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Stablecoin giant Tether is backing an ‘unstoppable’ cryptocurrency chat app to take on Big Tech

BlockChainGuardian Staff

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Stablecoin giant Tether is backing an 'unstoppable' cryptocurrency chat app to take on Big Tech

“[At Tether] after all, we are bitcoiners. We believe in the mission of bitcoin that is bringing financial freedom to the world,” Ardoino said in a chat hosted on Keet on Wednesday. “If you have financial freedom, but you don’t have freedom of speech… we’re not truly free, right?”

A Jack Dorsey-backed decentralized ‘super app’ sees growing interest in China

Tether was founded in Hong Kong 10 years ago and has since developed into a core component of Web3, often as the main source of liquidity for other cryptocurrencies thanks to its peg to the US dollar. According to government records, Tether still has an active corporate entity in Hong Kong, but Ardoino said it is “dormant” and that the company no longer has staff in the city.

With Tether now the world’s default blockchain-based dollar, Ardoino sees his new venture as a challenge against tech giants such as Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and WhatsApp, and Google. As a peer-to-peer technology, Pear Runtime eliminates the need for expensive server infrastructure, allowing developers to focus on building apps, Ardoino said.

Its ability to do so depends on the backing of Tether, which Ardoino said made more than $6 billion in profits last year.

“We’re not interested in making more money,” he said. “We are investing in… companies that are aligned with the vision of bringing freedom and creating tools ready for the apocalypse.”

Keet, built in-house by Holepunch, is the first flagship tool using Pear Runtime. Like other peer-to-peer apps, users connect directly to other computers, so their Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are exposed to others in a chat room, although Keet doesn’t make that information directly visible in the app. However, Ardoino said messages are end-to-end encrypted and traffic cannot be publicly tracked, so only people a user chats with can see those addresses.

The company is unable to share developer statistics for the same reason, according to Holepunch CEO Mathias Buus Madsen. But there is “definitely a large percentage” from Asia, including India and “the Hong Kong area,” he said.

Keet connects users directly to each other for video conferencing and chat using the Pear Runtime protocol, eliminating the need for centralized servers. Photo: Holepunch

The app has already integrated some cryptocurrency features by including a Lightning wallet. The Lightning Network is a so-called Layer 2 payment protocol on the bitcoin blockchain that allows quick and cheap transfers of small amounts of bitcoin. The Holepunch team is also working quickly to integrate Tether, also known as USDT.

“Bitcoin is the unstoppable money and Keet is the unstoppable app. That’s why we thought it was more appropriate to have bitcoin first,” Ardoino said. “However, USDT will probably arrive soon, in the next few months.”

As the cryptocurrency sector recovers from the 2022 crash, the total market value of Tether’s USDT stablecoin surpassed $100 billion last month and now stands at around $106 billion, according to data from CoinGecko. According to market tracker DefiLlama, the total value of stablecoins in circulation amounts to $152 billion, giving Tether a market share of nearly 70%.

Its massive presence in the sector has also drawn increasing scrutiny and criticism in recent years for the lack of transparency on the reserves backing the USDT.

Tether Holdings, now based in the British Virgin Islands, has traditionally revealed little information about itself. It was started by the same people behind cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex, where Ardoino serves as chief technology officer (CTO). Ardoino joined Bitfinex as a software developer in October 2014 and became Tether’s CTO in 2017, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Tether publishes quarterly statements of its reserves, and in October the company told Bloomberg it would begin publishing data on its reserves in real time. Ardoino did not share a timeline on this when asked, but said a full audit remains challenging because the collapse of FTX in 2022 has made major accounting firms more reluctant to partner with major cryptocurrency firms for fear of reputational risks.

“FTX hasn’t made our lives easier,” he said.

Another source of controversy has been the widespread use of USDT in cybercrime.

Ardoino criticized some of the reports that have been made about Tether in recent years, saying that the company works with the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Secret Service to track criminals using USDT.

“You have to be a really, really stupid criminal to use Tether,” Ardoino said, highlighting the transparency of its data because it is run on a public blockchain.

