Gensler Alleged Crypto Hypocrisy

The cryptocurrency community has criticized Gary Gensler, the current chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a former professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), after a video from 2018 surfaced in which he stated that cryptocurrencies are comparable to commodities or cash and are not securities. This has led to criticism of Gensler from the cryptocurrency community. As a result of this, hypocrisy allegations have been leveled at Gensler since his present position seems to contradict his prior views.

Gensler explained initial coin offerings (ICOs) and the Howey test in the video, which was taken from a seminar entitled “Blockchain and Money” that took place during the Fall Semester of 2018 at the university. He made the observation that “three-quarters of the market are not ICOs or not what would be called securities,” and he identified the markets in the United States, Canada, and Taiwan as countries that adhere to criteria that are comparable to those of the Howey test. The next statement that he made was that “three-quarters of the market is non-securities, it’s just a commodity, cash, and crypto.”

Gensler briefly admitted that initial coin offerings (ICOs) may ignite a discussion over securities, but he ultimately came to the conclusion that “three-quarters of the market is not particularly relevant as a legal matter.” However, in his present capacity as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gensler has adopted a more harsh attitude on cryptocurrencies, with the SEC starting a series of high-profile investigations against crypto businesses in recent months. Gensler’s stance on cryptocurrencies reflects the SEC’s increased scrutiny of the industry.

The crypto community reacted swiftly to Gensler’s apparent shift of viewpoint, and many members were keen to point it out. “Wow” was all that Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong had to say in response to a message that was published by cryptocurrency researcher “zk-SHARK.” In a tweet sent at his 658,900 followers, Erik Voorhees, the inventor of the cryptocurrency trading website ShapeShift, inquired as to when someone will be imprisoned for fraud. Farokh Sarmad, the inventor of the Web3 podcast Rug Radio, referred to Gensler as “disgusting” in a tweet that he sent out to his 346,200 followers, and a systems engineer who went by the handle “JD” demanded that Gensler provide an explanation for his shift in position.

On the other hand, not all members of the cryptocurrency community were on board with these comments. U.S. attorney Preston Byrne claimed that Gensler’s opinions as a professor should not be used against him in his present function as a law enforcement, since Gensler works in a different capacity than he did when he was a professor.

The continuous regulatory ambiguity that surrounds the cryptocurrency business is brought to light by the controversy over Gensler’s position on cryptocurrencies. As the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulatory authorities continue to probe crypto firms, many participants in the industry are advocating for clearer standards and laws to assist enable the growth and development of the sector.

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Bitcoin Lightning Network goes live on Cash App

Mobile payment service Cash App revealed that Lightning Network can now be used to transfer Bitcoin (BTC) through its app. With the new feature, its users can send their BTC to any Lightning or on-chain BTC address.

A few weeks ago, the company announced through a notification within the app that it has integrated the Lightning Network. Now, its users can finally use the feature and utilize the benefits that the Bitcoin Lightning Network brings into everyday BTC transactions.

To use Lightning Network on Cash App, users need to scan a Lightning QR using their cameras, confirm the details of the payment and tap on pay. 

The Lightning Network, sometimes called Lightning or LN, is a layer-2 solution that brings scalability to Bitcoin. Lightning eases the load on the Bitcoin blockchain by creating a separate network where users transact and creating minimal engagements with the Bitcoin blockchain to lessen fees and speed up transactions.

While many users rejoiced that they are able to use the Lightning Network feature through their Cash App, some could only watch. As the firm mentioned a few weeks ago, the feature will be available everywhere in the United States apart from New York. “At this time New York residents aren’t eligible for Lightning,” Cash App tweeted.

Twitter user notgrubles disagreed. According to him, users in New York are still eligible if “they run their own LN node.” Because of the decentralized nature of Bitcoin Lightning Network transactions, it can be used by anyone regardless of their location outside of Cash App. ProofofBrain, another user, also supported this sentiment by tweeting:

Related: Block job postings reveal Jack Dorsey’s Bitcoin plans

Cash App is a service developed and operated by Block Inc., a company founded by Jack Dorsey. Back in 2021, Dorsey stepped down as Twitter’s CEO. While he mentions that stepping down is a way to give the company freedom from the founder’s influence, many speculate that the move means that Dorsey will spend more time on Bitcoin.