AI-Generated Deepfake Videos of Binance Leaders Spark Concern on Crypto Twitter
Highly realistic AI-generated deepfake videos featuring Binance co-founders Changpeng Zhao and Yi He have gone viral on crypto social media. While intended as satirical entertainment, these videos highlight the increasing challenge of deepfake technology in the crypto space, especially amid a surge in AI-driven scams. Experts warn that such advancements in AI could be exploited for market manipulation and fraud, urging the community to improve digital literacy and verification practices.
Trump's Proposal to Ban Investors from Buying Single-Family Homes Faces GOP Resistance in Congress
The White House, under Trump, is pushing for a ban on Wall Street investors purchasing single-family homes by amending the '21st Century Housing Act.' Congressional Republicans are resisting this addition, fearing it could derail the bipartisan housing bill aimed at increasing housing supply. The bill focuses on boosting supply, while Trump's plan emphasizes demand, leading to disagreement with key GOP lawmakers.
Nasdaq-listed ETHZilla is launching the Eurus Aero Token I, an ERC-20 token that shares monthly cash flow from leasing two commercial aircraft engines. This initiative offers investors a new way to gain on-chain exposure to Real World Assets through aviation leasing revenues. Backed by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, ETHZilla is expanding its focus on tokenization of real-world assets amid a rapidly growing market.
Ethereum Foundation Backs Whitehat Team to Fight Drain and Social Engineering Attacks
The Ethereum Foundation has sponsored the whitehat team Security Alliance (SEAL) to help combat drain and social engineering attacks targeting Ethereum users. Through its '1Ts' initiative, they will support security engineers working alongside SEAL to track and neutralize these threats. SEAL intends to extend this cooperative security model to other blockchain ecosystems as well.
Study Finds AI Tools Increase Workload and Burnout Instead of Reducing It
A Harvard Business Review study reveals AI tools have led to 'workload creep' by expanding tasks and blurring work boundaries. Employees using AI report increased multitasking and longer hours, resulting in higher burnout rates despite perceived productivity. Researchers suggest companies adopt structured AI usage practices to mitigate fatigue and protect employee well-being.
Bitwise CIO Highlights Transition as Early Bitcoin Holders Sell to Institutional Investors
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan explains that early Bitcoin investors are currently selling their holdings, creating a market shift. Institutions such as financial advisors and family offices are net buyers and tend to hold Bitcoin long term. While retail investors are selling rapidly, institutions see this as a buying opportunity, with many original investors retaining faith in Bitcoin over four-year market cycles.
Former FTX Co-CEO Ryan Salame Launches Social Media Campaign From Prison, Seeking Trump Pardon
Ryan Salame, former FTX co-CEO currently serving a federal prison sentence, is utilizing social media to align with Donald Trump's political rhetoric in a bid for a presidential pardon. His posts, disseminated likely through intermediaries due to prison restrictions, echo Trump's themes on immigration, election integrity, and criticize federal prosecutors. This campaign follows a broader context of Trump granting high-profile pardons, including those connected to the crypto and financial crime sectors.
Trump Family’s Crypto Holdings Decline as Bitcoin Slumps, But Melania Trump’s Memecoin Shows Resi...
Bitcoin’s recent significant price drop has negatively impacted the wider cryptocurrency market, including the Trump family’s portfolio. However, Melania Trump’s memecoin has surprisingly maintained its value better than other assets. This divergence highlights unique investor interest in celebrity-associated tokens despite overall market weakness.
Whale Alert reported a minting event of 250 million USDC by the USDC Treasury. This substantial issuance increases the circulating supply of USDC, one of the leading stablecoins. Such minting is often linked to rising demand for stablecoins in crypto trading and DeFi activities.
[IMPORTANT] Backpack Aims for $1 Billion Valuation in New Fundraising Round
Cryptocurrency exchange Backpack is targeting a $1 billion valuation to raise new funds according to Axios. The exchange, founded by former FTX team members, is focusing on regulatory compliance and transparency to drive rapid growth. Funds will be used to expand globally and upgrade infrastructure, with a Token Generation Event unlocking 25% of total token supply at launch.
Apollo Stock Rises on $3.4B Deal to Support Elon Musk's AI Company xAI and Crypto Trading Expansion
Apollo Global Management is close to finalizing a $3.4 billion loan to acquire Nvidia chips to lease to Elon Musk’s AI firm xAI. xAI recently became part of SpaceX and is recruiting crypto experts to train AI trading models focused on blockchain data and quantitative strategies. Despite a recent 7% decline over 30 days, Apollo's shares rose 1% following the deal announcement, while Tesla's stock also edged higher.
[IMPORTANT] Bitcoin Steady at $70K Amid Conflicting Signals: Is a Big Move Imminent?
Bitcoin is holding stable around $70,000 following a sharp sell-off, with market data showing mixed signals. While selling pressure remains high, on-chain data reveals significant whale accumulation, suggesting strong buying support at current levels. ETF flows have stabilized after initial outflows, indicating that forced selling may be easing, but Bitcoin is likely to remain range-bound in the short term.
YouTube Star MrBeast Acquires Fintech Startup Step, Hinting at Crypto Financial Expansion
MrBeast's holding company, Beast Industries, is acquiring the fintech startup Step, which offers mobile banking services targeted at teenagers and young adults. This move aligns with MrBeast's previous trademark filings related to crypto exchanges and financial education products. Industry stakeholders see this acquisition as a strategic step to empower Gen Z with practical financial tools, possibly including crypto services in the future.
[IMPORTANT] Polymarket Challenges Massachusetts Ban in Federal Court Amid Sports Betting Market D...
Polymarket has filed a federal lawsuit against Massachusetts, arguing that the state lacks authority to regulate its sports-related prediction markets, which are under federal jurisdiction by the CFTC. This follows a court order requiring rival Kalshi to block Massachusetts users from sports markets, marking the first state-level ban of its kind. Despite setbacks, prediction market platforms have gained support from the CFTC, emphasizing federal oversight over such markets amid increasing regulatory conflicts.