Members of criminal gangs who use forced labor in places like Myanmar they may not fear legal repercussions in countries they will never visit. This is just one reason why law enforcement is concerned about the growing use of encrypted services that hide traces of illegal activity.

06:18

‘It’s scary’: Asian cryptocurrency scams leave tens of thousands of brainwashed victims

‘It’s scary’: Asian cryptocurrency scams leave tens of thousands of brainwashed victims

Meanwhile, financial regulators have raised concerns about the impact of stablecoins on financial stability due to issues such as capital flight. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority introduced regulations on stablecoins for public consultation in December which would require broadcasters to obtain a licence.

Tether is also “following the development of regulations” in Hong Kong, Ardoino said, adding that it is in discussions with local companies to explore ways to engage the Hong Kong market.

Asked whether he thinks an app like Keet could speed up illegal money flows or impact financial stability, Ardoino demurred.

“USDT helps the last mile. These are the people [whose] Their entire wealth is $100 and they don’t have a bank account,” he said. “The bankers don’t care about us.”

However, Ardoino clarified that there is an ideological component underlying the new P2P protocol. He cited a quote from the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s second Batman film, The Dark Knight, which “well reflects” Keet’s mission.

“It’s not about money; it’s about sending a message.

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We are the editorial team of BlockChainGuardian, where seriousness meets clarity in cryptocurrency analysis. With a robust team of finance and blockchain technology experts, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring complex crypto markets with detailed assessments and an unbiased approach. Our mission is to democratize access to knowledge of emerging financial technologies, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all. In every article on BlockChainGuardian, we strive to provide content that not only educates, but also empowers our readers, facilitating their integration into the financial digital age.

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Hollywood.ai by FAME King Sheeraz Hasan Promulgates a Complete Ecosystem that Unites Web3, Cryptography, AI and Entertainment for Spectacular Global Tech Innovation

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Hollywood.ai by FAME King Sheeraz Hasan Promulgates a Complete Ecosystem that Unites Web3, Cryptography, AI and Entertainment for Spectacular Global Tech Innovation

The one and only FAME King Sheeraz Hasan is launching Hollywood.ai, a revolutionary platform designed to integrate the cutting-edge realms of Web3, cryptocurrency, AI, finance and entertainment. This revolutionary initiative is set to create a seamless, interactive and intuitive ecosystem where the world’s leading technology luminaries can collaborate on innovations, ultimately redefining the future of digital interaction.

Hollywood.ai represents the convergence of the most complex technologies of all time. Fusing Web3 principles, cryptocurrency utilities, AI advances, and financial machinery, Sheeraz’s platform aims to become the nucleus for innovation and modernization. It provides a high-tech environment where technology and creativity collide harmoniously, paving the way for new paths in the digital economy.

A defining feature of Hollywood.ai is the integration of cryptocurrency into the AI ​​ecosystem, transforming AI into a tokenized asset with full cryptographic utility. Sheeraz’s novel approach presents new avenues to leverage the myriad capabilities of AI in the financial realm, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for developers and users alike. Through the amalgamation of AI and cryptocurrency, Hollywood.ai is paving the way for an incredibly interconnected digital space unlike anything seen before.

The platform’s design emphasizes the undeniable symbiosis between various technology sectors. Under Sheeraz’s careful orchestration, Web3 technologies facilitate decentralized collaboration, while AI tools offer enhanced potential for data analytics, content creation, and audience engagement. Additionally, the inclusion of financial innovations ensures rapid mobility of both monetization and investments, providing a holistic environment that meets the ever-evolving demands of the technology and entertainment segments.

Sheeraz’s Hollywood.ai is poised to become the premier hub for industry leaders, developers, and creators to support and empower the next generation of digital experiences. This initiative aspires to drive the emergence of new tools, applications, and services that set new standards for advanced engagement and interaction.

Known for making the impossible possible, Sheeraz envisions a future where global audiences actively participate in designing the next A-list stars from scratch. Hollywood.ai will allow users to watch their creations evolve from simple concepts to 3D talents that can act, sing and perform just like human actors.

The Hollywood.ai platform leverages AI technology to deliver personalized fan engagement, real-time sentiment analysis, and informed content creation. By combining cutting-edge AI capabilities with Sheeraz’s deep understanding of celebrity branding, Hollywood.ai gains immense control over public figures.

