covid-19
10,000 New Blockchain Companies Founded in China Despite COVID-19
COVID-19 has not prevented blockchain companies in China from emerging at a dramatic speed.
Trump Ends COVID-19 Pandemic, according to White House Release
The Trump Administration has ended the COVID-19 pandemic, or at least according to the list of his accomplishments from the White House Science and Technology Office.
Texas Man Charged for Using COVID-19 Small Business Relief Funds to Buy Crypto
Texas resident Joshua Thomas Argires has been charged for investing COVID-19 relief funds in cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin Economy Gives El Salvador Village Hope Amidst COVID-19
Despite being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a small beach town in El Salvador, dubbed El Zonte, have strived to keep their economy afloat with the integration of Bitcoin as a digital currency.
Indian State Plans to Combat Fake COVID-19 Vaccines with Blockchain
The administration of Telangana, a southern Indian state, intends to avert any attempt of hoarding or black-marketing of COVID-19 vaccines using blockchain technology.
Bitcoin Price and Altcoins Spike On News of President Trump’s Recovery Against COVID-19
Bitcoin and altcoins have enjoyed a brief price surge on the back of news that President Trump could be discharged from hospital after his bout with COVID-19.
US Congressmen Urge Trump to Implement Blockchain Technology for COVID-19 Relief
Nine members of the US Congress advocated for the benefits of leveraging blockchain technology to counter the crisis brought upon by COVID-19.
Crypto Trading in India Soared by 400% During COVID-19 Lockdown
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, India’s cryptocurrency trading industry has seen an increase of 400 percent over the last few months.
Microsoft Takes Down COVID-19 Cyber Criminals to Eliminate "Business Email Compromise" Attacks
Scammers have been taking advantage of COVID-19 and the worldwide economic crisis revolving around it to retrieve personal information and phish data from Microsoft users.
Japanese Crypto Trading Activity Fell as COVID-19 Pandemic Hit in March
The Japan Virtual and Crypto assets Exchange Association has reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a decline in active crypto-trading in Japan.
Korea’s Jeju Island Introduces Blockchain-Fueled COVID-19 App for Tourism
To recover from COVID-19 tourism losses, South Korea has introduced a blockchain-powered digital app for visitors of Jeju Island to ensure safe travels.
Facebook's Libra Sparked CBDC Race, COVID-19 Made Central Banks Realize Its Necessity
Digital innovation and central bank digital currency adoption (CBDC) have been on the rise despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. What has driven CBDC forward?
How The Casino Industry is Gaining Profit Amid The COVID Lockdown
Analysts from Morgan Stanley have predicted in a recent online publication that the impact of Coronavirus in the U.S., which has led to the shutdown of casinos, could lead to faster growth of the online sports betting industry, and online casinos. The countrywide lockdown that was instituted to control the spread of Covid-19 has spurred an interest in online gambling for individuals involved in the industry, as well as attracting new customers.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Leverages Coronavirus Pandemic for National Petro Adoption
Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro has announced a new campaign aiming to help the medical staff in his nation by airdropping one Petro to each actively working doctor amid the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 Relief Spurs Federal Reserve Towards Digital Payments with FEDNow
The Federal Reserve is accelerating towards digital payments technology as the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to provide faster methods of relief. The United States central bank has announced the development of its own platform—FedNow.
The Birth of the Coronavirus-Backed CoronaCoin Amid Quarantining Banknotes in China
The novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 has spread to at least 25 other countries and caused 5 deaths outside of mainland China. Restrictions in Hubei, of the epicenter province of the outbreak, have been imposed further on its citizens. In Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus originated, has been banning its citizens from leaving their homes.
Goldman Sachs Says Customer Demands for Bitcoin Are Increasing
Goldman Sachs President and COO John Waldron has revealed that the bank is experiencing a rising demand for Bitcoin from its customers.
Singapore Employs Blockchain-Enabled Digital Health Passport for Enhanced Medical Data Management
The Singaporean administration teamed up with a local startup to establish a blockchain-powered digital health passport to boost medical records management.
Blockchain Monitor Launched to Track Coronavirus-Free Safe Zones to Protect the Non-Infected Community During Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has currently reached countless countries and territories all over the world and has caused over 220,000 infections in the world population. With the global death rate climbing and almost reaching 9,000, the World Health Organization declared it as a pandemic on March 11.
Kaspersky Report: Bitcoin Crime to Rise in 2021 Due to Covid-19 Induced Poverty
According to a new Kaspersky report, the coronavirus pandemic will increase cases of crypto and Bitcoin crimes in 2021.
COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Crisis is Pushing CBDC Adoption, says Bank of Russia
Financial regulators are keeping a keen eye on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) because they see them as silver linings.
Russian Citizens Are Using P2P Bitcoin Markets to Escape Monolithic Banking System
Crypto usage is growing in Russia, despite attempts by the government to make investment more difficult.
Bitcoin Convert Jim Cramer says Wall Street Ignoring COVID-19 Cases, Biden Election Fraud Dispute and Collapse in Stimulus Talks
Bitcoin convert and CNBC analyst Jim Cramer thinks Wall Street is ignoring market risks from rising US COVID-19 cases, the 2020 election dispute, and collapse in stimulus talks.
Bitcoin Online Courses Skyrocket by 300% in The Wake of Coronavirus
Many people are enrolling for cryptocurrency and Bitcoin online courses as coronavirus (COVID-19) has necessitated measures like quarantines, social distancing and lockdowns. As the world continues grappling with this infectious disease, people have been made to change their daily lifestyles and settle for alternatives like the online space for knowledge acquisition.
Microsoft President Says Fintech Firms Should Leave the Role of Issuing Digital Currencies to Governments
Microsoft President Brad Smith has criticized financial technology firms attempting to issue currencies, stating that governments are still best suited to play this role.
US Congress Considers Using Blockchain for Remote Voting While the White House Urged to Stay Competitive with China
The US Congress is considering using blockchain technology to enable the Senate to conduct remote voting during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlighted that the crisis emphasized the need to consider certain functions to proceed remotely when it may not be safe for members to gather in person. The report explored a combination of different technologies to be used, including blockchain and encrypted E2EE.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Touts Cryptocurrency’s Potential Amid a COVID-19 Digital Normal
The Securities Commission of Malaysia backs cryptocurrency use and says it has great potential, despite a lack of understanding regarding digital assets in the country.
Bitcoin Price Drops Below $9K as Stock Markets Erase Gains Amid Incoming Second Wave of COVID-19 Cases
Bitcoin price is currently hitting its lowest levels in around 3 weeks, as stocks are rumored to anticipate an incoming crash. Bitcoin (BTC) dipped below the $9,000 on June 15 and continued to hover above $9,000 shortly after.
Fintech CEO Pleads Guilty to ICO and COVID-19 Loan Fraud in the US
Taiwanese national Justin Cheng has pled guilty to multiple counts of fraud involving $7M COVID-19 relief funds and ICO scams.
Bitcoin Will Not Likely Be Held by Central Banks in the Future, Says ECB President Christine Lagarde
Christine Lagarde, the President of the European Central Bank, has once again made her stance on Bitcoin clear.
IBM, KPMG, Walmart, Merck Reveal Results of FDA Blockchain Drug Tracing Pilot
IBM, KPMG, Walmart, and Merck’s blockchain pilot in drug-tracing has successfully exceeded the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) benchmarks. The pilot program aimed to encourage new technologies to be used in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Blockchain was used as a shared record movement of pharmaceutical drugs through the supply chain, which resulted in improved efficiency. Recalls were proven to be done in just seconds, rather than in days, as blockchain offers traceability.
How Blockchain Technology is Helping to Fight the Novel COVID-19 Pandemic
Coronavirus disease has changed our lives in unprecedented ways. With the imminent lockdown caused by the virus, several reorganizations had to be implemented to keep our lives going. This brief analysis highlights some of the key ways that the application of Blockchain Technology is helping in the fight against the COVID-19 disease and pandemic.
International Chamber of Commerce to Deploy Blockchain-Powered App for Tamper-Proof COVID-19 Compliance Status
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has inked a partnership with International SOS, the globe’s biggest medical and travel security services firm, to establish a new blockchain-enabled mobile app dubbed ICC AOKpass. It will be instrumental in providing trusted and immutable recognition of persons’ COVID-19 compliance status.
Bill Gates Denies COVID-19 Vaccine Microchips and Satanic Conspiracy Theories
Bill Gates, Microsoft Founder and billionaire philanthropist, has responded to conspiracy theories that his charity foundation is planning to use the coronavirus vaccine to implant microchips into the global population. The conspiracy itself appears to have started with a patent for a very innovative cryptocurrency mining system filed by Microsoft earlier this year.
