Bitcoin is essentially a digital file that exists online and functions as an alternative currency. It differs significantly from conventional currencies like the US dollar. Unlike money printed by governments or traditional banks, Bitcoin is created through a complex computational process known as “mining”. All coins and transactions are recorded on an internet network called the “blockchain”, which is a decentralized database that uses encryption to log transactions. As a result, transactions cannot be traced, and Bitcoin lacks “inherent value”; its price is determined by how much people are willing to pay for it. The lack of regulation is a major concern regarding Bitcoin, and it has also been used on the deep web, which cannot be accessed through a regular web browser. Bitcoin’s volatility is notable, and many investors have considered cryptocurrencies as a hedge against stock market volatility.
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