Blockchain Press Releases
Through the Black Mirror: “Joan Is Awful” and AI Malpractice
BOSTON, July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In a recently published article, AI and Security: Ensuring That Opportunities Outweigh the Threats, IDTechEx discussed the importance of ownership and culpability when it comes to deploying AI tools, especially in the context of creative works. This matter of accountability and the potential insidious use of artificial intelligence in the creation of intellectual property is a theme touched on in the first episode of the new Black Mirror season, “Joan Is Awful”. For those not already in the know, Black Mirror is a speculative fiction anthology series created by Charlie Brooker. Premiering in 2011 and now on its sixth season, Black Mirror runs the gamut of existential subject matter, from questions of ethics and morality (the good of the many against the good of the self) to the potential consequences of unchecked and unregulated scientific advancement.
“Joan Is Awful” follows Joan – played by Annie Murphy – a manager who sits below the board at a tech company and has to make one of her employees redundant despite the ramifications of this on the company’s recent green initiative pledge. We also see her texting with her ex-boyfriend, visiting a therapist, and finally sitting down with her fiancé to watch a show on Streamberry, this season’s in-universe analog of Netflix.
Italy’s temporary ban of ChatGPT in April 2023 could be a sign of things to come as AI tools develop and are put to use across a greater number of applications, ultimately affecting more people, especially where creative output is concerned. Source: IDTechEx
Spoilers ahead. Skip this section if you are sensitive to spoilers.
They come across a new show, the titular Joan Is Awful, and begin to watch. All that we have seen thus far in the show is dramatized for Joan, with Salma Hayek playing the character of Joan in the Streamberry adaptation. Joan (the one we know) is completely taken aback, as she doesn’t know how her life has been so deeply invaded. The dramatization skews her personality to display exaggerated negative personality traits (such as callousness for the employee she makes redundant, where really she feels somewhat powerless in the decision and does express a modicum of pity). Frighteningly for Joan, the show is not restricted to her account, and she becomes ostracized from friends and family, in addition to being fired from work (as the dramatization of her life is seen to be a breakage of an NDA).
Joan ultimately seeks legal advice from a lawyer, whereupon the lawyer informs Joan that she had consented to Streamberry’s Terms and Conditions, included in which is the ability to use and dramatize any and all aspects of her life, including her name. As the lawyer states at the beginning of their conversation, “I’m as shocked as you are”. Joan then changes tack and proposes suing Salma Hayek for portraying her. Again, the lawyer negates this by informing Joan that it is only Salma Hayek’s likeness: the entire show is CGI.
Joan is marooned with no legal recourse. And then, in a stroke of genius born from utter desperation, Joan envisions a way in which she can get Salma Hayek invested in this. So she defecates in a church during a wedding ceremony, knowing that this event will be repeated on the show. The real (at least in terms of Salma Hayek now playing herself) Salma Hayek understandably takes issue with this and talks to her lawyer about suing Streamberry. But again, she has licensed her image to the company, allowing them to take such liberties.
Spoilers end here.
Joan and Salma, canvas and paint alike, have absolutely no ownership over how they are portrayed. And it is this question of ownership that will be more frequently asked in connection with AI tools as they develop and draw on a more diverse range of data sets.
While from a legal standpoint, the case against Joan and Salma may appear pretty watertight in the Black Mirror episode, the usage of generative AI to create content – even in its current, comparatively limited form – still poses the important question of ownership, a question that has no robust answer by way of current IP laws; Patent law generally considers the inventor as the first owner of the invention. In the case of AI, who invents? The human creates the (initial) prompt, but it is the AI tool that creates the output. An AI may also be used to prompt other AI tools, and so AI can act as both the prompt and the creator. Other parties should also be considered, such as the developers of the AI tool, as well as the owners of the data that comprise the dataset used to train the AI tool.
The latter was a key component of the reasoning behind Italy’s ban of ChatGPT in April 2023. Italy banned ChatGPT for all users accessing the platform with an Italian IP due to four key points of contention. Two of these were claims by the Italian Garante (the Italian data protection authority) that OpenAI did not properly inform users that it had collected personal data and that ChatGPT did not require users to verify their age, even though the content that ChatGPT can generate is at times intended for mature audiences. ChatGPT was restored in Italy at the end of April, with OpenAI addressing these points by making their privacy policy more accessible to people before registering with ChatGPT, as well as rolling out a new tool to verify the age of users.
This event could well be a sign of things to come. As AI becomes more advanced and so too does the type of content that it can generate, the approach taken by the Italian Garante could – and, most would probably agree, should – be one taken by all data protection agencies in order to ensure that personal data used to train such algorithms cannot be misused.
