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What is digital identity?
Your digital identity is the fingerprint you leave across the internet, a living map of who you are.
Your digital identity is more than just your name or email; it stretches from your social media profiles and crypto wallet addresses to your device fingerprints and even the rhythms of your daily browsing habits. In the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency, where identity and financial access often overlap, digital identity theft isn’t just a nuisance; it’s an open door to your assets.
Without strong protection, even small pieces of stolen information can be stitched into a full profile, giving cybercriminals everything they need to impersonate you, seize your funds or lock you out of your accounts.
What many don’t realize is how quickly this exposure happens. Every new wallet connection, exchange login, or saved payment method quietly expands your digital surface area. With each step, your data becomes more valuable and more vulnerable. In a landscape where information is currency, your cyber identity can become a jackpot for hackers who know how to cash it out.
Did you know? In 2025, experts estimate that over 50 billion digital identities could be compromised worldwide, a 22% jump from last year. Crypto users are among the biggest targets, especially on decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms without strong identity checks. Synthetic identity fraud is also exploding, hitting new crypto lending services the hardest.
How cybercriminals steal your digital identity
Cybercriminals blend technology and manipulation to pry open digital identities.
Phishing remains a common entry point, where fake websites or emails trick users into revealing passwords or seed phrases. Large personal data breaches leak databases of usernames, emails and credentials, fueling account takeover attacks across different services.
Hackers also exploit:
- Synthetic identity fraud: combining real and fake data to create new identities.
- Social engineering attacks: manipulating users emotionally to voluntarily reveal sensitive information.
- Credential stuffing: using leaked passwords on other platforms, hoping users reused them.
Knowing how criminals exploit crypto markets and digital ecosystems can make it much harder to be tricked.
Stolen identity, sold forever on the dark web
Once your data is stolen, it often ends up for sale on the dark web, multiplying the threat.
Dark web identity theft is a thriving economy. Full identity profiles, including names, emails, Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and crypto keys can fetch high prices. Buyers may use the stolen identity immediately or resell it repeatedly, creating multiple waves of attacks months or even years later.
Even after you lock down your accounts, your leaked data can keep circulating in dark corners of the web. That’s why tools like dark web monitoring and breach alerts aren’t optional; they’re your long-term defense. Recovery isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a habit of staying alert and adapting.
Signs your digital identity has been stolen
Spotting the signs of identity theft early can stop criminals before they cause major damage.
Victims of cyber identity theft may notice strange transactions, denied logins or devices appearing that they don't recognize. Sometimes the signs are financial — unauthorized credit card charges, changes in your crypto balances or unexpected loans under your name.
Key warning signs include:
- Password reset requests you didn’t initiate.
- Locked-out accounts or sudden logouts across devices.
- New accounts or credit lines appearing on your financial history.
- Unexpected withdrawals or transfers from crypto wallets.
By catching the signs of identity theft early, you can shut down fraud before it spirals, and protect your money and your name.
What to do if your identity is stolen
Fast, clear action gives you the best chance to limit the damage from identity theft.
If you realize your identity has been stolen, the first priority is locking down access. Update your passwords across all platforms, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) protection, and revoke access to any suspicious sessions or devices. Most major exchanges, banks and crypto services allow you to temporarily freeze your accounts while you investigate.
Beyond immediate security steps, you should report the incident to authorities and file a case with your local cybercrime unit or financial protection agency.
Using online help services can speed up your response plan. These initial moves through clear recovery steps are critical to regaining control before criminals spread the attack further.
Recovery steps after digital identity theft
Recovering from identity theft involves more than just securing your passwords; it’s a complete rebuild of your digital trust.
After locking down your accounts and alerting key institutions, you need to start active monitoring. This means regularly reviewing your bank statements, checking your crypto wallets for unauthorized transactions and inspecting your credit report for any new activity.
Some victims also pursue:
- Filing fraud alerts or credit freezes with major credit agencies.
- Hiring professional identity recovery services.
- Exploring identity theft insurance to cover legal and investigative costs.
Full recovery can take months, but a systematic approach reduces financial and emotional damage.
How to protect your digital identity
Good security habits are the strongest defense against cybercriminals.
Crypto platforms and companies should adopt decentralized blockchain-based identity solutions. These systems ensure that your data remains secure, transparent and in your control, making it much harder for hackers to manipulate or steal your personal information.
