Tether partners with OCEAN mining pool to decentralize Bitcoin block-building

Tether, the stablecoin issuer, will deploy its Bitcoin hashrate to the OCEAN mining pool to enhance Bitcoin's decentralization. This move aligns with Tether's mining investments and its broader aim to protect Bitcoin from centralization. OCEAN aims to decentralize block building, reducing reliance on dominant mining pools like Foundry USA, AntPool, and ViaBTC. OCEAN uses its DATUM protocol for miners to build their own block templates, promoting geographic and operational diversity. Tether's deployment will utilize OCEAN's DATUM software across its global mining operations, including in Africa. Tether has invested heavily in Bitcoin mining, including sites in Uruguay, Paraguay, and El Salvador. OCEAN was created by Bitcoin core developer Luke Dashjr and backed by figures like Jack Dorsey. OCEAN's current market share is small, mining a small percentage of Bitcoin blocks. The partnership with Tether would significantly boost OCEAN's hashrate, which is currently much lower than leading pools.