Because no one wants to be Joan.
Report Coverage
IDTechEx forecasts that the global AI chips market will grow to US$257.6 billion by 2033. The report covers the global AI Chips market across eight industry verticals, with 10-year granular forecasts in seven different categories (such as by geography, chip architecture, and application). In addition to the revenue forecasts for AI chips, costs at each stage of the supply chain (design, manufacture, assembly, test & packaging, and operation) are quantified for a leading-edge AI chip. Rigorous calculations and a customizable template for customer use are provided, and analyses of comparative costs between leading and trailing edge node chips.
IDTechEx’s latest report, “AI Chips 2023-2033“, answers the major questions, challenges, and opportunities faced by the AI chip value chain. For further understanding of the markets, players, technologies, opportunities, and challenges, please refer to it.
About IDTechEx
IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.IDTechEx.com.
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Blockchain Press Releases
From Exchange to Ecosystem Builder: MEXC Celebrates 7th Anniversary at TOKEN2049 Dubai with $300M Ecosystem Development Fund Launch
VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange serving over 36 million users, concluded its successful participation as a Title Sponsor at Token2049 Dubai, where the company celebrated its milestone 7th anniversary and announced a groundbreaking $300 million ecosystem development fund.
7 Years of Excellence: A Foundation for Ecosystem Expansion
The premier crypto event, which took place from April 30 to May 1, 2025 in Dubai, provided MEXC with the perfect platform to commemorate seven years of growth and innovation in the cryptocurrency space. During the celebratory “Celebra7e MEXC Cocktail Party”, Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC, delivered an inspiring opening speech highlighting the exchange’s remarkable journey.
“Seven years may sound short, but in the fast-moving world of crypto, it’s a lifetime,” Jin told attendees. “To thrive in this ever-evolving space takes resilience, vision, and trust—and we’ve only made it this far because of you.”
Jin revealed impressive growth metrics: the MEXC team has nearly doubled to 2,000 employees across Growth, R&D, and Business Support divisions. The platform now offers more than 3,000 crypto assets and has built a community of over 2.25 million Twitter followers and approximately 193,000 Telegram members.
“We’ve also hosted over 2,293 airdrop events, distributing over $136 million in rewards,” Jin added. “This is our way of thanking you for your ongoing trust and loyalty.”
$300 Million MEXC Ecosystem Development Fund Unveiled
The highlight of MEXC’s Token2049 Dubai participation was the official announcement of its $300 million Ecosystem Development Fund, signaling the company’s strategic evolution from an exchange service to a comprehensive ecosystem builder. The five-year fund represents MEXC’s commitment to fostering blockchain innovation across multiple sectors.
The fund will focus on strategic investments in public chains, stablecoins, wallets, and media platforms, providing not only financial backing but also leveraging MEXC’s exchange business cooperation to deliver enhanced value to portfolio projects. This dual approach positions fund recipients to benefit from both capital investment and operational synergies within the MEXC ecosystem.
“After seven years of market resilience, MEXC is uniquely positioned as a trusted ecosystem partner,” said Tracy Jin. “This fund represents our vision for the future of decentralized finance and our commitment to supporting the next generation of blockchain innovations.”
IgniteX: $30 Million CSR Initiative for Web3 Talent Development
Alongside the ecosystem fund, MEXC Ventures launched “IgniteX” – a $30 million, five-year CSR initiative to foster Web3 talent and innovation. The program will support early-stage startups, research, developer communities, and academic institutions, with focus on decentralized infrastructure, AI-blockchain integration, stablecoins, and fintech. IgniteX combines mentorship, education, and funding to build a future-ready ecosystem and prepare the next generation of Web3 users and leaders.
Industry Insights Shared at Panel Discussion
MEXC’s presence at Token2049 Dubai extended beyond celebrations and announcements to include thought leadership. Tracy Jin participated in a panel discussion titled “What’s Next for Crypto Markets: The Exchange Perspective” on the OKX main stage on 1 May. The discussion explored upcoming trends, challenges, and opportunities in the cryptocurrency exchange sector, with Jin offering insights drawn from MEXC’s seven years of operational experience.
During the panel, Jin emphasized MEXC’s continued focus on product innovation and market expansion while maintaining its core commitment to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto” for users worldwide.
Successful Side Events Strengthen Community Connections
MEXC hosted multiple successful side events throughout TOKEN2049 Dubai, including the “Celebra7e MEXC Cocktail Party,” “Dao People x MEXC: VIP Party” at BIRDS, a “TR KOL Exclusive Yacht Party” aboard Xclusive Yachts, and participation in the “AFTER2049” event at Be Beach. These gatherings provided valuable networking opportunities for industry professionals, partners, and MEXC community members.
