The Unchained Web #183

If you enjoy and find value in the newsletter, please feel free to donate for its upkeep and independent nature as much as you think is fair:

Monero Wallet Address:

42EkgN23XZoLJXrgMJjrRM7jYpmirk1WvWUWc2SDF6kZAXVzHMGy5XB8JM8Vce3iHGKh9H8ACWF9J6ErrfKCP48mL2yeWcw

Bitcoin Wallet Address: bc1q4283c60tv2p7exfeu2ql7dk2n7utswgl43n2fk

ETH & ERC-20 Address: 0xD16429e3F253f50CfF306B2bE8966ce935332116

BNB & BRC-20 Address: 0xD16429e3F253f50CfF306B2bE8966ce935332116

Reclaim (some) Privacy Webinar Series: Intro to SearXNG & other privacy engines

In April, I am planning my first webinar in a series focused on privacy. The specific webinar will be focused on why Google may not be the best search engine to use and the SearXNG meta search engine and how it can be used to enhance privacy when using a search engine to research or find something to one's interest.

If you are interested in the topic, feel free to click "attend" on the link to the event below: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/7167975601373458433/about/

EU Officials Start Crafting Censorship Guidelines for Big Tech Companies Ahead of 2024 Elections

The European Union is developing "guidelines for election integrity," seen by critics as censorship directives for Big Tech, as part of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This initiative includes a public consultation phase ending on March 7. The guidelines target Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines, emphasizing practices to ensure "resilient elections" and mitigate systemic risks. Special focus is given to combating deepfakes and other forms of unwanted content through censorship, referred to as "mitigating measures." These guidelines aim to safeguard discussions on elections across EU nation-states and the European Parliament, ensuring a safe online environment for voters. Click here for more.

Instagram and Threads To Restrict All Political Speech By Default

Meta plans to limit political content on Instagram and Threads, reducing recommendations of political posts. This approach extends a policy from Facebook, aiming to minimize political content visibility in users' feeds and recommendations, especially with the upcoming 2024 US elections. While algorithm updates will affect how Instagram suggests content, posts from followed accounts, including political ones, will remain visible through feeds and stories, curbing the proliferation of political accounts without affecting current followers. Click here for more.

EU-Funded European Digital Media Observatory Calls for a “Whole-of-Society” Approach to Countering “Disinformation”

The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) proposes a comprehensive strategy to combat "disinformation," urging involvement from various sectors including media literacy experts, fact-checkers, journalists, policymakers, the financial sector, and regulators. The initiative aims to pressure companies through shareholders and promote a responsible approach to handling "disinformation," especially regarding climate change. EDMO suggests treating "climate disinformation" as an indirect greenhouse gas emission, incentivizing companies to address misinformation risks more effectively. Click here for more.

Meta Considers Restricting the Term “Zionist”

Meta is reviewing its hate speech policy, focusing on the term "Zionist," which could impact discussions on Israeli nationalism and the Gaza conflict. The proposed changes might lead to increased content moderation, limiting criticisms of Israeli policies. This move has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a necessary step against antisemitism, while others fear it could hinder free speech and accountability for Israeli government actions. Click here for more.

Taliban Shuts Down 'queer.af' Domain, Breaking Mastodon Instance

The Taliban has taken control of Afghanistan's ".af" top-level domain, resulting in the shutdown of the "queer.af" Mastodon instance. This action highlights the geopolitical complexities of internet governance and the challenges faced by digital communities under authoritarian regimes. The closure of "queer.af" underscores the risks associated with using country-level domains, especially in politically unstable regions, and marks a significant moment in the broader discourse on digital rights and freedom of expression online. Click here for more.

Microsoft’s AI Will Delete Its Own Answers Before Your Eyes

Microsoft's Copilot, a chatbot integrated into its products, has been observed deleting its answers to certain queries, especially those involving sexual content or terms. This unique moderation approach highlights the challenges tech companies face in balancing AI tool control with user experience. Microsoft's decision reflects broader industry dilemmas over content moderation, as companies grapple with the implications of AI's increasing role in society and the ethical considerations of information censorship. Click here for more.

