Bitcoin Community's Latest Conflict Threatens The Digital Currency's Growth, Raises Questions About Its Laissez-Faire Governance

The world of bitcoin is reeling from a seismic shock this week, as a new version of the crypto-currency launches a bid for dominance. The conflict, which users characterize as a "hard fork" in bitcoin's winding path, raises fundamental questions about the project, even as the technology gains new adherents in the global finance industry.