The Monero Moon (Issue 77)
The Monero Moon is a curated newsletter covering all the latest news within Monero (XMR). We are driven by a compelling need to champion both freedom and financial privacy!
Table of Contents:
Development, Releases, and Technology
General News
Events and Meetings
Exchanges and Merchants
Community Crowdfunding
Trading and Speculation
Network Metrics
Entertainment
Development, Releases, and Technology
Monero's hashrate remains at an all-time high, further reinforcing network security. The hashrate continues to hold strong at ~4.70 Ghash/s, reflecting sustained miner participation and confidence in Monero's decentralized, ASIC-resistant mining model. This ongoing strength highlights growing interest in private, censorship-resistant digital money and reinforces Monero’s resilience against centralization.
rbrunner7 shared a detailed post explaining in layman’s terms what Carrot is and its impact on Monero’s future. Carrot (Cryptonote Address on Rerandomizable-RingCT-Output Transactions), designed by Jeffro256, is a new addressing protocol set to be introduced in Monero’s upcoming FCMP++ upgrade, bringing major improvements to privacy, usability, and security. It enables full view-only wallets that can track both incoming and outgoing transactions while remaining spend-proof, solving a long-standing limitation in Monero wallets. Carrot also introduces forward secrecy, protecting transactions from future quantum computing threats, and mitigates key vulnerabilities like the burning bug and Janus attacks. Unlike past proposals like Jamtis, Carrot is fully backward compatible, allowing users to continue using their existing Monero addresses while offering an optional upgrade to a new six-key wallet format. This ensures a seamless transition while significantly enhancing Monero’s privacy and security.
woodser has released new versions of three Monero libraries—monero-cpp v0.8.13, monero-java v0.8.36, and monero-ts v0.11.3—which simplify Monero integration for C++, Java, and TypeScript applications. Updates include improved fee priority handling, enhanced conversion utilities, and compatibility fixes for newer dependencies. The full changelogs are available on each GitHub page.
A zero-day DoS vulnerability affecting Monero nodes has been disclosed, but a fix is already in place. Attackers shared a Python script targeting public RPC nodes, causing memory exhaustion and crashes. The vulnerability, now identified as CVE-2025-26819, has impacted a small number of nodes, but developers have already patched the issue in the release-v0.18 branch. Node operators are advised to update immediately to mitigate the risk. The upcoming Monero 18.4.0 release, expected within days, will include the fix. Private nodes and those without exposed RPC ports remain unaffected. More information can be found here.
acx has released Monfluo v0.6.0, the first beta of a minimalistic Monero-only Android wallet forked from Mysu, following six months of development. Designed for privacy-focused users who want a simple, no-frills experience, Monfluo strips away fiat on/off ramps, exchange integrations, and multi-coin support, focusing purely on Monero. It includes features like coin control, polyseed, multi-wallet support, and customizable node selection. While still in beta, users can download it now, report bugs on Codeberg, and support development via XMR donations.
0xanon has released Memonero, a brain wallet generator that creates Monero wallets from an Argon2id hash of user-provided text. The same input always produces the same wallet, eliminating the need for backups but making security critical—anyone who guesses the text gains full access. While brain wallets are generally discouraged, the developer argues that slow hashing, salt, and Monero’s syncing requirements improve security. Some in the community urge caution as it’s new, recommending offline use and strong, unpredictable passphrases. The project is open-source and still evolving, with planned improvements like clearer warnings and a refined GUI. Check it out here.
Monero Observer has published a new Monero Dev Activity Report to provide a big-picture view of Monero's development activity throughout the past week. If you’re interested in the nitty gritty, check it out here.
Running a Monero node is one of the best ways to support the network, enhance your own privacy, and verify transactions without relying on third parties. It helps decentralize Monero, making it more resilient against censorship and attacks. Plus, running a node is easier than ever—no advanced skills required! You can run a node on your desktop or even a Raspberry Pi with simple setup steps. By running a node, you gain full control over your transactions and contribute to keeping Monero private and decentralized! To get started, check out these beginner-friendly guides:
General News
Moner-Master shared a detailed breakdown in their latest update video on the performance of their Meta advertising campaign promoting Monero and privacy tech. The campaign analyzed costs per click, audience demographics, and the most effective messaging. The standout phrase driving the highest engagement? "We must defend our own privacy if we expect to have any." – A Cypherpunk’s Manifesto, Eric Hughes. The ads lead users to a privacy guide that helps them set up a Monero wallet, making it easy for newcomers to take control of their financial privacy. Check out the landing page here, and if you want to help push Monero adoption further, consider supporting the campaign. More information can be found here.
