Original: https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/08/24/colombian-peso-stablecoin-goes-live-on-polygon-aiming-for-10b-remittances-market/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=headlines
By: Krisztian Sandor
Posted: August 24, 2023, 8:28 pm

Original: https://www.coindesk.com/consensus-magazine/2023/08/24/tornado-cash-devs-are-caught-in-a-us-dragnet/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=headlines
By: Daniel Kuhn
Posted: August 24, 2023, 8:06 pm

Original: https://decrypt.co/153622/donald-trump-nfts-up-bigly-skips-gop-debate
By: Mathew Di Salvo
Posted: August 24, 2023, 7:24 pm

Code Llama is available for both personal and business use under the Llama2 community license agreement.

Meta AI announced the launch of ‘Code Llama,’ a community-licensed artificial intelligence (AI) coding tool built on the Llama2 large language model (LLM), on Aug. 24.

The new tool is a fine-tuned version of LLama2 that’s been trained specifically for the purpose of generating and discussing computer code.

According to a blog post from Meta, Code Llama is split into several variants with one model fine-tuned for general coding in a number of languages (including Python, C++, Java, PHP, Typescript, C#, Bash and more).

Other models include Code Llama Python and Code Llama Instruct. The former is fine-tuned for Python applications. As Meta puts it, this is to further support the AI community:

“Because Python is the most benchmarked language for code generation — and because Python and PyTorch play an important role in the AI community — we believe a specialized model provides additional utility.”

According to Meta, the emphasis in these first two model variants is on understanding, explaining, and discussing code.

Code Llama Instruct, however, is the fine-tuned version of Code Llama that Meta recommends for actually generating code. According to the blog post, it's been engineered specifically to generate “helpful and safe answers in natural language."

The models are also available in different parameter sizes in order to operate in different environments. Code Llama comes in 7-billion, 14-billion, and 34-billion parameter sizes, each with different functionality.

Meta says the 7B models, for example, can run on a single GPU. While the 14B and 34B models would require more substantial hardware, they’re also capable of more complex tasks — especially those requiring low-latency feedback such as real-time processes.

CodeLlama -- a version of Llama2 that was fine-tuned for code tasks is live now. Available in 7B, 13B and 34B.https://t.co/4PQBlchlrn pic.twitter.com/LEz9z44IkI

— Soumith Chintala (@soumithchintala) August 24, 2023

Code Llama is generally available under the same community license agreement as Llama2, meaning it can be used for personal or business use with proper attribution.

This could be a massive boon for businesses and individuals who have a high need use-case for LLM models for coding purposes, such as fintech institutions that are traditionally underserved by the AI and big tech communities.

Web3 innovators, trading bot developers, and cryptocurrency exchanges all operate in a constantly-shifting environment that, to date, has seen relatively little in the way of dedicated B2B or B2C solutions for day-to-day crypto and blockchain coding problems from big tech.

Related: Naver Corp unveils South Korea’s answer to ChatGPT and generative AI

Dedicated coding tools, such as GitHub’s Co-Pilot (built with ChatGPT technology) can go a long way towards aiding developers in these underserved areas, but the costs of use can be prohibitive for some users and the lack of open-source options can pose problems for proprietary software developers.

The existence of a free-to-use, community-licensed alternative based on Meta’s highly-touted Llama2 LLM could help level the playing field for blockchain and crypto projects with small development teams.

Original: https://cointelegraph.com/news/meta-launches-community-licensed-ai-coding-tool-to-the-public
By: Tristan Greene
Posted: August 24, 2023, 6:39 pm

Original: https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/08/24/after-gop-debate-blockchain-bettors-see-ramaswamy-as-most-formidable-trump-challenger/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=headlines
By: Sam Kessler
Posted: August 24, 2023, 6:05 pm

Original: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2023/08/24/sol-ada-lead-crypto-majors-gains-as-bitcoin-traders-move-past-1b-liquidation-event/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=headlines
By: Shaurya Malwa
Posted: August 24, 2023, 5:26 pm

Original: https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/08/24/uks-travel-rule-troubles-showcase-global-challenge-for-crypto/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=headlines
By: Camomile Shumba, Jack Schickler
Posted: August 24, 2023, 5:18 pm

A known-plaintext attack exploits known pairs of plaintext and corresponding ciphertext to deduce encryption keys or methods.