Unlike centralized systems, blockchain-based identities are stored on a distributed ledger, reducing single points of failure and making it significantly more difficult for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access. Furthermore, decentralized identity systems enable users to verify their identities without exposing sensitive personal data, allowing for more privacy and control over who sees their information.
For users, fortifying their digital identity isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about building sharp habits that evolve with the risks. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Treat passwords like armor: Use strong, unique combinations for every account. A password manager can forge and guard them better than memory ever could.
- Double down with 2FA: One password isn’t enough, so add an extra lock on every door worth protecting, especially your finances and crypto.
- Practice digital minimalism: Every birthday, pet name or photo shared online can become ammo for hackers.
- Choose smart allies: Stick with crypto platforms that prioritize decentralized digital identity verification and real security, not just flashy promises.
- Watch, detect, respond: Set alerts and monitor your accounts. Spotting strange activity early can turn a disaster into a close call.
- Be stingy with your data: Only trust platforms that collect the bare minimum. If a site asks for too much, walk away.
- Avoid easy mistakes: Public WiFi is a hacker’s playground. Use a VPN when you connect, and regularly check if your credentials have leaked.
The less you reveal, the safer you stay.
Update, review, repeat: Your digital identity depends on it
Maintaining your digital identity is a daily practice, not a one-time setup.
Regularly update your passwords and security settings. Review app permissions, device authorizations and wallet connections at least every few months. Incorporating biometric authentication (fingerprints or facial scans) adds a critical physical layer of protection beyond passwords.
Understanding how hackers manipulate crypto — from phishing for private keys to setting traps with fake decentralized applications (DApps) — is what keeps you a step ahead. In today’s world, staying sharp about cybersecurity isn’t optional. It’s a basic survival skill, right up there with managing your money or protecting your home.
The future will only become more digital and more decentralized. Defending your digital identity today means preserving your independence tomorrow.
Key takeaways:
Bitcoin’s price consolidates as the market awaits President Trump’s 100-day speech.
Over $4.7 billion in BTC has been withdrawn from exchanges since April 22, reducing supply and boosting price sensitivity to demand.
Trump’s crypto policy clarity could spark a BTC surge, but tariffs may cap gains.
Traders say Bitcoin price must clear key hurdles above $95,000 before continuing the uptrend to $100,000 and beyond.
Bitcoin’s (BTC) price is consolidating in a tight range between $91,700 and $95,850, ahead of Trump’s 100-day commemorative rally.
Market awaits Trump’s 100-day speech
Bitcoin investors have adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of US President Donald Trump’s speech to commemorate his 100th day in the White House on April 29.
Crypto-related policies have been prominently featured so far in Trump’s second-term presidency, but markets await crypto-specific regulatory updates on his economic policies.
Clarity on his administration’s strategic Bitcoin reserve proposal could trigger a move toward $100,000. However, renewed focus on tariffs or aggressive budget cuts could weigh on broader markets and cap Bitcoin’s upside in the short term.
Cryptocurrency betting platform Polymarket predicts a 24% chance of Trump mentioning “crypto” or “Bitcoin” in his 100-day speech today. Data from the platform showed users had poured more than $1 million into bets on the event.
Trump’s rhetoric could drive short-term price surges, just like in the past. For example, Bitcoin’s recent recovery from $74,400 to $94,000 was partly fueled by Trump’s comments that tariffs on goods from China "will come down substantially.”
While the speech may spark optimism and price spikes, broader market dynamics, including tariffs and global trade tensions, could temper gains, as seen with recent crypto market fluctuations.
Over $4.7 billion in BTC leave exchanges
Apart from possible positive comments from Trump, Bitcoin’s declining supply on exchanges supports the bullish case for a rally toward $100,000.
Investors have withdrawn over 50,500 BTC (worth $4.7 billion) from exchanges since easing macroeconomic tensions sparked a marketwide rally.
Lower exchange supply reduces available BTC for selling, amplifying price sensitivity to demand, which could rise after Tump’s speech.
When $100,000 BTC price?
Bitcoin price has been consolidating below the $96,000 level over the last seven days, as data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView shows.
“BTC is slowly compressing and making higher lows under 96K resistance,” said popular Bitcoin analyst AlphaBTC in an April 29 post on X.
Related: Bitcoin targets $115K as BTC supply metric nears 'historic euphoria' zone
As Cointelegraph reported, the $95,000 level is a key resistance that the bulls needed to overcome to secure the recovery.
