[Square Enables Bitcoin Payment Functionality for 1 Million U.S. Merchants] According to Bitcoin Magazine, Block's payment platform Square has enabled Bitcoin payment functionality by default for approximately 1 million U.S. merchants. Eligible merchants can accept BTC payments via the Lightning Network, with near-instant conversion handled in the system backend and default settlement in USD to mitigate exchange rate volatility risks. This automatic activation began on March 30, with an average of one new merchant enabling the feature every 8 seconds during peak periods. Block stated that it is advancing Bitcoin tap-to-pay functionality based on NFC and the Lightning Network, while also expanding Bitcoin payment and self-custody-related products.