The Pirate Bay is Using its Clients Processors for Bitcoin Mining
Recently, The Pirate Bay ran a JavaScript-based Monero (XMR) miner on its platform. The program used visitor computer resources to mine the cryptocurrency in order to generate revenue as an alternative to ads. According to TorrentFreak, The Pirate Bay ran the code, for about 24 hours. It wasn’t enabled on the whole website, only on search results and category listings, but it was enough for some users to complain about it, as their CPU was being used without their permission. TPB’s super moderator Sid revealed that he didn’t agree with the website’s addition. On the website’s official forums, he stated:
“That really is serious, so hopefully we can get some action on it quickly. And perhaps get some attention for the uploading and commenting bugs while they’re at it.”
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Dubai Financial Regulator Issues ICO Warning
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), has turned its attention to token sales in a recent statement in which it urgers investors to be wary of ‘unique risks’ inherent to ICOs. “These offerings should be regarded as high-risk investments” the regulator stated. Notably, the DFSA added that it had not regulated nor licensed any entities in the financial zone. The notice read:
"The DFSA would like to make it clear it does not currently regulate these types of product offerings or license firms in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to undertake such activities."
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South Africa’s 2nd Largest Retailer Tests Bitcoin Payments
South Africa’s second-largest supermarket chain store, Pick n Pay, recently started accepting bitcoin in one of its stores, according to an announcement made by payments software development firm Electrum.
The announcement clarifies that customers at the store, at Pick n Pay’s head office campus, have been able to use the cryptocurrency for a limited time. Dave Glass, MD at Electrum, the company that provided the payments platform for the transactions, stated:
“We’ve worked closely with PnP for several years as a key technology provider. Our mission is to support innovative enterprises like Pick n Pay, and together we use the advanced Electrum software-as-a-service technology to move quickly on new opportunities, whilst at the same time delivering the best possible shopping experience.”
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