“The more attempts into the $95K, the more likely it will push through,” AlphaBTC asserted, adding that the squeeze will likely take Bitcoin to the sought-after 100,000 level.
“I expect a bigger pullback, but probably not until 100K has been taken out.”
While making similar observations, fellow analyst Daan Crypto Trades said, “BTC Price is compressing again the past few days after the move back into the previous range.”
According to Daan Crypto Trades, a key level to watch on the downside is the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) within the $89,500 and $91,000 range.
Major resistance levels are the $99,5000 local high and “the big psychological $100K area,” the analyst explained, adding:
“Those are good levels to watch here in the intermediate term. Currently, it is just a waiting game of where this wants to head next in the short term.”
As Cointelegraph reported, healthy market fundamentals could propel Bitcoin price past $100,000 to new all-time highs.
Meanwhile, Peter Chung, head of research at quantitative trading firm Presto, has reiterated his prediction that Bitcoin will reach $210,000 in 2025.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
BlackRock’s exchange-traded fund (ETF) bought nearly $1 billion worth of Bitcoin on behalf of its clients on April 28, with continued inflows providing “structural support” for Bitcoin’s price appreciation, according to market analysts.
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF bought $970 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC) on April 28, its second-largest day of inflows on record after scooping up $1.12 billion of BTC on Nov. 7, 2024, Sosovalue data shows.
IBIT’s near $1 billion investment brought total net inflows to US spot BTC ETFs to just above $590 million, with all other ETFs realizing net negative outflows or remaining flat. ARK Invest’s ARKB ETF recorded the highest outflows of $226 million.
Related: Bitcoin treasury firms driving $200T hyperbitcoinization — Adam Back
“Nearly *$1bil* into iShares Bitcoin ETF today.. 2nd largest inflow since Jan 2024 inception. I still remember when there was “no demand,” Nate Geraci, the president of ETF Store advisory firm, wrote in an April 29 X post.
BlackRock’s IBIT is the largest spot BTC ETF, with over $54 billion in assets under management, accounting for 51% of the total spot BTC ETF market share, Dune data shows.
The latest inflows make IBIT the world’s 33rd-largest ETF among crypto and traditional finance-based ETFs, according to data from ETF Database.
Last week’s “ETF inflows and croproate buying” have been significant for Bitcoin’s recovery above $94,000, as retail investor interest continued to lag, Ryan Lee, chief analyst at Bitget Research, told Cointelegraph.
Related: Bitcoin’s role as a reserve asset gains traction in US as states adopt
ETFs provide “structural” support for Bitcoin rally
Bitcoin’s recovery over the past week was aided by over $3 billion worth of cumulative net inflows for the US spot Bitcoin ETFs, marking their second-highest week of investments since launch.
The Bitcoin price posted its “strongest weekly gain since Trump’s election victory, but signs suggest another move could be brewing,” according to Nexo dispatch analyst Iliya Kalchev.
“ETF inflows into spot Bitcoin products topped $3 billion last week — the highest since November — providing structural support that could fuel further upside,” the analyst told Cointelegraph.
Bitcoin investments have previously been a significant driver of Bitcoin’s upside momentum. Bitcoin ETFs accounted for an estimated 75% of new investment into Bitcoin when it recaptured the $50,000 mark in February 2024, a month after the debut of the US spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19
Key takeaways:
Bitcoin supply in profit has climbed back above 85%, nearing the classic euphoric area.
Onchain data shows strong accumulation from new and momentum buyers with minimal profit-taking.
Bitcoin could rally toward $110,000–$115,000 helped by a “max buying” zone.
Bitcoin (BTC) is charging toward a potential new all-time high near $115,000, as a surge in profitable supply signals growing bullish momentum and a classic setup for market euphoria.
Nearly 87% of Bitcoin supply in profit
As of April 28, approximately 86.9% of all Bitcoin coins were in profit, according to on-chain data resource CryptoQuant.
Historically, the metric’s climb into the 85–90% range has signaled a transition from healthy optimism to speculative euphoria among traders.
Between October and December 2024, for instance, Bitcoin’s price climbed from around $80,000 to over $100,000, a rally coinciding with Bitcoin’s profitable supply rising from under 80% to as high as 99%.
In his April 28 post, CryptoQuant-based analyst DarkFrost reminded that Bitcoin’s euphoric phases may not last for longer timeframes, leading to sharp corrections as holders begin realizing gains.
