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

Ohio AG Threatens Action Against 'Major' Adult Sites Over AV Law

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that his office is sending "notice of violation" letters to 19 adult websites for failure to comply with the state's recently enacted age verification law.

Chaturbate Announces 2025 Music Contest Winners

Chaturbate has revealed the winners of its 2025 music competition.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Noms Open With Debut of New 'Impact' Honors

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s premier career honor, begins today and runs through Oct. 14.

MYM Rolls Out New Traffic Features for German Creators

German platform MYM has launched a new traffic system for its creators.

Ukrainian Content Creators on Hook for Nearly $10M in Back Taxes

Content creators in Ukraine owe the equivalent of $9.3 million in back taxes, according to the country's State Tax Service.

Eroutique Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Eroutique has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Update: Pornhub Will Not Block Ohio, Despite AV Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo will not block access to its websites in Ohio, despite new state age verification rules that came into effect Sept. 30.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'ADHD-Friendly' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers with ADHD.

Judge Dismisses Some Claims in 'Children of Pornhub' Trafficking Suit

A United States district judge on Friday dismissed some but not all claims against Aylo in a long-running case involving CSAM allegations featured in the influential 2020 New York Times article “The Children of Pornhub.”

FSC Sets Key Dates, Qualifiers for December Board of Directors Election

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) today announced key dates and qualifiers for its upcoming Board of Directors election.

Show More