The crypto merchant bank's head of research said bitcoin's price in 2020 dollar terms peaked out this year at $99,848.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission plans to conduct a fact-finding investigation into search engines that use generative artificial intelligence. It is expected to target companies such as Japanese tech giant LY Corp. and US firms Google and Microsoft. Japan’s antitrust watchdog suspects that the unauthorized use of articles from news organizations by IT companies in the display of search results may constitute an abuse of their dominant position in violation of the antimonopoly law. “The investigation is not intended as a crackdown, but rather to gain a better understanding of the situation,” an official from the commission stated. The probe is to be conducted as an extension of the 2023 investigation AI-powered search engines can understand questions asked in a conversational tone and respond accordingly. The AI generates summarized answers from data collected through the internet. The technology is regarded as more convenient than traditional search engines because it provides more direct answers. However, the unauthorized use of articles from news organizations and other sources by tech companies in their responses has become a problem. News agencies generate revenue by displaying ads on their sites, so the spread of AI-generated news summaries could lead to a decline in that income. Besides the search engines, conversational AI operators such as OpenAI, which runs ChatGPT, and Perplexity AI Inc., a US startup, are part of the problem. The decision comes amid a series of lawsuits and protests against Perplexity by Japanese news organizations over a conversational AI service. They claim copyright infringement and raise concerns that the system uses news articles without permission. Two years ago, the watchdog published a report on contracts for the internet distribution of news by major IT companies. It warned that one-sided contract changes that significantly lower payments to news organizations for their articles are a violation of the antimonopoly law. To that end, the latest probe will be conducted as an extension of the 2023 investigation. The EU and UK tighten their rules against US tech companies Similar investigations have been launched overseas into AI search services. Earlier this month, the European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation into Google’s use of publisher and YouTube content to train its generative AI systems, including AI Overviews and Gemini. The Commission is investigating whether Google’s scraping such content without appropriate compensation or an “opt-out” mechanism breaches EU competition rules. This follows a fine of approximately €2.95 billion imposed in September over anti-competitive practices in its adtech segment. Google was able to overturn an old AdSense fine of €1.49 billion in late 2024, but that hasn’t stopped the flow of new claims. Recently, France’s Autorité de la concurrence confirmed a €250 million fine for violating intellectual property rights. Meanwhile, the UK’s CMA has temporarily granted Google’s advertising arm “Strategic Market Status” (SMS), which will enable stricter oversight in 2026. Additionally, regulators have opened a new front. The EU began a trade investigation into Meta’s new WhatsApp rules at the beginning of the month, as reported by Cryptopolitan. The probe looks into whether Meta is blocking other AI providers from the WhatsApp Business Solution so that its own Meta AI assistant can be used instead. Meanwhile, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) accused European regulators of pursuing a “persistent course of discriminatory and harassing lawsuits, taxes, fines, and directives against US service providers.” The Trump administration says if these practices continue, the US is prepared to impose fees and restrictions on European companies operating in the American market. Join Bybit now and claim a $50 bonus in minutes
While reviewing the detections of its in-house YARA rules, Jamf Threat Labs claims it observed a signed and notarized stealer that did not follow the typical execution chains seen in the past. According to 23pds from Slowmist, this stealer is a new variant of the MacSync variant famous for bypassing macOS security. Slowmist claims user info already stolen In an X post, Slowmist’s Chief Information Security Officer, 23pds claimed that there is a new variant of the MacSync that bypasses the macOS gatekeeper security system, and it has already hijacked the information of many users. According to 23pds, to evade detection, the variant employs techniques like file inflation, network connection verification and self-destruct scripts after execution. It can reportedly steal sensitive data like iCloud keychains, browser passwords, and crypto wallets. The warning came attached to a blog from Jamf Threat Labs, reporting that this is not its first contact with MacSync. The macOS-targeted information stealer malware reportedly first emerged in April 2025 as “Mac.C”, developed by a threat actor known as “Mentalpositive”. It was rebranded to MacSync shortly after, which it quickly gained traction among cybercriminals. To protect yourself from it, only download apps from the Mac App Store or trusted developer websites, keep your macOS and apps updated, use reputable antivirus/endpoint security tools that detect macOS threats, and be cautious with unexpected .dmg files or installers, especially those promising crypto-related or messaging tools. Is there a new MacSync malware? The sample in question reportedly looked highly similar to past variants of the increasingly active MacSync Stealer malware but was revamped in its design. It differed from earlier MacSync Stealer variants that primarily rely on drag-to-terminal or ClickFix-style techniques, as it employs a more deceptive, hands-off approach. The sample is reportedly delivered as a code-signed and notarized Swift application within a disk image named zk-call-messenger-installer-3.9.2-lts.dmg, distributed via https://zkcall.net/download. That removes the need for any direct terminal interaction. Instead, the dropper retrieves an encoded script from a remote server and executes it via a Swift-built helper executable Jamf Threat Labs also observed the Odyssey infostealer adopting similar distribution methods in recent variants. They expressed surprise that the familiar right-click open instruction is still present in the new sample, even though the executable is signed and does not require this step. “After inspecting the Mach-O binary, which is a universal build, we confirmed that it is both code-signed and notarized. The signature is associated with the Developer Team ID GNJLS3UYZ4,” they claimed. They made sure to verify the code directory hashes against Apple’s revocation list, and at the time of analysis, said none had been revoked. Another notable observation made is the unusually large size of the disk image (25.5MB), which they said appears to be inflated by decoy files embedded within the app bundle. At the time of analysis, some of the samples uploaded to VirusTotal were detected by only one antivirus engine, while others were flagged by up to thirteen. After confirming that the Developer Team ID was used to distribute malicious payloads, Jamf Threat Labs reported it to Apple. Since then, the associated certificate has been revoked. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.