Ethereum Validator Entry Queue Signals Renewed Interest in Staking

The Ethereum network is experiencing a surge in validator applications, with the validator entry queue reaching its longest since October, indicating a significant interest in staking despite yields remaining below 4%. Over 225,000 ether, worth approximately $562 million, are awaiting validator activation, highlighting Ethereum's controlled entry system to maintain network integrity. Despite the low yield compared to traditional investments like U.S. Treasury notes, the increase in validator applications suggests growing confidence and interest in Ethereum's proof-of-stake model. Click here for more.

Ethiopia's Cheap Electricity Attracts Chinese Mining Companies

Chinese crypto mining companies are migrating their operations to Ethiopia, enticed by the country's low-cost electricity and favorable climate conditions. Despite Ethiopia's ban on cryptocurrency trading, it legalized Bitcoin mining in 2022, offering a new haven for companies displaced by China's 2021 crackdown on cryptocurrency. Nineteen Chinese companies have capitalized on Ethiopia's predominantly hydropower-generated electricity. However, potential political instability poses a risk to these investments, mirroring challenges faced in other regions like Iran and Kazakhstan. Click here for more.

Yuga Botched Another NFT Mint—Will the Bored Ape Maker Ditch Ethereum?

Yuga Labs faced backlash over high gas fees during a new NFT mint for its Otherside metaverse, raising questions about its reliance on the Ethereum blockchain. Despite attempts to appease the community, including covering gas fees, concerns persist about the sustainability of using Ethereum's costly mainnet. Suggestions have been made for Yuga to consider a more cost-effective solution, such as a layer-2 network or a separate blockchain, highlighting the ongoing debate around blockchain efficiency and cost. Click here for more.

Pandora ERC-404 Token Rebounds—But a Rival Ethereum Standard Is Coming

Pandora, a novel Ethereum token-NFT hybrid based on the ERC-404 standard, is seeing a rebound in its value amidst the introduction of a competing semi-fungible token standard, DN404. This rivalry underscores the dynamism and experimental nature of the Ethereum ecosystem, as developers explore innovative token models. Pandora's unique fractionalization feature, linking ERC-20 tokens to NFTs, exemplifies the ongoing evolution and diversification of digital asset standards on the Ethereum blockchain. Click here for more.

UK’s Planned Stablecoin Rules Need Reworking, Crypto Advocates Say

Crypto industry groups in the UK are calling for revisions to the proposed regulations for stablecoins by the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority. Critics argue that the current proposals may unfairly limit stablecoin issuers' revenue generation and suggest a more flexible approach to backing assets and interest earnings. Concerns also extend to the proposed exclusion of stablecoin providers from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that supports growth while ensuring consumer protection. Click here for more.

Philippines to Launch Central Bank Digital Currency as ‘Answer to Crypto’

The Philippines' central bank plans to introduce a central bank digital currency (CBDC) within two years, aiming to provide a secure alternative to cryptocurrencies without relying on blockchain technology. This initiative seeks to enhance payment system efficiency and safety, both domestically and internationally, through the Peso Real Time Gross Settlement System. The move reflects a global trend where nations explore CBDCs as a response to the growing influence of private digital currencies, balancing innovation with regulatory oversight. Click here for more.

Microsoft is teaching GPT-4 how to use Android autonomously

Microsoft Research and Peking University have developed a method to improve GPT-4's ability to autonomously operate within Android OS, overcoming significant challenges in AI's interaction with operating systems. This research identified key areas where large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 struggle, such as understanding, reasoning, exploration, and reflection within the complex, dynamic action space of an OS. By introducing a novel training environment, AndroidArena, and a method to embed memory into prompts, the team increased a model's accuracy by 27%, potentially paving the way for more capable AI assistants. Click here for more.

Can Torrevieja become Europe’s first crypto-friendly city?

Torrevieja, Spain, aspires to be Europe's first crypto-friendly city, allowing stores to accept cryptocurrencies. This digital transformation project involves digitizing local commerce with blockchain technology and promoting cryptocurrency transactions. The initiative includes phases to enhance commerce, restore natural spaces, and support the tech sector's growth. It reflects Spain's openness to digital payments and the broader trend of municipalities exploring cryptocurrency to boost local economies and attract tech-savvy tourists. Click here for more.

