Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that enables peer-to-peer transactions over the internet. It was created in 2009 by an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. This technology ensures transparency, security, and immutability of transaction data.
Bitcoin is not controlled by any central authority, such as a government or financial institution, which distinguishes it from traditional currencies. Instead, it relies on cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. The supply of Bitcoin is limited to 21 million coins, which creates scarcity and is believed to give it value.
Users can acquire Bitcoin through mining, purchasing from exchanges, or receiving it as payment for goods and services. Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, meaning that while the transaction history is public, the identities of the parties involved are not directly tied to their Bitcoin addresses. This potential for anonymity has made Bitcoin popular for both legitimate and illicit activities. As the first and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has influenced the development of thousands of other cryptocurrencies and the broader world of digital finance.
Donald Trump signs an executive order to create a U.S. strategic cryptocurrency reserve with 198,000 confiscated bitcoins, valued at $17 billion, aiming to strengthen America's position in the digital currency…