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Our journey starts in 2010 when Freepik, a platform for designers offering free graphic resources, was created. As one of Europe’s fastest growing companies in the technology sector (and ranked 109 worldwide), we developed along the way two other projects: Flaticon — #1 sources for free customizable icons and Slidesgo — free Google Slides and PowerPoint templates for your presentations, which now together with Freepik are part of the Freepik Company. This year, we grew to over 400 employees strong and we work with over 400 exclusive designers on remote with our headquarter in the city centre of sunny Malaga, Spain. Our main goal since the beginning was to offer high-quality resources worldwide. Today, we are proud to share that we’ve gathered over 28 million graphic resources for more than 40 million users. Nuestro viaje comenzó en el año 2010 con Freepik, una plataforma para diseñadores que ofrece recursos gratuitos. Hoy en día, Freepik se ha convertido en una de las empresas europeas de mayor crecimiento en el sector de la tecnología (ocupamos el puesto 109 en el ranking mundial). A lo largo del camino, hemos incorporado otros dos proyectos, Flaticon y Slidesgo. Flaticon es la base de iconos gratuitos personalizables número #1 en el sector. Por otro lado, Slidesgo, nuestro proyecto más reciente, es una plataforma que ofrece plantillas gratuitas para Google Slides y PowerPoint. Desde nuestras oficinas en el centro de Málaga, disfrutamos del sol y también del crecimiento que estamos experimentando. Este año, hemos alcanzado los 400 empleados y trabajamos con más de 400 diseñadores exclusivos en remoto. Nuestro objetivo principal siempre ha sido ofrecer recursos de calidad a usuarios de todo el mundo. Hoy en día, estamos orgullosos de poder decir que contamos con más de 28 millones de recursos en nuestras plataformas y más de 40 millones de usuarios.

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New terms and systems keep coming to the crypto world, and “DePIN” is a relatively new one around. It means Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network, and it can be defined as a system that uses Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to gather and incentivize individuals to build and maintain real-world infrastructure, like wireless networks, massive storage, or energy grids, without central control. Or, in other words, mix a crypto network with some physical set-up provided by people globally, and you’ll likely have a DePIN. They can be more inclined toward physical services or more toward digital services, but they always include a physical part. In this sense, there are two main types of DePIN: Physical Resource Networks (PRNs) and Digital Resource Networks (DRNs). Or, in other words, mix a crypto network with some physical set-up provided by people globally, and you’ll likely have a DePIN. PRNs focus on real-world assets like hardware, energy, or mobility services, requiring a fixed location. DRNs, on the other hand, handle digital resources such as computing power or bandwidth, which are flexible and not tied to a place, but that still require some kind of physical device. Both models use token incentives to create decentralized networks for sharing resources efficiently. Examples of PNRs include Helium, which builds decentralized wireless networks, Hivemapper, which crowdsources global mapping using dashcam data, and WeatherXM, where individuals deploy weather stations to provide localized weather data in exchange for rewards. In the DRN realm, we have Akash Network, offering decentralized cloud computing; Golem, which provides distributed computing power, and Filecoin, which enables decentralized storage. Components of a DePIN At its core, DePIN relies on physical infrastructure, which includes tangible assets like Internet of Things (IoT) devices, routers, sensors, solar panels, and even satellites. These resources are typically owned and operated by individuals or businesses that contribute to the network in exchange for incentives. The infrastructure plays a crucial role in providing services such as connectivity, data collection, or energy distribution, forming the foundation of a DePIN ecosystem. DePIN ecosystem DePIN ecosystem To connect these physical assets with a decentralized ledger, a middleware layer is required. This component ensures seamless communication between the hardware and the crypto network. It functions similarly to decentralized oracles, gathering real-world data and transmitting it on-chain for processing. Middleware enhances interoperability, allowing different devices and systems to integrate smoothly within a DePIN. Once the data reaches the DLT, it’s securely recorded, processed, and used for automating transactions, managing demand, and ensuring fair distribution of services and rewards. It functions similarly to decentralized oracles, gathering real-world data and transmitting it on-chain for processing. decentralized oracles decentralized oracles A well-functioning DePIN also relies on governance and tokenomics. Governance mechanisms, often community-driven, ensure that decisions about the network’s development are made collectively. Tokenomics, on the other hand, provides incentives for participation by rewarding contributors with tokens. These tokens can be used for transactions, staking, or governance, ensuring a self-sustaining ecosystem where users and providers benefit from their contributions. Governance mechanisms Governance mechanisms IoT & Obyte Obyte offers a fully decentralized, censorship-resistant, and efficient framework that makes it well-suited as the foundation for a DePIN system. Unlike blockchains, which rely on block producers or “validators”, Obyte’s DAG-based architecture eliminates the need for intermediaries. Transactions are added directly by users, ensuring there is no single point of control that could be pressured to censor data or restrict participation. Obyte can ensure that DePIN participants remain autonomous while benefiting from a transparent and tamper-resistant record of activity. Obyte Obyte Obyte can ensure that DePIN participants remain autonomous while benefiting from a transparent and tamper-resistant record of activity. One of Obyte’s advantages is its lightweight and energy-efficient design, making it ideal for IoT-driven DePIN networks. IoT devices often operate with limited computing power and memory, and Obyte’s structure allows these devices to interact with the network without requiring excessive resources. The platform has already demonstrated its capabilities through proof-of-concept projects, including IoT-based payment systems, smart energy trading, and autonomous machine transactions. proof-of-concept projects proof-of-concept projects Beyond censorship-resistance and efficiency, Obyte’s customized oracles, tokenization features, and Autonomous Agents (AAs) provide a strong foundation for governing DePIN interactions. Oracles can connect real-world data to the ledger, and AAs can manage device authentication, enforce service agreements, and facilitate fair payments in a trustless environment. The platform has already enabled decentralized auctions, pay-per-use power tools, and secure IoT transactions, demonstrating its ability to facilitate real-world economic interactions. Beyond censorship-resistance and efficiency, Obyte’s customized oracles, tokenization features, and Autonomous Agents (AAs) provide a strong foundation for governing DePIN interactions. customized oracles customized oracles tokenization features tokenization features AAs AAs secure IoT transactions secure IoT transactions With its autonomy, resilience, and low operating costs, Obyte offers an ideal solution for DePIN projects that require fast, censorship-resistant, and cost-effective transactions among physical infrastructure providers and users. Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Educational Byte: What is DePIN in Crypto?

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Təhsil Baytı: Kriptoda DePIN nədir?

Byte educativo: ¿Qué es DePIN en Crypto?

Educational Byte: Mikä on DePIN kryptovaluutassa?

בייט חינוכי: מהו DePIN בקריפטו?

教育バイト: 暗号通貨における DePIN とは何ですか?

교육용 바이트: 암호화폐에서 DePIN이란 무엇인가?

Едукативен бајт: Што е DePIN во Crypto?

Byte edukacyjne: Co to jest DEPIN w kryptowalutach?

අධ්යාපන බයිට්: Crypto වල DePIN යනු කුමක්ද?

Utbildningsbyte: Vad är DePIN i Crypto?

Byte giáo dục: DePIN trong Crypto là gì?

5 Funny and Weird Software You Can Use for Free - and Donate via Kivach

በነጻ ሊጠቀሙባቸው የሚችሉት 5 አስቂኝ እና እንግዳ ሶፍትዌር - እና በኪቫች በኩል ይለግሱ

5 Software divertido y extraño que puedes usar de forma gratuita - y donarte a través de Kivach

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5 Funny and Weird Software You Can Use for Free - and Donate via Kivach 無料で利用できる面白いソフトウェア

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5 забавных и странных программ, которые вы можете использовать бесплатно - и пожертвовать через Kivach

5 Software qesharake dhe të çuditshme që mund të përdorni falas - dhe të dhuroni përmes Kivach

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Cryptocurrency is software handled with other software (wallets, exchanges, etc.), therefore, some technical issues are bound to happen here and there for its users. As with any other software, these problems are occasional and not everyone experiences them.  Also, they’re often related to something the user did or didn’t do, and are easily fixable. Crypto troubleshooting may vary widely among different platforms and networks, but some common issues have easy solutions, without waiting for support. Whether transferring funds, managing private keys, or dealing with network settings, crypto users may face some technical hiccups. Understanding how deposits, withdrawals, and fees work can prevent common mistakes while knowing what to do in case of lost access or incorrect transactions can save time and stress. Let’s explore some cases. Whether transferring funds, managing private keys, or dealing with network settings, crypto users may face some technical hiccups. Loss of Devices or Private Keys You’ll need to remember this, always: cryptocurrencies aren’t banks or companies. There’s no “I forgot my password” button to recover your funds. The greatest strength of decentralized cryptocurrencies can also be their biggest drawback—it all depends on personal responsibility. Private keys are the sole means of accessing funds, giving owners complete control. However, because only they have access to these keys, losing them means losing their funds permanently, with no way to recover them or seek assistance. cryptocurrencies aren’t banks or companies Private keys are usually made up of twelve or more random words, much easier to memorize than any crypto address. You can do that, but, of course, it’s heavily advised to write them down offline and keep them in a safe place, far from curious eyes. The “offline” bit is important: leave them in your digital spaces as a screenshot or text, and you’re risking that a hacker (or even a family member or coworker?) can gain access to them. Anyone who has these words (keys) can trade with those funds. Don’t forget it. Private keys Private keys The “offline” bit is important: leave them in your digital spaces as a screenshot or text, and you’re risking that a hacker (or even a family member or coworker?) can gain access to them. Now, if you lost the device (mobile, desktop, or another) where you had your crypto wallet, that does have a very easy solution, at least for funds. The coins were never there, in the first place. Just go to another (personal) device, download the wallet app of your preference, and, instead of creating a new wallet, select the option to recover a wallet. Type your private keys there, and voilá. It’s important to note that this works only for public token funds in Obyte. The private assets, like Blackbytes, and other data stored in the wallet (private profiles, smart contracts, prosaic contracts, contracts with arbitration, chats, contacts, etc.) are stored in the user's device. Therefore, you must make separate backups for this data. It’s important to note that this works only for public token funds in Obyte. On the other hand, if you don’t remember your private keys or lost the paper/metal tag on which you have written them, but still have access to the digital app, you can recover your seed from there again if the function is still available. If it’s not, run and transfer all the funds to another wallet of your own (with private keys) before it’s too late.a Deposits & Withdrawals Depositing and withdrawing cryptocurrency can sometimes be tricky, especially for beginners. The process varies depending on whether you’re using a centralized exchange (CEX) or a non-custodial wallet or a decentralized exchange (DEX). In centralized exchanges (companies that offer this service, like Binance or Biconomy), deposits and withdrawals may be delayed or made impossible if your account isn’t fully verified, or if the exchange is undergoing maintenance, or if it went bankrupt, or it was hacked. or Biconomy or Biconomy Additionally, most centralized exchanges have deposit and withdrawal limits, which may require identity verification (KYC) to increase. It’s also important to double-check the selected crypto network when withdrawing, as sending funds to the wrong network could result in permanent loss or, at best, a complicated recovery process if the exchange allows it. We’ve written a guide to identify crypto networks. KYC KYC It’s also important to double-check the selected crypto network when withdrawing, as sending funds to the wrong network could result in permanent loss or, at best, a complicated recovery process if the exchange allows it. to identify crypto networks to identify crypto networks Decentralized Trading Decentralized Trading On decentralized exchanges and wallets, the process is more self-managed, meaning there’s often no customer support to assist with failed transactions. These aren’t that common, though. One key issue can be liquidity—certain tokens may not have enough buy/sell activity, causing delays or price slippage. That’s the difference between the expected price of a trade and the actual price at which it is executed, usually due to low liquidity or high market volatility. You could lose important percentages this way, but the DEX will always warn you. Network congestion can also lead to longer confirmation times and higher fees. Constantly ensure you have enough balance to cover gas fees, as all non-native tokens (including stablecoins) require the native coin of the network (such as ETH or GBYTE) to process transactions. If a transaction is stuck due to low fees, you may be able to speed it up by replacing it with a higher-fee version, depending on the network’s features. Also, depending on your wallet provider, you may be able to change transaction fee percentages in the settings. Constantly ensure you have enough balance to cover gas fees, as all non-native tokens (including stablecoins) require the native coin of the network (such as ETH or GBYTE) to process transactions. including stablecoins including stablecoins by replacing it by replacing it Regardless of the platform, always confirm the wallet address before sending funds, as crypto transactions cannot be reversed. If you experience issues, checking transaction explorers can provide insight into what went wrong. Most wallets offer links to chain explorers in every transaction. Incorrect Address or Network Sending cryptocurrency to the wrong address or network is a common mistake, often caused by human error, scams, or malware. Scammers use tactics like address poisoning, where they send small amounts to a user’s wallet to create a malicious but similar address in their transaction history, hoping the user copies it by mistake. Another risk comes from clipper malware, which modifies copied wallet addresses to replace them with an attacker’s address. address poisoning address poisoning clipper malware clipper malware To avoid these threats, always double-check the address character by character before confirming a transaction, and consider using a hardware wallet with a secure display for address verification. Some digital wallets, like MetaMask and Obyte, also allow the addition of addresses as contacts, making the process easier and more secure. In Obyte, you can also avoid addresses completely and use textcoins and attestations instead. Some digital wallets, like MetaMask and Obyte, also allow the addition of addresses as contacts, making the process easier and more secure. like MetaMask and Obyte like MetaMask and Obyte use textcoins and attestations instead use textcoins and attestations instead If coins are mistakenly sent to an unknown address, recovery is nearly impossible unless the recipient willingly returns them. You could send them a message (data) through another transaction if the network allows this function. For instance, this is possible through memos or tags in Ripple and Stellar, through OP_Return in Bitcoin, and just by sending data instead of funds in Obyte. through OP_Return through OP_Return Wrong Networks Wrong Networks If funds are sent to the wrong network or chain, recovery may be possible depending on compatibility. Some chains, like Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain (BSC), share the same address system, meaning assets may still be accessible through the same wallet on the correct network. In this case, adding the missing network to your multicurrency wallet (like MetaMask) and switching networks might reveal the funds. If funds are sent to the wrong network or chain, recovery may be possible depending on compatibility. depending on compatibility depending on compatibility However, non-compatible networks, such as Ethereum and Algorand, use different address structures, meaning tokens sent across them (if the transaction doesn't fail before being sent) are often lost permanently. Before transferring funds, always confirm the correct network and use a reputable cross-chain bridge if you need the funds in a different chain. a reputable cross-chain bridge a reputable cross-chain bridge In cases where funds are sent to an exchange by mistake, contacting their support team may help, though success depends on their policies. As a preventive measure, always test with a small amount first, ensure you are using the correct address, and verify network compatibility before making significant transactions. As a last resource, you could hire a company that specializes in funds recovery, like CNC Intelligence or CipherBlade. They may not succeed, though, and note that there are a lot of scammers claiming to be able to help with funds recovery. Always do your own research. As a preventive measure, always test with a small amount first, ensure you are using the correct address, and verify network compatibility before making significant transactions Troubleshooting in Obyte We follow general crypto best practices here: always back up your private keys, double-check addresses before sending (or better yet, use textcoins or attestations), and ensure you have enough GBYTE to cover transaction fees. If you’re using our decentralized exchanges (Oswap.io and ODEX) or our cross-chain bridge (Counterstake), check liquidity first to avoid failed swaps or delays. Additionally, since the major Obyte network upgrade in November 2024, older wallet versions are no longer compatible. If you’re experiencing issues, updating to the latest version is the first step to resolving many problems. Oswap.io Oswap.io ODEX ODEX Counterstake Counterstake major Obyte network upgrade major Obyte network upgrade Some common transaction errors can be fixed easily. If you encounter "could not send payment: authentifier verification failed," it likely means smart contract conditions haven’t been met. Contact your counterparty and, if applicable, your arbiter. "No bytes to pay fees" simply means you need to add GBYTE to your wallet before making a transaction that uses another token. Connection-related issues, such as "connect to light vendor failed," or "internal connection closed" might require checking your connection, your firewall settings, disabling Tor, or switching to a different hub. The last two options are available in the Settings (Global Preferences) of the wallet. Some common transaction errors Some common transaction errors If you encounter "could not send payment: authentifier verification failed," it likely means smart contract conditions haven’t been met. your arbiter your arbiter For private transactions, a "too many messages" error when sending Blackbytes can often be fixed by splitting the transfer into smaller amounts. If none of these solutions work, the #helpdesk channel in the Obyte Discord server is the best place to seek further assistance. Blackbytes Blackbytes Obyte Discord server Obyte Discord server Featured Vector Image by vectorjuice / Freepik Featured Vector Image by vectorjuice / Freepik Freepik Freepik

