7/28/14 - Ecuador bans Bitcoin, Blockchain iOS wallet, & Bitcoin all over the world together

Описание: The National Assembly of Ecuador has passed a vote to amend the country's existing monetary and financial laws, which simultaneously approves the creation of a state-run electronic currency, while also effectively banning Bitcoin and other decentralized digital currencies. The Assembly released a statement saying quote “Electronic money will stimulate the economy, it will be possible to attract more Ecuadorian citizens, especially those who do not have checking or savings accounts and credit cards alone. The electronic currency will be backed by the assets of the Central Bank of Ecuador.” It is unclear to what degree this will affect local Bitcoin companies, though any dealing in digital currencies will likely need to minimize or cease operations, given that the bill prohibits “emission, production, initiation, falsifications, or any other type of [digital currency] simulation, and its circulation through any channel or way of representation.” Anyone who violates the ban will face prosecution, which could result in the confiscation of their Bitcoin or any similar holdings. This is the second country to effectively and officially ban Bitcoin, following Bolivia's example from last month.

A new easy-to-use web-based cryptocurrency wallet service called Celery has emerged from cryptocurrency exchange BTX Trader, as a way to lower the barrier of entry for non-technical people to get started using Bitcoin. Celery currently supports bitcoin and dogecoin, and allows users to directly link their bank account in order to buy and sell coins with direct bank transfers, a system that closely resembles market leader Coinbase. As Celery's CTO Divya Thakur puts it, “We are convinced great times are ahead for cryptocurrencies, but only if adoption can grow beyond experienced financial technology enthusiasts. That’s why we are launching Celery to ensure everyone can participate in the digital currency revolution.”

Popular Bitcoin wallet provider Blockchain announced the release of their brand new, completely rebuilt iOS wallet app, happily returned to the Apple app store. The Blockchain app had been previously removed from the Apple store back in January, which resulted in numerous angry and even destructive responses from the bitcoin community. However, as soon as Apple updated their App Store Review Guidelines in early June, Blockchain CEO Nic Cary says, “we pulled the iOS project off the shelf and got to work. We wanted to use this as an opportunity to improve the wallet, but we were still apprehensive... because it wasn’t clear what types of apps would get through the submission and approval process.”

Digital currency trading platform Atlas ATS today announced a new partnership with global Bitcoin operator Recol to launch Atlas ATS Europe. The new exchange platform will offer European investors the same Atlas ATS services, including Bitcoin and Litecoin trading, as well as multi-signature digital wallet with easy and secure deposits, withdrawals, and storage. The new Atlas ATS Europe will also provide European users with ATM access, as Recol continues expanding its ATM network across Europe.

Bitcoin Brands Incorporated, previously named Cephas Holding Corp, has announced a new branding campaign partnership with Spike TV, which kicked off Friday with a televised Bellator Mixed Martial Arts event featuring MMA legend Phil "The New York Bad Ass" Baroni, who wore the Bitcoin Brands logos on his fight trunks and fought behind a banner displaying the company logos. The campaign will continue in the next few weeks with 2 more sponsored MMA fighters in nationally televised fights, along with a full spread of bitcoin MMA merchandise, fighter meet and greets, and online contests.

Straight out of the plot of every single tv show ever comes the Bitcoin Guinness Project. Launched by Bitcoin Development LTD, the project hopes to bring awareness and popularity to Bitcoin by gaining entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. As the website proclaims, "Bitcoin is much-needed recognized!" While the goal seems to be to gain international fame, like that of Melvin Booth with the world longest fingernails, or Thomas Blackthorne with the heaviest weight lifted by tongue - it's unclear what exactly the plan is. The website promises more details in August. It also says "If you are Bitcoin fan, you must pay close attention to it, Bitcoin need to be recognized by more people, even by universe. We believe Guinness is a good chance to publicity, We sincerely hope we can bring Bitcoin to all over the world together." Powerful words. A public address is listed, asking for donations. What those funds will be used for, however, is also unclear.