The Leftover Bits is the web’s most digestible daily bitcoin news column.
ChangeTip Adds SoundCloud to Supported Platforms
ChangeTip continues to extend its reach across the internet, supporting more social platforms than any other tipping app in the bitcoin space. With integrations spanning Slack, GitHub, Facebook, Reddit, Twitter and more, ChangeTip has become a go-to tool for sending small bitcoin tips to people active online.
Now SoundCloud joins that list. SoundCloud is a social audio platform that lets users upload, share and discover sound recordings of all kinds. For musicians and creators, SoundCloud offers an easy way to distribute tracks and connect with listeners—and with ChangeTip support, fans can now tip artists directly in bitcoin.
Broader platform support is important for bitcoin’s path to mainstream adoption. Services like SoundCloud, YouTube, GitHub and Tumblr introduce bitcoin to creators and audiences who may never have used it otherwise, helping demonstrate real-world utility beyond the cryptocurrency community.
SEC Charges ‘Former’ Circle Executive
The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a fresh set of charges against Iftikar Ahmed and has moved to freeze his assets while the case proceeds. Ahmed faces allegations of fraud and self-dealing tied to his activities at the venture capital firm Oak Funds.
Although Ahmed previously listed Circle Internet Financial among his employers on LinkedIn and remains referenced on some business directories, Circle’s official site does not show him as part of its management or board. According to media reports, Ahmed stepped down following an earlier SEC inquiry related to insider trading.
The SEC’s complaint alleges a recurring scheme: Ahmed reportedly invested in certain companies and then steered Oak Funds to make follow-on investments at inflated valuations, profiting from the transactions. In other instances, the complaint alleges Oak Investments overpaid for stock, with Ahmed personally capturing the excess value.
Regulators are seeking disgorgement of allegedly ill-gotten gains and civil penalties. Given the accusations and the scrutiny from the SEC, it may be in the best interest of cryptocurrency ventures to distance themselves from such controversies while the legal process runs its course.
More Russians Want to Ban Bitcoin Than Have Heard About Bitcoin
A new study finds that awareness of bitcoin among Russian citizens remains low, and that a surprisingly large portion of those surveyed would support banning it. According to the research, roughly 20% of respondents had heard of bitcoin prior to being asked about it, yet about 40% of participants expressed support for prohibiting the digital currency after learning what it is.
The study, conducted by the Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies in partnership with ProResearch and the National Agency for Financial Studies, reported that 28% of men and 18% of women said they had heard of bitcoin before the survey. When provided with an explanation of bitcoin’s function, a full 40% favored a ban, while 24% opposed a ban and 36% remained undecided.
These results suggest a significant gap in public understanding. If the bitcoin community hopes to win broader acceptance in Russia, more education about blockchain technology and its potential benefits will be essential.