BTC’s price established a record high of nearly $110,000 in January, with its profitable supply hitting 99%. But the cryptocurrency dropped by over 30% afterward. Similar profit-taking behaviors have led to price corrections in the past, as shown above.
“Currently, the supply in profit has climbed back above 85%, which is fairly positive,” DarkFrost writes, noting that its recovery from the recent bottom of 75% is still better when compared to 45-50% lows witnessed during bear market corrections.
Besides, the BTC supply in profit still remains below 90%. Crossing above 90% has historically preceded profit-taking behavior among traders, suggesting that there’s more room to grow for BTC prices in the coming days.
DarkFrost argues:
“Of course, there are certain levels that are more "comfortable" than others, but generally, an increase in the supply in profit tends to fuel bullish phases.”
Additional onchain data also supports the bullish outlook. Bitcoin’s First Buyers and Momentum Buyers are actively accumulating, while Profit Takers remain relatively quiet, according to Glassnode metric tracking BTC’s cumulative supply per cohort.
This means fresh demand is coming in without heavy selling, a key ingredient for keeping the rally strong as anticipated by DarkFrost in the analysis above.
Bitcoin “max buying” zone hints at $115,000
In late April, Bitcoin bounced strongly from the $89,000–$90,000 support zone, a key horizontal level from prior price action strengthening the case for more upside.
The area, according to chartist CryptoCaesarTA, now acts as a “max buying” zone where buyers have aggressively stepped in to limit Bitcoin’s drawdowns.
Below it, the $70,000–$72,000 region remains untested, aligning closely with the long-term ascending trendline. If Bitcoin faces deeper pullbacks, this zone could serve as a critical secondary support.
For now, Bitcoin’s resilience above $90,000 keeps the bulls firmly in control.
Related: 5 Bitcoin charts predicting BTC price rally toward $100K by May
A breakout above the $100,000 psychological barrier could pave the way toward new all-time highs at $110,000–$115,000, according to CryptoCaesarTA. The upside target aligns with previous resistance highs and a so-called "weak high" zone on the weekly chart above.
This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
DeFi protocol Loopscale has recovered nearly half of the funds stolen during a major exploit over the weekend, as white hat negotiations with the attacker show signs of progress.
In an April 29 update posted to X, Loopscale confirmed that approximately 19,463 Wrapped SOL (WSOL) (worth roughly $2.88 million) have been returned to its wallets since April 28.
The first two returns included 10,000 WSOL (~$1.48 million) and 4,463 WSOL (~$660,000), following an earlier recovery of 5,000 WSOL (~$740,000).
“Our pursuit of an amicable resolution regarding Saturday’s incident continues to make progress,” the team wrote.
Related: DeFi platform KiloEx to compensate users impacted by $7.5M hack
Loopscale offers 10% bounty for return of funds
On April 27, Loopscale’s team said it had sent an onchain message to the exploiter, offering them a 10% bounty and a full release of liability in exchange for the return of 90% of the stolen funds.
The team warned that if no agreement were reached within 24 hours, it would contact law enforcement.
At 3:52 pm Eastern Time on April 28, Loopscale announced it had received a response from the exploiter, who indicated willingness to negotiate a return in exchange for a bounty.
The exploit occurred on April 26, when manipulation of Loopscale’s RateX PT token pricing functions led to the theft of approximately $5.7 million in USDC (USDC) and 1,200 Solana (SOL) from its USDC and SOL vaults.
The stolen amount represented about 12% of the platform’s total funds and impacted only vault depositors, not borrowers or loopers.
While recoveries are not very common in decentralized finance, there have been more instances of successful fund returns as of late.
Related: WazirX confirms restart on track as it awaits sanction hearing in May
On April 27, Ethereum-based lending protocol Term Finance said it had recovered $1 million of the $1.6 million lost in an incident involving a misconfigured oracle on its Treehouse (tETH) market.
The team said 223 Ether (ETH) was recaptured internally, and another 333 ETH was recovered through negotiations.
In the first quarter of 2025, hackers stole more than $1.6 billion worth of crypto from exchanges and onchain smart contracts, blockchain security firm PeckShield said in an April report.
More than 90% of those losses are attributable to a $1.5 billion attack on Bybit, a centralized cryptocurrency exchange, by North Korean hacking outfit Lazarus Group.