Crypto Troubleshooting: Simple Solutions to Common Problems

حل المشكلات: حلول بسيطة للمشاكل المشتركة

Solución de problemas de criptografía: soluciones simples a problemas comunes

Solución de problemas de criptografía: solucións sinxelas a problemas comúns

Crypto Troubleshooting: soluzioni semplici ai problemi comuni

暗号のトラブルシューティング: よくある問題に対する簡単な解決策

Penyelesaian Masalah Kripto: Penyelesaian Mudah untuk Masalah Biasa

Depanare Crypto: soluții simple la probleme comune

Crypto Gukemura Ikibazo: Ibisubizo Byoroshye Kubibazo Bisanzwe

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Crypto Troubleshooting: Solusions Simple to Common Problems (Diiwaanka Crypto: Solusions Simple to Common Problems)

Zgjidhja e problemeve të kriptove: Zgjidhje të thjeshta për problemet e zakonshme

Usuluhishi wa Crypto: Suluhisho Rahisi kwa Shida za Kawaida

Rewards are common in the crypto world, and there are several ways to put your assets to work for more. Liquidity mining is a widely popular method, but that’s just the beginning. Over the years, numerous financial instruments and techniques from traditional spheres have been adapted to cryptocurrencies and tokens. One of those techniques is rehypothecation. This concept traditionally refers to financial institutions using client assets (e.g., securities posted as collateral) for their own transactions, often leveraging them for additional trades or loans. That’s why the name: ‘hypothecated’ assets (assets offered as a guarantee for a debt) are re-used as a way for more financial gain. Customers aren’t always aware of this risky practice, but, if they are, they can be compensated with lower fees. The concept has been loosely adapted into some specific types of tokens and methods in crypto. Here, rehypothecated assets imply that the same cryptocurrency is reused in multiple places, usually to earn extra rewards, secure several networks at the same time, or provide more liquidity in different protocols. Let’s see some of the methods. has been loosely adapted has been loosely adapted Here, rehypothecated assets imply that the same cryptocurrency is reused in multiple places, usually to earn extra rewards, secure several networks at the same time, or provide more liquidity in different protocols. Restaking & Liquid Staking Restaking is a way to reuse staked assets to secure multiple Proof-of-Stake (PoS) crypto networks at once. In traditional staking, users lock up their crypto to help maintain a network and are compensated for it. Restaking builds on this by letting the same staked tokens be used to support additional protocols, increasing potential earnings. Restaking Restaking For instance, you can stake ETH on Ethereum, get staking rewards, then use a restaking protocol to secure another network with the same ETH, earning extra rewards. However, this also raises the risk of slashing—a penalty imposed when a “validator” misbehaves—since the assets are committed to multiple networks simultaneously. Despite these risks, restaking is seen as a way to improve capital efficiency in PoS security. For instance, you can stake ETH on Ethereum, get staking rewards, then use a restaking protocol to secure another network with the same ETH, earning extra rewards. On the other hand,liquid staking solves a major limitation of traditional staking: the inability to access locked funds. When users stake their assets, they usually can’t use them elsewhere. Liquid staking platforms create a solution by issuing tokens that represent the staked assets, allowing them to be traded or used in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. For example, a user who stakes ETH through a liquid staking provider might receive a token like stETH, which can be used in lending or trading. This process boosts liquidity but also introduces risks, such as smart contract vulnerabilities and price fluctuations in the secondary market. liquid staking liquid staking Wrapped Tokens It’s important to remember that every crypto network is natively isolated from the others —they’re not connected and, therefore, their internal assets can’t be used outside of it without extra help. That’s why wrapped tokens were built: they’re coins that represent another asset on a different network. They’re often created by locking the original asset in a digital vault and minting an equivalent token on the new chain. This way, they enable different coins to move between different chains. They’re often created by locking the original asset in a digital vault and minting an equivalent token on the new chain. This way, they enable different coins to move between different chains. move between different chains move between different chains For example, Bitcoin can’t natively operate on Ethereum-like networks, but wrapping it into WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin) allows it to be used on numerous DeFi platforms. While wrapped tokens themselves are not directly a form of rehypothecation, they can be further used in staking, lending, and trading, effectively multiplying their presence across multiple platforms. This increases liquidity but also raises concerns about centralization and asset custody. All of these methods contribute to rehypothecation by allowing the same assets to be utilized in multiple ways, often for additional rewards. While this can create more opportunities for users, it also comes with risks such as potential losses from slashing, smart contract failures, and reduced transparency in asset ownership. As with any financial decision, crypto holders should carefully consider the benefits and dangers before participating in these systems. Rehypothecation in Obyte Obyte isn’t a PoS network, using instead a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) and a system of Order Providers (OPs) to ensure decentralization and total autonomy of users. However, it offers a secure and neutral, interference-free environment for these kinds of activities due to its features, framed in a censorship-resistant and unstoppable crypto network. Obyte Obyte One of such features is customized assets: tokens you can create on Obyte to represent anything of value, like staked coins or wrapped tokens from other chains. These tokens can be used across different applications, such as staking, lending, or trading, without needing intermediaries. Obyte’s Autonomous Agents (AAs) and various apps, including the Counterstake Bridge, can automate these processes, making it easy to reuse your assets while keeping everything decentralized and secure. Wrapped Bitcoin, for instance, can be used through Counterstake. One of such features is customized assets: tokens you can create on Obyte to represent anything of value, like staked coins or wrapped tokens from other chains. customized assets customized assets Autonomous Agents Autonomous Agents Counterstake Bridge Counterstake Bridge Besides, Obyte’s public ledger ensures you can always see how your assets are being used. This, combined with its potential features and decentralized applications, makes Obyte a great platform for maximizing the use cases of your crypto assets while minimizing risks. Whether you’re staking, lending, or trading, Obyte provides the framework to safely and efficiently reuse your assets for greater rewards. Featured Vector Image by sentavio / Freepik Featured Vector Image by sentavio / Freepik Freepik Freepik Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex, and involve high risks. This can mean high prices volatility and potential loss of your initial investment. You should consider your financial situation, investment purposes, and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information stated in this article. #DYOR Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex, and involve high risks. This can mean high prices volatility and potential loss of your initial investment. You should consider your financial situation, investment purposes, and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information stated in this article. #DYOR Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex, and involve high risks. This can mean high prices volatility and potential loss of your initial investment. You should consider your financial situation, investment purposes, and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information stated in this article. #DYOR Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex, and involve high risks. This can mean high prices volatility and potential loss of your initial investment. You should consider your financial situation, investment purposes, and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information stated in this article. #DYOR

Crypto Rehypothecation: The High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy That Can Pay Off Big

Kripto rehipotekasiyası: Böyük Ödəyə bilən Yüksək Riskli, Yüksək Mükafat Strategiyası

Crypto Rehypothecation: La estrategia de alto riesgo y alta recompensa que puede pagar a los grandes

Rehypothecation Crypto: استراتژی پرخطر و با پاداش بالا که می تواند نتایج بزرگی را به همراه داشته باشد

暗号通貨の再担保：大きな利益を生む高リスク、高リターンの戦略

크립토 재담보: 큰 수익을 낼 수 있는 고위험 고수익 전략

Crypto Rehypothecation: ການຄາດຄະເນດິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບສູງ, ການຄາດຄະເນດິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບສູງ

Crypto Rehypothecation: Strategi Berisiko Tinggi, Ganjaran Tinggi yang Boleh Membayar Besar

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Kryptografická rehypotekácia: vysoko riziková stratégia s vysokou odmenou, ktorá sa môže výrazne vyplatiť

Крипто рехипотецатион: стратегија високог ризика, високе награде која може исплатити велике

Crypto Rehypothecation: Strategin med hög risk och hög belöning som kan löna sig stort

Crypto Rehypothecation: Ang High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy na Maaari Pagbayad ng Big

A curious thing about cypherpunks is that, despite the cryptography-for-privacy niche being small in the '90s, many of them stepped into the world and built amazing products, platforms, and careers. Not everyone can achieve global recognition, but many cypherpunks have. Jon Callas, a participant in the original cypherpunk mailing list, is another well-known figure now, especially in the computer science field. Jon Callas began his professional journey around 1980 at the University of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, complemented by minors in philosophy and English literature. His career took off when he joined Century Computing as a member of the technical staff, followed by a significant tenure at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) —a major American player in the computer field at the time. At DEC, he contributed to a wide range of projects, from operating system security to cross-platform communications. Jon Callas began his professional journey around 1980 at the University of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, complemented by minors in philosophy and English literature. Jon Callas Jon Callas In the 1990s, Callas co-founded World Benders, Inc., where he led the development of Meeting Space, a pioneering cross-platform collaboration tool. Later, he became deeply involved in the cypherpunk movement. His work during this period reflected his commitment to secure communications and digital rights, principles that would define his career. cypherpunk movement cypherpunk movement Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Callas held key roles at various organizations, including Counterpane Internet Security and Wave Systems Corporation, where he focused on network security and cryptographic systems. But other brands ultimately brought him greater recognition. Apple & PGP Callas first joined Apple in 1995 as a senior scientist, focusing on security and cryptographic products. During this period, he worked on networking and privacy solutions, including early encryption for Mac OS. He also helped develop PowerTalk, one of the first operating system-integrated encryption tools. That wasn’t popular at the time, however, he salvaged a key component—Keychain, Apple's password manager—which later evolved into a core security feature. In 1997, Callas moved to PGP, Inc., a company founded by another known cypherpunk: Phil Zimmermann, the creator of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). This was the first widely available public-key encryption software for email and file security. Callas became chief scientist, playing a crucial role in shaping PGP’s security architecture. In 1997, Callas moved to PGP, Inc., a company founded by another known cypherpunk: Phil Zimmermann, the creator of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). Phil Zimmermann Phil Zimmermann When Network Associates acquired PGP later that year, he took on the role of CTO for their Total Network Security Division, where he helped standardize OpenPGP. After leaving in 1999, he co-founded PGP Corporation in 2002, serving as CTO and CSO, refining encryption tools and overseeing security for PGP products until 2009. Callas returned to Apple in 2009 as a "Security Privateer," developing FileVault 2, Apple’s full-disk encryption system, and working on security approvals for iOS. He briefly left for roles in other security firms but rejoined Apple in 2016 as a Security Design and Architecture Manager, continuing his contributions to cryptographic security there until 2018. His agenda for privacy and security didn’t change, though.\ rejoined Apple rejoined Apple Silent Circle & Blackphone Callas co-founded the company Silent Circle in 2012 and its Blackphone in 2013, serving as Silent Circle’s CTO until April 2016. Alongside Phil Zimmermann and other security experts, he helped build Silent Circle into a provider of encrypted communication tools, including secure voice, video, and text messaging services. The Blackphone, introduced in 2014, and described as “the first cypherpunk smartphone,” was a device designed specifically for privacy, created through a collaboration between Silent Circle and Geeksphone. It ran on PrivatOS, a customized version of Android that removed unnecessary tracking features and provided built-in encryption, VPN services, and smart app permission controls. The Blackphone, introduced in 2014, and described as “the first cypherpunk smartphone,” was a device designed specifically for privacy, created through a collaboration between Silent Circle and Geeksphone. the first cypherpunk smartphone the first cypherpunk smartphone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnojAyOHFPw&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnojAyOHFPw&embedable=true Marketed to businesses and privacy-conscious users, the Blackphone was intended to be a secure alternative to mainstream smartphones, prioritizing user control over data. Despite its innovative approach, sales fell short of expectations, contributing to Silent Circle’s financial struggles in 2016. While the Blackphone project was short-lived, it marked a significant step in privacy-focused technology. Silent Phone, originally an app bundled with the Blackphone, became its spiritual successor and the company’s primary product, offering encrypted voice, video, and messaging services across various platforms, including iOS and Android.\ Silent Phone Silent Phone Ads & Privacy After these initiatives and roles, Callas never stopped working for security and privacy. In 2018, he joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as a Senior Technology Fellow, where he worked until August 2020. He then transitioned to the cypherpunk-founded Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), serving as Director of Public Interest Technology until June 2023. That same year, he founded Zatik Security, a cybersecurity firm aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses establish strong security measures. Additionally, since November 2023, he has been a Senior Computer Scientist at the nonprofit SRI International. Callas has been vocal about the growing threats to privacy, emphasizing that large technology corporations pose a greater risk than governments. His concerns center around the widespread practice of collecting and monetizing personal data for advertising, which creates an economy dependent on user surveillance. He believes that companies prioritizing privacy are more resilient, particularly if the digital advertising industry faces economic instability. The ongoing conflict over ad-blocking, which pits privacy-focused users against ad-driven business models, exemplifies this divide. Callas has been vocal about the growing threats to privacy, emphasizing that large technology corporations pose a greater risk than governments His stance highlights a fundamental split in Silicon Valley: while companies like Apple and Microsoft monetize products and services without relying on user data sales, others, such as Google and Facebook, generate the majority of their revenue through advertising. Callas argues that ad-driven companies are at risk if the industry declines, forcing them to rethink their business models. He sees the ad-blocker dispute as a key battle for digital privacy, one that could reshape the tech industry’s relationship with user data, at least in the long term. His stance His stance Crypto is a Tool Even before that warning about big companies, Callas has been clearly against surveillance or even banning of privacy tools, alleging that they’re just that: tools. And tools can be used by anyone, everywhere, for any purpose. An old message (by him) from the cypherpunk mailing list reads: An old message An old message “Politically, I’m a Lockeian, and put privacy up there with Locke’s basic trio of life, liberty, and property. As part of this, I fight the stupid notion that because there are bad people out there, rights should be abridged. Crypto[graphy] is a tool, and nigh any useful tool can be misused. If we let that fact stop us from making tools, we’d be using nerf axes and dressing in bubble wrap. If we let the fact that bad guys are using our stuff bother us too much, we’d be against privacy.” “Politically, I’m a Lockeian, and put privacy up there with Locke’s basic trio of life, liberty, and property. As part of this, I fight the stupid notion that because there are bad people out there, rights should be abridged. Crypto[graphy] is a tool, and nigh any useful tool can be misused. If we let that fact stop us from making tools, we’d be using nerf axes and dressing in bubble wrap. If we let the fact that bad guys are using our stuff bother us too much, we’d be against privacy.” Obyte embodies these privacy and freedom principles by eliminating central intermediaries and giving users full control over their data and transactions. As a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) crypto network without middlemen, it ensures censorship resistance and decentralization, key tenets in Callas’s vision of privacy-first technology. Its privacy-focused features, such as Blackbytes, an untraceable currency, and encrypted chat and chatbots, allow anyone to preserve these fundamental rights. Obyte embodies these privacy and freedom principles by eliminating central intermediaries and giving users full control over their data and transactions. Obyte Obyte Blackbytes Blackbytes and chatbots and chatbots Obyte’s smart contracts, decentralized assets, and self-sovereign identity (SSI) further enhance user autonomy, allowing trustless interactions without reliance on centralized entities. By prioritizing security and user control, Obyte presents an alternative to centralized ecosystems, reinforcing the idea that privacy-focused models can be both sustainable and resilient against economic shifts in the digital landscape. decentralized assets decentralized assets SSI SSI Read more from Cypherpunks Write Code series: Tim May & Crypto-anarchism
Wei Dai & B-money
Nick Szabo & Smart Contracts
Adam Back & Hashcash
Eric Hughes & Remailer
St Jude & Community Memory
Julian Assange & Wikileaks
Hal Finney & RPOW
John Gilmore & EFF
Satoshi Nakamoto & Bitcoin
Gregory Maxwell & Bitcoin Core
David Chaum & Ecash
Vinay Gupta & Mattereum
Jim Bell & Assassination Politics
Peter Todd & Bitcoin Core
Len Sassaman & Remailers
Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware
Suelette Dreyfus & Free Speech Tim May & Crypto-anarchism Tim May & Crypto-anarchism Tim May & Crypto-anarchism Wei Dai & B-money Wei Dai & B-money Wei Dai & B-money Nick Szabo & Smart Contracts Nick Szabo & Smart Contracts Nick Szabo & Smart Contracts Adam Back & Hashcash Adam Back & Hashcash Adam Back & Hashcash Eric Hughes & Remailer Eric Hughes & Remailer Eric Hughes & Remailer St Jude & Community Memory St Jude & Community Memory St Jude & Community Memory Julian Assange & Wikileaks Julian Assange & Wikileaks Julian Assange & Wikileaks Hal Finney & RPOW Hal Finney & RPOW Hal Finney & RPOW John Gilmore & EFF John Gilmore & EFF John Gilmore & EFF Satoshi Nakamoto & Bitcoin Satoshi Nakamoto & Bitcoin Satoshi Nakamoto & Bitcoin Gregory Maxwell & Bitcoin Core Gregory Maxwell & Bitcoin Core Gregory Maxwell & Bitcoin Core David Chaum & Ecash David Chaum & Ecash David Chaum & Ecash Vinay Gupta & Mattereum Vinay Gupta & Mattereum Vinay Gupta & Mattereum Jim Bell & Assassination Politics Jim Bell & Assassination Politics Jim Bell & Assassination Politics Peter Todd & Bitcoin Core Peter Todd & Bitcoin Core Peter Todd & Bitcoin Core Len Sassaman & Remailers Len Sassaman & Remailers Len Sassaman & Remailers Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware Suelette Dreyfus & Free Speech Suelette Dreyfus & Free Speech Suelette Dreyfus & Free Speech Featured Vector Image by Garry Killian / Freepik Freepik Photograph of Jon Callas by SkyDogCon / X