How to protect against a known-plaintext attack?

To safeguard against known-plaintext attacks, adopt strong encryption algorithms, manage encryption keys securely, use unique keys per session, and add randomness to encryption processes to enhance protection against attacks.

Choose encryption algorithms that can withstand known-plaintext attacks by using strong encryption techniques. By preventing patterns in the plaintext from correlating with patterns in the ciphertext, modern cryptographic algorithms like the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) are made to survive such attacks. AES is a widely used symmetric encryption algorithm known for its security and efficiency.

Securely manage encryption keys to avoid unauthorized access. Use secure key repositories, rotate your keys frequently and use strong key generation techniques. Additionally, avoid encrypting discrete, predictable chunks of data. To stop an attacker from using known pairs, encrypt the entire message or file.

Moreover, use various keys for various sessions and endeavors. The impact of a known-plaintext attack is reduced because each session will use a different encryption key. Also, maintain the most recent versions of your systems, libraries and encryption software. Security fixes that repair vulnerabilities are frequently included in updates.

Before encrypting the plaintext of the data, add a cryptographic salt — a random value — to it. This makes each encryption unique, even when encrypting the same plaintext multiple times. In addition, avoid encryption methods that are known to be vulnerable to known-plaintext attacks. That said, perform proper due diligence when selecting encryption algorithms.

Chosen-plaintext attacks vs. known-plaintext attacks

Chosen-plaintext attacks involve adversaries selecting plaintext and analyzing the corresponding ciphertext, whereas known-plaintext attacks occur when attackers possess partial knowledge of the plaintext. 

Understanding the differences between these two cryptographic attacks is vital for effective cryptographic defense strategies.

Frequency analysis concentrates on examining the occurrence of letters or symbols to determine encryption algorithms, unlike classic cryptanalysis, which examines ciphertext for patterns and flaws.

Related:  What is a crypto dusting attack, and how do you avoid it?

How does a known-plaintext attack work?

In a KPA, the attacker can learn vital details about the encryption method by analyzing how particular chunks of the plaintext are converted into ciphertext using the same encryption key or algorithm.

The attack involves the following steps:

Collecting known pairs

The attacker accumulates pairs of the original plaintext and the associated encrypted ciphertext acquired through various techniques, such as intercepted communications or data leaks.

Analyzing patterns

When the plaintext is encrypted to create the ciphertext, the attacker compares the patterns, modifications and transformations that take place. To understand the operation of the encryption process, they search for regular relationships between the known plaintext and ciphertext.

Deriving a key or algorithm

The attacker tries to determine crucial encryption elements, such as the encryption key, algorithm or other process parameters, based on the patterns they have noticed. They can independently replicate the encryption process thanks to this deduction.

Decrypting other data

The attacker can decrypt other encrypted material that employs the same encryption algorithm by using the deduced key or algorithm. This procedure may leak confidential information or jeopardize the encryption system’s security.

Understanding a known-plaintext attack

A known-plaintext attack (KPA) is when a hacker uses well-known pairs of unencrypted and encrypted material to determine the algorithm or encryption key.

In a known-plaintext attack, the attacker has access to both the data’s encrypted form (ciphertext) and its corresponding plaintext copy of the data’s original (unencrypted form). The attacker attempts to determine the encryption key or algorithm by examining the relationship between the plaintext and ciphertext.

For instance, if “CRYPTO” is encoded as “XUZZA,” knowing this pair could enable the attacker to decode other parts of the message that are also encrypted with the same substitution key. This demonstrates how, with some encryption algorithms, even a tiny amount of knowledge can result in broader decryption.