BitcoinWorld BTC Price Soars: Bitcoin Breaks $88,000 Barrier in Stunning Rally The cryptocurrency market is buzzing with excitement as the BTC price achieves a monumental milestone, breaking through the $88,000 barrier. According to live data from Binance, Bitcoin is currently trading at $88,016.72 against USDT, signaling a powerful bullish phase. This surge isn’t just a number; it represents renewed confidence and a potential shift in market dynamics. Let’s explore what’s fueling this rally and what it could mean for your portfolio. What’s Driving the Current BTC Price Surge? Several key factors are converging to push the BTC price to new heights. First, increasing institutional adoption is creating a solid foundation of demand. Major financial firms are not only holding Bitcoin but also integrating it into new investment products. Secondly, macroeconomic conditions, such as concerns about inflation, continue to drive investors toward decentralized assets like Bitcoin as a potential store of value. Finally, positive regulatory developments in several jurisdictions are reducing uncertainty and encouraging broader participation. Moreover, the upcoming Bitcoin halving event, which reduces the rate of new coin creation, is historically a catalyst for significant price movements. Investors are positioning themselves ahead of this supply shock, anticipating further scarcity. This combination of fundamental and speculative demand creates a powerful upward thrust for the BTC price . How Significant is the $88,000 BTC Price Level? Breaking $88,000 is psychologically and technically important for Bitcoin. It represents a clear conquest of previous resistance levels and opens the path toward the next major target: $90,000. For traders, this level acts as a confirmation of the current uptrend’s strength. However, it’s crucial to understand that such rapid gains can also lead to increased volatility. The market may experience pullbacks as some investors take profits. Therefore, while the rising BTC price is encouraging, a balanced perspective is essential. Key levels to watch now include: Support: The previous resistance near $85,000 could now act as a support zone. Resistance: The $90,000 and $95,000 levels are the next significant hurdles. Volume: Sustained high trading volume confirms genuine buying interest. What Should Investors Do Amid This BTC Price Rally? Navigating a strong rally requires a clear strategy. For long-term holders, this surge validates the ‘hold’ strategy, but it’s not a reason for complacency. Consider reviewing your asset allocation to ensure it still matches your risk tolerance. For new investors, the fear of missing out (FOMO) can be intense, but entering the market at all-time highs carries risk. A disciplined approach, such as dollar-cost averaging (investing a fixed amount regularly), can help mitigate timing risk. Remember, the BTC price movement is part of a larger narrative. Focus on the underlying technology and adoption trends, not just the daily chart. Diversification remains a cornerstone of prudent investing, even within the crypto asset class. The Future Outlook for Bitcoin’s Value Looking ahead, the trajectory for the BTC price appears promising but requires cautious optimism. The convergence of institutional infrastructure, clearer regulations, and Bitcoin’s proven resilience builds a strong case for its long-term value proposition. Challenges such as regulatory scrutiny in some regions and market volatility will persist, but they are part of the maturation process for a groundbreaking asset class. In conclusion, Bitcoin’s break above $88,000 is a landmark event that underscores its growing prominence in the global financial landscape. This rally is supported by tangible factors like institutional demand and macroeconomic trends, making it more than just speculative fervor. While future price action will inevitably include corrections, the fundamental case for Bitcoin continues to strengthen. Staying informed and adhering to a personal investment strategy is the key to navigating this exciting yet unpredictable market. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Why did the BTC price suddenly jump above $88,000? A: The surge is likely due to a combination of increased institutional buying, positive market sentiment ahead of the Bitcoin halving, and broader macroeconomic factors driving interest in alternative assets. Q2: Is it too late to buy Bitcoin at this price? A: While buying at an all-time high carries risk, many investors use strategies like dollar-cost averaging to enter the market gradually, reducing the impact of volatility. Q3: Could the BTC price drop back down after this rally? A> Yes, sharp rallies are often followed by periods of consolidation or correction as traders take profits. It’s a normal part of market cycles. Q4: What is the next major target for the BTC price? A: The next significant psychological and technical resistance levels are at $90,000 and then $95,000. Q5: How does the Bitcoin halving affect the price? A: The halving cuts the new supply of Bitcoin in half. Historically, this reduced supply issuance has preceded major bull markets, as demand potentially outstrips new supply. Q6: Where can I safely track the live BTC price? A: Reputable cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and data aggregators like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko provide reliable, real-time price information. Found this analysis of the surging BTC price helpful? Share this article on your social media channels to help other investors stay informed about this major market movement. Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts on Bitcoin’s future! To learn more about the latest Bitcoin trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action and institutional adoption. This post BTC Price Soars: Bitcoin Breaks $88,000 Barrier in Stunning Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Chainlink (LINK) is down 2% in early afternoon trading during the US session on December 23,2025, as the price hovers near $12.10. The native token of the oracle network is in red in the past week, month, and year time frames, with bulls’ failure to rally signaling a potential bearish continuation in 2026. That’s because
Solana has registered another death cross as broader on-chain metrics send mixed signals.
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Aster DEX's Stage 5 Buyback Program allocates up to 80% of platform fees and 100% of Shield Mode net profits to purchase ASTER tokens, aiming to reduce supply and stabilize price amid bearish pressure. This deflationary strategy has already bought 566,000 ASTER worth $399,000 since launch. Aster DEX implements automatic daily buybacks using 40% of [...]
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