Jon Callas, the Cypherpunk That Built Tools Big Tech Fears

ጆን ካላስ፣ መሣሪያዎችን የገነባው ሳይፈርፑንክ ትልቅ የቴክኖሎጂ ፍራቻ

জন ক্যালাস, সাইফারপাঙ্ক যিনি সরঞ্জাম তৈরি করেছিলেন, বড় প্রযুক্তির ভয়

Jon Callas, el cypherpunk que creó las herramientas que temen las grandes tecnológicas

Jon Callas, il cypherpunk che ha creato gli strumenti che la Big Tech teme

ג'ון קאלאס, הסייפרפאנק שבנה כלים פחדים גדולים מטכנולוגיה

ジョン・カラス、大手テック企業が恐れるツールを作ったサイファーパンク

លោក Jon Callas ដែលជា Cypherpunk ដែលបង្កើតជាឧបករណ៍ដែលធ្វើឲ្យមានការភ័យខ្លាចខាងបច្ចេកវិទ្យាធំ

Jon Callas, Cypherpunk E Agile Didirišwa tša Theknolotši e Kgolo di Poifo

ජෝන් කැලස්, මෙවලම් විශාල තාක්ෂණික බියක් ඇති කළ සයිෆර්පන්ක්

Büyük Teknoloji Korkularını Yıkacak Araçlar Üreten Cypherpunk Jon Callas

Jon Callas, Cypherpunk Leyi Akeke Switirhisiwa Leswi Big Tech Yi Chavaka

乔恩·卡拉斯（Jon Callas），打造工具的密码朋克，引发科技巨头的恐慌

In the early days of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin was often viewed as an obscure coin designed for criminals. The darknet marketplace Silk Road brought it a lot of popularity, but also a lot of bad rep. Its decentralized nature (not issued or controlled by any government or company) was constantly misunderstood, but that wouldn’t last for much longer. Soon, other coins were created, more use cases came along, coin prices skyrocketed, millions of users joined —and regulators found themselves needing to include this asset in the laws of their countries, somehow. That “somehow” isn’t always good. Sometimes, they create laws to ban or limit this type of money significantly. Many times, they make it legal, but what that means, in practice, varies from territory to territory. The Atlantic Council categorizes the legal status of crypto worldwide as this: The Atlantic Council categorizes the legal status of crypto worldwide as this: The Atlantic Council The Atlantic Council “legal (where all activities are permitted), partial ban (where one or more activity is not permitted), and general ban (where all activity is limited).” “legal (where all activities are permitted), partial ban (where one or more activity is not permitted), and general ban (where all activity is limited).” “legal (where all activities are permitted), partial ban (where one or more activity is not permitted), and general ban (where all activity is limited).” The practical side of those concepts is more complicated, though. Legal isn’t Chaos They say that all activities with crypto are permitted in countries in which it’s legal, but stop there, because terms and conditions apply. Just because crypto is legal doesn’t mean people can use it as they like without any requirements. For example, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) rules require related companies (like crypto exchanges) to verify identities and report suspicious transactions. This is to prevent illegal activities like money laundering or funding criminal organizations. So, while you can buy, sell, or trade crypto, you might need to provide personal information to comply with these laws. Businesses dealing with crypto often face even more rules. They might need special licenses to operate legally. For instance, in the European Union, the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation sets strict guidelines for crypto companies, including how they should protect customer funds and report their activities. Stablecoins without proper reserves are banned, and issuers of new coins have some strict requirements to comply with. Businesses dealing with crypto often face even more rules. They might need special licenses to operate legally. Markets in Crypto-Assets Markets in Crypto-Assets Additionally, there’s another magical word: taxes. Depending on the country, crypto transactions are mostly subject to taxes, just like any other financial activity. This means users need to keep records and report their earnings to tax authorities, depending on certain established limits. are mostly subject to taxes are mostly subject to taxes Even in countries where crypto is partially banned, taxes could apply to individual users. The “partially banned” bit often refers to how financial companies are banned from handling these assets in that region. While individual users are free to transact with crypto, licenses aren’t granted for crypto companies there, and banks can’t provide services to crypto exchanges, for example. In this case, consumer protection and AML rules for crypto are usually nonexistent. Even in countries where crypto is partially banned, taxes could apply to individual users Banned is Chaos In countries where crypto is “fully banned”, most activities with it are forbidden. Its mere use can be punished by law, although possession alone is often not illegal. People have been arrested for crypto-related activities in places like Bangladesh, China, Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco, where they have “full bans” on cryptocurrencies. Now, does that fully stop people from owning, trading, mining, or doing whatever with cryptos, even if they live there? Not really. Bangladesh Bangladesh China China Tunisia Tunisia Egypt Egypt Morocco Morocco We just need to check the Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis to notice an interesting fact: exactly 50% of the countries in the top ten by global crypto adoption have partial or full bans on cryptocurrency. China, famous for its wide ban on crypto, is in the top 20 by adoption. Despite laws and warnings, people are still using cryptocurrency in these places. Just without all regulations designed to make this space safer, so banning crypto instead of legalizing it seems counterproductive. Crypto Adoption Index Crypto Adoption Index Despite laws and warnings, people are still using cryptocurrency in these places. Just without all regulations designed to make this space safer, so banning crypto instead of legalizing it seems counterproductive. Decentralized cryptocurrencies were built to be censorship-resistant, and, as we’ve mentioned above, they’re not issued or controlled by a central entity. That’s why they can’t get effectively banned by anyone. There’s no company to blame or expel, but a wide network of nodes worldwide that authorities just can’t shut down all at the same time. However, while the governments are unable to shut down cryptocurrency networks,they can still target individual users, if the network is blockchain-based. they can still target individual users, if the network is blockchain-based. they can still target individual users, if the network is blockchain-based. Decentralization is Freedom Decentralization is a very positive feature, because, even in countries where crypto is banned, people might still use it for any reason –legitimate, but also illegitimate. Of course, the country might consider it illegitimate according to its own laws, but its government's credibility and moral factors are different things. Some people rely on these assets to protect their savings from high inflation or unstable local currencies. Others use it to send money to family abroad or to protect from financial censorship by oppressive governments. In places with strict financial controls, crypto can also offer financial freedom and access to global markets. Some people rely on these assets to protect their savings from high inflation or unstable local currencies. Others use it to send money to family abroad or to protect from financial censorship by oppressive governments. financial censorship financial censorship If you want to do any of those things and many more, the Obyte ecosystem could be for you. This is a fully decentralized and censorship-resistant crypto network, available for anyone, in any part of the world. It uses a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure, and transactions are confirmed without middlemen like miners or “validators”. This high level of decentralization makes Obyte more resilient to censorship and restrictions. Plus, it’s fully legal in most countries, offering a secure and accessible way to use crypto. Obyte ecosystem Obyte ecosystem DAG DAG Featured Vector Image by sentavio / Freepik Featured Vector Image by sentavio / Freepik Freepik Freepik

Educational Byte: Banned, Partially Banned, or Legal—How Crypto Laws Differ Worldwide

Byte Educativo: Prohibido, parcialmente prohibido o legal: Cómo difieren las leyes sobre criptomonedas en todo el mundo

Hezkuntza-bytea: debekatua, partzialki debekatua edo legezkoa: nola desberdintzen diren kripto-legeak mundu osoan

教育バイト: 禁止、一部禁止、あるいは合法 - 暗号通貨の法律は世界的にどう違うのか

Izglītojošs baits: aizliegts, daļēji aizliegts vai likumīgs — kā atšķiras kriptogrāfijas likumi visā pasaulē

Byte fanabeazana: Voarara, voarara amin'ny ampahany, na ara-dalàna—Ny maha-samihafa ny Lalàna Crypto Maneran-tany

Byte ya Thuto: E Thibetšwe, e Thibetšwe ka Karolo goba e Molaong—Kamoo Melao ya Crypto e Fapanego Ka gona Lefaseng ka Bophara

Octet educațional: interzis, parțial interzis sau legal – Cum diferă legile criptografice la nivel mondial

Dzidzo Byte: Kurambidzwa, Kurambidzwa Zvishoma, kana Zvemutemo-Kusiyana Kwemitemo yeCrypto Pasi Pose

Образовни бајт: забрањено, делимично забрањено или легално – како се закони о крипторазликама разликују широм света

Eğitim Baytı: Yasaklanmış, Kısmen Yasaklanmış veya Yasal - Kripto Yasaları Dünya Çapında Nasıl Farklılaşıyor

Byte Ya Dyondzo: Yi Yirisiwile, Yi Yirisiwile Hi Xiphemu Kumbe Enawini—Ndlela Leyi Milawu Ya Crypto Yi Fambaka Ha Yona Emisaveni Hinkwayo

تعلیمی بائٹ: ممنوعہ، جزوی طور پر ممنوعہ، یا قانونی—کیسے کرپٹو قوانین دنیا بھر میں مختلف ہیں