Magazine: Bitcoin $100K hopes on ice, SBF’s mysterious prison move: Hodler’s Digest, April 20 – 26
Alex Mashinsky, the founder and former CEO of the now-defunct cryptocurrency lending platform Celsius, faces a 20-year prison sentence as the US Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks a severe penalty for his role in a multibillion-dollar fraud.
The DOJ on April 28 filed the government’s sentencing memorandum against Mashinsky, recommending a 20-year prison sentence for his fraudulent actions, which led to billions of dollars in losses for Celsius customers.
The 97-page memo mentioned that Celsius users were unable to access approximately $4.7 billion in crypto assets after the platform halted withdrawals on June 12, 2022.
“The Court should sentence Alexander Mashinsky to twenty years’ imprisonment as just punishment for his years-long campaign of lies and self-dealing that left in its wake billions in losses and thousands of victimized customers,” the DOJ stated.
Mashinsky’s personal benefit was $48 million
In addition to the investor losses, the DOJ noted that Mashinsky has personally profited from the fraudulent schemes in his role.
As part of his guilty plea in December 2024, Mashinsky admitted that he was the leader of the criminal activity at Celsius, that his crimes resulted in losses in excess of $550 million, and that he personally benefited more than $48 million, the DOJ said.
The DOJ highlighted that Mashinsky’s guilty plea showed that his crimes were “not the product of negligence, naivete, or bad luck,” but rather the result of “deliberate, calculated decisions to lie, deceive, and steal in pursuit of personal fortune.”
Related: Prosecutors seek over 6 years prison for Mango Markets exploiter
The memorandum came days before Mashinsky’s sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for May 8, and will be presided over by US District Judge John Koeltl in the Southern District of New York.
Previously, former SEC Chair Jay Clayton, who was sworn in as interim US Attorney for Manhattan last week, shared in an April 23 letter that at least 200 victims filed statements in the case against Mashinsky.
Other Celsius co-founders
While Mashinsky emerged as a key figure in the Celsius fraud, others were involved in the massive cryptocurrency scam, including Shlomi Daniel Leon, who co-founded Celsius with Mashinsky in 2017.
Formerly the chief strategy officer (CSO) of Celsius, Leon quit his job in October 2022, months after Celsius’ collapse in June.
In July 2023, the Federal Trade Commission charged Leon, along with Mashinsky and another co-founder, Hanoch Goldstein, and issued a $4.7 billion fine against the bankrupt lender.
Magazine: Bitcoin $100K hopes on ice, SBF’s mysterious prison move: Hodler’s Digest, April 20 – 26
Key points:
Bitcoin has beaten out three key resistance levels in a single weekly candle.
The weekly close defended the 2025 yearly open, but a subsequent dip below it is making analysis question the strength of the BTC price breakout.
BTC/USD remains in a “critical zone” pending fresh support confirmations.
Bitcoin (BTC) has broken through three key resistance levels in a week, but its biggest reclaim battle continues.
Analysis from sources including popular trader and analyst Rekt Capital underscores BTC price acting in a critical area for bulls.
Bitcoin breaks through “triple resistance”
Bitcoin’s latest weekly candle saw a reclaim of a full three resistance lines, Rekt Capital reveals.
In addition to horizontal weekly resistance, BTC/USD broke beyond a multimonth downtrend previously discussed by Cointelegraph, as well as the 21-week exponential moving average (EMA).
“Bitcoin broke them all last week,” Rekt Capital commented in a post on X while uploading an illustrative chart.
“Bitcoin broke the Triple Resistance.”
Another post highlights Bitcoin leaving both the 21-week and 50-week EMAs behind, with these traditionally offering bull market support.
“Bitcoin has repeated mid-2021 price history with a breakout from its range formed by the two Bull Market EMAs,” Rekt Capital summarized.
BTC price weakness worries linger
For some, however, the real test for the current BTC price rebound lies elsewhere.
Related: A 'local top' and $88K retest? 5 things to know in Bitcoin this week
In his latest YouTube video analysis on April 28, Keith Alan, co-founder of trading resource Material Indicators, drew attention to Bitcoin’s ongoing battle to reclaim the 2025 yearly open.
At around $93,500, this level forms the key focus moving forward, with a brief dip below it after the weekly close leaving Alan concerned.
“It’s one of the reasons why I think we could see more downside volatility,” he said while acknowledging the potential benefits of a fresh support retest.
Alan added that he hoped the 21-week simple moving average (SMA) would hold, but that price was in a “critical zone.”
