#CryptoRegulation Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency created in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It allows peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a central authority, like a bank or government. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain. Bitcoin has a limited supply of 21 million coins, making it deflationary by nature. It is praised for its security, transparency, and potential to empower individuals financially, though it is also criticized for volatility and use in illicit activities. Over time, Bitcoin has influenced the rise of thousands of other cryptocurrencies.