Category: News

On March 20, 2025, an important meeting took place between David Sacks, the US Special Advisor on AI and Crypto, and Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s investment fund MGX.

This meeting marked significant progress in technological cooperation between the US and the UAE and created new opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency.

What Did David Sacks and Sheikh Tahnoon Discuss?

Sheikh Tahnoon is a powerful figure in the UAE. He is the brother of the UAE President and serves as the country’s National Security Advisor. He also chairs MGX, an investment fund established in 2024 to promote AI and blockchain technologies.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Tahnoon stated that he and David Sacks discussed AI development, the role of digital currencies, and investment opportunities.

“I explored with David Sacks, the Special Advisor on AI and Crypto, the transformative effects of artificial intelligence across various sectors, the expanding role of digital currencies in reshaping financial systems, and the investment opportunities emerging at their convergence,” Sheikh Tahnoon said.

This meeting took place just one week after MGX announced a $2 billion investment in Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Notably, MGX conducted this investment using stablecoins, making it the largest crypto-based investment transaction ever.

Under Sheikh Tahnoon’s leadership, MGX is emerging as a major AI investor with allocations across various AI sectors. According to The Wall Street Journal, MGX is expected to receive over $50 billion from Sheikh Tahnoon’s personal assets and other sources in Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, MGX is one of the key backers of Stargate, a $100 billion data center project led by SoftBank and OpenAI, announced at the White House. The fund has also invested in OpenAI, Elon Musk’s xAI, and Amazon-backed Anthropic.

This meeting was part of a broader series of diplomatic engagements between the US and the UAE. On March 18, President Trump announced on TruthSocial that he had hosted Sheikh Tahnoon for dinner at the White House. They discussed economic and technological cooperation.

“Discussions also included ways for our countries to increase our partnership for the advancing of our economic and technological futures,” President Trump stated.

Additionally, reports have recently surfaced suggesting that the Trump family is negotiating to acquire a stake in Binance.US. However, CZ, the former Binance CEO, has denied these claims. Meanwhile, World Liberty Financial, a DeFi project linked to the Trump family, has been continuously investing in projects like Avalanche, Mantle, Sui Blockchain, and Movement.

The post AI, Crypto, and Investments—All About David Sacks’ Meeting with UAE’s Sheikh Tahnoon appeared first on BeInCrypto.

As developers await further testing results from the Hoodi testnet, the highly anticipated Ethereum Pectra mainnet upgrade, initially slated for April 2025, has been delayed.

This decision came during Ethereum’s All Core Developers Consensus Call (ACDC) #153 on March 20. It reflects the development team’s cautious approach to ensuring a smooth and stable upgrade process.

Hoodi Testnet to Determine Pectra Timeline

During the call, Ethereum’s core team reviewed the progress of Pectra.

Instead of confirming a mainnet date, they opted to monitor the upgrade’s performance on Hoodi, a newly launched testnet designed to assess Pectra’s stability. This is unsurprising, as Ethereum Protocol Support Lead Tim Beiko recently hinted as much. He noted the scheduling of Pectra Upgrade at least 30 days after Hoodi forks successfully.

“…Pectra will be scheduled 30+ days after Hoodi forks successfully, pending infra and client testing. Fusaka planning will run in parallel, with a deadline of March 24 to propose EIPs, and a tentative date of April 10 for a scope freeze,” Beiko explained.

Therefore, the delay is not entirely surprising, reflecting developers’ cautious approach to ensuring a smooth transition.

The main reason for postponing the upgrade is the need for thorough testing. Developers use Hoodi to simulate real-world conditions and identify potential issues before activating Pectra on the mainnet.

The upgrade will go live on Hoodi on March 26, with developers observing its performance before deciding on the mainnet release.

Another factor influencing the delay is History Expiry, a planned cleanup process set to go live on May 1. This change, linked to Ethereum Improvement Proposal 6110 (EIP 6110), affects the handling of validator deposit history on Ethereum.

Since Pectra plays a key role in this process, the delay also compels the postponing of History Expiry. Developers are now reconsidering the timeline for implementing this change.