California Governor Gavin Newsom Warns Bitcoin Scams are Targeting Public In COVID-19 Market
In his official address, Gavin Newsom California governor cautioned the public against individuals asking for advance payment in Bitcoin with the promise of delivering essential commodities.
Can We Expect a Bitcoin Bull Run Amid the Upcoming Bitcoin Halving and Coronavirus Pandemic?
The next Bitcoin halving is expected to take place in May 2020. Each time Bitcoin halving takes place, the number of Bitcoins entering circulation every 10 minutes, also known as block rewards will fall to half, to 6.25 from 12.5 in May. As the amount of supply, Bitcoins are decreasing, the demand most likely will stay the same, but possibly lead to an increase in Bitcoin’s price. Experts believe that there will be less Bitcoin available in the market if the miners will be selling less of the cryptocurrency.
How Blockchain Can Help with Vaccine Development Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The need of the hour to combat the pandemic is a potent vaccine which needs to be available in a short span of time, yet developed by following rigorous regulatory procedures and in a trustworthy manner. How can technologies like Blockchain help in such an accelerated vaccine development process?
Omicron Soares to an ATH, amid the Covid-19 Pandemic Variant Outbreak
The price of one tiny cryptocurrency, coincidently named Omicron (OMIC) after the fast-spreading Covid-19 variant, has soared to an all-time high.
Baidu Trends: Bitcoin Searches Skyrocket Amid Social Distancing and Working From Home Approaches
According to Baidu, a Chinese multinational technology company offering internet-related services, Bitcoin searches have shot up by 183% in the last one month. This trend can be linked to the fact that many countries have asked their citizens to adhere to precautionary approaches, such as self-quarantining, social distancing, working from home, necessitated when tackling coronavirus.
Italian Bank Offers Crypto Trading to Over A Million Customers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Due to the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown situation in Italy, an Italian Bank, Banca Sella has launched Bitcoin trading services for its 1.2 million customers of Hype mobile banking platform.
What Can We Learn From Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's Coronavirus Outbreak Contingency Plan for Employees?
US health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the coronavirus “is not recognized to be spreading in US communities.”
Nations Around the World Urged to Learn From China in Fighting Coronavirus Using Blockchain
Different stakeholders are urging other nations to embrace China’s effective model in fighting this pandemic by deploying blockchain technology.
Tencent Cloud Tech to Support Blockchain Digital Records for Travel Amid COVID-19
Tencent Holdings has joined hands with blockchain firm ShareRing to deploy a blockchain-powered digital document and identity management solution.
Spanish Researchers Deploy AI and Blockchain-Powered App to Tame COVID-19
At least 100 Spanish researchers from the University of Salamanca, the Artificial Intelligent Research Institute, and the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca have joined hands to design an AI and blockchain-based app to picture the evolution of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Their objective is flattening this pandemic’s curve as it has wreaked havoc across the globe.
World Sustainability Organization Adopts Blockchain-Based Virtual Audits to Curb COVID-19 Spread
With coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention measures necessitating self-isolation and social distancing, Friend of the Sea (FOS), a World Sustainability Organization’s project for seafood certification, has embraced blockchain-enabled virtual audits to mitigate the expansion of this pandemic. As a result, FOS has eradicated onsite scrutinies because safety is of the essence during these trying times.
Bitcoin Price Bull Run Will Hit All Time High in 2020, Predicts Billionaire Bitcoin Investor
The Bitcoin price is heading to $20,000 by the end of 2020 according to billionaire cryptocurrency investor Michael Novagratz, CEO, of Galaxy Digital.
Blockchain Investments Declined 63% Due to COVID-19, Says New KPMG Report
Auditing firm KPMG has recently published its 2020 Global Emerging Technology Survey Report that identified a decline in investments into blockchain technology because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the study predicts that the sector would be one of the industries, which would probably obtain the highest amount of investment in the next 12 months.
Ransomware Attack Directed Towards University of California Generated 118 Bitcoin
The University of California, San Francisco’s plans to further COVID-19 vaccine research were disrupted by a ransomware attack on the school’s servers.
British University Reveals Blockchain-Enabled Digital Certificate to Water Down COVID-19 Dangers Across Supply Chains
Birmingham City University (BCU) in the United Kingdom is testing the waters with a blockchain-based digital safety certificate to safeguard consumers and suppliers from risks triggered by coronavirus (COVID-19). The digital certificate dubbed the Coronavirus Clearance Certificate (CCC), will be instrumental in reassuring stakeholders across supply chains that goods offered are risk-free.
