Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the industry is working on several ideas to help community banks in the CLARITY market structure bill.
Coinbase refutes rumors of White House's threat to pull support for crypto bill
“The White House has been super constructive here,” said CEO Brian Armstrong.
Monero Stalls Post-ATH: How a $282M Social Engineering Scam Fueled XMR’s Rally
Monero tumbled on Jan. 17 after an onchain investigator ZachXBT linked its recent rally to a $280 million crypto heist. $280M Crypto Heist Reportedly Tied to Monero Surge The privacy-centric digital asset monero ( XMR) faced a sharp correction on Jan. 17, tumbling by over 5% in 24 hours and effectively stalling its bull rally. […]
What is Zero Knowledge Proof? Breaking Down the Math Inside zk-SNARKs
The dream of digital privacy is finally coming true thanks to powerful mathematics. For years, blockchain tech faced a big problem: everything was open. Openness builds trust, but it destroys personal privacy. Picture a world where your health records or bank balances sit in plain view for any stranger online.
This is the exact problem that Zero Knowledge Proof technology fixes. Through complex algorithms, we can now prove something is true without showing the data itself.
The Open Book Problem: Why Regular Blockchains Leak Your Secrets
On a regular blockchain, every move is public. If Alice sends money to Bob, the whole network sees the amount and the addresses. This “glass house” setup makes blockchains useless for fields like healthcare or business finance. Say a hospital wants to confirm a patient has coverage without exposing their history. A standard ledger fails this test. This is where Zero Knowledge Proof steps in. It lets a user hand over a mathematical certificate. This proves a calculation was done right without showing the inputs. By stepping away from total openness, we build a system where trust rests on math, not raw data viewing. This change is critical for the next wave of the internet. Privacy and security must live side by side. Without this breakthrough, sensitive data would stay locked in old, centralized storage. These systems are easy targets for hackers. Instead, data can now live safely on a decentralized and secure network.
zk-SNARK Explained: Compact Proofs That Work Without Back-and-Forth
At the core of this system sits the zk-SNARK. This stands for Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge. Let’s break down its main traits:
Succinct: The proofs are tiny. They usually run about 288 bytes. This means they take up almost no room on the blockchain.
Non-Interactive: Unlike older Zero Knowledge Proof versions, the prover and checker don’t need to be online together. You send the proof once, and you’re done.
Argument of Knowledge: It gives mathematical proof that the prover truly holds the secret info they claim to have.
By mixing these features, Zero Knowledge Proof technology makes checks not just private but super efficient too. This efficiency lets the network grow to millions of users. It won’t slow down or price out the average person.
Heavy Work Off-Chain, Lightning Checks On-Chain: The Proof Engine
The real trick happens during the checking process. In this setup, the “hard work” takes place off-chain. A strong computer runs the complex math needed to build a proof. This part eats up resources, but it happens outside the main blockchain. Once the proof is ready, it goes to the network. The blockchain then runs a quick check. This on-chain step is blazing fast. It usually takes only about 2 milliseconds. This means the blockchain stays light and quick. It only needs to say “Yes” or “No” to a tiny math puzzle.
Zero Knowledge Proof design makes sure even a basic smartphone can check complex data truths. Because the check is so simple, gas fees stay low. This makes it possible to run a high-speed network. It handles huge amounts of private data without hurting speed or cost for users.
How It Works in Real Life: Secure Data and the Proof Pod Network
To see this working, picture Alice with a massive dataset holding 1,000 entries. Bob wants to know if the data is valid. But Alice can’t let him see the entries because they hold private names. Alice uses Zero Knowledge Proof to create a zk-SNARK. She sends this tiny proof to Bob. Bob’s computer checks the math and confirms the data is correct in a flash. He never sees a single name or number from the list. This is also how Proof Pods work in the real world. These hardware devices act as special miners. They help secure the network by processing these proofs.
By using Proof Pods, the network spreads the math work across many locations. This spread-out approach makes the system even stronger. It lets anyone join the privacy movement while earning rewards. You help verify truth in the global data marketplace.
