China's CAC has ordered the removal of Bitchat, a decentralized P2P encrypted messaging app by Jack Dorsey's Block, from the Chinese App Store and TestFlight. Dorsey shared Apple's notice on X. Bitchat operates over Bluetooth and mesh networks, with over 3 million global downloads.
Russia’s central bank announced on July 2 that the digital ruble will be mandatory from September 1, 2026. Twelve systemically important banks must process transactions, and large retailers must accept payments. A three-phase rollout aims for full coverage by 2028, but polls show only 10% of citizens would take full salary in digital rubles.
Apple pulled Bitchat from its China App Store on Feb 28, 2026, after the Cyberspace Administration of China flagged violations of security assessment rules. The app uses Bluetooth mesh and reached 10,000 Testflight users.
A new CNBC poll found that public sentiment on the U.S. economy has deteriorated, with 61% of respondents saying they feel pessimistic about current conditions and the outlook ahead. That marks the highest reading since December 2023, while only about one-quarter of those surveyed said they were optimistic. The poll also showed broad dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s handling of economic issues, with 60% disapproving and 38% approving, one of the weakest readings of his political career on that measure. The survey pointed to mounting pressure on household budgets as living costs continue to rise. Forty-seven percent of respondents said they are cutting back on essential purchases such as food and healthcare, up 6 percentage points from April, and roughly two-thirds said they are reducing discretionary spending such as dining out. Separate research by Bain & Company and NielsenIQ showed U.S. grocery purchase volume fell 1.8% year over year in June, a sharp reversal from 0.1% growth a year earlier. The findings add to signs of weaker consumer confidence and tighter spending behavior.
IMF reviewed central bank laws of 174 members and found only about 40 (23%) are legally allowed to issue digital currencies. The article discusses legal tender status, compliance challenges, and public opinion on digital money.
The SEC received over 90 public comments on Cboe's Bitcoin ETF proposal, ten times more than last April. A decision is expected by August 16, and BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes predicts a bull run that could push Bitcoin to $50,000.
An April poll shows US voters rank crypto last among election priorities, with only Republicans slightly positive. 62% distrust Trump administration on crypto oversight, threatening legislative progress.
A new poll shows US voters rank crypto last among midterm priorities, with only 27% having used it. Independents and Democrats hold negative views, and 62% distrust the Trump administration's oversight. The CLARITY Act may be delayed to 2027.