For now, the priority is to ensure a successful Pectra test on Hoodi, which is better than the Sepolia testnet. If testing goes smoothly, developers could move forward to set a mainnet launch date. However, they could extend the timeline further if necessary.

“Sepolia’s Pectra upgrade hit a snag because a node didn’t upgrade in time—sounds trivial, but it’s a reminder: Ethereum’s decentralization is only as strong as its weakest operator. If one forgotten node can delay an upgrade, imagine what happens when real money is on the line,” one user quipped.

At the same time, discussions about Ethereum’s next major upgrade, Fusaka, are underway. Developers are considering additional improvements for inclusion in future updates. This would ensure that Ethereum continues to grow and maintain its leadership in the blockchain space.

Although the Pectra delay is temporary, developers emphasize that thorough testing is essential to avoid unexpected issues.

The Ethereum community will have to wait a little longer, but the upgrade remains a top priority. A final decision on the mainnet launch date is due in the coming weeks.

The post Ethereum Pectra Mainnet Upgrade Delayed—Here’s What’s Next appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Despite the strong performance last year, the market’s volatility has shifted the outlook for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in 2025. A series of major sell-offs have wiped out nearly all the inflows the ETFs received earlier in 2025.

This downturn coincides with Bitcoin’s continued price decline, leaving the ETFs struggling to maintain their momentum as investor sentiment shifts.

Bitcoin ETFs Face Major Setback in 2025

According to a recent post by Bread & Butter on X (formerly Twitter), Bitcoin ETFs had a promising start to the year. Between January 1 and February 7, they saw cumulative inflows of $5.7 billion.

However, a substantial sell-off quickly followed, erasing $5.3 billion of those gains. As a result, net inflows for the year plunged to a low of $106 million. 

In fact, the largest weekly net outflow was recorded in the final week of February, at $2.7 billion. That’s not all. Since the ETFs began trading, they have experienced outflows in three separate months. February stands out as the most significant, with a staggering $3.5 billion recorded as the largest monthly outflow to date.

Nonetheless, the post revealed a positive shift, noting that inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have resumed. Since March 14, the ETFs have recorded consecutive days of inflows, pushing the year-to-date net inflows to over $600 million. 

Notably, on March 17, BTC ETFs recorded their highest single-day inflow in 41 days. Amid this renewed momentum, BeInCrypto highlighted that asset managers Fidelity and ARK Invest were acquiring substantial amounts of Bitcoin, contributing to a bullish trend.

As of the latest data, the daily total net inflow reached $165.7 million on March 20. Yet, this growth was uneven across the 11 ETFs. 

Only four recorded inflows, with iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), leading at $172.1 million, followed by Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) with $9.2 million, Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) with $5.2 million, and VanEck Bitcoin ETF(HODL) with $11.9 million. 

Meanwhile, four ETFs saw zero flows, and three—Grayscale Bitcoin Trust(GBTC), Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB), and Franklin Templeton Digital Holdings Trust (EZBC)—experienced outflows, reflecting a mixed market performance.

“It remains to be seen whether this marks the beginning of a sustained rebound or just a temporary relief,” the post read.

This comes as Bitcoin’s price continues to navigate turbulent waters. The cryptocurrency has faced significant setbacks due to shifting macroeconomic conditions, leading to a notable decline. 

According to BeInCrypto data, BTC has depreciated by 12.1% over the past month and 2.0% in the last 24 hours alone. At press time, it was trading at $84,147.

However, analysts suggest that the worst may be over. Arthur Hayes, former CEO of BitMEX, pointed to a potential bullish shift, citing his custom US bank credit supply index, which was moving upwards.

“Doesn’t mean we are done dumping but the odds are shifting more bullish,” he said.

Market observers have also compared Bitcoin to gold. They predict that BTC may follow a similar trajectory and emerge from its current “fakeout” phase. Others believe Bitcoin is in a bear trap that could soon end.

