According to U.Today, the debate surrounding the decentralization of Ripple and the XRP Ledger has intensified, with blockchain researcher Justin Bons criticizing the network's reliance on Unique Node Lists (UNLs). Bons argues that this reliance indicates a centralized and permissioned system, akin to a proof of authority (PoA) model, which he believes is inferior to the trustless frameworks of proof of work (PoW) and proof of stake (PoS). He claims that the Ripple Foundation exerts significant control over the network, citing dynamic changes to UNLs managed through foundation-hosted infrastructure as evidence of centralized oversight. Bons further contends that the requirement for a 90% overlap in UNL configurations to prevent forking exemplifies an exclusionary and permissioned model. He also highlights the absence of crypto-economic incentives for validators, which he sees as a flaw in the system, arguing that it lacks both decentralization and alignment with core cryptocurrency principles. In response to these criticisms, Ripple's Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, has offered a different perspective. Schwartz emphasizes that validators have a minimal role in determining the network's fairness or security, as their influence is limited to short-term transaction ordering. He notes that validators are not compensated and cannot unilaterally censor transactions unless supported by other participants, a rare occurrence given the system's distributed nature. Schwartz argues that unlike PoW systems, which he describes as prioritizing monetary dominance, XRP's design minimizes the potential for concentrated control. He explains that other node operators can choose to ignore nodes that do not follow the rules, and consensus automatically disregards such nodes at the network level. Schwartz also points out that decentralization involves more than just technical aspects; it includes having open transaction rules, a public ledger, and allowing users to modify and enforce system code independently. While acknowledging XRP's unique structure, Schwartz does not believe it equates to centralization.

According to Cointelegraph, Chainlink's native token, LINK, experienced a significant surge, rising by 29% as community members positioned it as a more authentic 'bank coin' compared to XRP. On December 3, LINK's value climbed to $25.32, marking an almost 30% increase within 24 hours. Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro indicated that the token was valued at $16.54 on November 26, reflecting a 53% gain over the past week. The recent rally in Chainlink's price may be attributed to several factors, including the recent performance of XRP and developments within the blockchain oracle network's ecosystem. On December 1, XRP surged to $2.46 before slightly retreating, as community members anticipated a more favorable political climate for cryptocurrencies in the United States and progress in Ripple's stablecoin project. Some proponents of Chainlink believe that the attention garnered by XRP's recent rally could also benefit LINK. Aylo, a researcher and adviser to decentralized finance protocol Kamino Finance, suggested that XRP's recent performance might highlight Chainlink's partnerships with traditional finance and capital markets. Aylo emphasized that Chainlink is actively collaborating with traditional financial institutions. Chainlink advocate Zach Rynes, known as ChainLinkGod on social media, echoed Aylo's sentiments, asserting that LINK is the true 'bank coin.' Rynes highlighted Chainlink's collaborations with major banks and traditional finance institutions worldwide, aiming to connect banks to blockchain technology. He stated that these partnerships are not speculative but represent the tangible work Chainlink is doing with financial institutions, as announced by the banks themselves. Rynes also defended Chainlink against the 'just an oracle' narrative and criticized the XRP project, comparing it to a memecoin. He argued that XRP is a 'banker-themed memecoin' that failed to gain significant traction for cross-border payments, especially when stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are available. Rynes suggested that this is why Ripple is shifting its focus towards its stablecoin, custody, and CBDC platform.

Avalanche Foundation published a statement on the X platform stating that Avalanche9000 will launch the mainnet on December 16.