This kind of attack uses a flaw in encryption techniques that make it possible to identify patterns or connections produced between the plaintext and the ciphertext. If not correctly prevented, known-plaintext attacks can jeopardize the security of encryption systems.

Two common methods to exploit plaintext and its corresponding encrypted form to uncover encryption keys include frequency analysis and pattern matching. The frequency analysis method uses straightforward encryption methods with one-to-one letter or symbol substitutions. Attackers can figure out the key or unlock the rest of the communication by comparing the frequency of occurrence of particular letters or patterns in the known plaintext and the associated ciphertext.

Attackers can spot trends when the same plaintext produces the same ciphertext in the pattern-matching method. They can recognize the encryption algorithm and decrypt the entire message by identifying patterns in the encrypted text and comparing them to known patterns in the plaintext.

Related: What is a phishing attack in crypto, and how to prevent it?

Original: https://cointelegraph.com/explained/known-plaintext-attacks-explained
By: Jagjit Singh
Posted: August 24, 2023, 4:35 pm

Original: https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2023/08/23/shopify-customers-can-now-pay-in-usdc-via-solana-pay/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=headlines
By: Helene Braun
Posted: August 24, 2023, 4:20 pm

Bitcoin financial services firm Ledn’s ties with the Cayman Islands open a doorway for crypto users to use their funds to obtain real estate “golden visas.“

The Cayman Islands has long been an idyllic beach getaway for tourists, but the archipelago could soon welcome Bitcoin (BTC) holders as new residents through BTC-backed loans used to invest in real estate.

Bitcoin banking firm Ledn, which is registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority as a virtual assets service provider (VASP), is providing an avenue for Bitcoin holders to use their BTC as collateral for loans to invest in real estate on the islands.

This is just one avenue that prospective new residents of the islands could take to obtain citizenship, with investments over $2.4 million in real estate in the Cayman Islands qualifying a buyer for permanent residency.

Related: Noted tax haven Cayman Islands sees new bills to bring local crypto to FATF’s heel

Speaking directly to Cointelegraph, Ledn CEO Adam Reeds unpacked a new partnership with local real estate agency Parallel, which has also facilitated a number of cryptocurrency-based property sales in the Cayman Islands.

“Ledn will provide real estate buyers in the Caymans with crypto-backed loans, which Parallel will accept as a means to finance purchases. Parallel will only accept borrowed funds if they’ve been loaned by Ledn — it is an exclusive partnership in this sense.”

According to Reeds, Parallel handles conversion to fiat currency if either a buyer or seller prefers the option over a cryptocurrency payment. Meanwhile, Ledn’s portion of any transaction will be fiat-free, paid in either BTC or United States dollar-backed stablecoins.

“Parallel is a crypto-centric real estate broker in the Caymans, so users can now finance their purchase of real estate completely fiat-free.”

It is also possible for cryptocurrency holders to pay for a property with crypto in the Cayman Islands through Parallel. Reeds, however, highlighted a potential draw card in that investors can leverage their BTC holdings as collateral without selling a portion.

“Then if or when BTC goes up, your loan-to-value ratio goes down, so your house is appreciating, and so is the asset you’re borrowing against.”

Given that Parallel has previously sold real estate in cryptocurrency-facilitated transfers, Reeds added that both companies have seen demands for the service to finance significant property transactions.

The real estate firm sold a $10 million property in December 2022, which was paid for entirely in cryptocurrency. The company is also registered as a VASP with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, allowing it to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions. 

Both Ledn and Parallel must adhere to comprehensive compliance requirements as part of their registration with the local monetary authority.

The concept of attaining residency by investment involving cryptocurrencies is not entirely new. Vanuatu claims to be the first country to accept Bitcoin as a means of payment to obtain citizenship by investment. 