The post Bitcoin ETFs’ 2025 Inflows Undone by $5.3 Billion Sell-Off, Yet Recovery Signs Appear appeared first on BeInCrypto.

ZachXBT’s investigation claims that the mysterious 50X Hyperliquid whale is actually a British cyber criminal named William Parker (formerly known as Alistair Packover). Parker has a long history of fraud, hacking, and casino theft.

This trader made headlines by profiting roughly $20 million from a series of highly leveraged trades

Who is William Parker, AKA the 50X Hyperliquid Whale?

The “50X Hyperliquid Whale” is the nickname given to a trader known for using extremely high leverage—up to 50x—on decentralized perpetual futures platforms like Hyperliquid and GMX. 

William Parker is a British cyber criminal with a long track record in hacking and fraud. 

“I tracked down a recent payment from  0xe4d3 to an unnamed person who confirmed they had been paid by the Hyperliquid trader. They provided a UK phone number used to communicate with them. Public record reveals the name William Parker is likely tied to this number,” wrote ZachXBT. 

He was arrested in 2023 for allegedly stealing around $1 million from two casinos. Even after serving time, Parker continued his illicit activities. 

Reportedly, he has been using phishing scams and other techniques to acquire funds. He later leveraged these in high-stakes crypto trading.

So, how did he actually make $20 million in a very short time? The answer is ‘using leverage’. 

Understanding 50x Hyperliquid Trades

In crypto, leverage means borrowing funds to increase the size of your trading position. In this case, the whale used up to 50× leverage. This means that even a small favorable move in an asset’s price could multiply his profits many times over. 

For example, if he had a 50× leveraged position and the price moved 2% in his favor, that 2% swing could translate into about a 100% gain on his original investment.

“A whale who opened a $450 million short position on btc with 40x leverage closed all their trades, making a $9.46M profit in 8 days. Although this person is referred to as a “Hyperliquid whale,” they are actually a criminal, gambling with stolen funds,” wrote Web3 attorney Langerius.

The trader, William Parker, as revealed by ZachXBT, opened very large positions in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether during volatile market moments. 

He timed his trades when the market was moving rapidly earlier this month due to the whole White House Crypto Summit and Bitcoin reserve saga. 

The volatile market sentiment allowed him to move around big events or sudden price changes.

“When a whale shorts over $450 million in BTC and wants a public audience, it’s only possible on Hyperliquid. Anyone can photoshop a PNL screenshot. No one can question a Hyperliquid position, just like no one can question a Bitcoin balance. The decentralized future is here,” Hyperliquid wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

How Did Parker’s Leveraged Trades Affect the Market?

In some cases, his massive trades also forced other traders into liquidation. When a trader’s position is liquidated, the system sells its assets at a loss to cover the borrowed funds. 

This boosted the whale’s gains and also disrupted the market. Although using 50× leverage is extremely risky, Parker managed his trades carefully.

His strategy was successful enough that he reportedly made around $20 million from these high-stakes moves.

The post Who Is the 50X Hyperliquid Whale? ZachXBT Has the Answer appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin was once considered the dominant currency in illicit transactions. However, it is now being replaced by privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero (XMR), Zcash (ZEC), Dash, and stablecoins.

The primary reason for Bitcoin’s decline in illegal activities is its transparency.

Reasons for the Shift from Bitcoin to Privacy Coins

Bitcoin (BTC) once dominated illicit activities on the Dark Web, such as Nucleus Marketplace or Brian’s Club. The report from TRM Labs indicated that Bitcoin accounted for 97% of the total cryptocurrency volume associated with illegal activities in 2016.

However, by 2022, this figure had dropped sharply to just 19%, indicating a significant shift toward other cryptocurrencies. 

According to the TRM Labs’ report, illegal cryptocurrency activities involving Bitcoin will drop to just 12% by 2024. Tron (TRX) holds the top position with 58%. In another report from Chainalysis, stablecoins now account for the majority of total illicit transaction volume at 63%. The use of Bitcoin in illegal activities also recorded a significant decline.