Google’s 25M Euro AI skill boost for Europe unveiled

Google has announced a 25 million euro fund to support AI skills training in Europe, aiming to empower the workforce and ensure inclusive benefits from AI advancements. The AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe focuses on training for startups, workers, and vulnerable communities, complementing the EU's efforts to lead in AI application. This initiative builds on Google's successful "Grow with Google" program, extending resources and training to harness AI's potential while addressing the digital skills gap. Click here for more.

Deutsche B?rse-owned Crypto Finance gets German licenses, parent readies exchange launch

Crypto Finance, a subsidiary of Deutsche B?rse, has secured four licenses from Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), enabling regulated digital asset trading, settlement, and custody services in Germany. This development precedes Deutsche B?rse's plan to launch a digital exchange, DBDX, targeting institutional users. The licenses position Crypto Finance within the upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework, signaling a significant step towards integrating digital assets into mainstream financial services in Europe. Click here for more.

In inflation-torn Argentina, locals use ‘crypto caves’ — and avoid Bitcoin

Argentines are turning to "crypto caves," underground exchanges, to purchase US dollar stablecoins as a hedge against the Argentine peso's inflation. These peer-to-peer platforms offer a workaround for strict currency controls, providing locals with access to "digital dollars" amid triple-digit inflation. Despite legalizing Bitcoin for contract payments, Argentines prefer the stability of USDT for savings and transactions, highlighting the complex dynamics of cryptocurrency adoption in economies facing financial instability. Click here for more.

Nigeria urged to regulate cryptocurrency to tackle financial crimes

Nigeria is encouraged to regulate cryptocurrency activities to combat financial crimes, with calls for clear laws to monitor transactions and ensure compliance. The Central Bank of Nigeria's recent guidelines for virtual asset service providers mark a shift towards acceptance, but experts stress the importance of training compliance specialists to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities. This move aims to balance innovation with security, ensuring that Nigeria's burgeoning crypto market operates within a regulated framework that safeguards against criminal misuse. Click here for more.

Scam-as-a-service: New Solana drainers identified

Web3 security firm Blowfish has identified two new types of Solana drainers, named Aqua and Vanish, which can execute bit-flip attacks to steal funds from users. These drainers manipulate on-chain data conditionals even after transactions are signed with a user’s private key. The attackers sell their script as part of scam-as-a-service tools in various marketplaces. The technique involves misleading the user into signing a seemingly valid transaction, then altering the transaction's conditions to divert funds to the attacker instead of the intended action. This sophisticated attack highlights the growing threat within the Solana ecosystem, where crypto drainers are increasingly prevalent, with some communities numbering over 6,000 members. Blowfish has implemented measures to automatically block these drainers and continues to monitor for such exploitative tactics on the blockchain. Click here for more.

If you enjoy and find value in the newsletter, please feel free to donate for its upkeep and independent nature as much as you think is fair:

Monero Wallet Address:

42EkgN23XZoLJXrgMJjrRM7jYpmirk1WvWUWc2SDF6kZAXVzHMGy5XB8JM8Vce3iHGKh9H8ACWF9J6ErrfKCP48mL2yeWcw

Bitcoin Wallet Address: bc1q4283c60tv2p7exfeu2ql7dk2n7utswgl43n2fk

ETH & ERC-20 Address: 0xD16429e3F253f50CfF306B2bE8966ce935332116

BNB & BRC-20 Address: 0xD16429e3F253f50CfF306B2bE8966ce935332116

Reclaim (some) Privacy Webinar Series: Intro to SearXNG & other privacy engines

In April, I am planning my first webinar in a series focused on privacy. The specific webinar will be focused on why Google may not be the best search engine to use and the SearXNG meta search engine and how it can be used to enhance privacy when using a search engine to research or find something to one's interest.

If you are interested in the topic, feel free to click "attend" on the link to the event below: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/7167975601373458433/about/

Brought to you by Alexandros Dolgov CBA? (Study/Bitcoin)