A number of other countries have emerged as cryptocurrency-friendly destinations to try and obtain citizenship. Portugal, Malta and El Salvador have all emerged as relatively crypto-friendly countries, but it is still not possible to directly invest in Bitcoin to obtain or be eligible for residency.

Magazine: Tokenizing music royalties as NFTs could help the next Taylor Swift

Original: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-backed-property-investment-becomes-new-avenue-for-cayman-islands-residency
By: Gareth Jenkinson
Posted: August 24, 2023, 4:00 pm

Offering both big-picture and detailed views of transactions, blockchain explorers are a powerful tool for both individuals and companies.

Even those who aren’t steeped in the finance industry can probably call up a visual image of an old-school stock ticker, generating lengths of white tape to help investors stay on top of stock market transactions and developments. Today, these have been supplanted by up-to-the-moment digital trackers. In similar fashion, the crypto industry has blockchain explorers, which offer users real-time tracking of not only their own transactions, but also everything happening on the blockchain.

Providing invaluable information for both individuals and companies, blockchain explorers bolster insiders’ argument that cryptocurrencies can be a secure and trustworthy option for investments and digital transactions. Below, 11 members of Cointelegraph Innovation Circle discuss some of the benefits blockchain explorers offer to all users.

They place all users on an equal footing

Blockchain explorers put all users on an equal footing by allowing each user to access the same information, at their convenience. Decentralized finance must expose numbers so users can independently verify the units of currency exchanged. I’m more interested in using blockchain to send and receive other types of data. Even if the data is encrypted, blockchain explorers can serve the same purpose of asynchronous coordination. – Stephanie So, Geeq

They’re a gateway for transparency 

Blockchain explorers are a gateway for transparency and auditability. As an individual, you are able to independently verify what companies are doing as well as their claims. As a company, you can rest assured no one can point fingers at you, claiming foul play. It is a win-win situation, and core to Satoshi’s vision to not trust, but verify. – Tiago Serôdio, Partisia Blockchain

They allow investors to monitor how startups are using funds

For startups, blockchain explorers are a game-changer. Web3 makes it easy to hold projects accountable after they raise money, because investors can monitor how the projects are spending funds in real time. By allowing the public to directly follow along instead of relying on a few disclosures and audits, it becomes much harder for startup founders to hide suspicious behavior. – Wolfgang Rückerl, ENT Technologies AG

They give users more power

In the market, some of the top blockchain explorers, like Etherscan, make transactions more transparent, empowering users with information. These explorers let users track funds, access transaction details and interact with smart contracts, giving users more power over their decisions on the blockchain. – Abhishek Singh, Acknoledger

Join the community where you can transform the future. Cointelegraph Innovation Circle brings blockchain technology leaders together to connect, collaborate and publish. Apply today

They promote trust in the crypto ecosystem

Blockchain explorers provide real-time transaction tracking. They verify smart contracts, trace funds and detect suspicious activity. Network metrics and transaction history reveal a blockchain’s health and authenticity to both individuals and companies. These tools promote crypto ecosystem trust, fraud prevention and informed decision making. – Arvin Khamseh, SOLDOUT NFTs

They can help with the detection and investigation of fraudulent activities

Blockchain explorers offer transparency and a plethora of network information by displaying transaction and block data from a specific chain. Users can view sender and recipient addresses and transaction amounts and track real-time statuses and confirmations. This transparency can help with the detection of fraudulent activities, like wash trading, and provide necessary information for investigations or even compliance audits. – Anthony Georgiades, Pastel Network

They allow the tracking of any transaction in real time

One of the most crucial insights blockchain explorers provide is transaction transparency. Both individuals and companies can track any transaction on the network in real time. This transparency enhances trust, allows for auditing and helps users monitor for fraudulent activities, contributing to a more secure environment. – Tomer Warschauer Nuni, Kryptomon

They can help users validate the authenticity of a project

If you look at a blockchain explorer, it won’t tell you who owns “Wallet # 0x1234abcd.” However, if you see that too many transfers are occurring between a contract address and that wallet (or a particular set of wallets), you will begin to wonder if people are actually supporting the project, or if it’s just a few people trying to make some activity appear on the chain. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures

