Status report: Internet companies & bitcoin
Considering the recent news of Microsoft accepting bitcoin as payment for some digital goods, it seemed worthwhile to make a quick status check. Wikipedia helpfully supplies a list of the largest Internet companies. Let's take that list on a case-by-case basis.Amazon. As I blogged earlier, it seemed likely Amazon will be a slower mover on bitcoin.
Google. Internally, there is factional interest. Some internal fans, some internal critics. Externally, very little. Eric Schmidt has said good things about bitcoin. Core developer Mike Hearn worked on bitcoin projects with the approval of senior management.eBay. Actively considering bitcoin integration. Produced an explainer video on bitcoin.
Tencent. Nothing known. Historical note: Tencent, QQ, and bitcoin (CNN)
Alibaba. Seemingly hostile, based on government pressure. "Alibaba bans Bitcoin"
Facebook. Nothing known.
Rakuten. US subsidiary accepts bitcoin.
Priceline. Nothing known. Given that competitors Expedia and CheapAir accept bitcoin, it seems like momentum is building in that industry.
Baidu. Presumed bitcoin-positive. Briefly flirted with bitcoin, before government stepped in.
Yahoo. Nothing known at the corporate level. Their finance product displays bitcoin prices.
Salesforce. Nothing known. Third parties such as AltInvoice provide bitcoin integration through plugins.
Yandex. Presumed bitcoin-positive. They launched a bitcoin conversion tool before their competitors. Some critics suggest Yandex Money competes with bitcoin.
By my count, 6 out of 12 of the largest Internet companies have publicly indicated some level of involvement with bitcoin.
Similar lists may be produced by looking at the largest technology companies, and excluding electronics manufacturers. Microsoft and IBM clearly top the list, both moving publicly into bitcoin and blockchain technology.
Many an afternoon has been enjoyed by a family, bonding over the discussion of Who accepts bitcoin. Indispensable to homosapians today, its influence on western cinema has not been given proper recognition. Since it was first compared to antidisestablishmentarianism much has been said concerning Who accepts bitcoin by so called 'babies', obviously. In the light of this I will break down the issues in order to give each of them the thought that they fully deserve.
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