Bitcoin
NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden Drops Bombshell At Bitcoin 2024 Conference

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden gave a keynote speech at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, during which he made certain shocking revelations about Bitcoin and the broader crypto ecosystem. He also made a case for why crypto remains an individual’s best bet against fighting corrupt institutional practices.
What Snowden Said About Bitcoin
Snowden mentioned during his keynote speech at the Bitcoin 2024 conference that most Bitcoin transactions are fully doxxed, although not made public. He made this revelation while noting how this is possible, considering that transactions on the network are permanent and can be publicly verified by anyone.
However, the whistleblower suggested that the identities of those making transactions on the Bitcoin network (and other chains) aren’t as anonymous as some might think. He further asserted that “legacy exchanges,” which act as on-ramps for crypto users, usually share users’ information with regulators, which Snowden called ‘great powers.’
Snowden stated that these great powers can decipher other aspects of users’ lives, including their life histories and political affiliations, through their transaction histories. He described how these powers gather individuals’ metadata or activity records and use them to form a complete picture of them without ever needing to get a warrant.
Snowden’s speech again highlighted the issue of users’ privacy, which has become a common theme when using centralized entities. He noted how these entities have no regard for users’ data despite several warnings and even the introduction of privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The NSA whistleblower indirectly made a case for decentralization, a major principle in the crypto world. The fall of several centralized exchanges like FTX and the increased surveillance of exchanges like Binance have led to greater adoption of decentralized exchanges (DEXs), considering the freedom and privacy they afford users.
This issue regarding the breach of users’ privacy also makes a case for self-custody and how crypto users should embrace self-custodial wallets. This ensures that individuals have greater control over their finances rather than relying on third-party systems, which can easily be compromised.
Vitalik Buterin’s Words Come To Mind
Snowden’s speech echoes a similar sentiment to that of Ethereum’s co-founder Vitalik Buterin. While recently discussing the relationship between crypto and politics, Buterin noted that crypto was more than just money. Instead, he argued that the primary purpose for which crypto was introduced was to achieve freedom.
According to Vitalik, this freedom comes in several spheres, including ‘freedom and privacy of communication,’ ‘freedom and privacy-friendly digital identity,’ ‘freedom and privacy of thought,’ and ‘high-quality access to information, among others. In achieving this freedom, users can have greater control over their digital identity and how their information is shared.
The crypto space is undoubtedly making strides to grant individuals this freedom. For instance, technologies like Shiba Inu’s Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) solution enable encrypted data processing and help address privacy concerns when using blockchain technology. Zero-knowledge (ZK) proof technology is another, as users can now transact anonymously without fearing their identity being revealed.
Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com
Bitcoin
Public Companies are Buying Bitcoin Again After a Brief Pause

Bitcoin is rebounding after tariff chaos, and public companies like Metaplanet are conducting major acquisitions. The firm bought $28.2 million worth of the asset, nearly a $2 million increase from last week.
However, despite this new confidence, Metaplanet’s stock has continued to perform shakily. The crypto market is showing cautious optimism, but that won’t immediately translate into major gains.
Although a few corporate Bitcoin whales briefly paused their big purchases recently, the markets are heating back up again. Metaplanet began buying the dip last week, and Bitcoin has been making steady progress since then.
Today, its CEO, Simon Gerovich, announced a new purchase as BTC rebounds:
“Metaplanet has acquired 330 BTC for ~$28.2 million at ~$85,605 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 119.3% YTD 2025. As of 4/21/2025, we hold 4855 $BTC acquired for ~$414.5 million at ~$85,386 per bitcoin,” he claimed.
Trump’s tariff threats caused massive uncertainty and crypto liquidations in the last few weeks. However, since he announced a pause, crypto and industry-related stocks have been rallying.
Whales like Metaplanet and MicroStrategy immediately began buying Bitcoin, and the whole market is rising. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index was recently in Extreme Fear but has since recovered greatly:

Still, markets are showing cautious optimism, not a full rally. A quick look at some major crypto-related stocks will paint a clearer picture.
MicroStrategy rose over 4% in the last five days and nearly 6% in the last month, but it’s a pillar of confidence in BTC. Metaplanet, a much smaller Bitcoin holder, only fell 1.89% in the last five days but over 20% in the last 30.
In other words, it can be difficult to cleanly connect Bitcoin’s recent successes with major holders like Metaplanet. Compare two prominent US-based crypto miners, Marathon and Riot.
The former recovered from its slump in early April, while the latter only continued to drop. Coinbase, too, has only made brief rallies on a trend of continual decline.
While Bitcoin’s adoption has surged dramatically over the past year, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about tariffs and recession. Metaplanet may be in shaky territory right now, but its confidence in Bitcoin can provide a long-term sense of stability.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Bitcoin
Dollar Dips While Bitcoin Hits New Heights

The US Dollar Index (DXY) has dropped to a three-year low amid reports that President Donald Trump is considering removing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
Meanwhile, the development positively affected Bitcoin’s (BTC) price, pushing it to its highest level since President Trump’s Liberation Day.
Trump’s Push Against Powell Adds Pressure on the Dollar
According to the latest data, DXY has plunged below 99. At press time, it stood at 98.2, representing the lowest value since March 2022.

