows the company to raise capital quickly from key strategic investors as needed, often within days.

The challenge which was before the Company was to introduce a brand-new product into the marketplace, as well as a complete overhaul of how payments are conducted and perceived. We are validating the use of cryptocurrency by working with, not against existing payment infrastructures and legacy platforms by embedding our technology within the traditional payments space and distribution channels with Independent Sales Organizations (ISO’s), payment gateways, Independent Software Vendors (ISV’s), and technology companies who work with merchants on a day-to-day basis and who intimately understand the requirements.

We identified the quickest way to market and to mass adoption was to have NetCents as the underlying technology that powers all cryptocurrency transactions. We have purposefully aligned ourselves with those payment partners who understand that cryptocurrency is coming and want to integrate a crypto solution into their existing processes and technology, so the transition from traditional payments to cryptocurrency payments is as seamless as possible. Read this in its entirety and more news for NetCents athttps://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-nc/    

Other recent developments in the tech industry include:

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PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) has joined Cambridge Blockchain’s Inc. Series A funding round. With this investment, the two companies will explore potential collaborations to leverage blockchain technology.  “Our service helps streamline digital identity compliance while giving customers control over their identity data,” said Matthew Commons, Cambridge Blockchain’s CEO. “We are honored by PayPal’s vote of confidence, and we look forward to their support and guidance.”

Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) recently announced that it will release financial results for the first quarter of 2019 on May 1, 2019, after market close. Square will also host a conference call and earnings webcast at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss these results. The live webcast of the call can be accessed from Square’s Investor Relations website. A replay will be available at the same website following the call.

Square, Inc. revolutionized payments in 2009 with Square Reader, making it possible for anyone to accept card payments using a smartphone or a tablet computer. Today, Square provides tools that empower businesses and individuals to participate in the economy. This cohesive ecosystem of managed payments, hardware, point-of-sale software, and other business services helps sellers manage inventory, locations, and employees; access financing; engage buyers; and grow sales.

Xunlei Limited (NASDAQ: XNET) a leading innovator in shared cloud computing and blockchain technology in China, recently announced that the Company has cooperated with the Copyright Protection Center of China (“CPCC”) to build a blockchain-powered digital copyright identifier (“DCI”) system.

CPCC, established in 1998, is the national copyright public service institution supervised directly by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China (National Copyright Administration of China). CPCC has a DCI system, which plays a significant role in the core infrastructure of the national internet copyright public services.

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HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSX-V: HIVE.V) (OTCQX: HVBTF) recently stated that on April 19, 2019 Genesis Mining (“Genesis”), the largest shareholder of the Company, holding approximately 26.3% of the Company’s outstanding shares, has requisitioned a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of removing directors independent of Genesis and electing a board of directors, the majority of whom would be senior officers and employees of Genesis. On April 20, 2019 , the HIVE Board met and appointed an independent Special Committee of the Board to deal with the requisition and related contractual disputes between Genesis and HIVE which gave rise to the requisition. The Special Committee will act in the interests of all HIVE shareholders and the Special Committee will set a date for the requisitioned meeting to be held within four months of proper delivery of the requisition notice.

DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult =a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by NetCents Technology Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 5, 2025 – Arkham, Blockchair, Worldcoin, Maldives

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In an ecosystem defined by perpetual innovation and high-stakes regulatory scrutiny, the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry never pauses. Today’s briefing—“Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 5, 2025 – Arkham, Blockchair, Worldcoin, Maldives”—dives into five compelling stories shaping the narrative: a transformative $9 billion blockchain hub in the Maldives; Sam Altman’s Worldcoin orbs arriving stateside; AI‑enhanced onchain visibility via Arkham and Blockchair; the Blockchain Association’s plea for flexible SEC oversight; and Telegram’s blockchain‑inspired encryption for massive group calls.

Together, these developments spotlight five interlocking themes: diversification of traditionally tourism‑dependent economies, identity and trust models in Web3, the fusion of AI with onchain data, the evolving policy landscape, and privacy‑centric encryption. Across these stories, recurring SEO keywords—blockchain, cryptocurrency, Web3, DeFi, NFTs, tokenization, decentralized identity, onchain analytics, regulation, and privacy—underscore the connective tissue binding today’s headlines.


