Everything web3, crypto, defi, degen
In brief The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned 19 entities across Burma and Cambodia that it says scammed Americans out of $10 billion in 2024. The action targets networks using trafficked workers forced to conduct “pig butchering” scams through fake investment platforms and romance schemes. Networks often “rebrand” when sanctioned, but sanctions “disrupt scammers’ easiest routes,”…
In brief Boston startup AlterEgo unveiled a wearable that lets users communicate silently with machines by decoding neuromuscular signals in the jaw and throat. The technology builds on a 2018 MIT Media Lab prototype that showed subvocal speech could be captured and translated with high accuracy. AlterEgo positions its non-invasive approach as a practical alternative…
In brief AI firm Showrunner plans to produce an interpretation of missing footage from Orson Welles’ 1942 film, “The Magnificent Ambersons.” The reconstruction effort will use deepfake technology and newly shot footage based on archival research. The end product will not be commercially released, as Showrunner doesn’t hold the rights to the original film. AI…
In brief Dogecoin is one of the most valuable cryptocurrencies on the market, but it’s down 70% from its 2021 peak. While Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP all recently set new peaks, Dogecoin isn’t enjoying the same momentum. Experts tell Decrypt that the digital asset lacks use cases. Can a DOGE ETF really make a difference?…
In brief Qubic has given AIGarth, the AI model it has been training while it attacked privacy blockchain Monero, a social media account. AIGarth has faced public ridicule after it failed to solve basic math problems, such as 1+1. However, its creators say that its failures are part of a learning process, and come from…
In brief Lawyer John Deaton believes that the group known as the XRP Army made a difference in the SEC’s case against Ripple. In 2023, a judge issued a split ruling that XRP sales via public exchanges did not violate securities laws. The legal saga came to a close this August as all appeals were…
Morning Minute is a daily newsletter written by Tyler Warner. The analysis and opinions expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Decrypt. Subscribe to the Morning Minute on Substack.GM!Today’s top news: Crypto majors chop with ETH leading; BTC at $111,000 CFTC clears Polymarket for US operations; departing chair issues warning Federal Reserve to…
In brief Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong wants half of all code at the exchange to be AI-generated by October. AI already accounts for 40% of daily code at Coinbase, reflecting a wider industry embrace of AI coding assistants. The surge in AI-assisted coding contrasts with the “vibe coding” trend, where developers lean on AI for…
In brief Chatbots role-playing as adults proposed sexual livestreaming, romance, and secrecy to 12–15 year olds. Bots suggested drugs, violent acts, and claimed to be real humans, boosting credibility with kids. Advocacy organization, ParentsTogether, is calling for adult-only restrictions as pressure mounts on Character AI following a teen suicide linked to the platform. You may…
In brief Renewed interest in tokenized Pokémon cards is being driven by a cryptocurrency’s debut. The Solana-based project adds a new dimension to their on-chain presence. Physically-backed Pokémon card NFTs have primarily existed on Polygon. Tokenized Pokémon cards are seeing renewed interest lately, partly due to the recent debut of a token for a Solana-based…