Etherscan, in collaboration with Blockchain Bureau, has introduced credit scores for Ethereum wallets, allowing users to assess the trustworthiness of an address based on its on-chain activity. While this may seem like a convenient way to evaluate financial behavior, it raises significant privacy concerns. Assigning credit scores to wallets creates a surveillance-friendly financial system where users are judged based on their transaction history, reinforcing transparency at the cost of financial freedom. While Blockchain Bureau boasts about the number of wallets and transactions monitored, this is exactly the kind of tracking Monero was built to resist—XMR transactions remain private by design, preventing third parties from scoring or discriminating against wallets based on spending behavior. A system where financial access is dictated by on-chain scores moves crypto closer to traditional banking control, making fungibility and privacy more crucial than ever.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expanding its crackdown on Bitcoin mining hardware, now seizing MicroBT and Canaan ASICs alongside Bitmain units. The detentions, reportedly linked to AI chips from blacklisted Chinese firm Sophgo, have escalated beyond previous port holds on Bitmain’s Antminer S21 and T21. Some claim this is more about trade restrictions than targeting Bitcoin itself. The Monero community highlighted this as a reason for Monero’s ASIC resistance, ensuring mining remains decentralized and censorship-resistant.
MoneroTopia Episode 202 featured Aaron Day discussing MoneroTopia’s presence at Porcfest, along with a Monero price report by Bawdy and a news roundup with Tony. Topics included CBP’s ASIC miner crackdown, privacy coins in mainstream discussions, El Salvador’s stance on BTC, ShopinBit’s latest report, and upcoming Monero updates. The episode also covered broader financial shifts, such as the US dollar potentially returning to a gold standard and Bitcoin’s ETF impact. Catch the full discussion for deep insights into Monero and the evolving crypto landscape.
A recent X Spaces discussion explored whether the Monero community should engage in political activism to advocate for pro-privacy, pro-Monero policies in the U.S. Hosted by Douglas Tuman, the conversation featured John Bush, Stoic.XMR, BawdyAnarchist, and others debating the merits of lobbying for regulatory clarity versus adopting grassroots, opt-out strategies. The discussion covered access to Monero, political feasibility, regulatory challenges, and expanding Monero’s utility beyond exchanges. Opinions were divided, highlighting the tension between political engagement and maintaining Monero’s decentralized ethos.
Revuo Monero Issue #226 has been published. Check it out for a weekly dose of Monero news.
Events and Meetings
A Monero meet-up is happening in Vienna, Austria, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 18:00, hosted by OrangeFren.com and sponsored by WizardSwap.io. The event will take place at District Working & Event Venue, Donau-City-Straße 3, 1220 Wien, and tickets are free. Additionally, WizardSwap is offering attendees access to their invite-only liquidity pool, allowing users to earn a share of trading fees or swap between supported coins with 0 fees. Get your free ticket to the meet-up here.
Douglas Tuman has announced that MoneroTopia will be held at Porcfest in Lancaster, New Hampshire, in June 2025. The event will bring thousands of liberty-minded attendees and hundreds of Monero-accepting vendors together for a major showcase of privacy and freedom tech. A dedicated MoneroTopia tent will feature speakers, panels, and workshops, with live-streamed MoneroKon talks (which will take place at the same time) from Prague and Porcfest talks streamed back to Prague. The event will cover privacy coins, freedom tech, and opt-out strategies beyond Monero, making it a great opportunity for both newcomers and experts. No extra tickets are required—just grab a Porcfest pass. Those interested in sponsoring, speaking, running a workshop, or volunteering can email MoneroTopia@protonmail.com. More details will be announced soon.
The next Monero Tech meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2025, at 18:00 UTC in the #no-wallet-left-behind IRC/Matrix channels. Chaired by rbrunner7, the agenda will likely cover topics such as Full-Chain Membership Proofs (FCMPs), and other long-term Monero development issues. More information and previous meeting chat logs can be found here.
The next Cuprate Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 18:00 UTC in the #cuprate channel on IRC-Libera and Matrix. Cuprate is a faster, more efficient version of Monero’s node software, built in Rust, that fully verifies the entire blockchain from scratch in under 24 hours—much quicker than the standard Monero software, which can take days. The meeting, moderated by Boog900, will cover project updates, future plans, and other business. Logs from the previous meeting and more information about Cuprate can be found on Monero Observer and the Cuprate repository.
The next MoneroKon 2025 Planning Meeting is set for Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 17:00 UTC in the #monerokon Matrix/IRC channels. The agenda is available on agenda.monerokon.org, and logs from the previous meeting can be found on Monero Observer. MoneroKon 2025 is scheduled for June 20–22 in Prague.