They provide detailed transaction diagnostics

Despite the common misconception that crypto is anonymous, blockchain explorers provide detailed diagnostics for participants to verify any transaction that has occurred on a network. Combined, the data offers a picture of how value is being stored and transferred among its users. Viewed by the right eyes, these tools reveal the inner workings of key infrastructure and the overall health of a chain. – Oleksandr Lutskevych, CEX.IO

They help decision makers capitalize on emerging markets

Blockchain explorers provide real-time transaction insights and deliver crypto credibility. For instance, a company might spot a surge in transactions for a specific cryptocurrency. By examining the associated addresses, it can identify a new online marketplace that’s accepting that cryptocurrency, indicating growth and potential partnerships. This helps decision makers adapt their strategies and capitalize on emerging markets. – Vinita Rathi, Systango

They’re useful tools for conducting due diligence

Blockchain explorers can be dependable tools for conducting due diligence if you have a keen eye. The proof is in the pudding for a Web3 project, which can promote or shill all it wants. We can use blockchain explorers to verify online claims and watch for potentially fraudulent activity, as they follow every transaction on the network in real time. – Sheraz Ahmed, STORM Partners

This article was published through Cointelegraph Innovation Circle, a vetted organization of senior executives and experts in the blockchain technology industry who are building the future through the power of connections, collaboration and thought leadership. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Cointelegraph.

Learn more about Cointelegraph Innovation Circle and see if you qualify to join.

Original: https://cointelegraph.com/innovation-circle/11-benefits-blockchain-explorers-offer-both-individuals-and-companies
By: Cointelegraph Innovation Circle
Posted: August 24, 2023, 4:00 pm

Uncover the synergy between ChatGPT and web development with five intriguing prompts that spark creativity and problem-solving.

In the fast-paced world of web development, innovation often arises from exploring new tools that push boundaries and revolutionize workflows. Enter ChatGPT, the AI-powered language model that’s rapidly becoming a dynamic addition to developers’ arsenals. 

But what happens when the realms of web development and the complexities of the crypto universe collide? This article will delve into five captivating ChatGPT prompts tailored for web developers navigating the crypto landscape. Get ready to unlock a new realm of possibilities that seamlessly blend technology and finance.

Building a cryptocurrency price tracker

Imagine you’re a web developer aiming to create a sleek cryptocurrency price tracker. ChatGPT can play a pivotal role in conceptualizing the design and functionality.

Provide a prompt like “Design a real-time cryptocurrency price tracker with interactive graphs and hourly price updates,” and ChatGPT may offer ideas on using APIs to fetch data, implementing interactive charts with libraries, such as Chart.js or D3.js, and utilizing real-time updates with WebSocket connections. The result? A user-friendly price tracker that keeps crypto enthusiasts informed about market trends.

Crafting a secure crypto payment gateway

Web developers often grapple with the intricacies of creating secure payment gateways for crypto transactions.

Engage ChatGPT with a prompt like “Develop a crypto payment gateway that supports Bitcoin and Ethereum, ensuring robust security measures” and watch as it suggests incorporating secure wallet integrations, utilizing two-factor authentication and implementing decentralized smart contracts to streamline transactions. The outcome? An impenetrable gateway that instills confidence in users looking to transact with digital currencies.

Related: 11 ChatGPT prompts for maximum productivity

Creating a crypto portfolio tracker

Portfolio trackers play a pivotal role in the world of cryptocurrencies by providing individuals with a comprehensive and real-time overview of their crypto investments.

Users can prompt ChatGPT, inputing “Create a portfolio tracker where users can input their Bitcoin holdings and view their total portfolio value, along with Bitcoin’s price chart,” and in return, ChatGPT may suggest “Construct a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to input their Bitcoin holdings and displays their total portfolio value, offering a graphical representation of Bitcoin’s price fluctuations over time.”

