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Russia will launch its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, on September 1. Major telecommunications companies (MTS, Rostelecom, Megafon) and major online retailers (Wildberries, Ozon) are preparing to accept it for payments. However, Russia maintains its ban on using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for direct payments, drawing a clear line between state-controlled digital money and private alternatives. A new law mandates a phased adoption: large retailers must accept the digital ruble by September 2026, with smaller businesses following by 2028. All systemically important Russian banks are required to support the currency from launch. The digital ruble will be fee-free for individuals, accessible via existing banking apps, with monthly top-up limits. This move is positioned as a way to advance state-backed digital currency in daily transactions while preventing the adoption of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, which the central bank views as a threat to monetary sovereignty. Despite the official push, recent public opinion polls indicate significant hesitation among Russians, with a majority expressing reluctance to use the digital ruble or receive salaries in it.

The authorities of Whiteville, a city in the United States, have implemented a ban on cryptocurrency mining. This moratorium is set to last for one year, until August 25, 2027, or until the city council can amend current zoning laws, which currently lack specific regulations for data centers and mining farms. Mayor Terry Mann stated that during this period, the city plans to study the impact of mining on local resources and public health. Officials will assess the water required for equipment cooling, electricity consumption levels, and the strain on city infrastructure. Concerns cited by city staff include the potential for uncontrolled mining to lead to high greenhouse gas emissions, pollution from diesel generators, excessive electronic waste, and significant noise pollution that could harm residents' health. While there are currently no active proposals for data center construction in Whiteville, the ban is a preemptive measure. City authorities also intend to use the year to study the regulatory approaches of other municipalities in North Carolina. This development comes as a 2023 CoinShares report indicated that Bitcoin mining in the U.S. is becoming less profitable due to rising electricity costs, the reduced block reward of 3.125 BTC, and increased network difficulty.

Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Greg Casar have introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, proposing a permanent ban on the development and deployment of artificial superintelligence (ASI) systems. The bill defines ASI as AI systems matching or exceeding human cognitive abilities across a wide range of domains, including those capable of planning actions to undermine human authority or overthrow the U.S. government. It calls for an immediate pause on advanced AI development until a new federal regulatory agency with clear safety rules is established. Violations could result in forced dissolution for companies and up to 20 years imprisonment for individuals. This legislative push contrasts sharply with President Trump's publicly stated position. In an interview, Trump expressed optimism about AI, stating it would be a positive force creating millions of jobs, and dismissed existential risks, suggesting countermeasures would always be available. The article notes this federal initiative faces significant challenges, drawing a parallel to California's failed SB 1047 bill, which was vetoed by Governor Newsom. The vague definition of "superintelligence" and the powerful tech industry lobby present major hurdles for the bill's passage, highlighting the ongoing divide in U.S. approaches to AI regulation.

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is reportedly considering relaxing a 2019 ban that prevents UK-based retail investors from trading on prediction market platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi. These markets offer binary options contracts on events in sports, politics, and weather, which the FCA had previously categorized as "gambling products masquerading as financial instruments." The review follows reports that UK retail investors have been using VPNs to bypass the restrictions and trade on these US-based platforms. The prediction market industry is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting global trade volumes could reach up to $1 trillion by 2030. However, if the ban is lifted, platforms may face regulatory challenges similar to those in the US, where state gaming authorities are filing lawsuits against companies over sports-related contracts. For instance, New Jersey authorities recently petitioned the Supreme Court to hear a case against Kalshi, which could clarify state versus federal jurisdiction over prediction markets.

The town of Plattsburgh, New York, held a public hearing to consider a 12-month moratorium on new "high energy computing facilities," specifically targeting cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence data centers. The proposed law would temporarily halt approvals for operations requiring 300 kilowatts or more of power. Plattsburgh has a history with such bans, having implemented an 18-month moratorium on Bitcoin mining in 2018 due to resident concerns over electricity costs. The mayor had not approved the new moratorium as of a recent report, with another council meeting scheduled for September 17. The move comes as many crypto mining firms are shifting operations toward AI and high-performance computing amid industry challenges.