United States SEC Terminates Probe into YugaLabs

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March 9, 2025

Yuga Labs, the creator of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT collection, announced that the SEC had officially terminated its probe, which began in October 2022. The investigation focused on determining whether certain NFTs, including those from Yuga Labs, should be classified as securities under U.S. law, similar to stocks, and whether their sales violated federal regulations. Yuga Labs hailed the closure as a “huge win” for the NFT industry, asserting that “NFTs are not securities.”

This development is part of a broader pattern of the SEC de-escalating enforcement actions against crypto-related entities, including dropping lawsuits against exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken, amid a shifting regulatory landscape under the Trump administration. However, the lack of charges does not necessarily provide definitive regulatory clarity, as the SEC has not formally declared NFTs exempt from securities classification, leaving the legal status of NFTs in the U.S. ambiguous.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are digital assets on blockchain networks that represent ownership of unique items, such as digital art, collectibles, music, virtual real estate, or in-game assets. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are fungible and interchangeable, NFTs are distinct, with their uniqueness and ownership verified by blockchain technology, typically on platforms like Ethereum.

As NFTs have surged in popularity—evidenced by high-profile sales, such as Beeple’s EVERYDAYS: The First 5000 Days fetching $69 million in 2021—regulatory scrutiny has intensified globally. Below is a detailed explanation of NFT regulations, covering key jurisdictions, regulatory challenges, and critical implications, with references to recent developments like the SEC’s closure of its investigation into Yuga Labs.

In the United States, the primary regulatory question surrounding NFTs is whether they qualify as securities under federal law, which would subject them to oversight by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC applies the Howey Test, derived from a 1946 Supreme Court case, to determine if an asset is a security. Under this test, an asset is a security if it involves: (1) an investment of money, (2) in a common enterprise, (3) with an expectation of profits, (4) derived from the efforts of others. If NFTs meet these criteria, they must comply with securities laws, including registration requirements and disclosure obligations.

The SEC’s investigation into Yuga Labs, the creator of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), which concluded without charges on March 3, 2025, exemplifies this scrutiny. The probe, launched in October 2022, examined whether BAYC NFTs and related offerings, such as the ApeCoin token, constituted unregistered securities. Yuga Labs argued that its NFTs were collectibles, not investment contracts, and celebrated the SEC’s decision to close the case as a victory for the NFT industry, asserting that “NFTs are not securities.”

However, the SEC’s decision not to pursue charges does not provide definitive legal clarity, as it did not issue a formal ruling or guidance on NFTs’ status. This ambiguity leaves NFT creators, marketplaces, and investors in a regulatory gray area, particularly for projects with features resembling securities, such as fractionalized NFTs, staking rewards, or promises of future value appreciation driven by the issuer’s efforts.
Beyond securities laws, other U.S. agencies are involved in NFT regulation. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) could oversee NFTs if they are deemed commodities, though this is less common.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) focuses on anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance, requiring NFT marketplaces to monitor transactions for suspicious activity, especially given concerns about NFTs being used for money laundering due to their high-value, pseudonymous nature. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats NFTs as property for tax purposes, meaning sales trigger capital gains taxes, with tax rates depending on holding periods and income levels.

Compliance with tax reporting is complex, particularly for NFT creators receiving royalties, as highlighted by platforms like OpenSea, which in 2025 began issuing 1099 forms to U.S. users to report income from NFT sales. Recent political shifts, particularly under the Trump administration, have influenced the regulatory tone. The SEC’s decision to drop investigations and lawsuits against crypto-related entities, including Coinbase, Kraken, and Yuga Labs, reflects a more permissive stance, aligning with President Trump’s stated goal of making the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.”

Legislative proposals, such as the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, aim to clarify jurisdictional boundaries between the SEC and CFTC, potentially exempting certain NFTs from securities classification if they are deemed decentralized or collectibles. However, without enacted legislation, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented, posing risks for market participants.

Former Nissan Exec Andy Palmer Warns Against Hybrid Strategy as Chinese EV Giants Surge Ahead

By

Samuel Nwite

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March 9, 2025

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Andy Palmer, former Aston Martin CEO and a key architect of the Nissan Leaf, has criticized automakers relying on hybrids instead of fully transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), calling it a “fool’s errand” that risks leaving them behind as Chinese companies dominate the EV market.