Developing a crypto analytics dashboard

For developers seeking to harness the power of data visualization in the crypto domain, ChatGPT can be a guiding light.

Initiate a prompt like “Develop a comprehensive analytics dashboard that tracks crypto market trends and user portfolios” and watch as ChatGPT recommends integrating APIs from crypto exchanges, utilizing libraries, such as Plotly or Tableau, for data visualization and implementing user authentication to ensure data privacy. The outcome? A powerful analytics dashboard that empowers users to make informed decisions in the volatile crypto landscape.

Related: How to use ChatGPT for project management

Implementing a blockchain explorer interface

Diving into blockchain development? ChatGPT can aid in creating a user-friendly interface for exploring blockchain transactions.

Provide a prompt like “Design an intuitive blockchain explorer interface with search capabilities and transaction history,” and ChatGPT might suggest utilizing blockchain APIs to fetch data, implementing a search bar with auto-suggestions and visualizing transaction flows with interactive diagrams. The result? An interface that demystifies the complex world of blockchain for users.

Uphold industry best practices to yield success

As the worlds of web development and cryptocurrencies intertwine, the possibilities for innovation are boundless. Engaging with ChatGPT to explore these crypto-centric prompts opens doors to fresh ideas and efficient solutions. However, it’s important to remember that while ChatGPT offers creative insights, validating its recommendations against industry best practices remains essential to ensure the success of your crypto-related projects.

Collect this article as an NFT to preserve this moment in history and show your support for independent journalism in the crypto space.

Original: https://cointelegraph.com/news/5-chatgpt-prompts-for-web-developers
By: Alice Ivey
Posted: August 24, 2023, 2:07 pm

Despite the U.S. DOJ investigating Binance for violation of U.S. sanctions with its services in Russia, the firm has continued to promote its platform in the country.

Binance’s peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency exchange in Russia has continued facilitating transactions through sanctioned banks like Rosbank after denying relationships with “any banks.”

On Aug. 23, multiple local news sources reported that Binance P2P has renamed some of its troubled payment options for withdrawals and deposits, namely the sanctioned Russian banks like Tinkoff and Rosbank.

The P2P exchange replaced the banks’ names “Tinkoff” and “Rosbank” with terms like “Yellow” and “Green” cards, Cointelegraph has confirmed.

At the time of writing, Binance P2P offers customers the use of the “local cards” to sell cryptocurrencies like Tether (USDT) to Russian rubles and receive them on sanctioned Tinkoff or Rosbank.

The new naming apparently came shortly after The Wall Street Journal on Aug. 22 reported that Binance offered Russian clients at least five sanctioned Russian banks, including Rosbank and Tinkoff, as options for processing payments.

In the WSJ report, Binance executives denied any relationships with “any banks whatsoever, in Russia or elsewhere,” in relation to its P2P platform. “Binance follows the global sanctions rules and enforces sanctions on people, organizations, entities, and countries that have been blacklisted by the international community, denying such actors access to the Binance platform,” the company said.

The news came a few days after Binance services in Russia were promoted on a YouTube channel of a major Russian YouTuber, Yuri Dud. A recent video on his vDud YouTube channel — which has 10.3 million subscribers — featured an advertisement of Binance services, offering 5 USDT in exchange for signing up on the platform.

In the video, Dud also promoted Binance Earn, which allows users to earn passive income on crypto through a variety of products like flexible savings, locked savings, staking and liquidity mining.

It appears to be unclear how the latest news aligns with the Western sanctions against Russia. In February 2023, the European Council sanctioned Russian banks like Tinkoff and Rosbank as part of its 10th package of sanctions on Russia’s war against Ukraine. The United States also put sanctions on Tinkoff in May 2023.

Related: Binance limits withdrawals in Europe, cites payment processor issues

The news comes months after the U.S. Department of Justice security division reportedly launched an investigation of Binance for allowing Russians to use the exchange in violation of U.S. sanctions.

