Blockchain Daily Digest – October 11th, 2019

1. Alipay Officially Bans All Bitcoin-Related Transactions
   Alipay, one of the most popular digital payment systems under China’s Alibaba group, officially stated that it would be banning all payment transactions related to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
   
   
2. Stanford Study Findings—Is Blockchain Hype or Hope for Social Impact?
   A recent study from Stanford University, 'Blockchain for Social Impact: Moving Beyond the Hype' grapples with the question, “Are we at the pinnacle of a history-altering technology that will drive massive social impact, or is blockchain the latest tech buzzword?” 
   
   
3. 5200 Vendors Now Accept Bitcoin Payments For Tobacco Purchases
   Keplerk, a French-based cryptocurrency startup has relaunched its Bitcoin for tobacco service in as many as 5200 outlets across France starting from October 10th, according to a report by France's top news Channel BFM TV. 
   
   
4. EMT Pilots Facial Recognition and Blockchain Ticketing Project in Madrid
   EMT , a public transportation firm in Madrid, is launching two transportation payment pilot projects. The first involves a blockchain-enabled mobility-as-a-service program, whereas the second entails a six-month facial recognition based ticketing project on the city’s buses. 
   
   
5. Pompliano—Non-Seizability of Bitcoin Very Attractive for Hong Kong 
   Bitcoin’s use as a protector of wealth is coming to the fore in Hong Kong as trading volumes spike and businesses iron out problems with acceptance.

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