White House Market, one of the largest Dark Web marketplaces, stopped accepting Bitcoin and exclusively used Monero (XMR) for transactions in 2020. 

“The Bitcoin workaround was supposed to be there just to help with transition to XMR and as we are concerned, it’s done, therefore we are now Monero only, just as planned,” stated White House Market.

Elliptic researchers uncovered $11 billion in illicit trades using USDT on Cambodia’s Huione Guarantee marketplace in July 2024. Japanese law enforcement tracked Monero, marking the country’s first arrest linked to Monero transaction analysis.

The decision was driven by Bitcoin’s limitations, particularly its blockchain transparency. This move reflected a strategic shift in Dark Web markets and highlighted the rise of privacy coins like Monero, which are designed to provide enhanced anonymity.

The Popularity of Privacy Coins on the Dark Web

The decline of Bitcoin in illegal activities is not coincidental but rather stems from its inherent limitations. First and foremost, Bitcoin’s blockchain is a public ledger. When combined with additional data such as IP addresses or exchange records, every transaction can be tracked.

This transparency has enabled law enforcement agencies like the FBI to use blockchain analytics tools from Chainalysis and Elliptic to dismantle major Dark Web markets. Examples include the Silk Road shutdown in 2013, AlphaBay in 2017, Hydra in 2022, and Incognito Market in 2024.

Additionally, Bitcoin faces technical challenges, including high transaction fees and slow confirmation times. In contrast, privacy coins like Monero, Zcash, and Dash leverage advanced technologies to ensure high levels of anonymity, making transaction tracking extremely difficult. The Research from ScienceDirect suggests that privacy coins are closely linked to Dark Web traffic, further increasing their popularity in illicit markets.

The Two Sides of the Shift to Privacy Coins

On the positive side, Bitcoin’s declining role in illegal activities may improve its reputation as a legitimate financial tool. This could lead to wider acceptance and attract more users and investors.

However, the shift from Bitcoin to privacy coins and stablecoins has made it more challenging for law enforcement agencies to track and prevent illegal transactions. Despite advanced blockchain analytics tools that can detect transaction trails through mixers and tumblers, dealing with Monero and other privacy coins remains a significant challenge.

Global regulators are increasingly scrutinizing privacy coins and stablecoins. Some countries have outright banned privacy coins, while stablecoins are subjected to stricter oversight.

The transition from Bitcoin to privacy coins and stablecoins on the Dark Web is a clear trend, driven by the growing demand for anonymity and efficiency in illicit transactions. While Bitcoin still plays a role in certain crypto-related crimes, its transparency makes it less attractive to the Dark Web.

Meanwhile, Monero, Zcash, Dash, and stablecoins have become the preferred choices due to their enhanced security and privacy. This trend poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies while driving advancements in blockchain analytics tools. 

However, it also raises concerns about using cryptocurrencies in illegal activities, necessitating a balance between technological innovation and regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and security in the digital financial ecosystem.

The post Bitcoin Falls from the Shadows: Privacy Coins Now Dominate Dark Web Transactions appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Japanese Corporation Metaplanet has announced the appointment of Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, as the inaugural member of its newly established Strategic Board of Advisors. 

The announcement made on March 21 highlights Metaplanet’s strategic intent to strengthen its influence within the global Bitcoin economy.

Eric Trump Joins Metaplanet to Strengthen Bitcoin Strategy

According to the official statement, Eric Trump’s appointment aims to leverage his vast experience in real estate, finance, brand development, and strategic business growth. Beyond his business credentials, Eric Trump has positioned himself as a key advocate for digital assets and blockchain innovation. 

He also serves as a Web3 ambassador for World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a Trump-backed decentralized finance (DeFi) project focused on advancing financial freedom through decentralized technologies.

“His business acumen, love of the Bitcoin community and global hospitality perspective will be invaluable in accelerating Metaplanet’s vision of becoming one of the world’s leading Bitcoin Treasury Companies,” said Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich.

Alongside Eric Trump, Metaplanet’s Strategic Board of Advisors will include other renowned industry leaders and financial experts. These individuals will remain committed to advancing the company’s Bitcoin mission and fostering financial innovation in the digital asset sector.