Undeniably, FAME’s number one strategist Sheeraz Hasan continues to cement his reputation as a pioneer in the fields of FAME and technology. The power and influence of this latest development brings him closer to total world domination.

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Online Broker Futu Offers Cryptocurrency Trading in Hong Kong, With Nvidia and Alibaba Stock as Rewards

BlockChainGuardian Staff

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Online Broker Futu Offers Cryptocurrency Trading in Hong Kong, With Nvidia and Alibaba Stock as Rewards

Futu Securities International, Hong Kong’s largest online broker, has launched retail cryptocurrency trading in the city, offering shares of Alibaba Holding Group AND Nvidia as a reward in an attempt to attract investors. Futu has begun allowing Hong Kong residents to trade Bitcoin and ether, the world’s two largest cryptocurrencies, directly on the brokerage platform using Hong Kong or U.S. dollars, the company announced Thursday.

The online retail broker said last month that it had received an upgrade to its securities license from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), allowing Futu to offer virtual asset trading services to both professional and retail clients in the city.

Futu’s move comes as Hong Kong seeks to boost its attractiveness as a business hub for virtual assets, with the city government launching a series of new cryptocurrency policy initiatives over the past two years, including a mandatory licensing regime for cryptocurrency exchanges.

In addition to offering cryptocurrency trading on its flagship brokerage app, Futu is also seeking a cryptocurrency trading license for its new PantherTrade platform. That platform is among 11 in Hong Kong that are currently “deemed licensed” for cryptocurrency trading, an arrangement that allows them to operate in the city while they await full approval from the SFC.

Hong Kong’s progress in becoming a crypto hub has encountered various challenges, including exit of the major global platforms and relatively low trading activity for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds offered on local stock exchanges.

Futu is now offering a series of incentives to potential investors, amid a cryptocurrency bull market that has seen the price of bitcoin rise 45 percent this year.

Hong Kong investors who open accounts in August and deposit HK$10,000 (US$1,280) over the next 60 days can receive HK$600 worth of bitcoin, a HK$400 supermarket voucher or a single Chinese stock. e-commerce giant Alibaba. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

By holding 80,000 U.S. dollars for the same period, users can get 1,000 Hong Kong dollars in bitcoin or a share of U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) chip maker Nvidia, whose shares have risen more than 140 percent this year.

A Futu representative said the brokerage firm will also waive cryptocurrency trading fees starting Thursday until further notice.

Futu is the first online brokerage in Hong Kong to allow retail investors to buy cryptocurrency directly on its platform. SFC rules require it to offer this service through a tie-up with a licensed cryptocurrency exchange. Futu is partnering with HashKey Exchange, one of only two licensed exchanges in Hong Kong, according to the representative.

Futu’s local rival Tiger Brokers also said in May that it had begun offering cryptocurrency trading services to professional investors on its platform following a license update. The SFC defines professional investors as those with more than HK$8 million in their investment portfolios or corporate entities with assets exceeding HK$40 million.

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Tech Crash: $2.6 Trillion Market Cap Vanishes as ‘Magnificent 7’ Prices Stumble

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Tech Crash: $2.6 Trillion Market Cap Vanishes as ‘Magnificent 7’ Prices Stumble

A group of seven megacap tech stocks, often called the Magnificent 7, have lost more than $2.6 trillion in value over the past 20 days, or an average of $125 billion per day over the period. In total, these stocks have lost “three times the value of the entire Brazilian stock market.”

This according to the economic news agency Letter from Kobeissiwho noted on the microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that the Magnificent 7 batch “is worth as much as Nvidia’s entire current market cap in 20 days,” with Nvidia itself having lost $1 trillion from its high.

Source:Letter from Kobeissi on the X

The group, which includes Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta and Tesla, has undergone a significant correction: in the last 20 days Nvidia has lost 23% of its value, or about $800 billion, while Tesla has fallen 19%, losing $164 billion.

Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta all posted losses of between 9% and 15%, losing between $257 billion and $554 billion in market capitalization, wiping out a total of $200 billion more “than every single German stock market tock combined.”

