The New York Times recently published a controversial article on Bitcoin mining, which has been met with backlash from the crypto community, who argue that it contains misinformation. Bitcoin researcher Daniel Batten took to Twitter to highlight the inaccuracies in the piece, accusing the publication of cherry-picking data to fit its negative narrative on Bitcoin.
Batten exposed the New York Times for overstating the emission levels of several mining companies, including Riot, Atlas, and Bitdeer, by an average of 81.7%. He also pointed out that the paper only included two of the 26 US and Canadian mining companies that use over 90% sustainable energy in its data. Batten labeled this as “inception-like cherry-picking,” accusing the publication of betraying genuine objective reporting.
Despite The New York Times’ negative portrayal of Bitcoin miners, Batten emphasized the positive impact they have on grid stability through their participation in “demand response programs.” He also criticized the paper for failing to include the perspectives of energy industry experts who have previously acknowledged the benefits of Bitcoin mining, such as promoting the expansion of renewable energies and stabilizing the grid.
Furthermore, Batten highlighted that the New York Times ignored evidence from previous reports, which demonstrated how Bitcoin mining helped stabilize grids during winter storms. The lack of objective references to such data only adds to the crypto community’s frustration with the publication.
In conclusion, this isn’t the first time the New York Times has faced criticism from the Bitcoin and crypto community. As mainstream interest in cryptocurrencies grows, it’s essential for news outlets to strive for accurate and balanced reporting to inform and educate the public effectively.