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the way we think about money, offering new avenues for investment and financial freedom. But with great opportunity may come great risk. The crypto world has also been plagued by scams and hacks that have cost investors billions of dollars. From elaborate Ponzi schemes to sophisticated DeFi exploits, the dark side of digital finance is full of cautionary tales. Official stats vary, depending on the source. According to Crystal Intelligence, since June 2011 there have been 785 reported incidents, including security breaches, DeFi hacks, and fraud scams. In total, nearly $19 billion has been stolen, with fraud alone accounting for almost $8 billion. On the other hand, according to Chainalysis, at least $40 billion were received by crypto addresses marked as illicit only in 2024. According to De.Fi, over $80.8 billion has been stolen in crypto frauds and hacks since 2011. Crystal Intelligence Crystal Intelligence according to Chainalysis according to Chainalysis According to De.Fi, over $80.8 billion has been stolen in crypto frauds and hacks since 2011. According to De.Fi According to De.Fi Despite advances in security, crypto crime continues to rise, reminding investors of the importance of vigilance and caution. That’s why we’ll dive here into some of the worst crypto scams ever, exploring how they unfolded and the lessons we can learn from them. Finiko ($1.5 billion) All scams on this list have the same narrative for their victims: deposit X amount in crypto or fiat and receive 20, 30, 40, or whatever juicy monthly percent in returns —with few or no explanations about how those profits could be possible. Finiko offered up to 30% and received payments in Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin (BTC) from unaware customers. This was a Russian-based investment platform (but, in reality, a Ponzi scheme) established in 2019 by Kirill Doronin, Zygmunt Zygmuntovich, and Edward Sabirov. All scams on this list have the same narrative for their victims: deposit X amount in crypto or fiat and receive 20, 30, 40, or whatever juicy monthly percent in returns —with few or no explanations about how those profits could be possible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZVmjr986Ks&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZVmjr986Ks&embedable=true The scheme collapsed around July 2021, with users reporting that they could no longer withdraw their funds. That’s an important piece of knowledge: in Ponzi schemes, the leaders actually pay out some percentages for a while, using the money of new users, because there’s no other income source. Such a system is, of course, not sustainable for the long term, and members end up being defrauded. In this case, Finiko took around $1.5 billion in over 800,000 separate deposits. The scheme The scheme Doronin was arrested in 2021, and the other founders followed in 2022. In 2023, Finiko declared bankruptcy, and all the founder’s property was sold to partially pay the debt to the victims. It’s unclear what happened to the total amount of lost funds. followed in 2022 followed in 2022 In 2023, Finiko declared bankruptcy, and all the founder’s property was sold to partially pay the debt to the victims. It’s unclear what happened to the total amount of lost funds declared bankruptcy declared bankruptcy Thodex, an infamous Turkish crypto exchange, was going to occupy the next place at the top. It’s been stated that its founder, Faruk Fatih Özer, left the country in 2021 with a hardware wallet containing $2 billion in funds from customers. However, recent reports showed that losses only amounted to around $43 million. recent reports recent reports HyperVerse ($1.8 billion) Also known as HyperFund and HyperNation, this was a cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded thousands of investors globally. Founded by Sam Lee, an Australian entrepreneur once dubbed the “crown prince of bitcoin,” and Zijing “Ryan” Xu, a self-proclaimed “bitcoin king” from China, the scheme operated under the HyperTech group, established in 2020. Founded Founded https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzG9NX9G2Ic&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzG9NX9G2Ic&embedable=true Promising daily returns of 0.5% to 1% from cryptocurrency mining, HyperVerse attracted investors with the allure of passive income. However, investigations revealed these claims were false, and the scheme relied on a multi-level marketing (MLM) model, where members were incentivized to recruit others to grow their networks —which means, yet another Ponzi scheme. Reports estimate losses between $1.3 and $1.8 billion, with many investors unable to withdraw their funds. Promising daily returns of 0.5% to 1% from cryptocurrency mining, HyperVerse attracted investors with the allure of passive income. In a bizarre twist, it was revealed in January 2024 that HyperVerse’s CEO, Steven Reece Lewis, never existed. Promotional materials claimed Reece Lewis held degrees from the University of Leeds and the University of Cambridge and had worked at Goldman Sachs and Adobe. However, no records of his existence were found, and the institutions denied any association. The scheme also used celebrity endorsements, including messages from Steve Wozniak and Chuck Norris, likely obtained through paid services. Despite these efforts to appear legitimate, the scheme collapsed in 2022, leaving investors stranded. it was revealed it was revealed Sam Lee faced legal consequences for his involvement. In January 2024, Lee was charged by the U.S. SEC and Department of Justice with conspiracy to commit fraud, while promoter Brenda Chunga pleaded guilty. Lee, who relocated to Dubai in 2021, denied involvement in HyperVerse’s operations but was implicated in its funds management. Ryan Xu’s whereabouts remain unknown. The HyperVerse saga serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of high-yield promises in the cryptocurrency world. Sam Lee faced legal consequences for his involvement. In January 2024, Lee was charged by the U.S. SEC and Department of Justice with conspiracy to commit fraud, while promoter Brenda Chunga pleaded guilty was charged was charged BitConnect ($4.1 billion) “Hey, hey, hey. Bitconneeeeeeeect!!!” If you’ve been in crypto for a while, this audiovisual meme must sound familiar. It was a very enthusiastic shout by Carlos Matos, a promoter of Bitconnect, during an event in 2017. At least they left us that. Otherwise, they presented themselves as a lending ecosystem with potentially high earnings and its own cryptocurrency, BCC —but, of course, all of it was nothing more than a Ponzi scheme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vabXXkZjKiw&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vabXXkZjKiw&embedable=true Users were encouraged to exchange Bitcoin for Bitconnect Coin (BCC) and lend these coins for interest payments, supposedly generated by a “trading bot.” This bot claimed to earn profits from market volatility, allowing investors to receive daily interest. However, suspicions grew due to its multilevel marketing model and unrealistic promises of up to 1% daily compounded interest, which are common red flags for Ponzi schemes. By late 2017, Bitconnect’s market capitalization exceeded $2 billion, making it one of the most popular cryptocurrencies at the time. Users were encouraged to exchange Bitcoin for Bitconnect Coin (BCC) and lend these coins for interest payments, supposedly generated by a “trading bot.” On January 3, 2018, the Texas State Securities Board labeled Bitconnect a Ponzi scheme and issued a cease and desist order. Just two weeks later, on January 17, Bitconnect shut down its lending and exchange platform, causing BCC’s value to plummet by 92% within hours. Different reports estimate the total losses between $2 billion and $4.1 billion for investors globally. and issued and issued Legal consequences followed swiftly. In 2021, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged founder Satish Kumbhani and U.S. promoter Glenn Arcaro with fraud. Kumbhani vanished, becoming a fugitive, while Arcaro pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 38 months in prison. In January 2023, a U.S. court ordered Arcaro to pay $17 million in restitution to nearly 800 victims worldwide. Although some affected investors received compensation, many others were left with significant financial losses. received compensation received compensation PlusToken ($5.7 billion) Guess what? This one was also a Ponzi scheme, with an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) included. PlusToken started in April 2018, mainly targeting investors in China and South Korea. It promoted itself as a cryptocurrency wallet offering high monthly returns, allegedly from trading, cloud mining, and referral commissions. The project also introduced its own token, PLUS, convincing millions of people to invest, promising profits between 9% and 20% monthly. The project also introduced its own token, PLUS, convincing millions of people to invest, promising profits between 9% and 20% monthly. The scheme was highly successful due to aggressive marketing, including face-to-face meetings and physical advertisements, which helped build trust among investors. By mid-2019, complaints emerged about withdrawal issues, marking the beginning of the end for PlusToken. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnN089OV0DA&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnN089OV0DA&embedable=true Estimates suggest that PlusToken scammers stole between $2.9 billion and $5.7 billion in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and EOS. Besides, analysts believe that selling these stolen funds contributed to significant drops in Bitcoin’s price in 2019, as large liquidations generally drive down market value. analysts believe analysts believe Authorities eventually caught up with the scheme’s operators. In 2020, Chinese authorities apprehended 27 individuals linked to PlusToken. Additionally, about $4.2 billion worth of cryptocurrency was seized, marking one of the largest recoveries in crypto fraud history. In 2020, Chinese authorities apprehended 27 individuals linked to PlusToken. apprehended apprehended was seized was seized Now, we have to mention this: Africrypt, a fraudulent crypto exchange from South Africa whose founders disappeared with all the funds, was going to be occupying this position or one very close to it at the top. It’s been described that they stole around $3.6 billion in crypto, but other reports suggest that figure may be not accurate at all. other reports other reports OneCoin (up to $19.4 billion) A funny thing about this one? Yes, it was (it is?) a global and massive Ponzi scheme as well, but they never bothered to actually create any real token or ICO, not even to save face. OneCoin was a famous cryptocurrency that wasn’t a cryptocurrency at all because it never existed on any crypto network. They didn’t have any qualms to proclaim that they were using this technology, though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8oYt0mBdFY&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8oYt0mBdFY&embedable=true Launched in 2014 by Ruja Ignatova alongside Sebastian Greenwood, OneCoin was marketed as a revolutionary digital currency with a “private blockchain” whose value kept rising. However, no blockchain or actual coins existed—everything was confined to its own platform. Investors were lured with educational packages priced between $100 and $225,000, which included tokens allegedly used to mine OneCoin. The scheme relied heavily on a pyramid-like recruitment model, rewarding members for bringing in new investors. Launched in 2014 by Ruja Ignatova alongside Sebastian Greenwood, OneCoin was marketed as a revolutionary digital currency with a “private blockchain” whose value kept rising. However, no blockchain or actual coins existed—everything was confined to its own platform. OneCoin OneCoin OneCoin's impact was massive, with estimated losses ranging from $4.9 billion to a staggering $19.4 billion, depending on different reports. The vast discrepancy is due to the scam’s global reach and the continuous flow of new victims. The operation spanned numerous countries and languages, using aggressive marketing, flashy events, and even physical ads to gain credibility. They cleverly rebranded under names like OneLife, OneAcademy, and OneWorldFoundation to dodge legal consequences and keep the scheme alive. Despite mounting accusations, many investors were kept hopeful due to the company’s promises of high returns and misleading narratives about its legitimacy. estimated losses estimated losses The fallout was dramatic: Ruja Ignatova, known as the “CryptoQueen,” vanished in 2017 and remains at large, wanted by multiple international agencies, including the FBI. Her brother, Konstantin Ignatov, was arrested in 2019 and later pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and money laundering. Sebastian Greenwood was also apprehended and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Despite these arrests, the scam persists under new aliases like Fantastic Global Team and DealShaker, preying on uninformed investors worldwide. This way, the total stolen amount is still being counted. The fallout was dramatic: Ruja Ignatova, known as the “CryptoQueen,” vanished in 2017 and remains at large, wanted by multiple international agencies, including the FBI. under new aliases under new aliases Don’t fall for it! You never know when you may be the next victim of a crypto scam. Protecting yourself requires vigilance and smart practices. Here are some essential tips to keep your investments in your own pocket: Control Your Private Keys: If you don’t have your private keys, you don’t have full control of your coins. Legitimate and decentralized platforms like Obytealways enable users to have their own private keys. Avoid platforms that don’t offer this or at least some regulatory support (like crypto exchanges), as they have full control over your funds.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhance the security of your crypto accounts by enabling 2FA. This adds an extra layer of protection, even if your password is compromised. In Obyte wallets, you can do this by creating a multidevice account from the Global Settings or by setting up a passphrase used to sign all transactions.
Thoroughly Research Projects: Before investing, research the project’s team, whitepaper, and community feedback. Anyone can create customized tokens on crypto networks, and not all projects are legitimate. In __Obyte’s Asset Registry__it is possible to create customized tokens without coding for less than $1, for instance. So, always do your own research about every individual asset or project.
Beware of Unrealistic Returns:If an investment promises high returns with little to no risk, it’s likely a Ponzi scheme. Legitimate investments come with risks and more modest returns.
Avoid Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create urgency, pushing you to invest quickly. Take your time to evaluate the opportunity and don’t be rushed into making decisions.
Stay Updated and Informed: Follow trusted crypto news sources and communities to stay aware of the latest scams and threats. Knowledge is your best defense. Control Your Private Keys: If you don’t have your private keys, you don’t have full control of your coins. Legitimate and decentralized platforms like Obytealways enable users to have their own private keys. Avoid platforms that don’t offer this or at least some regulatory support (like crypto exchanges), as they have full control over your funds. Control Your Private Keys Obyte Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhance the security of your crypto accounts by enabling 2FA. This adds an extra layer of protection, even if your password is compromised. In Obyte wallets, you can do this by creating a multidevice account from the Global Settings or by setting up a passphrase used to sign all transactions. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Obyte wallets Obyte wallets Thoroughly Research Projects: Before investing, research the project’s team, whitepaper, and community feedback. Anyone can create customized tokens on crypto networks, and not all projects are legitimate. In __Obyte’s Asset Registry__it is possible to create customized tokens without coding for less than $1, for instance. So, always do your own research about every individual asset or project. Thoroughly Research Projects: Obyte’s Asset Registry Beware of Unrealistic Returns:If an investment promises high returns with little to no risk, it’s likely a Ponzi scheme. Legitimate investments come with risks and more modest returns. Beware of Unrealistic Returns: Avoid Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create urgency, pushing you to invest quickly. Take your time to evaluate the opportunity and don’t be rushed into making decisions. Avoid Pressure Tactics Stay Updated and Informed: Follow trusted crypto news sources and communities to stay aware of the latest scams and threats. Knowledge is your best defense. Stay Updated and Informed By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to crypto scams and Ponzi schemes. Stay safe! Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Every Major Crypto Scam, Ranked From Least to Most Stolen

Hər Böyük Kripto Fırıldaqlığı, Ən Az Oğurlanandan Ən Çox Oğrulana qədər sıralanır

Всяка голяма крипто измама, класирана от най-малко до най-открадната

Las principales estafas de criptomonedas, clasificadas de menor a mayor robo

Minden jelentősebb kriptográfiai átverés, a legkevesebbtől a legtöbb ellopottig

主要な暗号詐欺をすべて、盗まれた金額の少ないものから多いものまでランク付け

가장 적게 도난당한 것부터 가장 많이 도난당한 것까지 순위를 매긴 모든 주요 암호화폐 사기

Kiekviena didelė kriptovaliutų sukčiavimas, įvertintas nuo mažiausiai iki labiausiai pavogtų

Секоја голема крипто измама, рангирана од најмалку до најмногу украдени

Setiap Penipuan Kripto Utama, Diperingkat Daripada Paling Rendah hingga Paling Dicuri

Sapa Hatun Cripto Estafa, Rankikusqan Aswan pisimanta Aswan Suwasqakama

Yese Yakakura Crypto Scam, Yakamisikidzwa Kubva Padiki kusvika Pakubiwa Kwakawanda

Khayaanada ugu weyn ee Crypto kasta, oo lagu qiimeeyay tan ugu yar ilaa inta la xado

Image: Freepik Image Freepik Freepik Businesses have been locked in a cycle of manual inefficiencies for decades, resulting in them throwing time and money at repetitive tasks that drain resources. AI, automation, and emerging technologies have been pitched as the ultimate solution, but many of the consumer-friendly AI tools out there now fall short, often overpromising and underdelivering. Business Analyst and AI Expert Hugo Lamy is hard at work to solve these issues with Brainbase, an AI workflow tool. With a solid background in AI startups, sales automation, and AI-powered personalization, Hugo is a leading specialist in optimizing the power of AI and unlocking the full potential of the tools available to businesses today. Hugo Lamy Hugo Lamy Brainbase Brainbase As a Founding Growth Engineer at Brainbase, he is using his expertise to guide companies in cutting operational costs by up to 50% by using AI to handle tedious tasks like invoice processing and resume screening. But this is just the latest step in Hugo’s journey, which started with his early success scaling AI startups and has now positioned him as a leader in AI-driven efficiency. The Brainbase Breakthrough: AI Agents as the Future of Business Hugo Lamy's partnership with Brainbase began after an inspiring conversation with Gokhan Egri, the company's innovative founder and CEO. Hugo was immediately drawn to Gokhan's fresh vision for optimizing and deploying AI automation to meet the unique needs of startups and established organizations looking at undergoing a digital transformation. Brainbase isn’t just another AI company. It’s built to make it easier for businesses to create AI-powered apps 20 times cheaper and faster than traditional methods by helping them rapidly prototype and deploy AI solutions without getting stuck in an endless loop of proof-of-concept delays. By simplifying how businesses develop, test prototypes, and launch AI solutions, Brainbase helps them avoid the common challenges associated with tech implementation, such as high development costs, slow prototyping processes, complex deployments, lengthy project delays, and barriers to AI adoption like staff training. This approach has already earned Brainbase the trust of startups, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies looking to streamline operations with AI-powered automation. With $3.2M in backing from solid investors in the field—like the founders of YouTube and HubSpot—and support from YC alumni and 500 Startups, Brainbase is at the forefront of AI innovation. The secret to Brainbase's success lies in the cutting-edge technology at the foundation of the platform, which was developed by Gokhan Egri during his Harvard CompSci PhD. This innovation optimizes LLM efficiency, which turns scalable, production-ready AI agents into reality. Gokhan Egri Gokhan Egri Unlike many AI companies that focus on popular vertical solutions like AI SDRs or AI recruiters, Brainbase is tackling a much broader challenge: automating operational workflows across industries. From invoice parsing to resume screening, the company’s AI agents eliminate tedious tasks, helping businesses see faster ROI and expand AI adoption seamlessly. Excited by the potential of Brainbase’s technology, Lamy joined as a founding growth engineer to ensure that as many businesses as possible can leverage AI automation to reduce costs and scale smarter. This wasn’t just another role for him, it was an opportunity to help reshape how businesses interact with AI. Hugo’s Role & Impact at Brainbase Hugo’s Role & Impact at Brainbase Hugo Lamy has played a major role in Brainbase’s growth, using his strategic vision to lead the company towards a thriving future. By leveraging strategic partnerships, AI-driven sales automation, and powerful executive engagement, he has played a significant part in taking Brainbase to a 7-figure Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) within his first year. Lamy’s key skills include leveraging intent signal capture and a strategic partnership approach to transform cold leads into high-intent buyers with high velocity, filling up pipelines very rapidly. He oversees the full sales cycle—from identifying opportunities and nurturing prospects to delivering demos, qualifying leads, and closing deals. Let’s take a closer look at his contributions to Brainbase: Building Strategic Partnerships: Hugo is focused on nurturing relationships with Fortune 500 companies and elite business networks, such as The French Founders and Hult Alumni groups. This helps him and Brainbase stay ahead of the game by exploring innovative solutions and use cases of AI-driven automation.
AI-Powered Sales Automation & Market Intelligence: Hugo is pioneering the use of AI to automate sales by developing systems that use AI to capture real-time intent signals. His in-house AI tools are trained on proprietary data, which makes them capable of executing Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) checks and generating highly personalized messaging for tailored and highly targeted outreach.
Thought Leadership & Executive Engagement: Hugo creates content specifically for C-suite executives, which helped establish Brainbase as a thought leader in AI and automation. Building Strategic Partnerships: Hugo is focused on nurturing relationships with Fortune 500 companies and elite business networks, such as The French Founders and Hult Alumni groups. This helps him and Brainbase stay ahead of the game by exploring innovative solutions and use cases of AI-driven automation. Building Strategic Partnerships AI-Powered Sales Automation & Market Intelligence: Hugo is pioneering the use of AI to automate sales by developing systems that use AI to capture real-time intent signals. His in-house AI tools are trained on proprietary data, which makes them capable of executing Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) checks and generating highly personalized messaging for tailored and highly targeted outreach. AI-Powered Sales Automation & Market Intelligence Thought Leadership & Executive Engagement: Hugo creates content specifically for C-suite executives, which helped establish Brainbase as a thought leader in AI and automation. Thought Leadership & Executive Engagement Through his strategic acumen, technical expertise, and executive networking, Hugo has had a major impact on Brainbase’s current market position as a leader in AI innovation. From Startup Hustler to AI Visionary: Hugo’s Path to Business Automation Leadership From Startup Hustler to AI Visionary: Hugo’s Path to Business Automation Leadership At the heart of Hugo Lamy’s journey from startup enthusiast to an AI visionary is a pursuit of innovation and strong leadership in business automation. His entrepreneurial journey started at age 19 as an N26 ambassador, a role that allowed him to generate thousands in commission through affiliate marketing. He went on to pursue MSc degrees in International Business and Business Analytics at Hult Business School and Kyung Hee University. He participated in the Hult Prize competition, reaching the top 1% globally for a tech-driven impact project called Xtend. He also worked at StyleAI, where he showcased his capabilities and expertise by growing the startup’s revenue from nearly zero to $4M ARR within a year, closing 75% of over 1,000 AI-driven sales demos. He went on to found Inksider, a generative AI platform for tattoo personalization which attracted over 140,000 followers. Thanks to its success, Inksider secured grants for advancing AI research from Temple University. StyleAI StyleAI Inksider Inksider Embracing the Future with AI Automation Embracing the Future with AI Automation With AI agents, cutting operational costs drastically is no longer a distant dream—it’s happening now. Hugo Lamy and Brainbase are showing businesses how to automate smarter, freeing teams from repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on high-impact work. As AI adoption accelerates, companies that embrace automation today will gain a lasting competitive edge. The future of efficiency isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, and with Brainbase, that future is already here. Although AI is still in development and its use cases continue to grow in number and capabilities, it has never been more important for companies to invest in quality innovations that can transform their growth trajectory. Unlock the full power of AI for your business today with Brainbase. Brainbase Brainbase

How Hugo Lamy is Helping Create the AI Workforce for Enterprises at Brainbase

Jak Hugo Lamy pomáhá vytvářet pracovní sílu AI pro podniky na Brainbase

Cómo Hugo Lamy está ayudando a crear la fuerza laboral de IA para las empresas en Brainbase

ह्यूगो लैमी ब्रेनबेस में उद्यमों के लिए एआई कार्यबल बनाने में कैसे मदद कर रहे हैं

ヒューゴ・ラミーがブレインベースで企業向け AI 人材の育成にどのように貢献しているか

Hugo Lamy Brainbase-те кәсіпорындар үшін AI жұмыс күшін құруға қалай көмектесуде

Kaip Hugo Lamy padeda sukurti AI darbo jėgą įmonėms „Brainbase“.

