Uganda cut off public internet access during the presidential election, causing a surge in downloads of the encrypted messaging app Bitchat. The app allows people to communicate without the internet, and VPNs also saw high downloads as users sought ways to access information.
WeatherlyPolygon Labs has bought US crypto payments company Coinme and Canadian crypto infrastructure firm Sequence to become a regulated payments platform in 48 U.S. states. The acquisitions give Polygon fiat on- and off-ramps, wallet infrastructure, and cross-chain tools to simplify crypto and stablecoin payments for businesses and consumers.
AnaisStablecoin payments on Revolut jumped 156% in 2025 to about $10.5 billion, with most transfers between $100 and $500 showing everyday use. Ethereum leads the volume, and Revolut’s easy exchange feature and growing user adoption are driving the surge.
WeatherlyVisa has partnered with BVNK to let businesses send and receive payments using stablecoins through Visa Direct, putting digital dollars directly into recipients’ wallets. The rollout will start in markets with high demand for digital asset payments, with plans to expand globally over time.
WeatherlyX has restricted Grok from editing or creating sexualised images of real people after global backlash and regulatory action over misuse of the chatbot. Several countries have launched investigations or blocked the service, pushing the company to tighten safety controls and limit image tools to paying users.
AnaisBitpanda plans to list on the Frankfurt stock exchange in the first half of 2026, targeting a valuation of €4–5 billion. The Vienna-based crypto platform serves over seven million users, has strong revenue growth, and has secured regulatory approvals in Germany and the UK.
WeatherlyChina has told local companies to stop using cybersecurity software from more than a dozen U.S. and Israeli firms, citing national security risks and fears that sensitive data could be sent overseas. The move supports Beijing’s push to rely more on home-grown technology and reduce dependence on Western suppliers.
AnaisSeveral DeFi projects, including Morpho, have moved away from public Discord servers after rising scams and phishing made the platform hard to secure. Teams are shifting users to controlled support tools like help centres, live chat and ticket systems to improve safety and reliability.
WeatherlyDZ Bank has received MiCA approval from BaFin to launch meinKrypto, a crypto trading platform for retail customers of cooperative banks in Germany. The platform will let users buy, sell, and hold bitcoin, ether, litecoin, and cardano directly within the VR Banking App once each bank completes its MiCAR notification.
AnaisCoinbase withdrew its support for a US crypto bill after a late draft showed provisions that could harm consumers and limit competition. The Senate Banking Committee has postponed the bill’s markup, with talks expected to continue once a revised draft is ready.
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