In recent news, Binance, the popular cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the launch of a new subscription-based cloud mining service dedicated to Bitcoin mining. Starting June 15, users who are interested in Bitcoin mining but lack the necessary equipment can subscribe to Binance’s cloud mining services and purchase hashrates. Hashrate refers to the computing power required for confirming and legitimizing Bitcoin transactions over the blockchain.
Binance is currently offering 1 Terahash per second (Th/s) at a price of $10.7280, which is divided between the hashrate and electricity costs at $1.17 and $9.558, respectively. A higher number of hashrate increases the probability of earning a higher income in terms of Bitcoin earned through mining. The subscription service will be active for 180 days, or roughly six months, during which users can earn 0.0004338 BTC for each TH/s purchased.
However, there is a catch. As the product is launched on Binance’s global website, the service is not available for crypto investors residing in the United States. This decision comes amid the recent crackdown by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Binance’s US operations. The SEC has alleged that Binance’s US arm was operating as an unregistered exchange, broker, and clearing agency, resulting in legal scrutiny from the regulator.
In response to the SEC allegations, Binance.US has employed former SEC enforcement co-director George Canellos as part of its legal team. John Reed Stark, former SEC internet enforcement chief, commented on the development by stating that “Binance is clearly preparing for a criminal prosecution and continuing to hire the best defense attorneys in the world.”
While the launch of the cloud mining service seems like a promising opportunity for crypto enthusiasts, the unavailability of the service for US investors highlights the ongoing challenges faced by cryptocurrency exchanges. On one hand, the service offers an innovative way for individuals to participate in Bitcoin mining without investing in expensive equipment. On the other hand, the legal hurdles faced by Binance and the exclusion of US investors from the service underscores the ongoing regulatory uncertainties surrounding cryptocurrencies and their related services.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen how the launch of Binance’s subscription-based cloud mining service will impact the overall Bitcoin mining landscape. The service may represent a new pathway to greater mining efficiency and accessibility, but the ongoing legal challenges faced by Binance may also serve as a cautionary tale for other companies operating in this rapidly evolving and increasingly regulated space.
Source: Cointelegraph