Како Хуго Лами помага да се создаде работна сила со вештачка интелигенција за претпријатија во Brainbase

Хюго Лами Brainbase дахь аж ахуйн нэгжүүдэд зориулсан хиймэл оюун ухаантай ажиллах хүчийг бий болгоход хэрхэн тусалж байна вэ?

Si po ndihmon Hugo Lamy në krijimin e fuqisë punëtore të AI për ndërmarrjet në Brainbase

ሁጎ ላሚ ኣብ ብሬንቤዝ ንዝርከቡ ትካላት ዝኸውን ሓይሊ ስራሕ AI ንምፍጣር ብኸመይ ይሕግዝ ኣሎ።

Hugo Lamy đang giúp tạo ra lực lượng lao động AI cho các doanh nghiệp tại Brainbase như thế nào

Usiza kanjani u-Hugo Lamy Ukudala I-AI Workforce Yamabhizinisi kwa-Brainbase

“Escrow” has been a security measure in traditional finances for a while, long before the appearance of cryptocurrencies and decentralized systems. The point was opposite to decentralization, indeed: escrow implies middlemen. A trusted third party, often a company, mediates between two strangers and keeps the funds involved in their trade safe until it’s complete. That same third party could solve disputes about the trade if they arise. On the other hand, a decentralized escrow involves a platform that allows two parties to securely exchange assets without relying on a third-party intermediary like a bank or lawyer. Instead, it uses smart contracts—self-executing agreements on a distributed network—that hold funds until specific conditions are met. This reduces fraud risk and ensures fair transactions without trusting a central authority. Instead, it uses smart contracts—self-executing agreements on a distributed network—that hold funds until specific conditions are met. This reduces fraud risk and ensures fair transactions without trusting a central authority. For example, in a peer-to-peer (P2P) sale, a buyer deposits funds into a smart contract. The seller then delivers the agreed product or service. Once the buyer confirms receipt, the smart contract releases payment. If there’s a dispute, an arbitrator (often chosen in advance) can step in, ensuring fairness. This method can be applied, among other uses, to crypto trading, freelance work, and digital goods purchases. smart contract smart contract Centralized vs. Decentralized Escrow Services Centralized escrow services offer convenience and structured dispute resolution but come with notable drawbacks. Since a company manages the funds, users must trust its security measures and policies. These services often charge significant fees (even up to $450,000 per international arbitration), which can be costly for individuals and small businesses. Additionally, they require compliance with their specific rules, which may vary by region. Dispute resolution through arbitration can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly for complex cases, making it an option mostly accessible to larger enterprises. even up to even up to Decentralized escrow removes intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing autonomy. Smart contracts automate transactions, ensuring that funds are only released when agreed-upon conditions are met. An important consideration is that those smart contracts aren’t controlled by a central party. They exist inside a distributed, open network that only takes small transaction fees for every contract. Their code is already done, and it often can’t be changed. Decentralized escrow removes intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing autonomy This system enhances security by eliminating the risk of an escrow provider mismanaging or freezing funds. Furthermore, decentralized escrow can be accessible worldwide, without restrictions based on location or bureaucracy. In cases where disputes require human intervention, digital arbitration can still be integrated, often at a lower cost than traditional legal services. Now, despite its advantages, decentralized escrow has some challenges. Smart contracts require careful coding to prevent vulnerabilities (it’s important to pick a reputable platform), and not all disputes can be resolved automatically. For cases involving subjective judgment, human arbitrators are still necessary. However, the transparency and efficiency of decentralized systems make them a promising alternative to traditional escrow, particularly for digital transactions and global trade. to pick a reputable platform to pick a reputable platform For cases involving subjective judgment, human arbitrators are still necessary. Create a Contract with Arbitration Obyte offers a fully decentralized way to handle secure transactions through its contract with an arbitration system. Unlike traditional smart contracts that rely on public data or oracles, these contracts allow users to set personalized terms and involve a human arbiter in case of disputes. Funds are locked within the contract and only released when both parties agree that the terms have been met. Obyte Obyte public data or oracles public data or oracles If a dispute arises, an arbiter steps in to review the evidence and make a final decision. This system ensures that transactions are safe, efficient, and not dependent on centralized authorities. The ArbStore platform serves as a marketplace for professional arbiters who can be chosen to oversee contracts. These arbiters are real individuals with verified identities and expertise in areas like law, business, and technology. If a dispute arises, an arbiter steps in to review the evidence and make a final decision. This system ensures that transactions are safe, efficient, and not dependent on centralized authorities. The ArbStore The ArbStore Users can browse arbiter profiles, check their experience and fees, and select one before finalizing a contract. Fees for arbiters typically range from 2% to 5% and are only charged if a dispute occurs. Additionally, a small fixed fee of 0.75% applies to all contracts with arbitration. If an arbiter makes an unfair decision, users can report them to ArbStore moderators for further review. contracts with arbitration contracts with arbitration Using Obyte’s wallet, setting up a decentralized escrow with ArbStore is simple. Users first discuss and draft their contract within the wallet’s encrypted chat. Once both parties agree, the contract locks the funds and includes the selected arbiter’s address. If everything proceeds smoothly, the buyer releases the payment. If a dispute arises, the arbiter evaluates the case and resolves it. This system eliminates reliance on expensive intermediaries, ensuring a trustless, cost-effective, and censorship-resistant way to conduct transactions securely. Obyte’s wallet Obyte’s wallet Featured Vector Image by stockgiu / Freepik Featured Vector Image by stockgiu / Freepik Freepik Freepik

Educational Byte: Decentralized Escrow—What It Is and Why You Should Use It 

Byte Educativo: Fideicomiso Descentralizado: Qué es y por qué debería usarlo

Hezkuntza byte: fidantza deszentralizatua: zer den eta zergatik erabili beharko zenuke 

Byte חינוכי: נאמנות מבוזרת - מה זה ולמה כדאי להשתמש בו 

शैक्षिक बाइट: विकेन्द्रीकृत एस्क्रो - यह क्या है और आपको इसका उपयोग क्यों करना चाहिए

教育バイト: 分散型エスクローとは何か、なぜ使用すべきか

បៃនៃការអប់រំ៖ វិមជ្ឈការ Escrow - តើវាជាអ្វី និងហេតុអ្វីអ្នកគួរប្រើវា។ 

Билим берүү байт: Борбордон ажыратылган Эскроу - бул эмне жана аны эмне үчүн колдонушуңуз керек 

Образовательный байт: децентрализованное депонирование — что это такое и почему вам следует его использовать

Dzidzo Byte: Decentralized Escrow-Chii uye Nei Uchifanira Kuishandisa 

Ta'lim bayti: markazlashtirilmagan Escrow - bu nima va nima uchun undan foydalanish kerak 

I-Byte yeMfundo: I-Escrow enikezelweyo-iyintoni na kwaye kutheni kufuneka uyisebenzise 

教育内容：去中心化托管——它是什么以及为什么要使用它

“Fascism: a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived good of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.” [Wikipedia] “Fascism: a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived good of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.” [Wikipedia] Fascism: “Tyranny: cruel and oppressive government or rule. ‘Refugees fleeing tyranny and oppression’.” [Oxford Dictionaries] “Tyranny: cruel and oppressive government or rule. ‘Refugees fleeing tyranny and oppression’.” [Oxford Dictionaries] Tyranny At this point in history, we only have to look around to discover the embodiment of these concepts in more than a few places, in all its disgusting splendor. In the middle of it, software, all kinds of software, really, has been used for evil, but also for good. We can fight back (with something more than ranting on social media), and it’s time to pick our team and resources. Those resources, of course, can include software specially designed to preserve our rights. more than ranting on social media more than ranting on social media We’ll explore here some open-source and free software tools available for anyone to use against fascist and tyrannical governments all around the world. They work to protect your identity, your files, your communications, your connections, and more, so you can avoid censorship, surveillance, and oppression online. You’d be able to organize your community to defend yourselves and engage in activism if you wish. We’ll explore here some open-source and free software tools available for anyone to use against fascist and tyrannical governments all around the world. In the end, if you find them useful, you can support them with another useful software tool: Kivach. This open platform lets any open-source project on GitHub receive decentralized cryptocurrencies for funding, without major setups or requirements. Let’s start! Kivach Kivach Invisible Internet Project (I2P) Originally created by Lance James in 2002, the Invisible Internet Project (I2P) has grown in the hands of a whole team of dedicated open-source developers. Its primary goal is to create an anonymous network layer that enables censorship-resistant, peer-to-peer (P2P) communication. By encrypting user traffic and routing it through a global network of volunteer-run computers, I2P ensures that both the sender’s and receiver’s identities remain concealed, promoting secure and private interactions online. Lance James Lance James By encrypting user traffic and routing it through a global network of volunteer-run computers, I2P ensures that both the sender’s and receiver’s identities remain concealed, promoting secure and private interactions online. I2P offers a range of features designed to enhance user privacy. It supports various applications, including anonymous web hosting (known as “eepsites”), email, instant messaging, and file sharing. The network employs end-to-end encryption and utilizes unidirectional tunnels (encrypted pathways) for data transmission, making it challenging for third parties to trace communications. Additionally, I2P uses a distributed network database based on the Kademlia algorithm, eliminating central points of failure and enhancing the network’s resilience. I2P I2P Unlike similar projects, like Tor, I2P doesn’t have a proper organizational structure to receive donations, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate support from its community. Indeed, they entirely rely on global volunteers and urge contributors to fund secondary applications or hire others to work on I2P. You can support their developers on GitHub, directly donating to them via Kivach. donating to them via Kivach donating to them via Kivach Briar This is a private messaging application introduced in 2018 by Michael Rogers. It’s tailored for activists, journalists, and individuals seeking a secure and dependable communication method. Unlike conventional messaging platforms that depend on central servers, Briar facilitates direct device-to-device synchronization, ensuring that conversations remain confidential and resistant to censorship. Unlike conventional messaging platforms that depend on central servers, Briar facilitates direct device-to-device synchronization, ensuring that conversations remain confidential and resistant to censorship. Briar Briar One of Briar’s standout features is its adaptability in various connectivity scenarios. When Internet access is available, it utilizes the Tor network to safeguard users’ identities and communications. In situations where the Internet is inaccessible, Briar can synchronize messages via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, ensuring uninterrupted information flow during crises. All communications are protected with end-to-end encryption, and data is securely stored on users’ devices, eliminating reliance on cloud services. The development of this software has been supported by various organizations dedicated to Internet freedom and open-source initiatives. Notable contributors include the Small Media Foundation, the Open Internet Tools Project, the Open Technology Fund, the Next Generation Internet program, and the ISC Project. They also accept donations in cryptocurrency, and you can send them some coins via Kivach. send them some coins via Kivach send them some coins via Kivach SecureDrop At some point between 2010 and 2011, Aaron Swartz, a known hacktivist, decided to download a large number of academic papers from the digital library JSTOR using MIT’s network, allegedly without permission. He intended to make them freely available but was charged with computer fraud and unauthorized access, even threatened with 35 years in prison for it. He refused a plea bargain (admission of being guilty) for a sentence of six months and took his own life in January 2013. That’s the American justice system in action. Aaron Swartz Aaron Swartz Before his tragic death, along with Kevin Poulsen and James Dolan, he was developing DeadDrop: a free software designed for secure communications between journalists and their most vulnerable sources (whistleblowers). Swartz’s legacy was taken over by The Freedom of the Press Foundation, renamed to SecureDrop, and released in October 2013. Before his tragic death, along with Kevin Poulsen and James Dolan, he was developing DeadDrop: a free software designed for secure communications between journalists and their most vulnerable sources (whistleblowers). SecureDrop SecureDrop Now, it’s been used by very prominent media, including The Guardian, Forbes, The Washington Post, Associated Press, The New York Times, and Bloomberg. Anyone, everywhere, can use SecureDrop to share confidential, valuable information and evidence with the journalists of any of these newspapers, without fear of being fired, arrested, or even killed for it. This software uses Tor for anonymity, encrypts submissions, lessens metadata, and ensures no direct contact between sources and reporters, minimizing surveillance risks and protecting confidentiality. Its team accepts contributions in the form of code and translations and also accepts donations with credit cards and PayPal through the foundation. To send them cryptocurrencies, you can find them on Kivach as freedomofpress/securedrop. freedomofpress/securedrop freedomofpress/securedrop InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) IPFS, short for InterPlanetary File System, is a decentralized protocol designed to store and share files across a distributed network. It was created by Juan Benet and launched in February 2015. Unlike traditional web protocols that rely on centralized servers, IPFS uses a P2P system where data is identified by its content rather than its location. This approach makes file storage and retrieval more efficient, resilient, and resistant to failures or censorship. Unlike traditional web protocols that rely on centralized servers, IPFS uses a P2P system where data is identified by its content rather than its location. At its core, IPFS operates using content-addressing and a distributed hash table (DHT). Each file is assigned a unique cryptographic hash, ensuring that data remains unchanged and verifiable. When a file is requested, nodes in the network search for its hash rather than a specific server, enabling efficient distribution similar to BitTorrent. Being open-source, the project has evolved into numerous implementations and has enabled the creation of independent applications as well. IPFS IPFS So far, IPFS has played a key role in bypassing online censorship, including hosting a mirror of Wikipedia during Turkey's ban and preserving the Tornado Cash website after U.S. sanctions. The ecosystem is supported by Protocol Labs, which funds core development, while independent teams contribute to alternative implementations. Filecoin, a blockchain-based storage network, also incentivizes IPFS adoption by rewarding users for hosting data. Beyond them, a wide variety of IPFS implementations and apps can be found on GitHub, and you can support their developers via Kivach. You’ll just need to paste their repositories on the donation website. So far, IPFS has played a key role in bypassing online censorship, including hosting a mirror of Wikipedia during Turkey's ban and preserving the Tornado Cash website after U.S. sanctions. during Turkey's ban during Turkey's ban Tornado Cash website Tornado Cash website a wide variety a wide variety support their developers via Kivach support their developers via Kivach OpenSnitch OpenSnitch is a firewall application specifically designed for Linux systems, developed as an open-source alternative to macOS’s Little Snitch. It was created around 2017 by Simone Margaritelli (evilsocket) and is currently maintained by Gustavo Iñiguez Goya. Its main purpose is to monitor and control Internet access at the application level, allowing users to decide which programs can connect online. This is particularly useful for detecting software that might be transmitting data without the user’s knowledge. The software works by intercepting outgoing connections from installed applications and prompting users to approve or deny them. OpenSnitch offers fine-grained control by letting users create specific rules, such as blocking a single request, an entire domain, or all connections from a particular app. It stores rules in easily editable JSON files and features a graphical interface for real-time monitoring. The firewall also supports SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools, making it suitable for both personal and enterprise security. OpenSnitch offers fine-grained control by letting users create specific rules, such as blocking a single request, an entire domain, or all connections from a particular app. OpenSnitch OpenSnitch OpenSnitch can be a powerful tool against government surveillance or spyware, as it allows users to identify and block unauthorized data transmissions. It offers a layer of protection by ensuring that no application sends data without explicit permission. As free software, it’s primarily funded through community donations, which can be made via the project’s GitHub page. Users can also contribute by donating crypto via Kivach. donating crypto via Kivach donating crypto via Kivach Special Mentions Freedom and privacy tools are many, and we’ve already mentioned several of them in previous episodes of our Kivach series. These open-source, free software projects can also work to fight against fascism and tyranny: previous episodes previous episodes Tor – Anonymizes internet traffic by routing it through multiple servers.
Whonix – A privacy-focused OS that routes all traffic through Tor.
Signal – A secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption.
GrapheneOS – A privacy-focused, hardened Android OS.
Linux Kodachi – A secure Linux distribution with built-in anonymity tools.
Berty – A decentralized, encrypted messaging app.
Agorakit – A self-hosted collaboration tool for activists (communications and events).
QubesOS – A security-focused OS that isolates apps in virtual machines.
WireGuard – A fast, modern Virtual Privacy Network (VPN) protocol.
Cryptomator – Encrypts cloud storage files for privacy. Tor – Anonymizes internet traffic by routing it through multiple servers. Tor Whonix – A privacy-focused OS that routes all traffic through Tor. Whonix Signal – A secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption. Signal GrapheneOS – A privacy-focused, hardened Android OS. GrapheneOS Linux Kodachi – A secure Linux distribution with built-in anonymity tools. Linux Kodachi Berty – A decentralized, encrypted messaging app. Berty Agorakit – A self-hosted collaboration tool for activists (communications and events). Agorakit QubesOS – A security-focused OS that isolates apps in virtual machines. QubesOS WireGuard – A fast, modern Virtual Privacy Network (VPN) protocol. WireGuard Cryptomator – Encrypts cloud storage files for privacy. Cryptomator All of them, of course, are available on GitHub and Kivach as well, if you want to support their developers. Support Freedom With Kivach! Kivach makes crypto donations to open-source projects easy. Just set up an Obyte wallet to manage tokens like USDC, ETH, BNB, or GBYTE, then find the GitHub project you want to support, go to the platform, paste the repo, and donate. The funds stay secure in an Obyte’s Autonomous Agent (AA) until the recipient claims them with their own Obyte wallet —which they'll need only after receiving the donation. You’ll have to tell them about it! Kivach Kivach Obyte wallet Obyte wallet The funds stay secure in an Obyte’s Autonomous Agent (AA) until the recipient claims them with their own Obyte wallet This open platform empowers developers and upholds freedom. By channeling contributions to innovative projects, Kivach helps counter censorship, fascism, and tyranny. Every donation builds a stronger, democratic digital space, supporting resistance against oppression while fostering an environment of open collaboration and positive change. And remember that the whole Obyte ecosystem is also there as another tool for freedom, fully decentralized and available for everyone. Obyte ecosystem Obyte ecosystem Check out some previous lists to discover other useful software tools: 5 Open-Source Projects You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode IV: Privacy Tools
5 Open-Source Tools You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode VI: Decentralized Services
5 Cybersecurity Tools to Use for Free and Donate to Via Kivach
5 Open-Source Software for Global Teams To Donate via Kivach
5 Open-source and Free Operating Systems to Donate via Kivach
Ditch the Phone Line and Try These 5 Free and Open-Source Platforms for Voice Calls Instead 5 Open-Source Projects You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode IV: Privacy Tools 5 Open-Source Projects You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode IV: Privacy Tools 5 Open-Source Projects You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode IV: Privacy Tools 5 Open-Source Projects You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode IV: Privacy Tools 5 Open-Source Tools You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode VI: Decentralized Services 5 Open-Source Tools You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode VI: Decentralized Services 5 Open-Source Tools You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode VI: Decentralized Services 5 Open-Source Tools You Can Donate to via Kivach, Episode VI: Decentralized Services 5 Cybersecurity Tools to Use for Free and Donate to Via Kivach 5 Cybersecurity Tools to Use for Free and Donate to Via Kivach 5 Cybersecurity Tools to Use for Free and Donate to Via Kivach 5 Cybersecurity Tools to Use for Free and Donate to Via Kivach 5 Open-Source Software for Global Teams To Donate via Kivach 5 Open-Source Software for Global Teams To Donate via Kivach 5 Open-Source Software for Global Teams To Donate via Kivach 5 Open-Source Software for Global Teams To Donate via Kivach 5 Open-source and Free Operating Systems to Donate via Kivach 5 Open-source and Free Operating Systems to Donate via Kivach 5 Open-source and Free Operating Systems to Donate via Kivach 5 Open-source and Free Operating Systems to Donate via Kivach Ditch the Phone Line and Try These 5 Free and Open-Source Platforms for Voice Calls Instead Ditch the Phone Line and Try These 5 Free and Open-Source Platforms for Voice Calls Instead Ditch the Phone Line and Try These 5 Free and Open-Source Platforms for Voice Calls Instead Ditch the Phone Line and Try These 5 Free and Open-Source Platforms for Voice Calls Instead Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Fight Against Fascism and Tyranny With These Free Software Tools - and Support Them With Kivach

