Bitcoin Steps Toward Universality on Webpages

LOS ANGELES — Bitcoin made a major stride towards becoming a universal web payment method today by passing preliminary approval to receive its own standardized “scheme” in HTML5.

In computer-speak, a “scheme” is an institutionalized shortcut embedded in HTML5, the computer language that underpins web browsers. For example, an ubiquitous scheme is mailto:, which, when included as a link on a webpage and clicked, directs your browser to send an email to a particular address.

A bitcoin “scheme” would take the form of a link which would automatically reroute to a transaction using the virtual currency. This is akin to the “buy now” schemes frequently encountered on the checkout page in the form of a link on commercial websites — the only difference is that a bitcoin scheme would direct to a virtual bitcoin wallet instead of a credit card.

Thus far, the bitcoin scheme has been “whitelisted,” or deemed Ok , to include on websites by one or more web standards bodies. This has spurred debates on forums like Reddit and Hacker News about the future of bitcoin — particularly concerning its potential universality on websites as a form of e-payment.

Whitelisting bitcoin, at the very least, shows that purveyors of the HTML5 standard consider bitcoin a serious form of currency that deserves consideration from the puppeteers of the web.

This seems to be a growing trend, not just amongst programmers and other tech folk but in business circles as well. Last week, OKCupid announced it would allow members to buy its A-list subscription using bitcoin. Yesterday, the president of PayPal, David Marcus, expressed his interest in the currency and announced a potential, albeit vague, collaboration with the currency.

“I think that for us at PayPal, it’s just a question whether bitcoin will make its way to PayPal’s funding instrument or not. We’re kind of thinking about it.” Marcus said.    

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Brady Mills Agency to Launch 'AgeWallet' Verification Solution

Brady Mills Agency has officially announced that its age verification solution, AgeWallet, will launch in November.

EU Advocate General: France Can Require Foreign Sites to Implement AV

An advocate general of the European Union’s Court of Justice on Thursday advised the court to rule that France may require pornographic websites based in other EU states to implement age verification in accordance with French law.

Hentaied Founder Romero 'Mr. Alien' on Fetish, Fantasy and Finding Order in Chaos

A sharp sting pierces the woman’s skin. Something foreign slips beneath the surface. Eggs, maybe. She doesn’t know it yet, but soon her body will become a vessel, a hive, a source of contamination.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for July, August

AEBN has published the top search terms for the months of July and August from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Guardian Devotes Feature Article to XBIZ Amsterdam

British newspaper The Guardian sent a reporter to cover XBIZ Amsterdam earlier this month, resulting in a lengthy article about the annual European adult industry conference.

Pineapple Support Taps Char Borley as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named Char Borley as its newest brand ambassador.

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay on Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Performer Esperanza Goméz Over IG Suspensions

Colombia’s Constitutional Court last week ruled in favor of adult performer Esperanza Gómez in her legal battle against Meta over repeated suspensions of her Instagram account.

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Show More