Bitcoin

Over the past two years (2023–2025), the world has faced persistent geopolitical conflicts, economic volatility, and climate-related disruptions. In such an environment, cash, gold, and cryptocurrencies have all experienced increased demand—not for transactional purposes, but as stores of value in times of uncertainty.

Elsewhere on the Web provides weekly updates and links to articles related to cash, money and payments curated on the web.

Two articles by leading economists announce the swan song for bitcoin. Both have triggered a spate of reactions. Here is what they have in common.

Bitcoin's use in payments remains limited in El Salvador, despite the government's massive marketing campaign - something no country has ever done for cash.

As Bitcoin reaches new records, it is also guzzling epic levels of energy and its environmental footprint is on the rise.

While digital money enthusiasts blame cash for facilitating many of the world’s illegal crimes, facts show how cryptocurrencies are not as innocent as one would like to think.

Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, blatantly stated that bitcoin has not proven itself a currency due to its volatility and it not being very useful for everyday purchases.

The online payments processor, Stripe, has decided to drop bitcoin from its list of accepted payment methods.

Although Japan accepts cryptocurrencies for payments, it confirms that they will not replace cash.

Cryptocurrencies might be virtual in use, but their impact on the environment is real.

Bitcoin is registering a remarkable soaring since April, just after Japan passed a law to accept the virtual currency as a legal payment method.

A ransomware named WannaCry affected thousands of businesses, hospitals and organisations worldwide and might continue spreading in the coming days.