MoneroKon 2025 is calling for presentations, panels, workshops, and artworks on security, privacy, and decentralization. The conference welcomes researchers, scientists, and experts to share cutting-edge developments, with multidisciplinary topics spanning art, sociology, psychology, law, and more. Submissions will be categorized into Security, Privacy, and Decentralization, covering topics like post-quantum cryptography, anonymous network layers, and decentralized exchanges. Proposals should focus on technical, research-driven, or thought-provoking content rather than promotions. The event will take place at Second Culture, Prague, Czechia, from June 20-22, 2025, with a submission deadline of March 24, 2025, at 17:00 CET. Scholarships are available for contributors, and accepted speakers will be notified by March 31, 2025. Submit your proposal here and be part of the conversation shaping Monero’s future.
Exchanges and Merchants
Former WWE star Val Venis celebrated his first Monero sale on XMR Bazaar. The wrestling legend shared his excitement after successfully selling a "Monero End The Fed" T-shirt and receiving full payment in XMR. He praised the platform’s private messaging system for seamless communication with the buyer and emphasized the power of Monero—no banks, no government approval, just fast, private, and secure transactions. He’ll update once the buyer receives the order, but for now, he’s all in on Monero’s censorship-resistant free market!
RevuoXMR has launched a new Monero exchange calculator for seamless conversions. The Revuo Monero conversion calculator allows users to quickly exchange between XMR, fiat currencies, major cryptocurrencies, and even precious metals. Whether you're tracking prices or planning a trade, this tool makes it easy to get real-time rates.
OpenMonero has officially open-sourced its LocalMonero-style peer-to-peer trading platform, enhancing censorship resistance. The ReactJS-based codebase is now public, with multiple forks already in progress. OpenMonero allows users to buy and sell Monero directly with others using various payment methods while ensuring security through an arbitration bond system. The project, inspired by Agoradesk, is accessible via Tor and I2P, with support available through Telegram and Session. As always, users should exercise caution, verify counterparties, and use reputable escrow services when trading. Users should verify the platform independently and ensure compliance with local regulations before trading. More details at openmonero.com and here.
ShopinBit has released its January 2025 payment stats, with Monero once again leading the pack at 56.3%. Bitcoin followed at 42.9%, while Lightning Network and fiat each accounted for just 0.4%. Monero's dominance continues to grow, marking an impressive start to the year.
Oceans Market is launching on March 31st, 2025, aiming to bring a private and secure online shopping experience powered by Monero. The marketplace features an automatic escrow system using unique Monero subaddresses, ensuring funds are only released when both buyer and seller confirm the transaction. Users can deposit XMR, shop securely, and withdraw any unused balance at any time. Designed with privacy in mind, Oceans Market offers real-time messaging, order tracking, saved listings, and PGP-encrypted order details for those seeking extra security. Payments are handled manually through cold storage wallets to prevent online attacks, further strengthening user protection. While the team emphasizes security and ease of use, as with any new service, users should exercise caution and conduct their own due diligence before using the platform. More information can be found here.
luciano_m98 expands Monero’s circular economy in Rio de Janeiro as GoNow Tours & Money Solutions begins accepting XMR. While visiting Brazil, he introduced GoNow’s owner, Brian Lima, to Monero and guided him through setting up a wallet with Cake Wallet and using Trocador for seamless swaps. Now, tourists and locals can exchange or spend Monero at this bureau de change, providing a new option for those looking to use digital cash in the city. More details can be found here.
Community Crowdfunding
Several crowdfunding proposals are awaiting community feedback before they can start accepting funds through the Community Crowdfunding System (CCS). For now, they are just proposals, but if they receive some positive feedback from the community they will be moved to a “Funding Required” stage so that they can accept Monero donations through the CCS.
Trading and Speculation
Monero has surged approximately 130% since its February 2024 low and is continuing to show bullish momentum.
Since December 2024, XMR/USD has been above the Ichimoku Cloud on the weekly chart, signaling a potential bullish trend shift. With strong support around $190–$170 and resistance near $250, XMR is showing momentum backed by a green future cloud and price trading above key Ichimoku levels. This breakout suggests Monero could see further upside if it maintains above the cloud, with the next price target much higher.
Network Metrics
Total Monero in Circulation — 18,557,678 XMR
Monero Total Marketcap — $4,375,084,223
Coinmarketcap Ranking — #28 (last issue - #29)
XMR/USD Price — $236 (Last week $221)
XMR/BTC Price — 0.002474 BTC
Average Transaction Fee — 0.0003 XMR ($0.072)
Monero Network Hashrate — ~4.7 Ghash/s
Monero Mining Pools Hashrate Distribution —
Entertainment
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Have we missed something?
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DISCLAIMER: This publication contains opinions for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Information may contain errors and omissions; use it solely at your own risk. The author of this publication and/or the authors of articles linked to or from this site may have financial investments that could bias their opinions, including ownership of Monero currency. No website, service, or product mentioned in the newsletter constitutes an endorsement; use them at your own risk. Always do your own research, form your own opinions, and never take risks with money or trust third parties without verifying their credibility.