The appointment comes as Metaplanet intensifies its Bitcoin investment strategy. On March 18, the company announced the issuance of 2 billion yen ($13.4 million) in zero-coupon ordinary bonds. The proceeds will be dedicated to acquiring more Bitcoin. 

This aligns with Metaplanet’s ambitious roadmap. The company aims to amass 10,000 Bitcoins by the end of this year and 21,000 BTC by the close of 2026.

According to the latest data from Bitcoin Treasuries, Metaplanet currently holds 3,200 BTC, acquired at an average cost of $83,107 per coin. While this has resulted in a modest 1.8% profit, the firm remains vulnerable to Bitcoin price fluctuations. 

The company faced potential losses multiple times in March 2025, when Bitcoin’s price fell below its acquisition cost. In fact, last week, Bitcoin dipped as low as $76,555—its lowest price since November 2024—putting downward pressure on Metaplanet’s portfolio. Nonetheless, the market has seen a slight recovery since.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $84,414. According to BeInCrypto data, this reflected a 1.54% decline over the past 24 hours. This offers a narrow margin of safety for Metaplanet’s holdings but underlines the ongoing volatility of the cryptocurrency market.

The post Metaplanet Expands Bitcoin Ambitions with Eric Trump’s Appointment to Advisory Board appeared first on BeInCrypto.

After the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) minutes and the digital asset summit on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, approximately $2.09 billion in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) options expire today.

The expiration may influence market conditions, with investors monitoring potential shifts.

Over $2 Billion in Options Expiry Today

According to Deribit, $1.826 billion in Bitcoin options expire today. The maximum pain point of these contracts stands at $85,000.

These options include 21,596 contracts, slightly fewer than last week’s 35,176. Despite recent volatility, the put-to-call ratio of 0.83 indicates a general bullish sentiment.

Ethereum has $264.46 million in options expiring, involving 133,447 contracts. This figure is also lower than the previous week’s 223,395 contracts. The maximum pain point for these options is $2,000, and the put-to-call ratio is 0.62.

As the options contracts near expiration at 8:00 UTC today, Bitcoin and Ethereum prices are expected to approach their respective maximum pain points. According to BeInCrypto data, BTC traded for $84,414, whereas ETH exchanged hands for $1,977.

This suggests a modest upside for Bitcoin and Ethereum towards the $85,000 and $2,000 strike prices, respectively. This surge is plausible given smart money’s Strategy in options trading, pushing prices toward the “max pain” level. Here, the highest number of contracts, both calls and puts, expire worthless.

“Will we see a volatility squeeze or a slow unwind?” Deribit posed in a post on X (Twitter).

Based on Bitcoin and Ethereum’s put-to-call ratios, both below 1, call options (purchases) have a higher prevalence than put options (sales).

Market Sentiment Ahead of Today’s Options Expiry

Analysts from crypto options trading tool Greeks.live provided insights on the current market sentiment, highlighting a divided trader community. On the one hand, some expect a price drop after the FOMC meeting, as policymakers rejected further interest rate cuts, effectively disappointing the crypto market.

On the other hand, some anticipate a temporary rise before choppy conditions. With this, the analysts note the range between $83,000 and $85,000 as the area of interest, with expected volatility around President Trump-related developments and potential MicroStrategy (now Strategy) purchases.

“Expect chop and drift lower before heading higher again on Monday, despite the current pump not being viewed as sustainable,” Greeks.live analysts observed.

Elsewhere, BeInCrypto reported that Bitget exchange CEO Gracy Chen is confident BTC will hold above the $73,000 to $78,000 range, paving the way for a potential rally to $200,000. She attaches her optimism to the US strategic Bitcoin reserve’s potential to drive institutional legitimacy and long-term price stability.

Even as Bitget’s Chen remains optimistic, traders and investors should brace for short-term volatility. Historically, options expirations tend to cause temporary price movements. However, the market usually stabilizes shortly after.

