Meta Settles With Qatari Billionaire in Crypto Scam Advertising Case

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The prominent businessman, also known as pop star Janet Jackson’s ex-husband, has taken legal action against Meta in Dublin, Ireland, over the past three years, alleging significant reputational damage, distress and embarrassment caused by the fraudulent ads.

According to a report from the Financial Times, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) publicly apologized to Qatari billionaire Wissam al Mana and pledged to provide additional safeguards after his image was exploited in crypto scam ads on the platform.

Meta Admits Having Published False and Defamatory Crypto Ads

During a court hearing in Dublin on Friday, Meta admitted that “false, misleading and defamatory advertisements” featuring Wissam al Mana’s image were published on Facebook without his knowledge or consent.

The social media giant expressed remorse for the harm caused and issued a sincere and unreserved apology to Mr. Al Mana. According to the report, high-profile figures, including politicians, also launched legal proceedings in Ireland against social media companies, highlighting the use of their names and images to promote cryptocurrency scams.

Notably, Meta settled a defamation lawsuit brought by Martin Lewis in England by making a substantial donation to an anti-scam charity and introducing new tools for users to report fake ads.

Although ads are reviewed and approved by Meta before they appear on Facebook, industry experts say scammers can use fake identities to bypass these controls. Those responsible for the fraudulent advertisements in which Wissam al Mana appears have not responded or been involved in the case, which calls into question their legitimacy.

Meta Pledges to Take Strong Action Against Misleading Ads

In response to the litigation, Meta has committed to implementing “robust measures” to combat these types of misleading ads in the future. The terms of the agreement reached between the parties have remained confidential, and Irish law firm Ronan Daly Jermyn represented Wissam al Mana in the Dublin proceedings.

Wissam al Mana, a well-known businessman from the Gulf region, plays an important role in the management of his family group in Qatar and holds exclusive distribution rights to multiple luxury brands, including Harvey Nichols, Alexander McQueen and Hermès.

After proceedings against Meta began in Dublin in February 2020, Wissam al Mana’s case was resolved in court on Friday. In particular, the Financial Times highlights that Irish defamation laws are perceived as more favorable than those in the United States.

The allegations brought by Wissam al Mana’s legal team maintain that while Facebook removed the initial set of fraudulent ads, the platform failed to implement effective measures to prevent their recurrence. Additional fake ads subsequently emerged in 2019, prompting Meta to remove them once again.

As a result of this case, Meta is faced with the imperative to improve its protocols and preventive measures to effectively combat fraudulent ads and protect the integrity of its platform.

The outcome of this settlement marks a step towards greater accountability in addressing crypto scam ads and safeguarding the reputations of individuals who are subject to such deceptive practices.

At its core, the legal battle between Meta and Wissam al Mana over unauthorized crypto ads is an important episode in the broader narrative of technology, regulation, and individual rights. It sheds light on the complex challenges social media companies face in regulating content and the changing landscape of digital advertising ethics.

As Meta navigates this challenging terrain, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how social media platforms address similar issues in the future, balancing innovation with responsibility.

By Leonardo Perez

BONK Price Increased 1000% in 30 Days.

During this positive price increase, BONK has become three times larger than the well-known memecoin PEPE Coin. The increase in BONK price coincides with Binance’s announcement that they will now allow trading of this memecoin on their platform.

Bonk is a cryptocurrency based on the Solana blockchain with a focus on community benefit. To be inclusive, half of all Bonk tokens were distributed to Solana users via an airdrop.

The developers’ goal was to offer a more positive and welcoming option compared to other cryptocurrencies with negative or toxic images. Bonk is designed to be a joyful and entertaining project that offers equal opportunities for all involved.

The BONK memecoin, which runs on the Solana blockchain, is causing excitement among cryptocurrency investors, since its value has increased almost 1000% in the last 30 days. Currently, the price of BONK is $0.00002868 and its market capitalization has reached $1.74 billion. Will BONK price continue to increase in the future?

How Has the BONK Price Evolved in Recent Days?

Today, the price of Bonk is $0.00002766, with a trading volume of $847.69 million in the last 24 hours. The market cap is $1.68 billion and Bonk has 0.10% market dominance. Over the last day, the price of BONK increased by 89.81%.

The highest price recorded for Bonk was on December 15, 2023 and reached an all-time high of $0.00003465. It bottomed at $0.000061753 on October 12, 2023. After the all-time high, the lowest price fell to $0.00002577 (low cycle), while the highest price reached after the last cycle low was 0. $.00003162 (high cycle).

The current sentiment on Bonk’s price prediction is bullish and the Fear & Greed index shows a value of 70, reflecting greed. The circulating supply of Bonk is 60.84 billion BONK with a maximum supply of 100.00 billion BONK. In the meme coin sector, Bonk is currently ranked third in terms of market capitalization.

Why Is the BONK Price Rising?

