Elon Musk’s social media platform X has caused controversy within the cryptocurrency community due to the unexpected removal of several cryptocurrency emojis. The removal includes the widely recognized Bitcoin emoji, which had been a staple on the platform for over four years.
On 25 July 2024, multiple reports confirmed that X had removed the Bitcoin hashtag emoji, along with a few others. The decision, which came without any prior warning, has left the crypto community puzzled.
The removal comes just as the Bitcoin 2024 conference kicked off in Nashville.
EXPLORE: 20 New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2024
Bitcoin Emoji Represents A Grand Idea
Eleonor Genova, head of communications at Nexo, claimed that the Bitcoin emoji represents a grand idea. “Freedom and freedom of expression are fundamental reasons many of us embraced Bitcoin,” she said.
“Though seemingly small, the Bitcoin emoji represents a grand idea, much like the Peace sign, which played a role in ending wars,” Genova said. She also emphasized the need for an independent, universal digital symbol and suggested that Unicode should take on this responsibility.
Genova criticized the disparity in emoji representation, noting the abundance of money-related emojis while the crypto community lacks a dedicated symbol, despite its significant impact on global economics over the past 15 years.
“Bitcoin is not just an asset; it’s a revolution that deserves recognition,” Genova added.
A #Bitcoin emoji may be a just a “mere” symbol for a grand idea but so is the Peace sign — and it ended wars.
Today 𝕏 removed the #Bitcoin Emoji. This is just another reason why we need an independent universal digital symbol.
I cannot accept we have 🤑💸💰🪙💵and no digital… pic.twitter.com/VICWK7jx63
— Eleonor (@EleonorGenova) July 26, 2024
It is worth noting that the removal was not limited to Bitcoin alone. Emojis for other cryptocurrencies, such as Cronos and BNB, which were introduced in 2020, were also removed from X.
EXPLORE: Kamala Harris Is More Crypto-Friendly Than Joe Biden: Mark Cuban
Musk’s X Removes Crypto Emojis During Bitcoin Conference
The timing of the emoji removal has also raised eyebrows. The removal comes just as the Bitcoin 2024 conference kicked off in Nashville, Tennessee, on 25 July 2024.
The conference, featuring prominent speakers including Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. Trump, who has positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate, is scheduled to speak at the conference on 27 July 2024.
Prior to the removal of the cryptocurrency emojis, Musk added a dedicated emoji for the Trump-themed memecoin, MAGA (TRUMP). Interestingly, the MAGA emoji, which depicted Trump with his fist raised following an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, has also been removed from X.
Musk publicly endorsed Trump after the assassination attempt at a political rally on July 13. He has even said he is planning to pledge about $45 million a month to a newly formed political action committee backing Trump.
Meanwhile, despite previously criticizing Bitcoin as a “scam,” Trump has recently changed his tune. He previously criticized Biden for his harsh stance on cryptocurrencies, emphasizing that the United States should strive to be a leader in the crypto industry.
EXPLORE: 15 Best Crypto to Buy Now in 2024
Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
