Hey there, PoI readers! 💫

It's your favorite crypto connoisseur, Mochi, back with another electrifying edition of Proof of Intel. In this Article, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of digital innovation – from Jack Dorsey's Signal crypto crusade to New York's bold crypto payment bill, and some groundbreaking moves in education and legal landscapes. We've got stories that'll make your brain buzz and your crypto-sense tingle! 🌐 Get ready for a journey through the most exciting corners of tech and web3 that'll leave you both informed and entertained!

INTEL BRIEF

🟧 Jack Dorsey advocates for Signal to adopt Bitcoin payments, challenging the messenger's current MobileCoin payment integration.

🟧 The SEC and Ripple pause lawsuit appeals, signaling potential settlement with incoming SEC chair Paul Atkins.

🟧 New York proposes a bill to legalize cryptocurrency payments for state services, potentially with an additional service fee.

🟧 Scotland's Lomond School becomes the first UK institution to accept Bitcoin for tuition payments, highlighting crypto's growing educational presence.

Jack Dorsey Signals a Bitcoin Revolution for Messaging Platforms

Jack Dorsey is making waves with a bold proposal that could revolutionize Signal's payment ecosystem. The crypto entrepreneur and former Twitter CEO is passionately pushing Signal to ditch its current altcoin payment method and embrace Bitcoin for peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions.

On April 9, Dorsey took to X (formerly Twitter) with a direct call to action, amplifying a suggestion by Bitcoin developer Calle that Bitcoin would be the perfect match for Signal's private communication platform. His rally cry wasn't a solo mission – industry heavyweight David Marcus, former PayPal president, jumped on the bandwagon, declaring that "all non-transactional apps should connect to Bitcoin."

Currently, Signal offers in-app payments through Sentz (formerly MobileCoin), a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that's backed by heavy hitters like BlockTower Capital and Coinbase Ventures. The platform has a complicated history with crypto payments, having faced significant criticism when it first integrated MobileCoin back in 2021. Concerns swirled around potential conflicts of interest and the murky details of the cryptocurrency's origins.

Dorsey's push isn't just about switching payment methods – it's a broader statement about Bitcoin's potential as a functional payment system. He believes BTC can't survive on being just a digital store of value, but must prove its worth as a practical transaction tool.

Signal isn't alone in this crypto crossroads. Messaging platforms like Telegram have been aggressively promoting their own crypto ecosystems, with Telegram pushing Toncoin. Even Elon Musk's X has been rumored to be cooking up its own cryptocurrency, though Musk has publicly denied such plans.

Jack Dorsey advocates for Signal to adopt Bitcoin payments

Signal currently uses Sentz (formerly MobileCoin) as its only crypto payment option

Industry leaders support Bitcoin as a practical payment solution for messaging platforms

SEC and Ripple Take a Timeout in Their Epic Legal Battle

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple have called a temporary truce in their long-running legal battle. The two parties have jointly filed a motion to put their appeals on ice, hinting at a potential settlement that could finally bring closure to one of the most watched legal dramas in crypto history.

The joint motion to "abeyance" essentially means both sides are taking a strategic timeout. In their court filing on April 10, they stated the pause would "conserve judicial and party resources" while they continue negotiating a resolution.

Adding spice to the speculation, all eyes are on incoming SEC chair Paul Atkins. The crypto community is buzzing with theories that Atkins might be the mastermind behind a potential case dismissal. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had previously hinted at the case's imminent conclusion, and this latest development seems to be bolstering those claims.

The filing effectively cancels Ripple's April 16 brief deadline, with Ripple's defense attorney James Filan confirming no further legal documents will be submitted. Some legal eagles are reading between the lines, suggesting the SEC might be positioning itself to drop the case dramatically under Atkins' new leadership.

While the Senate confirmed Atkins on April 9, the exact date of his official swearing-in remains a mystery. Drawing from precedent – former SEC Chair Gary Gensler was sworn in three days after his confirmation in 2021 – Atkins could potentially assume office as soon as April 12.

