Created in January of 2009, Bitcoin is an experimental digital currency that enables instant payments to anyone, anywhere in the world. Given its relatively anonymous nature, Bitcoins have been linked to e-commerce transactions involving illegal drugs, porn, and poker, among other things.

What’s today’s big news? BitInstant says it is close to launching the first internationally accepted Bitcoin-funded debit card with partners of MasterCard. If true, Bitcoins may become ubiquitous, their value could appreciate, and those trading in the black market may have a new way to launder money.