Luche contra el fascismo y la tiranía con estas herramientas de software libre y apóyelas con Kivach

Taistele fasismia ja tyranniaa vastaan näillä ilmaisilla ohjelmistotyökaluilla - ja tue niitä Kivachilla

להילחם נגד הפשיזם והעריצות עם כלי התוכנה החופשיים האלה - ותמוך בהם עם Kivach

これらの無料ソフトウェアツールでファシズムと暴政と戦い、Kivach で支援しましょう

ប្រយុទ្ធប្រឆាំងនឹងហ្វាស៊ីសនិយម និងរបបផ្តាច់ការជាមួយនឹងឧបករណ៍កម្មវិធីឥតគិតថ្លៃទាំងនេះ - និងគាំទ្រពួកគេជាមួយ Kivach

Kovok su fašizmu ir tironija naudodamiesi šiais nemokamos programinės įrangos įrankiais ir palaikykite juos naudodami Kivach

Miady Amin'ny Fasisma sy ny Fanjakazakana Amin'ireo Fitaovana Rindrambaiko Maimaim-poana Ireo - ary Tohano Amin'ny Kivach

د دې وړیا سافټویر وسیلو په کارولو سره د فاشیزم او ظلم پر وړاندې مبارزه وکړئ - او د کیواچ سره یې ملاتړ وکړئ

Pigana Dhidi ya Ufashisti na Udhalimu Kwa Zana Hizi Za Programu Za Bure - na Uzisaidie Kwa Kivach

இந்த இலவச மென்பொருள் கருவிகளைக் கொண்டு பாசிசம் மற்றும் கொடுங்கோன்மைக்கு எதிராகப் போராடுங்கள் - மேலும் கிவாச் மூலம் அவற்றை ஆதரிக்கவும்.

Боріться з фашизмом і тиранією за допомогою цих безкоштовних програмних засобів - і підтримуйте їх за допомогою Kivach

Ushbu bepul dasturiy ta'minot vositalari bilan fashizm va zulmga qarshi kurashing va ularni Kivach bilan qo'llab-quvvatlang

“Algocracy,” “Government by algorithm,” or “Algorithmic regulation” isn’t exactly a well-defined or clear concept. However, we can sum it up like this: algorithms + governance (laws or rules of some kind). In this sense, we can talk of algocracy when some type of algorithm-based system, be it a smart contract, an Artificial Intelligence (AI), or any other, controls, fully or partially, the decision-making processes of some platform, project, venture, or institution. It’s very much not the same as e-government (governments using digital tools), and it poses its own set of potential issues. An algorithm is more than just a simple digital application; it is a structured set of precise instructions designed to tackle complex problems—while also having the potential to create new ones. In the novel Daemon (2006) by Daniel Suarez, for instance, we can see how an algorithm takes over the world secretly, even murdering people, after its creator passes away. We haven’t reached such a dystopian level in our own world, but we might be building the path for it. Algorithms are being used by individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions already. And important decisions, at that. Algorithms in Action If you’ve been wondering: yes, cryptocurrencies work with algorithms. Smart contracts work with algorithms, and entire crypto networks are built on algorithms. They use these complex, mathematical instructions to replace expensive or distrustful human middlemen in verifying transactions. Algorithms also help people make general decisions about their platforms by providing the infrastructure for them to vote (on-chain governance in crypto networks). This is just a couple of examples of what algorithms do, but that’s far from all they are up to. In 2017, the police from Durham (UK) introduced the Harm Assessment Risk Tool (HART), an AI system that predicts the likelihood of a suspect reoffending. It classified individuals into risk categories, helping to decide whether they were detained or eligible for rehabilitation. Similar predictive policing methods, often powered by machine learning and data analysis, are used in the U.S. and China. Smart cities provide another real-world application of algorithmic governance. AI-powered infrastructure, such as intelligent street lighting and automated traffic systems, optimizes resource use. Projects like the futuristic city “The Line” in Saudi Arabia are planning to integrate AI for proactive services. Governments are also incorporating AI in decision-making, from automating tax audits to using predictive models for social services. AI judges, tested in China and Estonia, can handle minor legal disputes, while predictive algorithms assist in judicial sentencing. Education sees similar automation with platforms like Knewton, which adjusts learning materials based on student performance. Language models like ChatGPT or DeepSeek are built on algorithms. Google Search uses algorithms to rank results. YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify use algorithms to suggest personalized content, and Amazon does it to customize shopping suggestions. Algorithms are useful, and we’re already surrounded by them. Dystopian Algorithms Algorithms increase efficiency and reduce human participation, but they can become dystopian as well. One major concern is what Evgeny Morozov called “invisible barbed wire”—a system where algorithms subtly guide choices, restricting intellectual and social growth without people realizing it. These systems analyze personal data to predict behavior, nudging individuals toward certain actions while limiting exposure to alternative ideas or opportunities. Since the constraints aren’t explicit, people assume they are acting freely, even though their options have been carefully curated by unseen forces. This quiet control can weaken freedom by reducing critical thinking and reinforcing pre-existing habits instead of fostering independent decision-making. In other words, people mindlessly follow suggestions from the algorithm, not knowing how the algorithm works, unaware that they might be manipulated, but afraid of taking alternative paths that could harm them. The opacity of these decision-making systems is another pressing issue, indeed. Many algorithms function as black boxes, making critical choices without clear explanations. This lack of transparency is dangerous, especially when algorithms are trained on biased data. If an algorithm unknowingly reflects historical inequalities, it can perpetuate discrimination while presenting its decisions as objective. For instance, predictive policing tools have been criticized for unfairly targeting marginalized communities, and AI-driven credit scoring systems have disproportionately disadvantaged certain groups. When these tools shape financial access, law enforcement, and employment, the risks of biased automation become significant. Some Bad History Real-world examples illustrate the harm poorly designed algorithms can cause. In 2018, the Dutch government deployed the algorithmic system SyRI to identify potential welfare fraudsters, flagging thousands of people for investigation without clear justification. Public backlash led to the system being shut down in 2020 for violating human rights. Similarly, in 2021 in the US, ATLAS software was used to evaluate immigration applications, drawing criticism for its opaque and potentially discriminatory decisions, and its ultimate goal to denaturalize citizens. In the UK, an algorithm assigned student exam grades in 2020, favoring those from wealthier schools while penalizing others. Widespread protests forced the government to reverse the decision, demonstrating how unchecked algorithmic control can directly impact lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rheYjX5exH0&embedable=true While algorithms can streamline decision-making, their misuse can entrench systemic issues, limit freedom, and erode trust. Without transparency, accountability, and ethical oversight, centralized algorithms risk becoming tools of control rather than empowerment. Decentralized Justice So far, at least, we can say that the most tyrannical algorithms come from the centralized world. It’s always a central party (company or government) controlling the whole thing to reach their own dubious purposes, or messing stuff up for mere negligence. Luckily for us, algorithms can still be used to get freedom and justice, especially if they’re decentralized. As you may be guessing, most crypto algorithms are open-source and decentralized, available for everyone to check and use. And we already have some algorithmic systems for decentralized justice. A key element in decentralized governance, for instance, is the Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), which operates using smart contracts—self-executing agreements. DAOs allow members to participate in decision-making through voting, ensuring that control is distributed among participants rather than a central entity. This is a type of on-chain governance, where rules and decisions are executed through DLT-verified processes, and it helps maintain transparency and security while preventing manipulation by powerful individuals or organizations. Decentralized justice aims to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently while avoiding the risks of centralized control. Traditional courts rely on human judgment, but decentralized justice systems use crypto-economic incentives to ensure impartiality. Participants are rewarded for aligning with the consensus, which is assumed to be fair decision-making. This method eliminates reliance on trust and instead uses incentives to ensure just outcomes. Additionally, decentralized justice is designed to be transparent, with rules and decision-making processes openly available on the network. This guarantees predictability, consistency, and resistance to bias or corruption. Algocracy for Good An apt algorithmic network to build fairer justice systems is Obyte, a fully decentralized ledger technology (DLT) that removes intermediaries like miners and “validators”. Obyte also enables on-chain governance, allowing its community to make key decisions collectively through voting mechanisms. It also supports smart contracts, which automate transactions and agreements without requiring a central authority. Additionally, Obyte offers contracts with arbitration, allowing parties to engage in agreements where disputes can be settled by using not only smart contracts but professional human arbitrators from the ArbStore. These features ensure that transactions and governance remain transparent, fair, and resistant to external control, reinforcing the principles of decentralization in both governance and justice. It’s also a great example of how to use the algocracy for good! Featured Vector Image by vector4stock / Freepik “Algocracy,” “Government by algorithm,” or “Algorithmic regulation” isn’t exactly a well-defined or clear concept. However, we can sum it up like this: algorithms + governance (laws or rules of some kind). In this sense, we can talk of algocracy when some type of algorithm-based system, be it a smart contract, an Artificial Intelligence (AI), or any other, controls, fully or partially, the decision-making processes of some platform, project, venture, or institution. It’s very much not the same as e-government (governments using digital tools), and it poses its own set of potential issues. An algorithm is more than just a simple digital application; it is a structured set of precise instructions designed to tackle complex problems—while also having the potential to create new ones. In the novel Daemon (2006) by Daniel Suarez, for instance, we can see how an algorithm takes over the world secretly, even murdering people, after its creator passes away. An algorithm is more than just a simple digital application; it is a structured set of precise instructions designed to tackle complex problems—while also having the potential to create new ones. We haven’t reached such a dystopian level in our own world, but we might be building the path for it. Algorithms are being used by individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions already. And important decisions, at that. Algorithms in Action If you’ve been wondering: yes, cryptocurrencies work with algorithms. Smart contracts work with algorithms, and entire crypto networks are built on algorithms. They use these complex, mathematical instructions to replace expensive or distrustful human middlemen in verifying transactions. Algorithms also help people make general decisions about their platforms by providing the infrastructure for them to vote ( on-chain governance in crypto networks). This is just a couple of examples of what algorithms do, but that’s far from all they are up to. on-chain governance on-chain governance In 2017, the police from Durham (UK) introduced the Harm Assessment Risk Tool (HART), an AI system that predicts the likelihood of a suspect reoffending. It classified individuals into risk categories, helping to decide whether they were detained or eligible for rehabilitation. Similar predictive policing methods, often powered by machine learning and data analysis, are used in the U.S. and China. In 2017, the police from Durham (UK) introduced the Harm Assessment Risk Tool (HART), an AI system that predicts the likelihood of a suspect reoffending. Smart cities provide another real-world application of algorithmic governance. AI-powered infrastructure, such as intelligent street lighting and automated traffic systems, optimizes resource use. Projects like the futuristic city “The Line” in Saudi Arabia are planning to integrate AI for proactive services. Governments are also incorporating AI in decision-making, from automating tax audits to using predictive models for social services. AI judges, tested in China and Estonia, can handle minor legal disputes, while predictive algorithms assist in judicial sentencing. Education sees similar automation with platforms like Knewton, which adjusts learning materials based on student performance. Language models like ChatGPT or DeepSeek are built on algorithms. Google Search uses algorithms to rank results. YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify use algorithms to suggest personalized content, and Amazon does it to customize shopping suggestions. Algorithms are useful, and we’re already surrounded by them. Language models like ChatGPT or DeepSeek are built on algorithms. Dystopian Algorithms Algorithms increase efficiency and reduce human participation, but they can become dystopian as well. One major concern is what Evgeny Morozov called “invisible barbed wire”—a system where algorithms subtly guide choices, restricting intellectual and social growth without people realizing it. These systems analyze personal data to predict behavior, nudging individuals toward certain actions while limiting exposure to alternative ideas or opportunities. Evgeny Morozov Evgeny Morozov Since the constraints aren’t explicit, people assume they are acting freely, even though their options have been carefully curated by unseen forces. This quiet control can weaken freedom by reducing critical thinking and reinforcing pre-existing habits instead of fostering independent decision-making. In other words, people mindlessly follow suggestions from the algorithm, not knowing how the algorithm works, unaware that they might be manipulated, but afraid of taking alternative paths that could harm them. Since the constraints aren’t explicit, people assume they are acting freely, even though their options have been carefully curated by unseen forces. The opacity of these decision-making systems is another pressing issue, indeed. Many algorithms function as black boxes, making critical choices without clear explanations. This lack of transparency is dangerous, especially when algorithms are trained on biased data. If an algorithm unknowingly reflects historical inequalities, it can perpetuate discrimination while presenting its decisions as objective. The opacity The opacity For instance, predictive policing tools have been criticized for unfairly targeting marginalized communities, and AI-driven credit scoring systems have disproportionately disadvantaged certain groups. When these tools shape financial access, law enforcement, and employment, the risks of biased automation become significant. For instance, predictive policing tools have been criticized for unfairly targeting marginalized communities, Some Bad History Real-world examples illustrate the harm poorly designed algorithms can cause. In 2018, the Dutch government deployed the algorithmic system SyRI to identify potential welfare fraudsters, flagging thousands of people for investigation without clear justification. Public backlash led to the system being shut down in 2020 for violating human rights. algorithmic system SyRI algorithmic system SyRI Similarly, in 2021 in the US, ATLAS software was used to evaluate immigration applications, drawing criticism for its opaque and potentially discriminatory decisions, and its ultimate goal to denaturalize citizens. In the UK, an algorithm assigned student exam grades in 2020, favoring those from wealthier schools while penalizing others. Widespread protests forced the government to reverse the decision, demonstrating how unchecked algorithmic control can directly impact lives. Similarly, in 2021 in the US, ATLAS software was used to evaluate immigration applications, drawing criticism for its opaque and potentially discriminatory decisions, and its ultimate goal to denaturalize citizens. was used was used assigned student exam grades assigned student exam grades https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rheYjX5exH0&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rheYjX5exH0&embedable=true While algorithms can streamline decision-making, their misuse can entrench systemic issues, limit freedom, and erode trust. Without transparency, accountability, and ethical oversight, centralized algorithms risk becoming tools of control rather than empowerment. Decentralized Justice So far, at least, we can say that the most tyrannical algorithms come from the centralized world. It’s always a central party (company or government) controlling the whole thing to reach their own dubious purposes, or messing stuff up for mere negligence. Luckily for us, algorithms can still be used to get freedom and justice, especially if they’re decentralized. As you may be guessing, most crypto algorithms are open-source and decentralized, available for everyone to check and use. And we already have some algorithmic systems for decentralized justice. It’s always a central party (company or government) controlling the whole thing to reach their own dubious purposes, or messing stuff up for mere negligence. A key element in decentralized governance, for instance, is the Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), which operates using smart contracts—self-executing agreements. DAOs allow members to participate in decision-making through voting, ensuring that control is distributed among participants rather than a central entity. This is a type of on-chain governance, where rules and decisions are executed through DLT-verified processes, and it helps maintain transparency and security while preventing manipulation by powerful individuals or organizations. Decentralized justice aims to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently while avoiding the risks of centralized control. Traditional courts rely on human judgment, but decentralized justice systems use crypto-economic incentives to ensure impartiality. Participants are rewarded for aligning with the consensus, which is assumed to be fair decision-making. This method eliminates reliance on trust and instead uses incentives to ensure just outcomes. Decentralized justice aims to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently while avoiding the risks of centralized control. Decentralized justice Decentralized justice Additionally, decentralized justice is designed to be transparent, with rules and decision-making processes openly available on the network. This guarantees predictability, consistency, and resistance to bias or corruption. Algocracy for Good An apt algorithmic network to build fairer justice systems is Obyte, a fully decentralized ledger technology (DLT) that removes intermediaries like miners and “validators” . Obyte also enables on-chain governance, allowing its community to make key decisions collectively through voting mechanisms. It also supports smart contracts, which automate transactions and agreements without requiring a central authority. An apt algorithmic network to build fairer justice systems is Obyte , a fully decentralized ledger technology (DLT) that removes intermediaries like miners and “validators” Obyte Obyte Additionally, Obyte offers contracts with arbitration , allowing parties to engage in agreements where disputes can be settled by using not only smart contracts but professional human arbitrators from the ArbStore . These features ensure that transactions and governance remain transparent, fair, and resistant to external control, reinforcing the principles of decentralization in both governance and justice. It’s also a great example of how to use the algocracy for good! contracts with arbitration contracts with arbitration ArbStore ArbStore Featured Vector Image by vector4stock / Freepik Featured Vector Image by vector4stock / Freepik Freepik Freepik

