The US Department of Energy (DOE) will begin collecting data on crypto mines electricity use, following criticism from environmental advocates over how energy-hungry those operations are.

We will specifically focus on how the energy demand for cryptocurrency mining is evolving, identify geographic areas of high growth, and quantify the sources of electricity used to meet cryptocurrency mining demand, Joe DeCarolis, administrator of the Energy Information Administration (EIA), said in a press release today.

We will specifically focus on how the energy demand for cryptocurrency mining is evolving.

The EIA, the statistical agencyof the Department of Energy, announced that it is initiating a provisional survey of electricity consumption information from identified cryptocurrency mining companies starting next week. The cryptocurrency mining companies will have to comply, per an emergency collection of data request theOffice of Management and Budget authorized last week.

In 2022, Democratic lawmakers askedthe biggest crypto mining companies in the US to disclose their electricity consumption and associated pollution. None of the companies responded with all the data they were asked to provide, and Congress subsequently asked the DOE and EPAto require that crypto companies publicly share the information.

In letters between the agencies and Democratic lawmakers shared exclusively withThe Verge last year, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm wrote a letter to Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) saying that the EIA has the authority to require crypto operations to report their energy use. Doing so would require development of a new survey to collect this information, the letter says. It looks like thats whats happening now. According to the letter, the EIA can potentially also require utilities to share information about how much electricity they sell to crypto companies.

A spokesperson for the Blockchain Association didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Crypto mines will have to start reporting their energy use in the US - The Verge

A Manhattan jury on Thursday found an Upper East Side woman guilty of funding terrorism after she used cryptocurrency to send financial support to several groups operating in Syria.

The woman, Victoria Jacobs, 44, was accused by the Manhattan district attorneys office last year of having provided more than $5,000 to Malhama Tactical, a military contractor that has been called the Blackwater of jihad. The group fought alongside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group designated a terrorist organization by the State Department.

The conviction comes amid a debate between champions of cryptocurrency, who see the technology as an alternative to regulated finance, and skeptics who have pointed out its frequent use in fraud and other crimes. Federal judges are considering lawsuits by the nations top securities regulator against some of the cryptocurrency industrys largest firms, which could curtail the technologys use in this country.

Ms. Jacobss trial opened on Jan. 16 and lasted about two weeks. The jury found her guilty of three felony counts of providing support for an act of terrorism, as well as conspiracy, money laundering and criminal possession of a weapon. She faces up to 25 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 3.

The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, has said that the case is the first time that terrorism funding has been prosecuted in New York State Supreme Court. The conviction is a notable win for Mr. Bragg, a month before he is scheduled to begin the biggest trial of his career, that of former President Donald J. Trump.

We will not allow Manhattan to serve as a base for terrorism at home or overseas, Mr. Bragg said in a statement, praising his prosecutors for winning the first-of-its-kind case.

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Manhattan Woman Convicted of Using Crypto to Fund Terror Groups in Syria - The New York Times

Press Releases are sponsored content and not a part of Finbold's editorial content. For a full disclaimer, please . If you encounter any issues, kindly report them to [emailprotected]. Crypto assets/products can be highly risky. Never invest unless youre prepared to lose all the money you invest.

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies, a new player is making waves and drawing attention away from some established names like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Solana (SOL). This new entrant is Retik Finance, priced at $0.1 and rapidly gaining traction among crypto investors, especially those from the SHIB and SOL communities.

Retik Finance has emerged as a promising cryptocurrency, offering a unique blend of features and opportunities that are resonating with investors. As of now, Retik Finance is nearing the completion of its presale stage 7, showcasing potential for a quick profit of nearly 15% gains for early investors. The platforms appeal lies in its comprehensive ecosystem that includes DeFi solutions, a non-custodial wallet, a smart crypto payment gateway, AI-powered peer-to-peer lending, and a highly secure multi-chain wallet. What sets Retik apart is its focus on real-life applications and bridging the gap between crypto and traditional finance.

The volatility in established cryptocurrencies like Shiba Inu and Solana has been a point of concern for investors. Shiba Inu, the popular meme coin, had a roller-coaster journey with significant price fluctuations driven by social media trends and endorsements from high-profile individuals like Elon Musk. Despite its initial surge, Shiba Inus price has seen a sharp decline, with the current value significantly lower than its all-time high in 2021. Similarly, Solana, known for its high functionality and DeFi solutions, has not been immune to the markets ups and downs. Despite its robust technology and growing adoption, Solanas price has experienced considerable volatility, currently trading well below its all-time high from two years ago.

Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty with SHIB and SOL, Retik Finance is offering a breath of fresh air to the crypto community. Its strong emphasis on utility and real-world applications is a major draw for investors looking for more stability and growth potential. Retik Finances vision to integrate cryptocurrencies into everyday financial transactions is seen as a step towards wider adoption and practical use of digital currencies. Moreover, Retik Finances promising presale performance and the potential for substantial returns have caught the eye of investors who are increasingly looking for opportunities with a balance of risk and reward. The excitement around Retik Finance is further fueled by its robust security measures and innovative technology, making it an attractive option for both seasoned traders and newcomers to the crypto space. As of writing, Retik Finance is experiencing a remarkable surge in its presale stage 8, with the current token price set at $0.10. The anticipation for the next stage, where the price is expected to climb to $0.100, is high, as the current stage is nearly sold out, sitting at 93.05% completion. This impressive performance is reflected in the amount raised so far: $19,275,402 out of the targeted $21,700,000. This momentum in Retik Finances presale points to a significant opportunity for investors. As the project rapidly approaches its next pricing stage, it presents a potential for lucrative gains. Investors are encouraged to consider this moment as a crucial time to participate before the price increase. With the presale advancing quickly and nearing its next phase, its an opportune moment for those looking to capitalise on the potential growth of Retik Finance. The quick pace of sales and the nearing completion of this stage suggest strong investor confidence and interest in Retik Finance. Given these factors, prospective investors are advised not to miss out on the imminent gains as the project moves forward. This stage in Retik Finances development is not just a milestone but also a harbinger of the promising future that lies ahead for the token and its holders.

As Retik Finance moves towards its launch, the anticipation and interest among investors are palpable. The platforms approach to decentralised finance, coupled with its user-friendly features, positions it well for success in the coming years. Experts predict that Retik Finance could see significant growth, potentially outperforming established cryptocurrencies like SHIB and SOL. In conclusion, the shift of investor interest from more volatile cryptocurrencies like Shiba Inu and Solana to newer, utility-driven platforms like Retik Finance underscores the dynamic nature of the crypto market. Retik Finance, with its innovative approach and promising presale performance, is poised to make a significant impact in the world of decentralised finance and beyond. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Retik Finance stands out as a cryptocurrency with the potential to offer both stability and substantial returns for its investors.

Click Here To Take Part In Retik Finance Presale

Visit the links below for more information about Retik Finance (RETIK):

Website: https://retik.com

Whitepaper: https://retik.com/retik-whitepaper.pdf

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retikfinance

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New cryptocurrency at $0.1 draws in SHIB and SOL holders amidst volatility in Shiba Inu and Solana prices. - Finbold - Finance in Bold

U.Today - Samson Mow, major evangelist and boss of the Bitcoin-oriented company Jan3 that intends to help nation-states with Bitcoin adoption, has published a Twitter/X post in which he stressed the role of Bitcoin in the success of such major companies as MicroStrategy and .

At the same time, he took a dig at the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, .

MicroStrategy has been adding large BTC chunks to its balance sheet regularly since August of 2020, and Tether holds Bitcoin among the assets that back the USDT supply issued by it. Michael Saylors business intelligence giant now holds an astonishing $8.7 billion worth of Bitcoin, and this, surprisingly, exceeds the companys market capitalization by $1 billion.

Earlier this week, by the way, Michael Saylor called on the cryptocurrency community not to sell their Bitcoin, despite the continuous BTC price plunge that is taking place despite spot ETF approval by the SEC regulatory agency.

As for Tether, last quarter, it acquired another Bitcoin stash amounting to $380 million worth of Bitcoin. At the time of this writing, Tether holds 66,465 BTC.

Mow stressed the importance of the global flagship cryptocurrency Bitcoin as opposed to the second largest one by market capitalization value Ethereum.

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Mow has recently been tweeting about his expectations for Bitcoin to reach $1 million. Elaborating on that forecast in one of his tweets, the Bitcoiner explained that this prediction should not be expected to be fulfilled instantly, like after the spot Bitcoin ETF was greenlit. What he meant was that the overall market fundamentals for Bitcoin have changed compared to how they stood before.

In a tweet published earlier today, Mow stated that the Bitcoin price does not depend on the ETF approval, and it rises of its own accord and at its own pace.