This calls for vigilance and analysis of technical indicators and market sentiment to manage potential volatility effectively.

The post Over $2 Billion Bitcoin and Ethereum Options Expire After FOMC and Digital Asset Summit appeared first on BeInCrypto.

XRP is rallying after the SEC officially dropped its lawsuit against Ripple, triggering a 13% price surge in the past 24 hours. Strong technical signals and growing market participation are supporting the bullish momentum.

XRP’s network activity is also hitting record levels, with active addresses soaring to new highs. As traders digest the legal victory and positive market signals, XRP’s outlook is strengthening, increasing the chances of further upside in the near term.

XRP DMI Shows Buyers Are In Full Control

XRP’s DMI chart reveals a notable shift in momentum, with its ADX (Average Directional Index) rising to 20.4 from 15.64 following the news that the SEC is dropping its lawsuit against Ripple.

This increase signals a strengthening market trend, as the ADX tracks the overall strength of a trend without specifying its direction.

The recent surge suggests that the price action is gaining conviction, especially as the market digests the positive legal developments surrounding Ripple.

The ADX is often used alongside the +DI and -DI indicators, which help identify trend direction. Typically, an ADX above 25 confirms a strong trend, while values below 20 suggest a weak or range-bound market.

In XRP’s case, the +DI has jumped from 18.3 to 39, while the -DI has dropped from 19.63 to 12.97, indicating a clear bullish divergence.

This sharp rise in buying strength (+DI) combined with a weakening bearish signal (-DI) supports the idea that XRP is attempting to maintain and possibly extend its uptrend. If this dynamic continues, it could see further upside in the short term as bullish momentum builds.

XRP Active Addresses Are Reaching New Records

XRP’s network activity has been surging, with the number of 7-day Active Addresses reaching an all-time high of 1.19 million. This is a massive increase from the 237,000 recorded on February 27, marking an almost fivefold rise in just a few weeks.

The spike in active addresses signals that XRP’s blockchain is seeing heightened participation, whether from retail traders, institutional players, or speculative interest.

Such elevated levels of activity are rarely seen and could indicate growing attention and usage of the network.

Tracking the number of active addresses is crucial as it offers insight into the level of user engagement and real demand on the blockchain.

Generally, an increase in active addresses can suggest that more participants are transacting or interacting with the network, which often correlates with stronger liquidity and potentially higher price volatility. In XRP’s case, this record-breaking surge in activity could act as a bullish signal, hinting at growing interest and possibly renewed capital inflows.

While it doesn’t guarantee immediate price appreciation, such strong network participation could help support XRP’s price and reduce downside risk, especially if coupled with other bullish technical or fundamental factors.

Can XRP Reach $3 Soon?

Its EMA lines are currently pointing to a potential new golden cross forming soon.

Should this scenario unfold, XRP price may first challenge the resistance at $2.648. If buying momentum strengthens further, the price might push toward $2.99, potentially breaking above the barrier at $3.

Conversely, a renewed downtrend could take shape if the bullish momentum fails to materialize and XRP’s price struggles to hold above its current range.

In this case, the key support level at $2.47 would become clear. A breakdown below this threshold could expose XRP to further downside risk, testing $2.21 and possibly driving it down to as low as $1.90.

The post Can XRP Reach a New All-Time High As the Ripple Lawsuit is Over? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Pi Network’s community sentiment poll on CoinMarketCap fell dramatically today, leading to allegations of bot activity. Negative votes swarmed the site’s poll, while other community ratings stayed positive.

However, there is no clear proof either for or against these claims. Pi Network has suffered criticism and price setbacks recently, and its supporters have swayed polls, votes, and ratings on multiple occasions.

Did Bots Sabotage Pi Network’s Community Sentiment?

Since its launch on February 20, Pi Network has seen more than its share of controversies. Critics have attacked its accessibility, governance, transparency, and more, and multiple governments have called it a scam.