Palmer, who led the development of the Nissan Leaf—the world’s first mass-market electric car—believes automakers sticking to hybrids will struggle to compete as the industry moves towards fully electric options.

“Hybrids are a road to hell,” Palmer told Business Insider. “They are a transition strategy, and the longer you stay on that transition, the less quickly you ramp up into the new world.”

Palmer, who served as Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer, said that while hybrids might appear to offer a safer bet as EV adoption slows, the strategy would ultimately render companies uncompetitive for longer. He warned that delaying the switch to EVs would allow Chinese automakers to solidify their lead, particularly as they ramp up international expansion.

“If you just delay transitioning to EVs by diluting it with hybrids, then you are more uncompetitive for longer, and you allow the Chinese to continue to develop their market and their leadership,” Palmer added.

China’s EV Market: A Well-Oiled Machine

China’s dominance in the EV market is no accident. Palmer pointed to the Chinese government’s strategic focus on “new energy vehicles,” which has included an estimated $230 billion in subsidies for EV makers since 2009. Automakers like BYD have leveraged this support to become formidable players, offering a mix of affordable and high-tech EVs and hybrids that are now gaining traction abroad.

“The Chinese cars are bloody good. The Chinese vehicles offer remarkable value for money for what they deliver,” Palmer said, highlighting their advanced battery technology and focus on software.

Palmer, who sat on the board of Dongfeng Motor Company, a joint venture between Nissan and China’s state-owned Dongfeng, witnessed firsthand the aggressive industrial strategy that helped propel Chinese EV makers to the forefront of the global market.

“It starts with an industrial strategy. That’s the big thing to learn. For the best part of 14 years, we have not had an industrial strategy,” Palmer noted, comparing the West’s lack of a coordinated approach to China’s long-term planning.

Tariffs, A Counterproductive Measure

In response to China’s growing influence, both the U.S. and Europe have imposed tariffs aimed at protecting their domestic auto industries. However, Palmer argued that tariffs would only serve to weaken Western automakers’ competitiveness.

“My experience with tariffs is it just makes your indigenous industry lazy. The gap becomes even bigger,” he said, suggesting that a “survival of the fittest” mentality would better prepare Western automakers for the coming battle with Chinese brands, especially in Europe.

“I think the Chinese firms will learn from competing in Europe, because that’s the toughest market in the world. If they can do that, then they’re going to be unbeatable,” he added.

Japanese Automakers on the Back Foot

The rise of Chinese EV companies has put immense pressure on Japanese automakers, including Palmer’s former employer, Nissan, as well as Toyota and Honda.

Nissan recently announced plans to lay off 9,000 workers, while Toyota and Honda struggle with declining sales in China and reduced profits. Reports of merger talks between Nissan and Honda underscore the severity of the situation.

Palmer said that while Toyota initially reaped rewards by focusing on hybrids, this strategy left the company vulnerable as markets like China moved rapidly towards EVs.

“Toyota took the Japanese industry down a cul-de-sac, which it is going to struggle to recover from,” he said.

He also criticized Nissan’s leadership for failing to capitalize on the early success of the Leaf, which has sold over half a million units since its 2010 launch.

“Nissan finds itself now with a very poor lineup of products and without obvious leadership in EVs, and that’s the direct result of poor management,” Palmer remarked.

Breaking the EV Adoption Barrier

While EV sales are still growing, adoption has been slower than expected, prompting automakers to scale back investments. Palmer attributes this hesitation to the high cost of EVs.

“Prices have got to align to those of internal combustion engines. And to make that happen, you’ve got to be able to offer cars with smaller batteries,” Palmer said. He emphasized the need for governments to support charging infrastructure to ease consumer concerns about range.

The average EV price in the U.S. in October was $56,902, compared to $48,623 for traditional gas-powered cars, according to Kelley Blue Book. Bridging this price gap could help accelerate EV adoption.