Short-term BTC price magnets also include $94,000 thanks to a wall of bids in place on the Binance futures order book.
The buy liquidity was flagged and uploaded to X by monitoring resource CoinGlass on April 29.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
What is the Paws Telegram Mini App?
Paws is a Telegram-based Mini App created by the same team behind other projects, such as Notcoin and Dogs.
If you’ve been cruising around Telegram lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Paws, the viral crypto Mini App that’s got everyone tapping, clicking and inviting their friends like it’s 2010 FarmVille all over again.
Originally launched in October 2024 on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, Paws exploded in popularity with its ultra-simple tap-to-earn concept. Think of it as a gamified rewards engine embedded directly in Telegram, where users rack up points by completing tasks, referring others and interacting with mini-game elements.
Within just eight days of going live, Paws pulled in over 20 million users, and within a few months, that figure soared past 80 million.
But the real twist? Paws, in March 2025, migrated from TON to Solana, a move that brought more scalability, lower fees and deeper integration with a broader decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Alongside this shift came the launch of the PAWS token — used for governance, staking, in-game purchases and more — positioning Paws as more than just a viral hit.
The app’s core philosophy is simple: You create value every time you engage online, so why not earn for it? With no extra downloads needed, Paws is frictionless. You just activate the bot on Telegram (@PAWSOG_bot), and you’re in. From there, it’s all about interacting: tap items, read posts, join groups, complete quizzes, and get rewarded with points that convert into real tokens.
So, is it legit? Before answering that, we’ll unpack how it actually works.
How does the Paws Telegram Mini App actually work?
Paws has a simplified interactive interface that allows users to earn points and stay involved in its gamified engagement economy.
Once you launch the Mini App via its official Telegram bot, you’re welcomed into a digital world that rewards you for social activity. You’re not mining crypto, solving puzzles or trading tokens — you’re completing micro-tasks like tapping virtual objects, joining Telegram channels, referring friends or answering simple quizzes.
Every action earns you points, which are later converted into PAWS tokens. These tokens can then be staked, used in Paws’ upcoming in-app economy, or possibly traded depending on future listings. The simplicity is what makes it addictive, and the referral model makes it viral.
And here’s the kicker: You don’t even need a separate wallet app. The Paws Mini App syncs with existing wallets like Phantom on Solana or Telegram-native wallets (TON-based). It’s designed for ease, especially for people new to crypto.
Why Paws migrated to Solana and why it matters
At first, Paws ran on TON, but in a move that surprised some and excited others, Paws announced a major shift to Solana in early 2025.
In early 2025, Telegram introduced a policy mandating that all Mini Apps and third-party crypto wallets on its platform exclusively operate on TON. This move forced projects like Paws to choose between remaining confined to TON or migrating to a different blockchain.
Paws opted to migrate to Solana, a decision that has had significant implications:
- User base migration: Over 80 million Paws users transitioned to Solana, leading to more than 9 million downloads of the Phantom crypto wallet and the creation of over 1 million new Solana addresses.
- NFT integration: PAWS introduced non-fungible token (NFT) vouchers on the Solana-based marketplace Magic Eden, resulting in over 100,000 transactions within two weeks.
- Ecosystem expansion: The migration has allowed Paws to evolve from a viral Telegram application into a full-fledged Web3 brand, with plans to integrate DeFi features, gaming partnerships and social engagement tools.
This strategic move not only circumvented Telegram’s restrictive policies but also positioned Paws to leverage Solana’s scalability and active DeFi ecosystem, paving the way for broader adoption and innovation.
Did you know? The migration to Solana led to over 9 million new downloads of Phantom Wallet, with more than 1 million fresh Solana addresses created by Paws users. That’s one of the biggest onboarding waves in Solana’s history.
The PAWS airdrop: What you need to know
No viral Web3 game is complete without an airdrop, and Paws is no exception.
Users who engage with the app, tapping, referring and completing tasks earn points, which are later converted into PAWS tokens. These tokens are distributed via an airdrop, and the team has already completed early reward rounds with plans for future drops as the ecosystem expands.
The PAWS token officially launched on March 18, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the key events that took place:
- March 11-15: Withdrawals opened to exchanges.
- March 17: Token deposits became available on exchanges.
- March 18: Withdrawals to Phantom Wallet and the official PAWS listing commenced.
The airdrop distribution was as follows:
- 62.5% allocated to Paws app users.