Today, however, Pi supporters raised concerns about bot activity on CoinMarketCap after the token’s community sentiment plummeted:

“It looks like somebody is using bots to vote against PI. I am 99% sure this is not an organic poll. Over 1.94 Million votes is even bigger than the BTC vote. 77% of the PI community is bullish on CoinGecko. Why is it so different on CoinMarketCap?” a Pioneer asked on social media.

Specifically, this user noted that Pi’s community sentiment plunged 90% in less than a day and that this poll had more participants than Bitcoin’s.

Other platforms with a similar voting mechanism kept Pi’s rating steady, leading him to conclude that bot activity was involved.

It’s very difficult to assess the veracity of these Pi Network bot allegations for several reasons. First of all, the token’s price has suffered dramatically this week.

Many users lost huge sums of Pi tokens after the KYC migration deadline, and massive investor sell-offs have triggered a price rout. Some of this negative sentiment may be genuine.

Additionally, it’s interesting that CoinMarketCap is the only platform involved in the Pi Network bot voting allegations. The firm refused to acknowledge Pi as one of the largest tokens by market cap, but it eventually relented.

Either the platform or its community could bear resentment towards Pi after these setbacks.

Furthermore, the community does have a reputation for vote brigading. Bybit’s CEO has repeatedly criticized Pi, and the token’s supporters review-bombed the Bybit app in response. They did a similar practice with Binance after the exchange delayed a Pi listing.

Ultimately, it seems very unlikely that disgruntled Pi supporters or committed haters spiked this poll without any bot activity. The negative votes came in absurdly fast, were isolated to one platform, and exceeded the votes for even the largest cryptoassets.

As of now, it remains challenging to find definitive proof either way.

The post Pi Network Users Allege Bot Activity on CoinMarketCap Affecting Community Sentiment appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Open Builders, the team behind Notcoin, Lost Dogs, and Not Pixel, has announced the launch of Not Games in March. The project aims to revitalize the Notcoin (NOT) ecosystem by introducing games where players can earn tokens for free.

Open Builders revealed this plan at a time when interest in Telegram-based mini-games has dropped significantly, and TON’s user base has fallen to its lowest level in a year.

Notcoin (NOT) Seeks to Renew User Interest Through Not Games

In a press release shared with BeInCrypto, Open Builders clarified that Not Games is not a standalone game on Telegram. Instead, it is an interconnected gaming ecosystem that links multiple titles.

Within this ecosystem, Open Builders will introduce Game Profiles, shared inventories, and an in-game marketplace where players can trade with each other. This system gives the NOT token a broader use case, and it’s expected to transform the token from a simple tap-to-earn reward into a valuable asset within the gaming economy.

“Instead of fragmented tokenomics, Not Games will integrate NOT as the primary currency for purchases, upgrades, and rewards across all games. Every three weeks, the most skilled players will compete for rewards in NOT, ensuring a play-to-win experience, rather than a pay-to-win model.” – the Notcoin team told BeInCrypto.

Currently, Open Builders has already launched a game called VOID and confirmed that at least five more games are in development.

Tap-to-Earn and TON’s Shrinking User Base

Notcoin (NOT) gained massive popularity in 2024, driven by the tap-to-earn trend alongside projects like Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) and Yescoin, TapSwap, and Blum. Within the first six months of 2024, Notcoin attracted 35 million players.

However, Google Trends data indicates that interest in Notcoin has sharply declined and has nearly faded by 2025.

Additionally, Tgstat data reveals that the Notcoin Community’s Telegram membership has dropped by nearly 2 million since the beginning of the year.

Even after NOT’s listing on Kraken in mid-February, its price only surged briefly on the listing day before continuing its downward trend, hitting new lows in 2025. This suggests that investor interest in NOT has faded.

Moreover, Artemis data shows that daily active addresses on The Open Network (TON) have dropped from 2.4 million in October 2024 to just 130,000 at the time of writing.

The declining TON user base poses a major challenge for Notcoin (NOT) and its efforts to build a sustainable ecosystem.

The post Notcoin (NOT) Launches Not Games Amidst a Sharp Decline in TON Users appeared first on BeInCrypto.