Learning from China

Palmer urged Western automakers and governments to adopt elements of China’s industrial strategy, particularly in the battery sector. China currently dominates the EV battery supply chain, including critical mineral processing and cell manufacturing.

“If the West wants to catch up, I would advocate copying the Chinese,” he said. “The alternative is everything is Chinese at the moment—even if you were building your own battery cells, you’ve still got to get all the minerals from China. The whole supply chain is stuck.”

Palmer’s cautionary tale is not just for Japanese automakers but for any company hoping to compete in the global EV market. The hesitation to fully commit to EVs in favor of hybrids, he argues, is a strategy that will only deepen the competitive disadvantage against well-positioned Chinese manufacturers.

Latest Crypto News: BlockDAG’s Beta Testnet Goes Live in March! SHIB’s Future in Doubt While ONDO Surges 47%

By

TI Partners

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March 9, 2025

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Crypto traders are tracking Shiba Inu’s slow-burning supply, ONDO’s possible 47% price jump, and BlockDAG’s upcoming Beta Testnet release set for March 2025. SHIB continues to struggle with excess supply, while ONDO’s price outlook remains uncertain.

In contrast, BlockDAG (BDAG) is pushing forward with a scalable Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) network, a $30 million grants initiative, and an impressive $201 million presale. BDAG’s rapid traction has caught significant attention as the testing phase nears. With its growing momentum, many are considering BDAG for long-term gains. Could the launch of BlockDAG’s Beta Testnet position it as the strongest performer in 2025, surpassing SHIB and ONDO? Here’s a closer look at the key developments shaping the market.

BlockDAG’s Beta Testnet Launch Set to Advance Blockchain Capabilities!

The Beta Testnet launch of BlockDAG in March 2025 is expected to bring improvements in scalability, transaction speed, and decentralization. The DAG-based system enhances processing power and streamlines mining efficiency, making it a strong competitor to traditional blockchain structures. As the testing phase begins, its capability to manage large transaction loads will become evident.

A $30 million grant program is being introduced to attract talented developers, further strengthening BlockDAG’s ecosystem. In collaboration with HackerEarth, upcoming global hackathons could contribute to the launch of over 201 new dApps. Meanwhile, the X1 Miner app has gained over 500,000 users, supporting further expansion and reinforcing BDAG’s role in the market.

With the presale surpassing $201 million and 18.7 billion BDAG coins already sold, demand continues to surge. The latest batch, priced at $0.0248, has delivered a 2,380% gain for early participants. The BDAG800 promotion currently offers a 400% bonus, positioning BDAG as one of the strongest contenders for significant returns in 2025.

SHIB’s Supply Challenges: Can the Burn Rate Increase Growth?

SHIB enthusiasts remain hopeful about future price increases, but the ongoing burn process is moving at a slow pace. Even after burning over 410 trillion SHIB, around 583 trillion remain in circulation. While Shibarium’s automated burn mechanism and manual reductions by the community aim to reduce supply, the current pace isn’t sufficient for immediate price impact.

For SHIB to reach ambitious milestones like $0.01, adoption levels must rise. Developers are working on integrating SHIB into gaming, metaverse applications, and real-world payment solutions to create stronger demand. Without an accelerated burn strategy and wider usability, SHIB’s price trajectory remains uncertain.

ONDO’s Price Outlook: A Potential 47% Price Swing?

ONDO is currently priced at $1.11 and nearing a crucial point in a descending triangle pattern, indicating a potential market shift. If ONDO surpasses $1.50, projections suggest it could climb to $1.80 or even $3.10. However, if it fails to hold above $1.05, a decline to $0.90 could follow, making this a critical level to monitor.

The last major ONDO rally saw a 350% surge, largely driven by institutional support, including backing from World Liberty Financial following Donald Trump’s election victory. However, the recent 25% decline in value has sparked concerns over price stability. With volatility increasing, both bullish and bearish traders are closely watching the next movements.

Final Words!

While SHIB’s price outlook depends on its burn strategy and ONDO faces key resistance levels, BlockDAG is taking bold steps with its Beta Testnet launch, a $30 million grant initiative, and a record-setting $201 million crypto presale. With a growing mining network, strategic partnerships, and its scalable DAG-based framework, BDAG is emerging as a standout choice for significant returns in 2025. As the mainnet launch gets closer, this could be a key moment for those looking to enter before prices rise further.

Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network

Website: https://blockdag.network

Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial

Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

U.S. Government Renews Push for Google Breakup Over Chrome Browser Monopoly

By

Samuel Nwite

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March 9, 2025

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The US government has reignited its push to break up Google, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday reaffirming its demand that the tech giant sell off its popular Chrome browser to restore competition in the digital marketplace.

This latest move adds new urgency to the long-running antitrust battle against Google, which was found last year to have maintained an illegal monopoly over internet search.

The DOJ’s renewed call for a breakup is part of a broader strategy to address what it described as Google’s “economic goliath” status, accusing the company of leveraging its market dominance to stifle competition and harm consumers.

“Google’s illegal conduct has created an economic goliath, one that wreaks havoc over the marketplace to ensure that — no matter what occurs — Google always wins. American consumers and businesses suffer from Google’s conduct,” the DOJ stated in a court filing.

National Security Concerns in the Mix

In its defense, Google has previously argued that breaking up its business could have serious national security implications. The company claims that its integration of search, browser, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities enhances its ability to safeguard data and thwart cybersecurity threats.

Google spokesperson Peter Schottenfels reiterated this stance, suggesting that the DOJ’s proposals are not only excessive but also potentially harmful to national interests.

“DOJ’s sweeping proposals continue to go miles beyond the Court’s decision, and would harm America’s consumers, economy, and national security,” Schottenfels said.

Google has maintained that separating its browser business from its search engine could make the internet ecosystem more vulnerable to exploitation by malicious actors. The company argues that its robust infrastructure, which tightly integrates search with other services, provides a unique defense against threats.

A Changing Search Landscape

The DOJ’s latest push for a Google breakup comes as competition in the search market begins to heat up. OpenAI, the AI research lab behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, recently introduced a search feature, allowing users to access real-time web information directly through its AI tool.

The introduction of search capabilities by OpenAI has been seen by many as a potential challenge to Google’s dominance. Some experts believe that if OpenAI’s search tool gains traction among its millions of chatbot users, it could begin to chip away at Google’s hold on the search market.

However, Google’s dominance in the web search market remains formidable, with over 90% of market share. This entrenched position presents a significant barrier for new entrants, including OpenAI, which would need to not only innovate but also overcome the deep integration of Google’s search services across devices, browsers, and platforms.

The DOJ’s Strategy

The DOJ has suggested that a forced sale of Chrome could help level the playing field, giving rival search engines better access to a browser that serves as a “gateway to the internet” for many users. In addition to divesting Chrome, the DOJ proposed requiring Google to implement a “choice screen” on its browsers, allowing users to select their preferred search engine when no default is set.

This choice screen strategy mirrors a similar measure adopted in Europe, where regulators required Google to present Android users with a selection of search engines. While the approach saw some success in boosting competition, it did not significantly dent Google’s market share.

The DOJ’s latest proposal maintained most of the remedies suggested during the Biden administration, though it softened its stance in some areas. For instance, the government is no longer demanding the divestiture of Google’s artificial intelligence investments, which could indicate a more targeted focus on the search and browser markets.

Google’s Countermeasures

In response to the DOJ’s demands, Google has proposed restructuring its business contracts with mobile device manufacturers and wireless carriers. The company also intends to appeal the antitrust ruling by Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Google argues that its business practices benefit consumers by providing faster, more relevant search results and that breaking up the company would create confusion and reduce the quality of Internet services. The tech giant contends that rather than protecting competition, a forced divestiture of Chrome could fragment the browser market and undermine user experiences.

Growing Pressure on Big Tech

A potential breakup of Google would mark one of the most significant antitrust actions in U.S. history, setting a precedent that could impact other tech behemoths such as Meta, Amazon, and Apple. These companies have also faced scrutiny over their market dominance and business practices.

Should the Trump administration’s push succeed, it could embolden regulators both domestically and internationally to pursue more aggressive actions against monopolistic practices in the tech sector. The European Union, which has already fined Google billions for anti-competitive behavior, might take further steps to curb its dominance.