1. $9 Billion Blockchain Hub on Track to Transform Maldives

Source: U.Today

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The Maldives, an archipelagic nation whose economy is heavily tethered to tourism (approximately 30 % of GDP) and fishing (around 10 %), is confronting mounting fiscal challenges: public debt has breached national GDP levels (circa $7 billion), and deficits threaten sovereign stability. In a strategic pivot, Maldivian authorities signed a joint venture with MBS Global Investments—a $14 billion UAE family office—earmarking an $8.8 billion investment in a cutting‑edge blockchain hub. This initiative aims to catalyze a 200 % GDP surge within four years, spawning thousands of jobs and potentially averting sovereign default.

On the surface, relocating blockchain infrastructure to paradise may seem incongruous. Yet by repurposing the country’s geographically dispersed islands into a decentralized Web3 nexus, the Maldives could host data centers powered by renewable oceanic energy, attract DeFi startups, and incubate NFT marketplaces catering to affluent tourists. This diversification blueprint underscores a broader trend: small economies leveraging blockchain to transcend traditional growth constraints. However, critical questions loom—regulatory clarity, environmental footprint, and cybersecurity resilience will determine whether this hub becomes a scalable model or a stranded asset.

Implication: If executed judiciously, the Maldives’ blockchain hub could set a precedent for emerging economies seeking to harness decentralized infrastructure. But success hinges on transparent governance, sustainable energy sourcing, and robust legal frameworks.


2. Altman’s Eyeball‑Scanning Worldcoin Orbs Land in the U.S.

Source: The Register

On May 1, six Worldcoin “Orb” retail locations opened across the United States—Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco—offering biometric iris scans in exchange for WLD crypto tokens. Co‑founded by Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO), Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern, Tools for Humanity champions World ID, a blockchain‑based proof‑of‑personhood system designed to authenticate humans versus bots or AI‑generated avatars. Users who scan their irises receive roughly $16 in WLD, enabling them to later verify identity on participating platforms.

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While touted as a breakthrough in decentralized identity, the initiative has incited privacy regulators worldwide: South Korea fined the project over $800,000, Hong Kong prohibited operations, and legal probes are active in Germany, Kenya, and Spain. Yet Worldcoin maintains that biometric data is encrypted on-device and purged post‑scan, and with 26 million users globally (12 million scanned), the network seeks to deploy 7,500 Orbs in the U.S. by year’s end.

Opinion: Worldcoin’s retail push exemplifies the friction between innovative identity solutions and privacy norms. The on‑chain distribution of WLD tokens may democratize crypto access, but it also risks normalizing biometric collection without exhaustive regulatory guardrails. The debate between security and civil liberties intensifies as Web3 projects blur lines between voluntary onboarding and pervasive surveillance.


3. AI and Blockchain Explorers ‘Arkham’ & ‘Blockchair’ Reshape Onchain Visibility

Source: Bitcoin News

Blockchain explorers have evolved from static transaction trackers to dynamic investigative platforms, especially with generative AI integration. Two frontrunners—Arkham Intelligence and Blockchair—are pioneering tools to render cryptographic ledgers comprehensible. Arkham’s AI correlates onchain flows with off‑chain entities, enabling analysts to dissect a Binance transaction involving 0.3065 BNB routed through WBNB and Pancakeswap in seconds. Blockchair’s AI assistant, Cuborg, fields natural‑language queries (e.g., “Which Bitcoin address dormant since 2017 just moved funds at block 895,197?”), surfacing actionable intelligence with remarkable speed.

The convergence of machine learning and onchain analytics promises unprecedented transparency for DeFi protocols, NFT markets, and compliance teams. Yet this visibility shift also rekindles the age‑old privacy dilemma: as attribution sharpens, users may flee to privacy coins (e.g., Monero, Zcash) or sophisticated mixers, fracturing onchain provenance. Thus, the community must strike a balance—leveraging AI for due diligence without undermining pseudonymity, a bedrock of decentralization.

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Takeaway: Enhanced onchain visibility emboldens regulators and institutional custodians to adopt crypto, but it simultaneously pressures privacy advocates to innovate. The trajectory of DeFi scalability and AML compliance will pivot on how explorers calibrate the transparency‑privacy spectrum.