Algorithms are All Around Us, but Can They Be Trusted to Govern Us?

Алгарытмы вакол нас, але ці можна ім давяраць кіраванне намі?

Los algoritmos están a nuestro alrededor, pero ¿podemos confiar en que nos gobiernen?

Algoritmeja on kaikkialla ympärillämme, mutta voidaanko niiden luottaa hallitsevan meitä?

アルゴリズムは私たちの周りに溢れていますが、私たちを統治するのに信頼できるのでしょうか?

Algoritmai yra visur aplink mus, bet ar jie gali mus valdyti?

We zijn overal om ons heen met algoritmes, maar kunnen we erop vertrouwen dat ze ons ook besturen?

Algorithms Yose Iratuzengurutse, ariko Birashobora kwizerwa kutuyobora?

Algorithms-yadu way nagu wareegsan yihiin, laakiin ma lagu aamini karaa inay na xukumaan?

Algoritmet janë kudo rreth nesh, por a mund t'u besohet atyre që të na qeverisin?

Алгоритми су свуда око нас, али може ли им се веровати да ће управљати нама?

Алгоритмҳо ҳама дар атрофи мо ҳастанд, аммо оё ба онҳо эътимод кардан мумкин аст, ки моро идора кунанд?

Ama-algorithms Asizungezile, Kodwa Angathenjwa Ukusibusa?

A scam of any kind involves deceiving someone into giving up their money, and scam or fake tokens in the crypto world aren’t different. We must say that the term “fake” is often not that accurate, since, in most cases, these assets actually exist as any other token in a certain network. Their utility or value is another story, though. Anyone, even with the most basic knowledge, can create customized assets in numerous chains, sometimes almost for free. That’s the origin of fake or scam tokens: malicious actors create useless tokens in a network (or pretend they’ve done it) to try and snatch people’s money by offering empty promises about it. Only sometime after investors buy, they may discover that everything was a lie, their token isn’t tradable, and/or the team behind it and their related channels (website and social media) have vanished with the funds. Scammers have different methodologies to achieve this. Several “Fake” Tokens Scammers often create counterfeit tokens that closely mimic legitimate assets to deceive investors. These imitation tokens replicate the branding and name of well-known coins, making them appear genuine. To enhance their credibility, fraudsters may set up fake social media profiles, and websites, and even forge endorsements from influential figures in the crypto space. Some scammers go further by listing these tokens on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), providing a false sense of legitimacy. They might also fabricate trading volumes and user reviews to lure unsuspecting victims into investing. Rug pulls are another widespread scam tactic, where attackers launch fake token sales, promising early access to exciting new projects. Investors are enticed with the prospect of high returns and exclusive opportunities. Once funds are collected, the scammers disappear, leaving investors with worthless tokens. Malicious airdrops are also commonly used to trick users by offering free tokens in exchange for small payments or personal information. Victims may be persuaded to connect their wallets to fraudulent platforms, exposing themselves to further financial loss or identity theft. More on the internal designing side, honeypot tokens are built to trap investors by preventing them from selling their holdings once purchased. These tokens often promise high returns, but the smart contract is programmed to restrict selling, locking funds indefinitely. In addition, some scam tokens don’t offer locked liquidity at their release, implying that creators can withdraw the entire liquidity pool at any time. Another deceptive tactic includes imposing a 100% sell tax, which means that any attempt to sell results in the entire amount being deducted as a fee, effectively making the token impossible to cash out. There are several ways to know what’s happening before investing, though. How to Spot Scam Tokens To avoid falling for scam tokens, if they’re not just a vague crowdsale promise, it’s crucial to verify the contract address (if applicable) before investing. Numerous crypto projects that offer real tokens on Ethereum-like networks provide official contract addresses, which can be found on their website, verified social media pages, or well-known listing platforms like CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko. If the token isn’t based on an Ethereum-like chain but in a different system, like Obyte, chances are it won’t be a contract, but it’ll have another type of legitimate registry or address to check. Try on the native explorer of that network. Always cross-check this address or registry across multiple sources to ensure accuracy and avoid relying on links shared in unofficial forums or private messages. Additionally, be cautious of projects that use similar logos, names, or branding to established cryptocurrencies, as scammers often imitate popular tokens to mislead investors. If the project has a decent whitepaper, that’s a very good sign. You can extract some good data from crypto whitepapers. Various tools can help assess the risk of a token before investing. Platforms like Token Sniffer, DEXTools, and Honeypot.is allow users to analyze a token’s smart contract and detect potential threats such as honeypot traps. These tools also identify warning signs like excessively high taxes on transactions, unlocked liquidity that allows creators to withdraw funds at any time, and unusual transaction patterns that suggest market manipulation. Using these services can provide valuable insights into whether a token is safe or poses a risk. Staying informed about the latest scams and security news is another key defense against fraudulent tokens.** Following crypto security blogs and official exchange announcements can help you spot red flags early. The crypto community is also there, loud on social media, so pay attention to what they’re saying about a certain brand. By combining research with available verification tools, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling for scams and protect your investments. Now, this is important to mention: anyone (including yourself) can create customized tokens in multiple networks, as we’ve mentioned above. In Obyte, for instance, this option is available through the Asset Registry without coding and for only 0.005 GBYTEs (less than $1). These customized tokens can be totally legitimate, and the mere fact of creating them is legitimate as well. The uses they’re given thereafter are another story, and that’s why you must pay attention and research new projects. Featured Vector Image by Freepik A scam of any kind involves deceiving someone into giving up their money, and scam or fake tokens in the crypto world aren’t different. We must say that the term “fake” is often not that accurate, since, in most cases, these assets actually exist as any other token in a certain network. Their utility or value is another story, though. Anyone, even with the most basic knowledge, can create customized assets in numerous chains, sometimes almost for free. That’s the origin of fake or scam tokens: malicious actors create useless tokens in a network (or pretend they’ve done it) to try and snatch people’s money by offering empty promises about it. Only sometime after investors buy, they may discover that everything was a lie, their token isn’t tradable, and/or the team behind it and their related channels (website and social media) have vanished with the funds. Scammers have different methodologies to achieve this. That’s the origin of fake or scam tokens: malicious actors create useless tokens in a network (or pretend they’ve done it) to try and snatch people’s money by offering empty promises about it. Several “Fake” Tokens Scammers often create counterfeit tokens that closely mimic legitimate assets to deceive investors. These imitation tokens replicate the branding and name of well-known coins, making them appear genuine. To enhance their credibility, fraudsters may set up fake social media profiles, and websites, and even forge endorsements from influential figures in the crypto space. Some scammers go further by listing these tokens on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), providing a false sense of legitimacy. They might also fabricate trading volumes and user reviews to lure unsuspecting victims into investing. Rug pulls are another widespread scam tactic, where attackers launch fake token sales, promising early access to exciting new projects. Investors are enticed with the prospect of high returns and exclusive opportunities. Once funds are collected, the scammers disappear, leaving investors with worthless tokens. Rug pulls are another widespread scam tactic, where attackers launch fake token sales, promising early access to exciting new projects. Malicious airdrops are also commonly used to trick users by offering free tokens in exchange for small payments or personal information. Victims may be persuaded to connect their wallets to fraudulent platforms, exposing themselves to further financial loss or identity theft. More on the internal designing side, honeypot tokens are built to trap investors by preventing them from selling their holdings once purchased. These tokens often promise high returns, but the smart contract is programmed to restrict selling, locking funds indefinitely. In addition, some scam tokens don’t offer locked liquidity at their release, implying that creators can withdraw the entire liquidity pool at any time. Another deceptive tactic includes imposing a 100% sell tax, which means that any attempt to sell results in the entire amount being deducted as a fee, effectively making the token impossible to cash out. More on the internal designing side, honeypot tokens are built to trap investors by preventing them from selling their holdings once purchased. honeypot tokens honeypot tokens There are several ways to know what’s happening before investing, though. How to Spot Scam Tokens To avoid falling for scam tokens, if they’re not just a vague crowdsale promise, it’s crucial to verify the contract address (if applicable) before investing. Numerous crypto projects that offer real tokens on Ethereum-like networks provide official contract addresses, which can be found on their website, verified social media pages, or well-known listing platforms like CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko. If the token isn’t based on an Ethereum-like chain but in a different system, like Obyte, chances are it won’t be a contract, but it’ll have another type of legitimate registry or address to check. Try on the native explorer of that network. Always cross-check this address or registry across multiple sources to ensure accuracy and avoid relying on links shared in unofficial forums or private messages. Additionally, be cautious of projects that use similar logos, names, or branding to established cryptocurrencies, as scammers often imitate popular tokens to mislead investors. If the project has a decent whitepaper, that’s a very good sign. You can extract some good data from crypto whitepapers. Always cross-check this address or registry across multiple sources to ensure accuracy and avoid relying on links shared in unofficial forums or private messages. crypto whitepapers. crypto whitepapers. Various tools can help assess the risk of a token before investing. Platforms like Token Sniffer, DEXTools, and Honeypot.is allow users to analyze a token’s smart contract and detect potential threats such as honeypot traps. These tools also identify warning signs like excessively high taxes on transactions, unlocked liquidity that allows creators to withdraw funds at any time, and unusual transaction patterns that suggest market manipulation. Using these services can provide valuable insights into whether a token is safe or poses a risk. Staying informed about the latest scams and security news is another key defense against fraudulent tokens.** Following crypto security blogs and official exchange announcements can help you spot red flags early. The crypto community is also there, loud on social media, so pay attention to what they’re saying about a certain brand. By combining research with available verification tools, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling for scams and protect your investments. Staying informed Staying informed Now, this is important to mention: anyone (including yourself) can create customized tokens in multiple networks, as we’ve mentioned above. In Obyte , for instance, this option is available through the Asset Registry without coding and for only 0.005 GBYTEs (less than $1). These customized tokens can be totally legitimate, and the mere fact of creating them is legitimate as well. The uses they’re given thereafter are another story, and that’s why you must pay attention and research new projects. Obyte Obyte Asset Registry Asset Registry Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Everything You Need to Know to Spot Scam or Fake Tokens

