BLOCKCHAIN
Blockchains incorporate several important features such as immutability, encryption and distributed storage, which combined makes secure peer-to-peer transactions possible and in turn has created the means to end human dependence on credit and thus credit intermediaries. Due to these features, blockchain has been referred to as ‘the Trust Machine’ and is forecasted to transfer the trust from agencies and institutions which are enforced by law to machine-based networks guaranteed by technology and mathematics.
Mastercard Launches Web3 Solution for Crypto Verification
Mastercard has launched a new Web3 solution called "Mastercard Crypto Credential" aimed at enhancing user verification standards in the digital asset space. The solution is designed to provide a unique identifier to users, enabling them to instantly verify that an address they want to send funds to has been vetted by Mastercard and has been operating in compliance with the firm's standards. The solution will support compliance through the exchange of metadata and help reduce the opportunities for bad actors.
Google Ads Used in $4M Crypto Phishing Scam
Scammers have stolen over $4 million in cryptocurrency from users falling for phishing websites promoted on Google Ads, according to blockchain analytics by ScamSniffer. The fraudulent websites prompt wallet login signature requests that compromise users’ addresses, and have targeted decentralized finance protocols, websites and brands. Metadata from some of the phishing websites has been linked to advertisers in Ukraine and Canada, who bypass Google’s ad review process by manipulating the Google Click ID parameter and using anti-debugging methods. ScamSniffer estimates that scammers spent around $15,000 on advertising which provided a return on their investments of 276%, given the $4 million stolen to date.
Santa Cruz Adopts Blockchain for Govt Services
Santa Cruz County in California is set to launch a pilot program using a blockchain-powered digital wallet for government services, including bicycle registration and RV parking registration. The program, powered by HUMBL, will launch in July 2023 and run a three-stage pilot program. The county aims to provide a formal report and rollout plan for the digital wallet by September 2023.
Blockchain Fights Climate Change
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published a white paper outlining how blockchain technology can aid in the fight against climate change. Blockchain can improve market transparency, enhance trust and ambition within climate negotiations, democratize access to climate action, and funnel more funds to project developers. The WEF also stressed the need for constructive regulation to support digital climate innovation.
Deloitte seeks crypto experts
Deloitte is actively seeking individuals with cryptocurrency expertise, with over 300 job openings in the United States, including positions such as Blockchain & Digital Assets Manager and Tax Manager, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency. The firm signals its continued support and interest in Web3 and crypto.
Visa New Crypto Initiative
Visa is developing a new crypto product to promote the adoption of public blockchain networks and stablecoin payments. The company is seeking software engineers with experience in programming, Web3 technologies, and Solidity to build the product.
Blockchain and Human Consciousness
The reState Foundation held a virtual talk between Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, and Sadhguru, founder of the Isha Foundation, discussing how emerging technologies like blockchain will impact human consciousness.
Venom Foundation Announces the Release of its Public Testnet
Venom, a Layer-1 blockchain that operates out of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), today announced that its public testnet is officially live. The milestone marks a significant accomplishment in Venom’s roadmap as it prepares to launch on mainnet. Along with the testnet launch, Venom has also unveiled a host of in-house developed decentralized applications as part of its growing ecosystem.
Firstblock Introduces Firstblock Labs To Support The Next Generation Of Web3 Innovators
FirstBlock, a leading blockchain solutions provider, announces the launch of FirstBlock Labs, a virtual laboratory designed to support and help Web3 startups thrive in the rapidly growing blockchain industry.
Bored Ape Yacht Club wins legal battle
Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) creator Yuga Labs has won a legal battle against copycat non-fungible token (NFT) project RR/BAYC. The United States District Court found that the co-creators of RR/BAYC had infringed Yuga Labs’ trademarks, and Yuga Labs is entitled to an injunction and damages. In other news, Mandala Metaverse has chosen Polkadot to host its first major NFT drop, Final Fantasy developer Square Enix has partnered with Elixir Games for blockchain gaming, and a free-to-play multiplayer NFT cricket strategy game called Cricket Stars has launched on the Tezos blockchain.