Microsoft places limitations on crypto mining, PayPal partners with MetaMask, and Jesse Lingard’s brand enters the metaverse. Here’s your crypto news weekly wrap.
Crypto mining through Microsoft online services banned
As per a new policy update from Microsoft, the tech giant has banned users from mining cryptocurrencies through its online services without “Microsoft’s prior written approval”. Microsoft is following suit with other tech giants, as Google Cloud terms of service don’t allow its customers or end users “to engage in cryptocurrency mining without Google’s prior written approval”. This is not the first time Microsoft tries to limit the use of crypto on its platforms, as it has banned several use cases of blockchain technology and NFTs on the Microsoft-owned game Minecraft.
Brazil to launch its digital currency in 2024
The Central Bank of Brazil will launch its digital currency in 2024 according to statements made by the bank’s president Roberto Campos Neto. The new digital currency system will be made available to the public following a closed pilot program next year in collaboration with financial institutions. The new digital currency will be integrated with the Central Bank’s popular instant payment system, Pix, which was launched in November 2020 and is available for free for individuals.
PayPal integrates with Metamask
PayPal and ConsenSys – the owner of MetaMask – announced on Wednesday that they’re starting a partnership to allow MetaMask users to purchase Ethereum from within the app using PayPal. The new integration will be initially available for select US users, and comes as part of a series of partnerships MetaMask has entered to improve and diversify payment options for users within its mobile app.
Lingard’s brand comes to the metaverse
English international and Premier League football player Jesse Lingard is bringing his fashion and esports brand JLINGZ to the metaverse, after signing a partnership with the games metaverse Virtua to build unique fan experiences in the metaverse. The new partnership includes launching and running metaverse esports, digital collectibles, access to exclusives, virtual spaces, and video games, within the Sports Zone on Virtua Island.
Stellar partners with UNHCR to use USDC for refugee aid
Stellar Development Foundation announced on Thursday a new partnership with The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to use USD Coin (USDC) on the Stellar network to send cash assistance to Ukrainian refugees. The USDC tokens would be redeemable for cash at any MoneyGram branch, to make it easier for refugees to receive aid even if they don’t have bank accounts or can’t access the ones that they do have.
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