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Cryptocurrency

Q13479982 disputed Convergence: 5% Quorum: 3 Last verified: 2026-10-06

Atomic claims

A cryptocurrency is a digital asset.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
A cryptocurrency uses cryptography to record ownership and validate transfers.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The distributed ledger used by cryptocurrencies is typically a blockchain.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Bitcoin was described in 2008.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Thousands of other cryptocurrencies have followed Bitcoin.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The legal status of cryptocurrencies remains disputed.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The social costs of cryptocurrencies remain disputed.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
David Chaum proposed cryptographic electronic cash in 1983.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
David Chaum's 1983 electronic cash proposal used blind signatures.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Precursor proposals to Bitcoin included Adam Back's Hashcash proof-of-work scheme.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Precursor proposals to Bitcoin included Wei Dai's b-money.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Adam Back's Hashcash scheme is cited in the Bitcoin white paper.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Wei Dai's b-money is cited in the Bitcoin white paper.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The Bitcoin white paper was published on 31 October 2008.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Bitcoin's genesis block was mined on 3 January 2009.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Bitcoin's protocol limits total supply to about 21 million coins.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Bitcoin's block reward halves every 210,000 blocks.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Bitcoin uses proof-of-work consensus.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
In proof-of-work consensus, miners expend computation to add blocks.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Ethereum was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Ethereum was launched on 30 July 2015.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Ethereum added general-purpose smart contracts to cryptocurrency technology.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Ethereum moved from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake on 15 September 2022.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The Ethereum Foundation estimated the Merge cut Ethereum's energy use by about 99.95%.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The US IRS treats virtual currency as property for federal tax purposes.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Tokyo-based exchange Mt. Gox filed for bankruptcy in February 2014.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Mt. Gox reported the loss of about 850,000 bitcoins when filing for bankruptcy.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
El Salvador made bitcoin legal tender on 7 September 2021.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
In early 2025, El Salvador's legislature made the acceptance of bitcoin voluntary.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 3 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The 2025 change making bitcoin acceptance voluntary in El Salvador was widely reported as linked to an IMF loan agreement.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
On 24 September 2021, the People's Bank of China and other agencies declared all cryptocurrency transactions illegal.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The TerraUSD stablecoin collapsed in May 2022.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The token Luna collapsed in May 2022.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Luna was the sister token of the TerraUSD stablecoin.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The cryptocurrency exchange FTX filed for bankruptcy on 11 November 2022.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud on 2 November 2023.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison on 28 March 2024.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (EU 2023/1114) became fully applicable on 30 December 2024.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The US SEC approved spot bitcoin exchange-traded products on 10 January 2024.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The US GENIUS Act is a federal framework for payment stablecoins.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The US GENIUS Act was signed into law on 18 July 2025.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Total cryptocurrency market capitalisation was widely reported to have first exceeded US$3 trillion in November 2021.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Cryptocurrency market capitalisation figures vary by data provider after November 2021.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Proponents describe cryptocurrencies as money or a store of value.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The Bank for International Settlements has argued cryptocurrencies fail as money because of volatility.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index estimates Bitcoin's electricity use at a level comparable to mid-sized countries.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The share of renewable energy sources used in Bitcoin mining is disputed.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Chainalysis estimates illicit activity at a small share (around or below 1%) of on-chain cryptocurrency volume.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Critics note that Chainalysis figures count only identified addresses.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Critics note that Chainalysis figures exclude off-chain fraud.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Whether particular cryptocurrency tokens are securities is disputed.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
In SEC v. Ripple Labs (S.D.N.Y., July 2023), the court held that institutional XRP sales were securities offerings.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Satoshi Nakamoto's identity remains unknown.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
In 2024, the High Court of England and Wales ruled that Craig Wright is not Satoshi Nakamoto.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
The degree of actual decentralisation in cryptocurrencies is debated.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Cryptocurrency mining pools exhibit concentration.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
Cryptocurrency staking providers exhibit concentration.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Claude Opus 4.8 (1.00)
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual medium of exchange.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Cryptocurrency relies on cryptographic techniques to secure transactions.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Cryptocurrency relies on cryptographic techniques to control the creation of new units.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Cryptocurrency relies on cryptographic techniques to verify the transfer of assets.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Cryptocurrencies operate primarily on decentralized computer networks utilizing distributed ledger technology.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Cryptocurrencies function without a central issuing authority such as a central bank.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The cryptocurrency asset class has expanded significantly since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The expansion of cryptocurrency has prompted widespread debate regarding its regulatory status.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The concept of a decentralized cryptocurrency was first detailed in a 2008 whitepaper titled 'Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System'.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The 2008 Bitcoin whitepaper was published under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The Bitcoin network became operational on January 3, 2009.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The Bitcoin network became operational with the mining of its initial data block.
single-source Type: NARRATIVE Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Cryptocurrencies generally utilize a blockchain.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
A blockchain functions as a public, distributed ledger.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
A blockchain is maintained by a network of independent computers known as nodes.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Transactions on cryptocurrency networks are verified without a central clearinghouse.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The most common consensus mechanisms are Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS).
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Ethereum launched its network in 2015.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Ethereum introduced the concept of 'smart contracts'.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Smart contracts are self-executing code operating directly on a blockchain.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Stablecoins are a specific subset of cryptocurrencies.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Stablecoins are mathematically or algorithmically pegged to a reserve asset, such as the US dollar or gold.
single-source Type: DEFINITION Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Stablecoins are designed to minimize price volatility.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
In September 2021, El Salvador became the first sovereign nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
In September 2021, the People's Bank of China effectively banned digital fiat alternatives within its jurisdiction.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
'The Merge' reduced Ethereum's estimated energy consumption by over 99%.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
In January 2024, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the listing and trading of the first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on US exchanges.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
There is ongoing jurisdictional and legal friction globally regarding whether specific cryptocurrencies are securities, commodities, or currencies.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
In the United States, the SEC frequently asserts that most crypto assets (excluding Bitcoin) satisfy the Howey Test.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The cryptocurrency industry often argues for the classification of cryptocurrencies as commodities.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Economists strongly debate the fundamental value of cryptocurrencies.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Skeptics categorize cryptocurrencies as speculative assets or bubbles lacking underlying utility, earnings, or cash flow.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Proponents argue the value of cryptocurrencies derives from network effects.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million coins.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
The energy consumption required to secure Proof-of-Work networks is highly criticized.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Detractors argue Proof-of-Work networks produce excessive carbon emissions with little societal benefit.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Proponents argue that mining incentivizes the development of renewable energy infrastructure.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Proponents argue that mining captures stranded or otherwise wasted energy.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Critics emphasize the utility of cryptocurrencies in facilitating ransomware attacks, money laundering, and dark web illicit commerce.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Digital wallets have a pseudonymous nature.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Industry advocates argue that public blockchains are ultimately transparent and traceable.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Industry advocates argue that decentralized finance provides vital services to globally unbanked populations.
single-source Type: FACT Evidence: unproven
AI Panel: 2 AIs · 1 independent source ⓘ
✓ Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.98)
Whether Bitcoin's energy use is wasteful is disputed.
preserved-no-verdict Type: NORMATIVE Evidence: unverified

External references: Wikidata Q13479982