At the company’s exhibition booth, MEXC showcased its revolutionary DEX+ platform and displayed a collection of seven limited-edition anniversary merchandise items that proved popular with attendees. Throughout the conference, MEXC representatives conducted product demonstrations, engaged with visitors, and discussed potential partnerships.
Behind the scenes, Jin noted that MEXC’s service team has resolved more than 1 million user requests and recovered over $1.8 million in user assets—underscoring the company’s commitment to security and user experience.
Looking Ahead
As Token2049 Dubai concluded, MEXC’s successful participation not only celebrated its past achievements but also laid the groundwork for its future vision. The announcement of the $300 million Ecosystem Development Fund, combined with ongoing product innovations and market expansion efforts, positions MEXC for continued growth in its eighth year and beyond.
About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website | X | Telegram | How to Sign Up on MEXC
Risk Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.
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Blockchain Press Releases
Interlace Debuts at Token2049 to Accelerate Web2-Web3 Integration Across MENA
NEW YORK, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Interlace, a pioneering financial innovation platform bridging traditional (Web2) and decentralized (Web3) ecosystems, is making a high-impact debut at Token2049, the world’s largest cryptocurrency conference. The event draws more than 15,000 global Web3 leaders, investors, developers, and policymakers to the heart of the Middle East’s burgeoning digital economy.
As the MENA region solidifies its status as a strategic launchpad for blockchain and digital finance, Interlace is leveraging Token2049 to highlight its global ambitions and regional integration efforts. Through a combination of keynote speeches, panel participation, side events, and interactive showcases, the company will spotlight its technological breakthroughs, regulatory strategies, and innovative Web3 solutions designed to advance financial inclusion and digital infrastructure.
Token2049 has cemented its position as the premier global platform for blockchain dialogue and innovation. With MENA emerging as a magnet for crypto and fintech enterprises—thanks to its progressive regulatory framework and strong investor base—the event provides fertile ground for companies like Interlace to scale their operations in high-growth markets.
Driving Web3 Compliance and Strategy in the Middle East
Michael Wu, Founder and CEO of Interlace, was recently invited to speak at the event Mastering Web3 Finance and Compliance: Blockchain & Beyond, where he joined a panel discussion exploring regulatory frameworks and emerging trends in the Middle East’s Web3 ecosystem. Drawing on Interlace’s extensive global experience, Wu provided a deep dive into the region’s compliance landscape. He emphasized the UAE’s regulatory efficiency as a strategic advantage for Web3 companies, stating: “In MENA, it takes only a few months to obtain a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license, whereas the same process can take up to two years in Singapore. In the United States, conflicting federal and state regulations create persistent uncertainty for businesses.” This favorable regulatory environment, he noted, has enabled Interlace to accelerate its expansion into the Middle Eastern market.
Wu also outlined Interlace’s proactive compliance strategy, highlighting early regulatory investment as a foundation for building long-term competitive advantages. “We’ve secured key licenses—including MSB (Money Services Business), MSO (Money Service Operator), and VASP—across major markets such as Hong Kong, the U.S., and Europe,” he shared. He stressed the importance of integrating technology with compliance, citing the use of biometric solutions to streamline Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. This approach not only ensures regulatory adherence but also enhances user accessibility. “Compliance is not a cost,” Wu asserted. “It’s the foundation of brand trust. For institutional partners and investors, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable—and critical for sustainable growth.”
Addressing the convergence of traditional finance and Web3, Wu presented Interlace’s multi-license model as a blueprint for cross-border innovation. “Our crypto payment card enables seamless interoperability between on-chain digital assets and off-chain consumer transactions,” he explained. “This functionality requires a high degree of cross-jurisdictional compliance.” Wu concluded by sharing that Interlace is actively expanding its footprint in the Middle East, bringing its regulatory expertise and compliance technology to support the region’s rapidly evolving blockchain infrastructure.
Unveiling Innovation at Premier Side Events
Beyond the main conference, Interlace will engage audiences at high-profile side events including 1001 Crypto Nights, Gilded Mirage, and the Hack Seasons Conferencei. These gatherings delve into themes such as the convergence of legacy finance with decentralized protocols and the region’s unique role in accelerating Web3 adoption.
Interlace will showcase its Card-as-a-Service (CaaS) API solutions tailored for the PayFi sector, as well as its custom-designed physical banking cards—which double as exclusive, limited-time gift cards. These cards demonstrate real-time “on-chain to off-chain” transaction capabilities, offering attendees a tangible experience of seamless Web3-enabled payments.