Economist Peter Schiff highlighted the severity of the situation in the latest post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Gold is up over $50, hitting a record high of $3,380. The euro is above $1.15. The dollar has also fallen below 141 Japanese yen and .81 Swiss francs (a new 14-year low, just 3% above a record low). The dollar Index is below 98.5, a new three-year low. This is getting serious,” Schiff posted.
The dollar’s steep fall comes amid the latest comments made by National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on Friday, April 18. Hassett revealed that Trump and his team are actively exploring the possibility of ousting Powell.
His statement was in response to a reporter’s question about whether removing Powell was an option.
“The president and his team will continue to study that matter,” Hassett replied.
In addition, he called out the Federal Reserve for politically motivated actions under Powell’s leadership. Specifically, Hassett criticized the Fed for raising interest rates shortly after Trump’s election and cutting them ahead of the election, moves he claims favored the Democratic Party.
Notably, the growing contempt towards Powell is a response to the Fed’s stance on interest rates. BeInCrypto reported earlier that the Fed will likely not cut rates in May amid rising inflation and President Trump’s tariff pause.
Recently, Trump also blamed the Fed Chair for being slow to act on interest rate cuts. In a post on social media, Trump compared Powell’s actions unfavorably to the European Central Bank (ECB), which is set to implement its seventh interest rate cut.
Trump argued that Powell, whom he described as “always too late and wrong,” should have taken similar measures long ago to address economic conditions.
“Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” the President wrote.
The Fed Chair’s potential removal raises serious questions about the Federal Reserve’s independence and its implications for global markets. Powell, whose term as chair extends to May 2026, has previously stated that legal protections prevent his removal and that he intends to serve out his term.
Will Dollar Weakness Drive Bitcoin to New Heights?
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that if Powell is removed and President Trump successfully persuades the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, it could likely lead to a crypto market rally. Generally, when the Fed lowers interest rates, the US dollar tends to weaken.
Therefore, investors prefer cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, which is often seen as a hedge against inflation and the weakening of fiat currencies. The inverse relation between the DXY and BTC further solidifies the case for a rally if the dollar depreciates.
In fact, the latest decline in the dollar index has coincided with a notable increase in Bitcoin’s price. The largest cryptocurrency surged to over $87,000 for the first time since April 2.
“USD weakness is driving the rally in crypto,” Sean McNulty, Derivatives Trading Lead at FalconX, told Bloomberg.

At the time of writing, BTC was trading at $87,586. BeInCrypto data showed that this represented an appreciation of 3.5% over the past day. As markets celebrate these gains, the focus remains on Trump’s next moves and their broader economic consequences.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Bitcoin
Solana, Bitcoin in Texas, and Initia

Several top crypto news stories are in the lineup this week in crypto, spanning various ecosystems with the potential to drive volatility.
This week, traders looking to capitalize on event-specific volatility should monitor the following developments.
This week, the Solana Community Conference, or Breakpoint, is among the top crypto news stories. It kicks off on April 25 and is Solana’s flagship gathering of developers, investors, and innovators.
Historically, Solana Breakpoint is a stage for major announcements, such as new project launches, partnerships, or technological advancements. In recent years, key announcements in similar gatherings have included the Solana Seeker phone or the Firedancer validator client.
According to Solscan data, Solana’s ecosystem boasts nearly 4 million active wallets. Meanwhile, DefiLlama data shows up to $7.37 billion in total value locked (TVL). With these numbers, the Solana community conference could drive positive sentiment for SOL, which was trading at $141.05 at press time.

Traders should brace for potential price volatility, as positive news could spark short-term spikes. In the same way, any underwhelming news or network concerns, like past outages, might temper enthusiasm.
Texas Bitcoin Reserve Hearing
Another top crypto news story this week concerns a strategic crypto reserve. On April 23, Texas will hold a strategic Bitcoin reserve hearing, marking a significant event given the state’s pro-crypto stance.
The bill, introduced four months ago, passed the committee with a 9-0 vote and received senate approval with 80% support. Similarly, Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor for the State of Texas, listed Bitcoin Reserve as a top priority for 2025.
“My statement announcing the first round of top 40 priority Bills for the 2025 legislative session,” he shared on X (Twitter) in January.
Against these backdrops, the Wednesday hearing could clarify Texas’s approach to institutional Bitcoin adoption. This could set a precedent for other states or federal policy.
A favorable outcome might bolster Bitcoin’s legitimacy, driving demand from institutional investors and positively influencing the BTC price.

Initia’s Mainnet and INIT Token Launch
Also in the headlines, this week in crypto, Initia’s mainnet launch and its token, INIT, debut on Thursday, April 24. This comes after the network revealed a 50 million token airdrop three weeks ago.
The Thursday event will mark a key milestone for the layer-1 blockchain, which is focused on interoperability and user experience. The launch could attract attention from decentralized finance (DeFi) and cross-chain enthusiasts, as Initia aims to simplify dApp interactions.
For traders, INIT’s initial price action will be critical, as new token launches often experience high volatility due to speculative trading.
“Initia INIT Binance Spot Listing Date Announced! Listing on: 24th April 2025. Mainnet will also officially launch on the same day. Airdrop claim date and exact time are yet to be announced,” the network stated recently.
Investors should evaluate Initia’s partnerships and developer adoption, as its success hinges on ecosystem growth.
Injective’s Lyora Mainnet Upgrade
Injective’s Lyora mainnet upgrade, scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, aims to enhance network performance and transaction speed. It would strengthen its position as a DeFi-focused layer-1 chain.
“The Injective Lyora Mainnet is nearly here! Vote today to dramatically enhance Injective infrastructure, performance, and transaction speeds. The official launch is on April 22,” Injective said.
This upgrade could improve user experience and attract developers to Injective’s ecosystem, particularly for derivatives and trading platforms.
Traders should watch INJ’s price for short-term momentum, as successful upgrades often drive positive sentiment.

At the same time, investors should consider Injective’s growing TVL (total value locked) and partnerships, like its collaboration with Sonic for AI agent platforms, as indicators of long-term potential.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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