SEC and Ripple pause lawsuit appeals, signaling potential settlement

Incoming SEC chair Paul Atkins may play a crucial role in case resolution

Ripple's April 16 brief deadline has been cancelled

New York Lawmakers Propose Welcoming Bitcoin to Government Payment

New York is stepping into the digital frontier with a groundbreaking bill that could transform how state agencies handle financial transactions. Assemblyman Clyde Vanel has introduced Assembly Bill A7788, a legislative proposal that would open the doors for cryptocurrency payments across various state services.

The bill is nothing short of a crypto enthusiast's dream. It proposes allowing state agencies to accept payments in four major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. From taxes and fines to rent and special assessments, the potential for crypto integration seems nearly limitless.

The bill comes with a potential crypto convenience charge. The state may impose a service fee that covers the costs associated with processing cryptocurrency transactions.

This isn't New York's first rodeo with crypto legislation. Just last month, the state introduced another bill aimed at protecting investors from cryptocurrency fraud. It's part of a broader trend that gained momentum during the Trump administration, which signaled a commitment to making the US a global blockchain innovation hub.

The bill's journey is just beginning. Currently referred to the Assembly Committee, it could potentially advance to the state Senate. It follows closely on the heels of Illinois, which recently passed its own crypto bill to combat fraud and protect investors from potential rug pulls.

For crypto enthusiasts and government watchers alike, this bill represents a fascinating intersection of traditional governance and digital innovation.

New York bill proposes accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash for state payments

Bill includes potential service fee for crypto transactions

Represents growing government openness to cryptocurrency integration

Scottish School Pioneers Bitcoin Payments in UK Education

Scotland's Lomond School is leading the charge by becoming the first educational institution in the United Kingdom to accept Bitcoin for tuition payments. Set to launch in the Autumn semester of 2025, this bold move is more than just a financial innovation – it's a statement about preparing students for a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The school isn't just accepting Bitcoin; it's embracing it as a comprehensive learning opportunity. Their announcement boldly declares Bitcoin as a "perfect real-world case study" spanning economics, computing, ethics, and innovation. The institution sees cryptocurrency as a democratic financial tool, particularly for students in developing nations who face traditional banking barriers.

While the school plans to immediately convert Bitcoin to fiat currency, they're leaving the door open for future possibilities. A potential BTC treasury might be established, depending on community input – a move that reflects the school's collaborative approach to financial innovation.

Lomond isn't alone in its crypto educational journey. Bitcoin is slowly but surely making its way through global education systems. The University of Cincinnati introduced crypto courses in 2022, while El Salvador's education ministry partnered with Mi Primer Bitcoin to integrate cryptocurrency education. The University of Wyoming even launched a Bitcoin Research Institute in July 2024 to conduct peer-reviewed academic studies.

Some institutions are going beyond curriculum integration. The University of Austin made waves by allocating $5 million of its $200 million endowment to Bitcoin investments. Chun Lai, the endowment fund's chief investment officer, cited the desire to capitalize on the increasing institutional adoption of digital assets.

This trend reflects a broader movement of institutions seeing Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a critical component of future financial literacy. It's not just about accepting a new payment method – it's about preparing the next generation for a potentially decentralized financial future.

Lomond School becomes first UK institution to accept Bitcoin for tuition

School views Bitcoin as an educational tool across multiple disciplines

Growing trend of educational institutions integrating cryptocurrency learning

And that's a wrap, my lovely PoI readers! 🌟 I hope this edition left you feeling like a crypto insider, armed with knowledge that'll make you the smartest person in any digital conversation. Remember to stay curious, stay informed, and keep pushing the boundaries of technological understanding. Until next time, this is Mochi, signing off with a digital fist bump!

P.S. Don't forget to share your thoughts, questions, and favorite crypto puns with us. very voice matters in the PoI community! 📣❤️ Share the newsletter

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