A Strategic Leap Toward Global and Regional Impact
Interlace’s presence at Token2049 is more than a product showcase—it represents a pivotal step in the company’s global expansion and MENA market penetration. As the company deepens its engagement in the region, it aims to collaborate with local institutions to build robust, inclusive digital financial ecosystems.
Wu reflected on the significance of the Middle East in shaping the future of blockchain finance: “The Middle East is rapidly evolving from an energy stronghold into a center of digital innovation. Its open regulatory approach and dynamic capital environment make it a strategic region for Web3 transformation. At Interlace, we’re committed to co-creating resilient financial infrastructure with local partners—enabling businesses and users to fully benefit from the potential of blockchain technology. We see MENA as a future global benchmark for Web3 applications.”
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/interlace-debuts-at-token2049-to-accelerate-web2web3-integration-across-mena-302444943.html
Showcasing blockchain’s potential to enable everyday financial transactions
NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rain, a global card issuing platform built for stablecoins, is helping usher in a new era of onchain finance through its work with Visa.
Today, Rain announced it has joined Visa’s pilot program for stablecoin settlement. Rain has fully tokenized its credit card receivables and has transitioned all settlement transactions for its Visa cards to USDC, to now be able to settle with Visa 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Rain provides backend infrastructure – APIs, compliance layers and settlement logic – that enables fintechs and wallets to build and launch stablecoin-linked card programs. As demand for real time, global payments grow, Rain is seeing strong momentum from partners looking to issue and use onchain cards and settle in stablecoins.
7 Day Stablecoin Settlement
Rain’s proprietary settlement stack brings all authorization logic and settlement onchain. Rain’s technology stack allows for card transactions on the Visa network to be interoperable with stablecoins across multiple blockchains. When a user makes a payment with a Rain-issued Visa card, Visa settles with the merchant acquirer as usual. Rain is programmatically leveraging stablecoins enabling network settlement 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Tokenized Credit Card Receivables
Rain’s platform has also fully tokenized its credit card receivables, enabling more efficient capital management and transparency across the system. These capabilities help fintechs go to market faster with new products. While giving consumers access to digital-first globally interoperable payment experiences.
Rain is also proud to announce a world first: closed loop credit card receivable financing utilizing stablecoins. Rain works with a network of capital partners – borrowing stablecoins to facilitate network settlement for credit card receivables. By borrowing from and programmatically repaying lenders Rain has been able to reduce the total cost of capital for consumer and b2b credit programs while providing lenders access to superior collateral and programmatic repayments powered by smart contracts. This powerful construct has the potential to unlock credit access for users in underdeveloped financial markets, all while unlocking significant operational and capital efficiencies for Rain and Rain powered programs.
“By participating in Visa’s USDC settlement program, we are now able to conduct settlement 7 days a week, 365 days a year, operating outside of traditional banking hours. USDC settlement allows us to be more capital efficient – helping to reduce the need for collateral while providing our counterparties the same level of protection. This sets a new standard for issuers and further enhances digital asset utility,” said Farooq Malik, CEO & Co-founder of Rain.
“Moving money across borders has always been complex, but blockchain technology and stablecoins are helping change that,” said Rubail Birwadker, Head of Growth Products and Partnerships, Visa. “Our work with Rain to help bring payments onchain and enable seven-day settlement is a big step toward helping to simplify global payments.”
This is just the beginning. Rain continues to explore new ways to enhance the utility of stablecoins, such as its asset-agnostic settlement stack and blockchain permissioning, which together enable credit to exist entirely onchain. Rain is paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and accessible financial ecosystem that reduces working capital, reduces fraud, and drives improvements in operational outcomes.
Visa Principal Membership
A Visa principal member, Rain enables seamless payment solutions at more than 150 million Visa-accepting merchant locations worldwide. By utilizing stablecoins for automated daily settlement with the Visa network, Rain is doubling down on its mission to integrate blockchain technology with traditional financial systems, making digital assets seamlessly interoperable for everyday use cases.
About Rain: Rain is a global card issuing platform powered by stablecoins. The company, which was founded in 2021 by Farooq Malik and Charles Naut, sponsors and operates card programs in multiple markets as a Visa principal member. Rain is backed by Norwest Venture Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Galaxy Ventures, Coinbase Ventures and others. Learn more at https://www.rain.xyz/
CONTACT: Charles Yoo-Naut; [email protected]
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rain-and-visa-partner-to-accelerate-onchain-credit-cards-302443870.html
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