Taqi kunatix yatiñax wakiski estafa jan ukax falso fichas uñt’añataki

Всичко, което трябва да знаете, за да забележите измами или фалшиви токени

জালিয়াতি বা জাল টোকেন সনাক্ত করার জন্য আপনার যা জানা দরকার

Todo lo que necesitas saber para detectar estafas o tokens falsos

Todo o que necesitas saber para detectar estafas ou fichas falsas

כל מה שאתה צריך לדעת כדי לזהות הונאה או אסימונים מזויפים

Tout sa ou bezwen konnen pou tach tronpe oswa fo marqueur

詐欺や偽造トークンを見分けるために知っておくべきこと

Tudo o que você precisa saber para identificar golpes ou tokens falsos

Hinkwaswo Leswi U Faneleke Ku Swi Tiva Ku Vona Scam kumbe Ti Fake Tokens

Mọi thứ bạn cần biết để phát hiện mã thông báo lừa đảo hoặc giả mạo

Yonke into omawuyazi ukuze ufumane iScam okanye iFake Tokens

“Virtual world” can loosely define the term ‘Metaverse’, but it really depends on who you ask, and in which environment. In 1992, the author Neal Stephenson created the term for the novel “Snow Crash,” to describe an immersive virtual world shared by everyone. In 2011, the novel “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline detailed another virtual world like that, and online multiplayer games like Habbo Hotel (2000) or Second Life (2003) have aimed to create something quite similar. In 2020, Decentraland and The Sandbox added crypto to the mix. If we focus on the crypto space, a Metaverse (there are several) is a digital universe partly built with Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), where people, through avatars, can interact, work, play, and even invest. It enables true ownership of virtual assets through Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), secure transactions with cryptocurrencies, and decentralized governance. Think of it as a mix of social media, gaming, and virtual economies —including items and lands with real value. And they’re mostly decentralized, of course. Decentralized Metaverses vs. Centralized Metaverses Metaverses, whether centralized or decentralized, share several common characteristics. They are synchronous and live, meaning they exist in real-time and provide a continuous experience that doesn’t pause or reset. They are also persistent, remaining active even when users log off. Additionally, metaverses are designed to be accessible both individually and collectively, allowing users to interact with the environment and each other through digital avatars. These avatars serve as personal representations in the virtual world, enabling social interactions, participation in events, and economic activities, if available. Decentralized metaverses offer several advantages over their centralized counterparts. Unlike centralized platforms that are controlled by a single entity, which is the only one capable of monetizing the experience, decentralized metaverses leverage DLT to distribute ownership and governance among participants. They use smart contracts and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), allowing users to influence the platform's development and policies through governance tokens and voting mechanisms. This shared control ensures the metaverse economy can operate independently, even if the original developers step away. A key feature of decentralized metaverses is true digital ownership. Assets such as lands, avatars, and other items are represented as NFTs, providing transparency and verifiable ownership. Users can freely trade these assets on decentralized exchanges, giving them real-world economic value and fostering interoperability across platforms. Virtual Lands vs. Tokenized Lands A virtual land or virtual real estate in a metaverse is a digital property that users can buy, sell, and develop —which means owners can build structures, create experiences, and customize their virtual land for events, businesses, or personal use. All of this is in exchange for real money. Indeed, virtual lands or plots have been sold in thousands or millions over the years, with major brands and celebrities joining the trend. For example, in 2021, Decentraland saw land parcels sell for anywhere between $6,000 to $100,000. Major companies like Samsung, Adidas, and PricewaterhouseCoopers have secured their spots in Decentraland, while artists like Deadmau5 and Grimes have performed concerts within the platform. In The Sandbox, notable figures such as Snoop Dogg and the Winklevoss twins have purchased virtual land, with some sales reaching up to $2.8 million in early 2021. Of course, the price depends on the specific land (in the form of an NFT), and it can start at a few hundred dollars in the native cryptocurrency of the platform. On the other hand, we need to mention that virtual lands aren’t the same as tokenized lands. Virtual land exists solely within digital environments, offering opportunities for virtual events, advertising, and social interaction. On the other hand, tokenized land represents real-world properties that have been digitized and recorded on a DLT platform, allowing for fractional ownership and easier transactions. While virtual land is primarily for entertainment and speculative investment, tokenized land bridges the gap between physical and digital assets. Both of them have real value, though. What Can You Do in a Metaverse? As expected, users can socialize through avatars, attend virtual events such as concerts, art exhibitions, and conferences, or simply explore the digital landscape. Many decentralized metaverses, like Decentraland and The Sandbox, host immersive experiences that include entertainment, education, and networking opportunities. These platforms offer persistent, real-time interactions, allowing users to engage with the environment and others as if they were in a physical space —without the risks of it. Besides, every platform may offer its unique experiences and features. In Decentraland, for instance, users can explore districts like Vegas City for gambling or the Art District to admire NFT galleries. Content creation is made easy with The Builder, a web-based tool that provides drag-and-drop functionality for designing scenes, while developers can utilize the Decentraland SDK to program custom interactive experiences. In The Sandbox, everyone can also use the Game Maker, an intuitive tool that allows enthusiasts to create 3D games without coding skills. https://youtu.be/wSvnGQxSjLc?si=sLiI1FWhGsAHPYNL Of course, a key aspect of decentralized metaverses is the ability to own and trade virtual assets, such as land, clothing, and collectibles, in the form of native tokens. Users can buy, sell, or rent virtual properties and items on decentralized marketplaces, which offers some profit opportunities. How to Profit From a Metaverse There are actually numerous ways to generate income from these platforms, with something for everyone. You can profit by purchasing, selling, and renting properties within these digital worlds. But that’s not all – you can also work as a broker, helping others connect with buyers or sellers and earning commissions for your efforts. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can offer property management services, overseeing virtual venues like sports arenas, wedding halls, or office spaces, and charge a fee for your expertise. Additionally, the demand for 3D design is growing as metaverses expand. If you're skilled in creating virtual environments, working as a 3D designer can be a lucrative opportunity, especially as the digital landscape continues to develop. https://youtu.be/H8Fj72JobKo?si=2LG9wXODOniRue6p Another way to earn is by gaming. Metaverse games like Alien Worlds allow players to mine, trade, and even stake tokens to gain passive rewards. Staking involves locking up your tokens to support the network and earning additional tokens in return. This is a popular method for those looking for a steady stream of income with minimal effort. Finally, the NFT market offers a chance to profit by creating and selling unique digital items. Artists can mint their own NFTs or even allow others to mint and sell their work, earning a percentage from each transaction. For Decentralized Metaverses Obyte’s decentralized technology can play a key role in creating fully decentralized metaverses. As a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG)-based network, Obyte eliminates the need for centralized power structures like block producers or miners, which are common in blockchains. This allows users to interact directly with the network, without relying on intermediaries to validate transactions. For a metaverse, this means that virtual environments and assets can be managed, bought, and sold without the risk of censorship or centralized control. The advantage of decentralization in a metaverse is significant for users. Since no central authority can dictate terms or censor activities, individuals have more control over their virtual presence and assets. This autonomy ensures that users can participate freely in creating content, managing virtual properties, or trading NFTs, without fear of interference. Additionally, Obyte’s tools, such as smart contracts, customized assets, and self-sovereign IDs, empower users to engage in secure transactions, while maintaining full ownership of their data. In this way, Obyte could foster a truly open and user-centric metaverse. Featured Vector Image by Freepik “Virtual world” can loosely define the term ‘Metaverse’, but it really depends on who you ask, and in which environment. In 1992, the author Neal Stephenson created the term for the novel “Snow Crash,” to describe an immersive virtual world shared by everyone. In 2011, the novel “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline detailed another virtual world like that, and online multiplayer games like Habbo Hotel (2000) or Second Life (2003) have aimed to create something quite similar. In 2020, Decentraland and The Sandbox added crypto to the mix. If we focus on the crypto space, a Metaverse (there are several) is a digital universe partly built with Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), where people, through avatars, can interact, work, play, and even invest. It enables true ownership of virtual assets through Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), secure transactions with cryptocurrencies, and decentralized governance. Think of it as a mix of social media, gaming, and virtual economies —including items and lands with real value. If we focus on the crypto space, a Metaverse (there are several) is a digital universe partly built with Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), where people, through avatars, can interact, work, play, and even invest. Non-Fungible Tokens Non-Fungible Tokens And they’re mostly decentralized, of course. Decentralized Metaverses vs. Centralized Metaverses Metaverses, whether centralized or decentralized, share several common characteristics. They are synchronous and live, meaning they exist in real-time and provide a continuous experience that doesn’t pause or reset. They are also persistent, remaining active even when users log off. Additionally, metaverses are designed to be accessible both individually and collectively, allowing users to interact with the environment and each other through digital avatars. These avatars serve as personal representations in the virtual world, enabling social interactions, participation in events, and economic activities, if available. Decentralized metaverses offer several advantages over their centralized counterparts. Unlike centralized platforms that are controlled by a single entity, which is the only one capable of monetizing the experience, decentralized metaverses leverage DLT to distribute ownership and governance among participants. decentralized metaverses leverage DLT to distribute ownership and governance among participants. and governance and governance They use smart contracts and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), allowing users to influence the platform's development and policies through governance tokens and voting mechanisms. This shared control ensures the metaverse economy can operate independently, even if the original developers step away. A key feature of decentralized metaverses is true digital ownership. Assets such as lands, avatars, and other items are represented as NFTs, providing transparency and verifiable ownership. Users can freely trade these assets on decentralized exchanges, giving them real-world economic value and fostering interoperability across platforms. Virtual Lands vs. Tokenized Lands A virtual land or virtual real estate in a metaverse is a digital property that users can buy, sell, and develop —which means owners can build structures, create experiences, and customize their virtual land for events, businesses, or personal use. All of this is in exchange for real money. Indeed, virtual lands or plots have been sold in thousands or millions over the years, with major brands and celebrities joining the trend. For example, in 2021, Decentraland saw land parcels sell for anywhere between $6,000 to $100,000. Major companies like Samsung, Adidas, and PricewaterhouseCoopers have secured their spots in Decentraland, while artists like Deadmau5 and Grimes have performed concerts within the platform. For example, in 2021, Decentraland saw land parcels sell for anywhere between $6,000 to $100,000. In The Sandbox, notable figures such as Snoop Dogg and the Winklevoss twins have purchased virtual land, with some sales reaching up to $2.8 million in early 2021. Of course, the price depends on the specific land (in the form of an NFT), and it can start at a few hundred dollars in the native cryptocurrency of the platform. On the other hand, we need to mention that virtual lands aren’t the same as tokenized lands . Virtual land exists solely within digital environments, offering opportunities for virtual events, advertising, and social interaction. On the other hand, tokenized land represents real-world properties that have been digitized and recorded on a DLT platform, allowing for fractional ownership and easier transactions. While virtual land is primarily for entertainment and speculative investment, tokenized land bridges the gap between physical and digital assets. Both of them have real value, though. tokenized lands tokenized lands What Can You Do in a Metaverse? As expected, users can socialize through avatars, attend virtual events such as concerts, art exhibitions, and conferences, or simply explore the digital landscape. Many decentralized metaverses, like Decentraland and The Sandbox, host immersive experiences that include entertainment, education, and networking opportunities. Many decentralized metaverses, like Decentraland and The Sandbox, host immersive experiences that include entertainment, education, and networking opportunities. These platforms offer persistent, real-time interactions, allowing users to engage with the environment and others as if they were in a physical space —without the risks of it. Besides, every platform may offer its unique experiences and features. In Decentraland , for instance, users can explore districts like Vegas City for gambling or the Art District to admire NFT galleries. Content creation is made easy with The Builder, a web-based tool that provides drag-and-drop functionality for designing scenes, while developers can utilize the Decentraland SDK to program custom interactive experiences. In The Sandbox , everyone can also use the Game Maker, an intuitive tool that allows enthusiasts to create 3D games without coding skills. In Decentraland In Decentraland The Sandbox The Sandbox https://youtu.be/wSvnGQxSjLc?si=sLiI1FWhGsAHPYNL https://youtu.be/wSvnGQxSjLc?si=sLiI1FWhGsAHPYNL https://youtu.be/wSvnGQxSjLc?si=sLiI1FWhGsAHPYNL Of course, a key aspect of decentralized metaverses is the ability to own and trade virtual assets, such as land, clothing, and collectibles, in the form of native tokens. Users can buy, sell, or rent virtual properties and items on decentralized marketplaces, which offers some profit opportunities. How to Profit From a Metaverse There are actually numerous ways to generate income from these platforms, with something for everyone. You can profit by purchasing, selling, and renting properties within these digital worlds. But that’s not all – you can also work as a broker, helping others connect with buyers or sellers and earning commissions for your efforts. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can offer property management services, overseeing virtual venues like sports arenas, wedding halls, or office spaces, and charge a fee for your expertise. Additionally, the demand for 3D design is growing as metaverses expand. If you're skilled in creating virtual environments, working as a 3D designer can be a lucrative opportunity, especially as the digital landscape continues to develop. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can offer property management services, overseeing virtual venues like sports arenas, wedding halls, or office spaces, and charge a fee for your expertise. you can offer you can offer https://youtu.be/H8Fj72JobKo?si=2LG9wXODOniRue6p https://youtu.be/H8Fj72JobKo?si=2LG9wXODOniRue6p https://youtu.be/H8Fj72JobKo?si=2LG9wXODOniRue6p Another way to earn is by gaming. Metaverse games like Alien Worlds allow players to mine, trade, and even stake tokens to gain passive rewards. Staking involves locking up your tokens to support the network and earning additional tokens in return. This is a popular method for those looking for a steady stream of income with minimal effort. Staking involves Staking involves Finally, the NFT market offers a chance to profit by creating and selling unique digital items. Artists can mint their own NFTs or even allow others to mint and sell their work, earning a percentage from each transaction. For Decentralized Metaverses Obyte’s decentralized technology can play a key role in creating fully decentralized metaverses. As a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG)-based network, Obyte eliminates the need for centralized power structures like block producers or miners, which are common in blockchains. This allows users to interact directly with the network, without relying on intermediaries to validate transactions. For a metaverse, this means that virtual environments and assets can be managed, bought, and sold without the risk of censorship or centralized control. Obyte Obyte For a metaverse, this means that virtual environments and assets can be managed, bought, and sold without the risk of censorship or centralized control. The advantage of decentralization in a metaverse is significant for users. Since no central authority can dictate terms or censor activities, individuals have more control over their virtual presence and assets. This autonomy ensures that users can participate freely in creating content, managing virtual properties, or trading NFTs, without fear of interference. Additionally, Obyte’s tools, such as smart contracts, customized assets , and self-sovereign IDs, empower users to engage in secure transactions, while maintaining full ownership of their data. In this way, Obyte could foster a truly open and user-centric metaverse. customized assets customized assets Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Metaverses in Crypto & How to Profit from Them

Metaverse in Crypto en hoe om daaruit voordeel te trek

Metaverze v kryptoměnách a jak z nich profitovat

Metaversos en criptomonedas y cómo sacar provecho de ellos

Metabertsoak Crypto-n eta nola irabazi horietatik

暗号通貨のメタバースとそこから利益を得る方法

Криптодағы метаверстер және олардан қалай пайда табуға болады

Metaverses ໃນ Crypto & ວິທີການກໍາໄລຈາກພວກເຂົາ

په کریپټو کې میټاورسونه او له هغوی څخه څنګه ګټه پورته کړئ

Metaverser i krypto och hur man tjänar på dem

เมตาเวิร์สใน Crypto และวิธีทำกำไรจากมัน

Metaverses in Crypto & ከመይ ጌርና ካብኦም መኽሰብ ንረክብ

کرپٹو میں میٹاورسز اور ان سے کیسے فائدہ اٹھایا جائے۔

Stories, News & Mentions about FREEPIK

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