Bitcoin
Major bitcoin exchanges hit by cyberattacks as record rally makes them a target (CNBC)
That said, Roberts and other digital currency analysts said the cyberattacks could allow the attackers to manipulate the bitcoin market. Since the price of bitcoin is set by several exchanges around the world, shutting off an exchange temporarily could allow a trader to take advantage of price differences.
Australian Politician Calls for Bitcoin Scrutiny in Fight Against Terrorism (Coindesk)
"We must target this threat head on. As terrorists adapt their methods and seek to hide online, we must ensure our agencies have the tools, resources and technology so terrorism has no place to hide. – Bill Shorten, Leader of the Australian Labor Party
Altcoins
Blockchain Tech Company Sia (Siacoin) Could Disrupt Dropbox and Amazon (Inc)
The idea behind Sia is that instead of everything being essentially hosted on central servers, Sia's blockchain technology will decentralize file storage and make it open source. Sia will then allow companies to get involved and host their own private decentralized cloud and sell that as a service to their customers. This could in theory drastically reduce hosting and storage costs, and most likely will.
Blockchain
AIG teams with IBM to use blockchain for 'smart' insurance policy (Reuters)
AIG and IBM completed a pilot of a so-called "smart contract" multi-national policy for Standard Chartered Bank PLC which the companies said is the first of its kind using blockchain's digital ledger technology.
Illinois Eases Burden for Cryptocurrency Startups with New Guidance (Coindesk)
Announced yesterday by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the completed regulatory guidance clarified that digital currency is not captured under the definition of money used in the state's Transmitters of Money Act (TOMA). The final announcement was published after nearly six months after the agency's initial request for comments.
Regulation
Fully Regulated, Fully Compliant: Gemini Now Licensed in Washington (The Cointelegraph)
The company is already fully functional as an exchange for cryptocurrencies in 45 states as well as multiple countries overseas. However, because of fiscal requirements, Washington had remained untapped by the company. This change represents a substantial victory for Gemini.