The global cryptocurrency market cap now stands at $3.39T, down by -0.84% over the last day, according to CoinMarketCap data. Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading between $94,395 and $97,357 over the past 24 hours. As of 09:30 AM (UTC) today, BTC is trading at $95,222, down by -0.09%. Most major cryptocurrencies by market cap are trading mixed. Market outperformers include RSR, FUN, and XVG, up by 71%, 59%, and 50%, respectively. Top stories of the day: Bitcoin Long-Term Holders' Holdings Reach New Low Since July 2022 MicroStrategy Adds 15,400 BTC for $1.5 Billion, Boosting Bitcoin Holdings to 402,100 BTC Market movers: ETH: $3604.07 (-0.31%) XRP: $2.6375 (+12.54%) SOL: $225.66 (-0.54%) BNB: $647.85 (+1.64%) DOGE: $0.41609 (+0.69%) ADA: $1.271 (+15.76%) AVAX: $51.32 (+9.92%) TRX: $0.23 (+11.54%) SHIB: $0.00002929 (+0.58%) TON: $6.636 (+2.28%) Top gainers on Binance: RSR/USDT (+71%) FUN/USDT (+59%) XVG/USDT (+50%)

AscendEX (formerly BitMax) will launch Xarva (XRV) for the first time at 20:00 on December 3, opening the XRV/USDT trading pair, and deposits are now open.

An Apple employee is suing the company for allegedly monitoring personal devices and iCloud accounts linked to work, even when off-duty. The lawsuit challenges Apple's policies, claiming they violate privacy laws by tracking employees' personal data without consent.

OKX market data shows that ETH fell below 3600 USDT and is currently trading at 3597 USDT, with a 24-hour drop of 0.73%.

On Dec 03, 2024, 09:23 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Ethereum has dropped below 3,600 USDT and is now trading at 3,599.429932 USDT, with a narrowed 0.46% decrease in 24 hours.

CZ's cryptic "Alt" key post hints at Altcoin Season, with ASI at 81 showing altcoin dominance. Top performers include PNUT (2,309%), HBAR (601%), and XLM (490%). source: https://coincu.com/294952-cz-hints-at-altcoin-season-as-asi-exceeds-75

According to IntoTheBlock, the current holdings of long-term Bitcoin holders have dropped to 12.45 million, a new low since July 2022. Data shows that the balance of long-term holders has dropped by 9.8% in this cycle, which is significantly narrower than the 15% in the 2021 bull market cycle and the 26% in the 2017 bull market cycle.

Scam Sniffer’s comprehensive November report reveals concerning patterns in cryptocurrency theft, where a single victim lost $661,000 in stETH within minutes through a malicious signature attack. The month’s major losses demonstrated the scammers’ sophisticated approach, with incidents including a $409,000 WBTC theft on Arbitrum, a $344,000 FET exploitation through Uniswap Permit2, and a... source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/scam-sniffer-9-38m-stolen-november/

BTC’s average return last month was 46%, the asset’s best November performance since 2020.

The US has imposed new export restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry, halting shipments to 140 companies, including Swaysure Technology, tied to Huawei and already under sanctions. Is this a security measure or a futile attempt to stifle China’s tech growth?

In November, the monthly increase was more than 37%, with the value increasing by more than $26,000, pushing the market value of the entire cryptocurrency market to surge to more than $1 trillion, an increase of about 45%.

Five factors push XRP up. Is it far from breaking through the historical high of $3.40?

Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency project, World Liberty Financial, has drawn criticism for directing 75% of its funds to his family, raising ethical concerns. Justin Sun's $30 million investment saved the project and highlighted ongoing debates about crypto, politics, and transparency.

2024 is a favorable period for cryptocurrency returns, and Grayscale Research believes that the bull run is likely to continue next year.

Trump is expected to announce his pick for SEC chair as early as tomorrow, replacing Gary Gensler, who steps down on 20 January. The nominee is likely to ease crypto regulations and financial market restrictions. Is this imminent or mere speculation?

A UK judge denied Craig Wright's appeal, citing inaccuracies and "AI-generated hallucinations," sparking questions about his use of AI in the filing.

In the future, BTC will absorb all long-term capital. If Microsoft replaces the "wasted" capital from stock repurchases with BTC, it will more effectively push up Microsoft's stock price. Therefore, Microsoft should adopt the BTC strategy and hoard BTC.