Final Thoughts
The future of our digital lives depends on staying private while staying connected. We are heading toward a time where data belongs to you, not giant companies. Using Zero Knowledge Proof and efficient zk-SNARKs, we can finally build a web that respects every person. This math forms the base of a new economy. When you use Zero Knowledge Proof technology, you pick a path where secrets stay yours. Convenience no longer means giving up privacy. Mathematics guards our freedom. It shields personal info with pure logic. We are locking in a future where privacy comes standard for all.
Find Out More about Zero Knowledge Proof:
Website: https://zkp.com/
Auction: https://auction.zkp.com/
X: https://x.com/ZKPofficial
Telegram: https://t.me/ZKPofficial
Steak ‘n Shake Says Bitcoin Stash Grew by $10 Million in Value
Steak ‘n Shake, a fast-food restaurant chain that accepts Bitcoin (BTC) payments at its stores, announced on Friday that its BTC corporate treasury grew by $10 million in notional value.
“All Bitcoin sales go into our strategic Bitcoin reserve,” the company said, adding that adopting BTC as a treasury asset has led to a flywheel effect that increases same-store sales, which, in turn, grows the company’s BTC stash.
In May 2025, the company announced it would start accepting BTC as a method of payment at all its locations worldwide, in a phased rollout.
The Bitcoin community celebrated the announcement, with many sharing their Steak ‘n Shake receipts showing payment in BTC, and in November 2025, the company announced its expansion into El Salvador, a country known for its pro-Bitcoin policies.
Cointelegraph reached out to Steak ‘n Shake, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
The company’s decision to accept BTC for payments showcases the growing adoption of Bitcoin payments by businesses, bolstering Bitcoin’s use as a medium of exchange, rather than simply as a store-of-value asset or a speculative financial instrument.
Related: Strive shares fall 12% after Semler deal to expand Bitcoin treasury
Steak ‘n Shake grows same-store sales and Bitcoin treasury in 2025
Steak ‘n Shake’s quarter-over-quarter same-store sales rose by 11% in Q2 2025, which it attributed to its adoption of Bitcoin.
The Q3 2025 same-store sales increased by 15%, according to Steak ‘n Shake, beating out industry competitors including McDonalds, Domino’s, and Taco Bell.
The company’s decision to adopt Bitcoin followed the closure of 230 of its stores between 2018 and 2025. Steak ‘n Shake locations inside the US peaked at 628 in 2018, but declined to 394 by 2026, according to data from ScrapeHero.
More companies should adopt BTC as a financial buffer, Bitcoin investor and financial accountant Rajat Soni said in response to Steak ‘n Shake.
“If they do this, they will find it much easier to succeed because their Bitcoin is like a backstop. I think most businesses fail because they aren’t in the market long enough. Bitcoin extends your financial endurance,” he added.
Magazine: Bitcoin’s long-term security budget problem: Impending crisis or FUD?
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
Crypto mining firm Canaan gets Nasdaq notice after shares stay below $1 for 30 days
Key Takeaways
- Canaan receives Nasdaq notice after ADS price trades below $1 for 30 consecutive days.
- Company has until July 13, 2026 to regain compliance while shares continue trading.
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Canaan Inc, a crypto mining hardware firm, has received a deficiency notice from Nasdaq after the closing bid price of its American depositary shares remained below $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days.
The notice, dated January 14, 2026, cites non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires a minimum bid price of $1.00. Nasdaq said the notification has no immediate impact on the listing or trading of Canaan’s securities, which will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Global Market during the compliance period.
Under Nasdaq rules, Canaan has been granted a 180 calendar day window, through July 13, 2026, to regain compliance. To do so, the company’s ADS price must close at or above $1.00 for at least 10 consecutive business days within that period.
If Canaan does not regain compliance by the deadline, the company may be eligible for an additional compliance period, subject to Nasdaq approval. This would require submitting a transfer application, paying a $5,000 non refundable fee, meeting other initial listing standards, and confirming its intent to cure the deficiency, potentially through a reverse stock split.