- 7.5% reserved for established Solana communities.
- The remaining percentage is designated for ecosystem growth, partnerships and liquidity.
Despite the successful migration and platform enhancements, the PAWS token launch faced some challenges:
- Price volatility: The token experienced a significant drop in value shortly after launch.
- Airdrop confusion: Many users were unsure about eligibility criteria, leading to dissatisfaction.
- Communication gaps: Delays and a lack of clear communication regarding the token generation event (TGE) affected community trust on X.
As of April 2025, the PAWS token is listed on a few exchanges, including Bybit, MEXC and KuCoin. There’s growing speculation that listings on more centralized exchanges (CEXs) may follow, especially given the size of the community and early engagement.
Did you know? After migrating to Solana, Paws launched NFT vouchers on Magic Eden. In just two weeks, these NFTs generated over 100,000 transactions.
Is Paws legit or just another hype train?
Paws has demonstrated substantial growth and user engagement; however, users must do their own research before joining in.
Let’s get to the big question: Is Paws legit?
Paws has demonstrated substantial growth and user engagement. The following help to make a better assessment on how to approach Paws:
Pros:
- Developed by a team with a track record (Notcoin and Dogs).
- Successful migration to Solana indicates long-term planning and future orientation.
- Rapid user adoption and community growth.
Cons:
- Limited transparency with no public team page or comprehensive white paper.
- Potential for bot-driven airdrop farming, as has been seen on Telegram Mini Apps.
- The project is navigating regulatory uncertainty, particularly as airdrops via Telegram Mini Apps remain in a legal gray area, often lacking clear Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
So, what’s the verdict? While Paws appears to be a well-used platform for casual engagement, users should conduct thorough research and exercise caution, especially when considering financial investments.
What’s next for Paws?
As the platform matures and cements its place, the team behind it has hinted at a much bigger vision: one that turns Paws from a simple viral game into a dynamic Web3 super app.
Here’s what’s reportedly on the roadmap:
- In-app marketplace: Users will soon be able to spend their PAWS tokens within an integrated marketplace. This could include digital goods, services and utility items tied to the app’s gaming ecosystem, such as power-ups, skins or access to exclusive features.
- NFT rewards and avatar customization: Paws plans to introduce customizable avatars powered by NFTs. These will not only let users personalize their experience but also function as tradable digital assets. The team has already launched early NFT vouchers on Solana’s Magic Eden, showing a clear direction toward gamified asset ownership.
- Social leaderboards and guild mechanics: Paws is building out more community-first features. Competitive social leaderboards will reward the most active players, while upcoming guild mechanics will allow users to team up, compete and share rewards, blending social gaming with decentralized coordination.
- DeFi integrations: With its migration to Solana, PAWS has opened the door to deeper DeFi utility. Upcoming features could include staking, lending pools, yield-based games or partnerships with native Solana DeFi protocols, adding more financial layers to the Paws economy.
With a user base now exceeding 80 million and growing, Paws is laying the groundwork to evolve into a full-blown Web3 social and gaming hub — though its rapid rise also warrants caution, as regulatory clarity and long-term sustainability remain key concerns.
Decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator 1inch has launched on Solana, marking a significant step toward its vision of a “unified multichain” decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
According to a press release shared with Cointelegraph, the integration enables users to trade over 1 million Solana-based tokens directly through the 1inch decentralized application (DApp), benefiting from maximal extractable value-protected swaps, optimized rates and open-source smart contract infrastructure.
The move brings 1inch’s Fusion protocol to Solana for the first time. Fusion enables users to define their ideal swap parameters, which are then executed by competing professional market makers, or “resolvers,” using Dutch auction mechanics.
Combined with Solana’s ultra-fast block times, the setup promises more efficient and seamless trading execution than other networks.
A 1inch representative told Cointelegraph that users could expect “minimal fees” when executing swaps on Solana. “Users may expect costs of less than one cent,” they said.
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1inch to launch crosschain swaps for Solana
In addition to enabling Solana-based swaps, 1inch revealed plans to roll out crosschain functionality in the coming months, aiming to allow swaps between Solana and more than 10 other blockchains already supported by 1inch.
“At this stage, there is no fixed launch date,” the 1inch representative said. “However, development is progressing well, and we expect the feature to go live in the coming months.”
The representative said that crosschain swaps will initially support the 10 blockchains already integrated into 1inch’s crosschain swap ecosystem. The final list will be confirmed closer to launch.