This article was originally published on U.Today

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Major 'Secret' of MicroStrategy Revealed by Bitcoiner Samson Mow By U.Today - Investing.com

EXCLUSIVE An Israeli firm that helped authorities claw back $90 million worth of Hamas-owned cryptocurrency is investigating digital wallets held by the leading Palestinian aid agency for the United Nations, the Washington Examiner has learned.

Lionsgate Network, a Tel Aviv-based company staffed by blockchain analysts, specializes in cash recovery services for investors and was notably enlisted by Israels Ministry of Defense to intercept funds linked to Hamas after the terrorist factions deadly Oct. 7 attack on the Jewish state. Now, Lionsgate has embarked on a new project: tracking the flow of crypto donations to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, whose since-fired employees were recently accused by Israel of participating in the Hamas-led massacre, prompting the United States and other countries to pause aid to UNRWA.

Our companys vision is to secure crypto transactions and eliminate financial transactions targeting communities around the world, Lionsgate Network CEO Bezalel Raviv told the Washington Examiner. There is a loophole in the financial system, and its no longer a very small group of people. Its like 1.5% of the worlds capital were talking about over $1.5 trillion U.S. dollars.

The startups investigation underscores how UNRWA, which has long earned the ire of foreign policy experts and lawmakers over its ties to Hamas, is being comprehensively scrutinized by watchdogs after the Oct. 7 attack. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced legislation on Monday that would ban U.S. funds to UNRWA. The Biden administration renewed aid in 2021 to the Palestinian aid agency just three years after former President Donald Trump cut off support to UNRWA over concerns stemming from its ties to terrorism and the hiring of antisemitic employees.

In turn, Bidens decision has culminated in taxpayers footing the bill for at least $730 million in payments to UNRWA since 2021. The U.S. government said on Tuesday that over 99% of U.S. funds approved by Congress for the UNRWA have already been sent to it with just $300,000 still on hold.

UNRWA formed in 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programs for Palestinian refugees. But critics say it unjustly relieves Hamas, which controls Gaza, of responsibilities to provide basic services to civilians. The agency, which is led by Swiss Italian Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, faces an uncertain future after Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that Israeli allegations about its employees participating in Oct. 7 are highly credible.

UNRWA has a 501(c)(3) charity in the U.S. that accepts crypto donations, such as bitcoin, a digital asset that, for federal tax purposes, is treated as property, according to the IRS and digital software records. The crypto option stems from the UNRWA charitys partnership in December 2021 with the Giving Block, a fundraising platform for tax-exempt organizations.

Raviv said his company is tracking specific blockchain transactions to see where donations to the Palestinian aid agency end up and is in conversation with the U.S. State Department on certain projects.

While Lionsgate successfully worked to recover cash from Hamas, the terrorist group has become more elusive and shifted its assets around, the CEO told the Washington Examiner. Hamas and other terrorist groups, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have increasingly turned to crypto in recent years because its decentralized nature affords secrecy, according to multiple reports.

After Oct. 7, the U.S. government sanctioned the Gaza-based Buy Cash, a company that saw its wallets seized in 2021 by Israels National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing in connection to a Hamas fundraising campaign, the U.S. Treasury Department said. Crypto coins are stored by users inwhat are known asdigital wallets, which contain information such as private passwordsand confidential data,according to Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the world.

Lionsgates investigation into UNRWA is independent and, for the time being, not on behalf of any clients, according to Raviv.

Conversations with the State Department are becoming closer because one of the Hamas wallets is still active and over $40 million is moving in and out, Raviv said.

The Tel Aviv-based analytics and software firm BitOK found Hamas-tied crypto wallets raked in the cash between roughly August 2021 and June 2023, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Awareness is key, he said. We really want to encourage communities and people who are active in the crypto community to look at the problems and solutions.

Aside from crypto, UNRWAs charity in the U.S. routinely takes large sums through donor-advised funds, which allow wealthy contributors to shield their names from publicly released financial disclosures. The arrangement is often criticized by watchdogs as a dark money loophole.

UNRWAs charity in the U.S., for instance, accepted $262,578 in 2022 through the Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund, tax forms show.

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That year, $109,280 also flowed through the Schwab Charitable Fund to the UNRWAs U.S. outfit.

UNRWA and the State Department did not return requests for comment.

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UN Palestinian aid agency's cryptocurrency wallets investigated over Hamas ties - Washington Examiner