Cashing Out Vitalik Buterin’s Crypto Donation Proves Difficult for India’s Covid Relief Fund
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin donated $1 billion worth of cryptocurrency to a crypto Covid relief fund in India.
What Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Means for the Bitcoin Price Outlook
Bitcoin saw a negative correlation with the traditional stock market, as hopes of the old normal economy were to be revived again.
‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ Author Kiyosaki Praises Bitcoin, and Says “Bitcoin is In, Real Estate & Gold are Out”
In a talk radio segment, New York Bestseller Robert Kiyosaki and crypto investor Anthony Pompliano discussed the growth of Bitcoin (BTC) and the major role the cryptocurrency will play in the future.
World Economic Forum Views Blockchain as the Vaccine for Future Interferences in the Seafood Sector
The World Economic Forum (WEF) touts blockchain technology as the vaccine and game-changer needed to ensure things run smoothly in the global seafood supply chain irrespective of future disruptions. This is based on the fact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has laid the bare knuckles of the inefficiencies and challenges faced by the seafood industry.
Bitcoin's Popularity Sees Surge in Marijuana and Video Game Transactions During Coronavirus Lockdown
The coronavirus-induced lockdown has influenced an increased use case of Bitcoin. Sales of video games and cannabis using Bitcoin have seen a significant rise during the lockdown. The pandemic has revealed consumers’ priorities, as online sales of general digital products saw a decline, while video gamers and marijuana users have increasingly turned to Bitcoin during the virus outbreak.
UNICEF Cryptocurrency Fund Invests in Tech Startups Fighting COVID-19 in Emerging Economies
Eight technology companies in developing and emerging economies will receive investment from the UNICEF Cryptocurrency Fund (CryptoFund) to solve local and global challenges.
US Democrats Propose Distributing Covid-19 Stimulus Payments Through Digital Dollars to Unbanked Citizens
As markets across the globe continue to feel the crunch of economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, debate has raged over a massive stimulus package being proposed in the US which could see the IRS send up to $2000 a month to all US citizens until the recession takes a turn for the better.
First Chinese State-Backed Blockchain Firm "Tainted" the Nation's Image Due to the Export of Faulty COVID-19 Medical Supplies
Tus Data Asset, a blockchain firm based in Beijing, has been banned by the Chinese government from exporting medical supplies to other countries during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Bitcoin Better Investment than Gold," Winklevoss Says to Dave Portnoy Over Talks on Elon Musk’s Plans to Mine Gold in Space
In their interview with Dave Portnoy, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss advised the "Davey Day Trader" to invest in Bitcoin rather than gold.
Here's How the Stock Market and the Bitcoin Price Responded as US President Donald Trump Has COVID
United States President Donald J Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for COVID-19 stirring different reactions in the stock market.
World Economic Forum Launches New Blockchain Toolkit for Supply Chains to Support the World Through Post-COVID Economic Recovery
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has just released its Blockchain Deployment Toolkit, aiming to enable companies of any size to be able to maximize the benefits of integrating blockchain technology in the supply chain sector. The toolkit allows companies to be able to get a better idea of how to handle deploying blockchain technology in regards to supply chain uses.
Blockchain Allowed 17 Million People to Travel Between Macau and China During Coronavirus
A blockchain-powered QR health code system has been instrumental in enabling at least 17 million people to travel between the Chinese mainland and Macau since May.
CUHK Pairs with ConsenSys To Launch Blockchain-based Covid Digital Health Passport
The Chinese University of Hong Kong and an Ethereum technology company-ConsenSys have launched a blockchain solution-based digital health passport for trial to record all Covid-19 related activities.
Deloitte Partners With Chronicled to Fight Counterfeit Medication Using Blockchain Technology
Leading audit firm Deloitte has partnered with Chronicled, a San Francisco tech company, to address medication fraud and counterfeit drugs through blockchain technology. Chronicled will provide its blockchain-enabled network dubbed MediLedger that has been instrumental in the healthcare and life sciences sector.
WeChat Pay and Alipay May Have Helped China to Track Coronavirus Victims Through Digital Payments
With the novel coronavirus infecting more than 75,000 people around the world, and with the majority of the Chinese population in the Hubei province infected, authorities in the nation decided to track everyone who bought fever medicine in the province.
UAE Leverages Blockchain, Robotics and 3D Printing to Flatten Coronavirus Curve
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), through in5, a startup incubator for nurturing businesses and ideas, is deploying blockchain, robotics, and 3D printing technologies to instigate the wellbeing and safety of its citizens amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.