1inch’s expansion into Solana comes as the blockchain has outperformed Ethereum and layer-2 networks in several key DeFi metrics.
Over the past three months, it posted a 33% higher DEX trading volume ($539 billion), handled 400% more transactions, and hosted 180% more active addresses than its rivals, according to data from Dune Analytics.
Related: Solana whale sits on $153M profit after 4-year staking play
“Both Solana and Ethereum play critical roles in the evolving DeFi landscape,” the 1inch representative said.
They said that while Ethereum’s network effects and liquidity depth continue to dominate today, Solana’s performance improvements and growing adoption make it a serious contender.
The integration also includes access to six APIs through the 1inch Developer Portal, giving builders tools to create new DApps and services on top of the 1inch-Solana infrastructure.
On Sept. 12, 2024, 1inch first revealed the details of its solution to crosschain interoperability issues when it published a white paper about the intent-based, crosschain interoperability protocol it was developing.
On Sept. 18, 2024, the DEX aggregator revealed “Fusion+” to allow users to swap their digital assets crosschain while retaining self-custody of the assets.
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The concept of a Russian ruble stablecoin received special attention at a major local crypto event, the Blockchain Forum in Moscow, with key industry executives reflecting on some of the core features a ruble-backed stablecoin might require.
Sergey Mendeleev, founder of the digital settlement exchange Exved and inactive founder of the sanctioned Garantex exchange, put forward seven key criteria for a potential “replica of Tether” in a keynote at the Blockchain Forum on April 23.
Mendeleev said a potential ruble stablecoin must have untraceable transactions and allow transfers without Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.
However, because one of the criteria also requires the stablecoin to comply with Russian regulations, he expressed skepticism that such a product could emerge soon.
The DAI model praised
Mendeleev proposed that a potential Russian “Tether replica” must be overcollateralized similarly to the Dai (DAI) stablecoin model, a decentralized algorithmic stablecoin that maintains its one-to-one peg with the US dollar using smart contracts.
“So, any person who buys it will understand that the contract is based on the assets that super-securitize it, not somewhere on some unknown accounts, but free to be checked by simple crypto methods,” he said.
Another must-have feature should be excess liquidity on both centralized and decentralized exchanges, Mendeleev said, adding that users must be able to exchange the stablecoin at any time they need.
According to Mendeleev, a viable ruble-pegged stablecoin also needs to offer non-KYC transactions, so users are not required to pass their data to start using it.
“The Russian ruble stablecoin should have the opportunity where people use it without disclosing their data,” he stated.
Related: Russia’s central bank, finance ministry to launch crypto exchange
In the meantime, users should be able to earn interest on holding the stablecoin, Mendelev continued, adding that offering this feature is available via smart contracts.
Russia opts for centralization
Mendeleev also suggested that a potential Russian version of Tether’s USDt (USDT) would need to feature untraceable and cheap transactions, while its smart contracts should not enable blocks or freezes.
The final criterion is that a potential ruble stablecoin would have to be regulated in accordance with the Russian legislation, which currently doesn’t look promising, according to Mendeleev.
“Once we put these seven points together [...] then it would be a real alternative, which would help us at least compete with the solutions that are currently on the market,” he stated at the conference, adding:
“Unfortunately, from the point of view of regulation, we are currently going in the absolutely opposite direction [...] We are going in the direction of absolute centralization, not in the direction of liberalization of laws, but consolidation of prohibitions.”
Possible solutions
While the regulatory side is not looking good, a potential Russian version of USDT is technically feasible, Mendeleev told Cointelegraph.
“Except for anonymous transactions, everything is easy to implement and has already been deployed by several projects, but it’s just not unified in one project yet,” he said.
The crypto advocate specifically referred to interesting opportunities by projects like the ruble-pegged A7A5 stablecoin, unblockable contracts at DAI, and others.
Related: Russian crypto exchange Mosca raided amid cash-to-crypto ban talks
Regulation is necessary but not enough, Mendeleev said, adding that the most difficult part is the trust of users who must see the ruble stablecoin as a viable alternative to major alternatives like USDT.
Recent reports suggest that the deputy head of Russia’s Finance Ministry’s financial policy department urged the government to develop ruble stablecoins.
Elsewhere, the Bank of Russia has continued to progress its central bank digital currency project, the digital ruble. According to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, the digital ruble is scheduled to be rolled out for commercial banks in the second half of 2025.
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