Canaan said it will continue monitoring its share price and intends to take reasonable measures to restore compliance. The company disclosed the notice in accordance with Nasdaq rules requiring prompt public disclosure of listing deficiencies.
Cathie Wood calls bitcoin 'good source of diversification' for investors seeking higher returns
Ark’s data shows bitcoin has weak price correlations with stocks, bonds, and gold, making it potentially attractive for risk-adjusted portfolio management.
Trump vs. Dimon: JPMorgan Faces Lawsuit Threat Over Account Closures
President Donald Trump says he plans to sue JPMorgan Chase within weeks, accusing the banking giant of improperly cutting off his accounts after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol events. Trump Signals Legal Showdown With JPMorgan Over ‘Debanking’ Trump made the announcement on Jan. 17, 2026, stating that the bank “incorrectly and inappropriately debanked” him following […]
Steak ’n Shake Adds $10,000,000 In Bitcoin To Treasury
Popular fast-food chain Steak ’n Shake added $10 million worth of bitcoin to its corporate treasury, deepening its commitment to bitcoin eight months after rolling out BTC payments across all U.S. locations.
The company said on social media that the move follows a “self-reinforcing cycle” driven by bitcoin adoption, where customers paying in BTC help generate incremental revenue that is then recycled into business improvements.
According to Steak ’n Shake, all bitcoin-denominated revenue flows directly into what it calls its strategic bitcoin reserve, which is used to fund restaurant upgrades, ingredient improvements, and remodeling initiatives—without raising menu prices.
“Eight months ago today, Steak ’n Shake launched its burger-to-bitcoin transformation when we started accepting bitcoin payments,” the company wrote on social media. “Our same-store sales have risen dramatically ever since.”
Steak ’n Shake began accepting bitcoin payments in May 2025 using the Lightning Network, positioning the rollout as a way to cut card processing fees while attracting a younger, crypto-native customer base. The strategy is working.
Same-store sales rose more than 10% in the second quarter of 2025, according to the company.
Chief Operating Officer Dan Edwards previously said Steak ’n Shake saves roughly 50% in processing fees when customers choose to pay with bitcoin rather than traditional card networks.
Bitcoin is driving revenue for Steak ’n Shake
The chain has leaned into its bitcoin branding over the past year, introducing a Bitcoin-themed burger in October and pledging to donate a small portion of revenue from its “Bitcoin Meal” to support open-source Bitcoin development.
The recent $10 million purchase—roughly 105 BTC at current prices—marks Steak ’n Shake’s most direct treasury allocation to bitcoin to date.
While the position is modest compared with major corporate holders such as Strategy, which holds more than 687,000 BTC worth over $65 billion, it underscores a broader trend of corporate bitcoin accumulation.
According to data from Bitcointreasuries, total bitcoin held in treasuries—including public companies, private firms, governments, and exchange-traded funds—has now surpassed 4 million BTC.
Last fall, the company ran a poll on X over the weekend asking its 468,800 followers whether it should expand its crypto options to include Ethereum.
Nearly 49,000 votes were cast, with 53% in favor.
However, just four hours later, the company suspended the poll, declaring its allegiance to Bitcoiners. “Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken,” Steak ‘n Shake posted.
Trump announces 10% tariff on Denmark and key European allies over Greenland dispute
Key Takeaways
- President Trump announced a 10% tariff on eight European countries over the Greenland issue.
- The tariffs will affect Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland.
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President Donald Trump announced today that Denmark and seven European allies will face a 10% tariff on goods exported to the US starting in February, unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that these countries have benefited for years from US protection and favorable trade treatment, and that it is now time for them to “give back” by agreeing to sell Greenland.
The countries affected by the tariffs, besides Denmark, include Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, and the rate would rise to 25% on June 1 if no deal is reached.
The US president said Denmark lacks the capacity to defend its territory and warned that foreign powers are seeking greater influence in the region.
Trump added that the move is tied to the development of the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, which he claimed requires Greenland’s geography to operate to full effectiveness. He said that the policy is necessary to protect US and global security.