Binance has not been the sole cryptocurrency exchange that has been facilitating such transactions in Russia, though. Other major P2P crypto exchanges, including Huobi and OKX, also allow transfers with Tinkoff, Rosbank as well as Sberbank at the time of writing. Huobi and OKX didn't immediately respond to Cointelegraph's request to comment.

Binance’s representatives declined to comment to Cointelegraph on either its ads on Dud’s YouTube channel or its current services in Russia. "Our comments are already reflected within the WSJ report. We won't be commenting any further on this topic at this time," a spokesperson for Binance said.

The firm didn’t immediately respond to Cointelegraph’s request to comment on the issue of renaming the sanctioned banks to “Yellow” and “Green” cards.

Collect this article as an NFT to preserve this moment in history and show your support for independent journalism in the crypto space.

Magazine: Big Questions: Did the NSA create Bitcoin?

Original: https://cointelegraph.com/news/binance-dubs-barred-russian-banks-on-its-platform-as-yellow-and-green-cards
By: Helen Partz
Posted: August 24, 2023, 1:29 pm

Julian Assange is currently locked in a London jail fighting a four-year court battle against his extradition to the US.

The “Don’t Extradite Assange Campaign,” dedicated to gathering support against the extradition of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to the United States, is launching a virtual political rally in the metaverse.

Assange has been confined within Belmarsh Prison in London since April 2019, fighting a court battle against his extradition to the U.S., where he could potentially face up to 175 years in prison on charges of espionage for leaking information about the wrongdoings of the US agencies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Assange founded WikiLeaks, which have been known to publish classified and sensitive information against wrongdoings of various governments in the public domain. However, his journalistic work exposing governments has made him a primary target of several agencies, especially in the United States.

The Julian Assange campaign, backed by Assange and his family, has planned the virtual political rally in a bid to appeal to more people and gather support against the extradition after his last appeal in June against the extradition was rejected by the United Kingdom court.

The virtual event will be held on Aug. 26 in Wistaverse, a not-for-profit metaverse in The Sandbox ecosystem on the Polygon blockchain. The political rally will see speeches by Stella Assange, wife of Julian Assange, Kristinn Hrafnsson, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, and other high-profile guests, including British politician Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of the country’s Labour Party. The speakers at the rally will appear either as characters inside the event or with filmed contributions shown on screens.

Cointelegraph got in touch with John Rees, the founder and director of the Don’t Extradite Assange Campaign, who said that they selected to hold a virtual rally in the hope of reaching a wider audience. Rees added that the reason for the rally is:

“To publicize the Assange case and to mobilize people for the protest at the court. To make sure that people know that this is the 11th hour in the Assange case and that if the government goes ahead with extradition a very real blow will have been struck against the freedom of the press.“

The rally will take place in a virtual auditorium designed to look like the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where Assange is set to face his final appeal in the U.K. court system. The virtual environment “dedicated to protests and social action” will feature a recorded message from Assange, as well.

Related: Web3 activists fight for reproductive rights with NFTs, DAOs and protests

Many organizations involved in civil rights and freedom of the press have supported Assange following the WikiLeaks publication and urged U.S. authorities to drop the case for extradition. Amid former U.S. President Donald Trump’s final days in office — prior to the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021 — crypto users donated more than $400,000 to Assange’s defense team in hopes of a presidential pardon, while a decentralized autonomous organization raised $53 million for the WikiLeaks co-founder in 2022.

Additional reporting by Turner Wright

Magazine: How to resurrect the ‘Metaverse dream’ in 2023

Original: https://cointelegraph.com/news/julian-assange-s-campaign-launches-metaverse-political-rally-against-extradition
By: Prashant Jha
Posted: August 24, 2023, 11:00 am

Original: https://decrypt.co/resources/how-ai-could-lead-to-discriminatory-hiring-practices
By: Nathan Reiff
Posted: August 24, 2023, 9:51 am