Tech titans, which have outperformed the broader S&P 500 index since the market bottom of 2022, are now facing a reckoning as investors grow increasingly wary about the sustainability of their meteoric rise, with Nvidia taking the lead soaring 110% since the beginning of the year and over 2,300% in the last five years.

Earnings reports from these companies, starting with Microsoft and culminating with Nvidia in late August, will be closely watched for signs of weakness. Their performance could set the tone for broader market sentiment, with implications for everything from cryptocurrency to other high-risk assets.

Their poor performance comes after a leading macroeconomist, Henrik Zeberg, reiterated his forecast of an impending recession that will be preceded by a final wave in key sectors of the market, but which can potentially be the worst the market has seen since 1929the worst bear market in Wall Street history.

In particular, the Hindenburg Omen, a technical indicator designed to identify potential stock market crashes, began flashing just a month after its previous signal, raising concerns about a possible impending stock market downturn.

The indicator compares the percentage of stocks hitting new 52-week highs and lows to a specific threshold. When the number of stocks hitting both extremes exceeds a certain level, the indicator is said to be triggered, suggesting a greater risk of a crash.

Featured Image via Disinfect.

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Trump Fights for Cryptocurrency Vote at Bitcoin Conference

BlockChainGuardian Staff

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A large conference hall filled with enthusiastic attendees, Bitcoin logos prominently displayed, and a podium with an American flag

To the Bitcoin Conference 2024 In Nashville, Tennessee, former President Donald Trump delivered a keynote speech.

Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, used the platform to appeal to the tech community and solicit donations for the campaign. During the conference, He said:

I promise the Bitcoin community that the day I take the oath of office, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ anti-crypto crusade will be over… If we don’t embrace cryptocurrency and Bitcoin technology, China will, other countries will. They will dominate, and we can’t let China dominate. They are making too much progress as it is.

Trump’s speech focused heavily on cryptocurrency policy, positioning it as a partisan issue. He said that if reelected, he would fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler on his first day in office, a statement that drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. This statement marked a stark contrast to Gensler’s tenure, which has been characterized by rigorous oversight of the cryptocurrency industry.

The former president outlined several pro-crypto initiatives he would undertake if elected. These include transforming the United States into a global cryptocurrency hub, keeping all government-held Bitcoin as a “national Bitcoin reserve,” establishing a presidential advisory council on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, and developing power plants to support cryptocurrency mining, emphasizing the use of fossil fuels.

Trump’s current embrace of cryptocurrencies represents a reversal from his stance in 2021, when described Bitcoin as a “scam against the dollar.” He also noted that his campaign has received $25 million in donations since accepting cryptocurrency payments two months ago.

The event featured other political figures, including Republican Senators Tim Scott and Tommy Tuberville, as well as Democratic Representatives Wiley Nickel and Ro Khanna. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also spoke at the conference.

Trump’s appearance at Bitcoin 2024 reflects growing support for his campaign from some tech leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and cryptocurrency entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.

While Trump has described the current administration as “anti-crypto,” Democratic Congressman Wiley Nickel said Vice President Kamala Harris is taking a “forward-thinking approach to digital assets and blockchain technology.”

This event underscores the growing political importance of cryptocurrency policy in the upcoming presidential election.

Kamala Harris and Democrats Respond on Cryptocurrencies

In a strategic move to repair strained relations, Vice President Kamala Harris’ team has initiated a dialogue with major cryptocurrency industry players. This outreach aims to restore the Democratic Party’s stance on digital assets and promote a more collaborative approach.

THE Financial Times reports that Harris’s advisors have reached out to representatives from industry leaders like Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple Labs. This move comes as the cryptocurrency community increasingly supports Republican candidate Donald Trump, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s cryptocurrency policies.

THE disclosure follows a letter from Democratic lawmakers and 2024 candidates urging the party to reevaluate its approach to digital assets. Harris’s team stresses that this effort is less about securing campaign contributions and more about engaging in constructive dialogue to develop sensible regulations.

The move is part of a broader strategy to reshape the Democratic Party’s image among business leaders, countering perceptions of an anti-business stance. Harris’ campaign aims to project a “pro-business, responsible business” message.

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