The April court hearing will be a critical juncture in this battle, with both Google and the DOJ presenting their arguments on how best to address concerns over market competition.

Drop in XRP Price Drives Investors to This New Utility Coin, Holders Aiming for 27,600% Gains

By

TI Partners

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March 9, 2025

0

As the XRP price continues to fluctuate, many investors are looking for higher-growth opportunities beyond Ripple’s ecosystem. One such standout is DTX Exchange which is rapidly growing with potential for 27,600% gains. Currently in its presale, DTX is offering early investors a chance to instantly 2x their investment with a price set at $0.36 for exchange listing.

With over $15.5 million already raised, analysts predict DTX could surge higher than the XRP price looking at its current performance. So, will DTX be a more promising opportunity in 2025? Let’s find out.

Altcoin Holders Eyeing DTX Exchange for 27,600% Gains

With the XRP price facing volatility, smart investors are turning to DTX Exchange, a project that is poised for 27,600% gains in 2025. This project is backed by a structured growth plan which means early investors have a rare opportunity to double their money in an instant, unlike Ripple. Moreover, if they’re smart enough, they’d use the code “LIST2X” during checkout and quadruple their initial deposit in no time.

Currently, each DTX token is worth $0.18 in the bonus round of presale because of increased investor demand. Until now the project has raised over $15.5 million which shows the confidence investors have in the project.

If DTX manages to surge by 27,600%, each DTX token would be worth over $49 with a marketcap of almost 23 billion which is less than 20% of that of Ripples.

Additionally, this platform is being built on the VulcanX blockchain which could handle 200,000 transactions per second. This means users won’t have to face any delays while making trades even during peak times.

Another standout feature is that DTX will offer more than 120,000 asset classes including forex, crypto, forex, and commodities. By combining different financial markets, DTX aims to bring everyone to the same platform and allow them to diversify their portfolio to spread the overall risk.

Can Ripple Break Through New Highs Amid Market Shifts

At the time of writing, the XRP price is trading around $2.50 with a slight increase in value. This is due to the excitement around Trump announcing Ripple as part of the “Strategic Crypto Reserve” in the U.S. As a result, the XRP price surged suddenly by 30% to 40% within an hour.

Source: CoinMarketCap

Recent technical analysis suggests that Ripple might rally in the upcoming days. But for now the indicators for Ripple are in the neutral zone which means the XRP price might consolidate in a specific region. However, experts are indicating that the XRP price could have a possible 160% surge against other altcoins.

Another factor that might contribute to an increase in the XRP price is the speculations surrounding the potential early resolution of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit. Even then, holders are getting more interested in DTX Exchange because of the 4x instant ROI.

DTX Exchange Changing Decentralized Philanthropy

According to the latest developer updates, DTX Exchange has successfully launched its Crypto Charity Dashboard. The platform aims to set a new standard for secure, efficient and transparent blockchain-based giving.

With the XRP price still struggling to surge in value after Trump’s pro crypto laws, DTX is making headway to become one of the best utility tokens.

This Crypto Charity Dashboard will be live soon and will have real-time monitoring to ensure smooth operations. It will support multiple channels and will have load-balancing tools. Moreover, it will have a huge social impact campaign to encourage donors to share their contributions.

Security also remains a top priority for DTX Exchange which is why the platform has gone through a final audit to ensure all smart contracts were optimized for safety and efficiently. Some key enhancements include multi-layer authentication for NGOs, AI-driven fraud detection and gas fee optimization.

Conclusion

With Ripple still in a market frenzy, DTX Exchange is aiming to revolutionize crypto trading and blockchain philanthropy. Currently, DTX is offering early investors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to instantly 4x (quadruple) their initial deposit upon launch.

Experts suggest not missing out on this opportunity as the presale is selling out quickly and only less than 30% of the bonus round is left.

Check out these links for more information about DTX Exchange:

Buy Presale

Visit DTX Website

Join The DTX Community

United States SEC Terminates Probe into YugaLabs

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Former Nissan Exec Andy Palmer Warns Against Hybrid Strategy as Chinese EV Giants Surge Ahead