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Canada’s court rules emoji as a valid contract agreement

A Canadian judge has ruled that the widely used thumbs-up emoji can affirm that a person is legally entering into a contract. 

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A Canadian judge has ruled that the widely used thumbs-up emoji can affirm that a person is legally entering into a contract. 

According to a report from The New York Times, Judge T.J. Keene said the decision mirrors a “new reality in Canadian society” as more people use emojis to express themselves in all sorts of situations, including business dealings.

The case sought to determine whether a farmer had agreed to sell tons of flax to a grain buyer in 2021. As per the report, the buyer sent the purchase contract to the farmer and wrote, “Please confirm flax contract.“

Upon receiving the thumbs-up emoji as a reply, he understood the farmer “was agreeing to the contract,” and the emoji was his way of accepting it. The farmer, on the other hand, said the emoji was meant to confirm that he “received the flax contract.”

The judge noted that the farmer and buyer had had a longstanding trade relationship, and that the farmer had responded to previous sales agreements with texts such as “looks good,” “ok” or “yup.” In the decision, Keene referred to the dictionary.com definition of the thumbs-up emoji: “used to express assent, approval or encouragement in digital communications, especially in Western cultures.”

Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University School of Law, told the NYT that despite the decision, the meaning of the thumbs-up emoji remains an open question, depending on each case.

The professor noted that some young people may use the emoji in a sarcastic or disingenuous way, while others may use it to confirm receiving a message. The gesture may also be offensive in some Middle Eastern countries, he said. The case reminds “people that using the thumbs-up emoji can have serious legal consequences,” Goldman added.

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Bitcoin price risks drop to $71K as Trump tariffs hurt US business outlook

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Bitcoin is setting its sights on the $71,000 mark as market conditions shift in response to geopolitical and economic developments, including a new tariff agreement and weakening U.S. business sentiment.

Recent market activity suggests that Bitcoin is benefiting from concerns over traditional economic indicators, with investors turning to digital assets as a hedge against economic uncertainty. A rare slump in U.S. business outlook has fueled speculation that risk assets, including Bitcoin, could see increased inflows.

Additionally, ongoing global trade negotiations and tariff adjustments have contributed to market volatility, prompting investors to seek alternative stores of value. Analysts suggest that if macroeconomic pressures persist, Bitcoin could continue its upward trajectory, potentially testing the $71,000 resistance level.

Despite short-term fluctuations, Bitcoin remains a focal point for investors navigating inflation concerns, regulatory shifts, and global economic trends. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bitcoin can sustain its momentum and break through key price barriers.

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Crypto donations top $1B in 2024, gain traction after Myanmar, Thailand quake

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Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, has donated 1,000 BNB to aid relief efforts following a powerful earthquake that struck the Thailand-Myanmar border region. The donation, valued at approximately $600,000, aims to support those affected by the disaster and assist in recovery operations.

The earthquake caused significant damage in several areas, displacing residents and impacting local infrastructure. CZ’s contribution highlights the growing role of cryptocurrency in humanitarian aid, providing fast and transparent relief funding.

The donation will be distributed to organizations working on the ground to deliver emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical supplies. Crypto-based aid is increasingly being utilized in disaster response efforts due to its efficiency in reaching affected communities without the delays of traditional banking systems.

As the affected regions begin the recovery process, the crypto community continues to demonstrate how blockchain technology can play a meaningful role in global humanitarian initiatives.

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Hackers are selling counterfeit phones with crypto-stealing malware

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Security researchers have uncovered a wave of counterfeit Android devices preloaded with malware designed to steal cryptocurrency, posing a significant threat to users worldwide. The infected devices, which mimic popular smartphone brands, contain malicious software capable of hijacking digital wallets and siphoning funds.

The malware, embedded at the firmware level, allows attackers to gain remote access, intercept sensitive data, and execute unauthorized transactions. Because the malicious code is deeply integrated into the device’s operating system, it is difficult to detect and remove, making it a persistent threat.

Cybersecurity experts warn that unsuspecting buyers may unknowingly expose their crypto holdings to risk by purchasing these compromised devices from unverified sellers. Users are urged to exercise caution by only purchasing smartphones from trusted retailers and manufacturers.

The discovery highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting the cryptocurrency sector. As mobile-based crypto transactions become more common, security measures such as hardware wallet usage and multi-factor authentication are increasingly essential to safeguard digital assets from emerging threats.

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