The Dogecoin network faced significant disruption as 69% of its nodes unexpectedly went offline, raising concerns about the cryptocurrency’s stability. Announced on Nov. 21, the incident was linked to a software flaw that caused widespread crashes among network participants. The sudden drop in active nodes temporarily slowed transaction processing and highlighted the importance of maintaining robust infrastructure for decentralized systems.

According to reports, the issue stemmed from an outdated version of the Dogecoin software still being used by many nodes. When these nodes encountered certain transaction types, they crashed, causing a chain reaction across the network. Developers and community members quickly mobilized to identify the flaw and urged node operators to update to the latest software version to restore normal operations.

The disruption has reignited debates about the challenges of maintaining decentralized networks, particularly for meme-based cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin, which rely heavily on community-driven efforts for development and upkeep. While the network has since stabilized, analysts have pointed out that such incidents expose vulnerabilities that could undermine trust in the system, especially during periods of high market activity.

Despite the setback, Dogecoin’s core development team has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the network’s resilience and security. Community members have also rallied to support efforts to upgrade and secure the infrastructure. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that active development and regular updates play in ensuring the long-term health of blockchain networks.

The city of Vancouver has taken a significant step toward embracing cryptocurrency, passing a motion to position itself as a Bitcoin-friendly city. Announced on Nov. 21, the initiative aims to foster innovation and attract blockchain-related businesses by creating a supportive environment for Bitcoin and other digital assets. City officials view the move as an opportunity to enhance Vancouver’s reputation as a hub for technology and finance.

The motion includes plans to explore Bitcoin payments for municipal services and assess the feasibility of integrating blockchain technology into public operations. Vancouver’s city council emphasized that this effort aligns with its goals of economic diversification and technological advancement. The city will also engage with local businesses and blockchain experts to develop a roadmap for Bitcoin adoption.

Vancouver has a long history of crypto engagement, being home to one of the first Bitcoin ATMs in the world. The new motion builds on this legacy by promoting broader adoption and usage of digital assets. City officials believe that positioning Vancouver as a leader in cryptocurrency could attract investments and boost economic growth, especially in emerging sectors like decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3.

While the motion has been met with enthusiasm from the crypto community, some critics have raised concerns about regulatory challenges and potential risks associated with digital assets. However, proponents argue that proactive steps to embrace Bitcoin could provide Vancouver with a competitive edge in the global economy. The city’s efforts will be closely watched as it works to balance innovation with responsible governance.

Kraken’s Australian subsidiary has been ordered to pay a $5 million fine after losing a lawsuit brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Announced on Nov. 21, the court found that Kraken Australia failed to meet regulatory requirements related to anti-money laundering (AML) and corporate compliance. The ruling underscores the growing scrutiny faced by crypto platforms in the region.

ASIC alleged that Kraken Australia had inadequate systems to monitor and report suspicious transactions, a key requirement for licensed financial entities operating in the country. The regulator claimed that these shortcomings posed significant risks to the financial system and undermined efforts to combat financial crime. Kraken Australia has stated it is reviewing the ruling and considering its options, including a potential appeal.

The fine comes amid a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges by Australian regulators, who have ramped up enforcement actions to ensure compliance with local laws. Several other exchanges are also under investigation for similar violations. Kraken Australia has pledged to strengthen its compliance framework to address the issues raised in the case and maintain its commitment to operating responsibly in the country.

This case highlights the increasing pressure on crypto platforms to align with traditional financial standards as regulators worldwide tighten their oversight of digital assets. While Kraken remains a leading player in the global crypto market, the fine serves as a reminder of the importance of robust compliance measures to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.