4. Blockchain Association Urges SEC to Adopt Flexible Crypto Regulation

Source: The Block Binance

On May 2, the Blockchain Association—representing heavyweights such as Coinbase, Ripple, and Uniswap Labs—submitted formal comments urging the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to embrace an “incremental, flexible approach” under new Chair Paul S. Atkins. The association argued that equity‑style rule frameworks ill‑fit blockchain’s decentralized architecture, and that overly restrictive policies risk ceding global leadership in Web3 innovation. Key recommendations included:

  • Modernizing “best execution” by prioritizing diligence over prescriptive equity norms.

  • Leveraging public exchange APIs for oversight, eschewing bulk personal data collection.

  • Convening public‑private roundtables to iteratively refine tokenization guidelines.

As the SEC grapples with litigation against major crypto firms, the association’s plea underscores a broader policy shift—from adversarial enforcement to collaborative rulemaking. If embraced, this could catalyze a regulatory renaissance, aligning U.S. competitiveness with nascent markets such as the EU’s MiCA and Singapore’s digital asset frameworks.

Analysis: A flexible U.S. regime could anchor global capital flows in American markets. However, in the near term, ambiguity may persist, prompting projects to seek out friendlier jurisdictions. The evolution of DeFi, tokenized securities, and NFT financialization hinges on whether the SEC transitions from litigation‑driven oversight to principles‑based governance.

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5. Telegram’s Blockchain‑Inspired Encryption Empowers Massive Group Calls

Source: CCN.com

Messaging titan Telegram has rolled out a major security upgrade: blockchain‑inspired encryption for voice and video group calls, scaling to tens of thousands of participants. Published May 5, 2025, the update employs a distributed architecture reminiscent of blockchain’s consensus model, paired with end‑to‑end encryption and a novel four‑emoji verification system. Users can join calls via links, QR codes, or invites, accommodating up to 200 guests in peer‑to‑peer calls and vastly more in server‑mediated group sessions.

This enhancement cements Telegram’s Web3 orientation—from in‑app NFT galleries to integrated crypto wallets and June’s Grok AI chatbot. By emphasizing decentralized encryption, Telegram seeks to differentiate itself from legacy platforms and curry favor with privacy‑minded Web3 users. The $100,000 unclaimed bounty for encryption breaches further testifies to the platform’s confidence.

Perspective: As social channels become conduits for DAO assemblies, token launches, and remote governance, Telegram’s upgrade anticipates Web3 ’s communal demands. Secure, large‑scale calls could host multichain hackathons, decentralized grant panels, and NFT minting drop parties—ushering in an era where encrypted communications seamlessly integrate with onchain action.


Conclusion: Charting Tomorrow’s Web3 Horizon

Today’s headlines—from island‑wide blockchain sanctuaries to AI‑powered explorers, from biometric orbs to regulatory overtures and encrypted megacalls—illustrate the multifaceted momentum driving blockchain and crypto into mainstream orbit. Key takeaways include:

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  1. Economic Diversification via Blockchain: Smaller nations can pivot from tourism to tech‑led growth, provided they embed sustainability and legal clarity.

  2. Identity & Privacy Trade‑Offs: Worldcoin’s iris scans provoke essential dialogue on biometric ethics versus Sybil‑resistance in decentralized networks.

  3. AI‑Driven Transparency: Arkham and Blockchair spotlight the accelerating fusion of AI and onchain analytics, demanding new privacy paradigms.

  4. Adaptive Regulation: The Blockchain Association’s SEC proposal signals burgeoning alignment between policymakers and innovators—critical for U.S. leadership.

  5. Web3‑First Infrastructure: Telegram’s encryption upgrade underscores the imperative for platforms to bake decentralized security into every layer.

As the industry hurtles forward, stakeholders must navigate these cross‑currents with pragmatic vision—embracing decentralization, protecting user sovereignty, and fostering constructive policy engagement. Tomorrow’s decentralized economy may hinge as much on robust encryption and AI transparency tools as on visionary regulation and sustainable infrastructure projects.

 

The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 5, 2025 – Arkham, Blockchair, Worldcoin, Maldives appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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Valueex (VUEE) Exchange Opens IEO Window, Leading New Opportunities in Global Blockchain Investment

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UnitedStaking.com Launches Advanced Crypto Staking Platform with Global Reach and Real-World Impact

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