One possible reason for Bonk’s performance could be its partnership with another prominent digital asset. BONK is described as “the first dog-themed memecoin on Solana.” Recently, SOL surpassed $75, reaching a valuation last seen in May 2022. The context of SOL’s success could influence BONK’s performance and popularity.

The main reason for BONK’s price increase is its recent listing on major cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase. On December 13, Coinbase publicly announced that it would be adding BONK to its platform. This listing aims to give traders and investors the opportunity to take advantage of this new opportunity.

However, Coinbase also advises users to be careful and not prematurely deposit their assets in other networks to avoid potential losses.

Another important development for BONK is its recent listing on Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. This trading platform introduced new spot trading pairs for BONK on December 15, including BONK/USDT, BONK/FDUSD, and BONK/TRY.

BONK withdrawals on Binance were possible starting the next day, December 16. This increased accessibility on a major exchange could contribute to the cryptocurrency’s overall market presence and trading activity.

What’s Next for the BONK Course?

BONK is currently showing strong market indicators as its price is above the 200-day simple moving average. This frequent emergence of earnings suggests a sustained bullish trend in the near term.

Overall, there is a favorable market outlook for BONK, as well as the potential for continued positive performance in the near future. January and February 2024 will be crucial for the BONK price to gain more momentum.

By Audy Castaneda

EOS Network Enhances Its Stablecoin Ecosystem Through Partnership with EOS Stable Coin Chain (ESCC)

ESCC will introduce stablecoin-based gas fees and Ethereum support on EOS.

EOS Labs and EOS Network Foundation (ENF), the EOS Network main administrators, have announced a strategic collaboration with EOS Stable Coin Chain (ESCC), an Ethereum-based stablecoin solutions provider. ESCC is a novel smart contract on the EOS network that uses a custom implementation of the EOS EVM architecture.

According to the details of the partnership, the three companies intend to integrate a platform optimized for high-speed compatible stablecoin transactions. Together, they aim to provide EOS users with a specialized and efficient solution for handling stablecoin transactions, making them faster, more cost-effective and regulatory compliant.

Hiroaki Yamasaki, CEO of ESCC, has pointed out that the solution is expected to bring significant advancements to the EOS stablecoin ecosystem. “Collaborating with EOS Labs and ENF is an important milestone for ESCC,” he said.

“As the first blockchain architecture of its kind to use stablecoins as gas fees, we offer a unique experience to our users, unlike any other blockchain platform. This innovation is set to transform user interactions within the blockchain space, providing a combination of stability, efficiency and user-centered design,” he further explained.  

By integrating its solutions into EOS, ESCC aims to solve three main problems in blockchain. First, the solution will improve the efficiency of stablecoin transactions on EOS. Secondly, the solution will introduce innovations for financial transactions on blockchain. Finally, the partnership will introduce customizable blockchain solutions and improve the seamless compatibility of the EOS and Ethereum ecosystems.

Improving Stablecoin Transaction Efficiency

The integration of ESCC into the EOS ecosystem aims to revolutionize stablecoin transactions on the blockchain. ESCC leverages the high performance of EOS EVM technology to provide faster speeds with block intervals of less than 1 second, low gas fees of less than $0.005, and high throughput, handling more than 950 exchanges per second.

“ESCC serves as an excellent example of how EOS EVM is expanding its reach to enterprise-grade ecosystem applications, highlighting the strengths of its technical design,” said Huaqiang Wen, founder and CEO of EOS Labs. “This advancement is critical to facilitating the deployment and execution of more enterprise-oriented applications within the EOS ecosystem,” he highlighted.

New Wave of Innovations in Stablecoin Transactions

One of the newest technologies that the collaboration brings to the EOS network is the use of stablecoins for gas rates. This technical advancement is made possible by the seamless integration of EOS EVM, which allows the system to process transactions in a way familiar to Ethereum developers and optimized for the user experience.

Crucially, this innovation allows users to mitigate the traditional volatility associated with cryptocurrency-based gas fees and improves cost predictability when conducting high-volume transactions.

More News on the EOS Network

ESCC’s partnership with EOS Network will also introduce open and regulated stablecoin environments, including complex KYC processes. The integration of EOS EVM technology within the ESCC framework allows for seamless compatibility between Ethereum and the EOS ecosystem and bridges the gap between the two ecosystems, allowing developers to use Ethereum’s Solidity programming language and existing development tools within the EOS environment.

The EOS EVM compatibility feature is particularly advantageous for EVM developers as it allows them to seamlessly migrate and deploy their existing EVM-based applications on ESCC. This will help to create a more inclusive and versatile blockchain ecosystem.

By Leonardo Perez

Mexico: Tec de Monterrey Premieres International Class in the Metaverse

Tecnológico de Monterrey has left a mark by holding the first international master class in its metaverse. The initiative challenged the barriers of time and space, facing the three-hour time difference between Mexico and Chile. This pioneering program focused on the design of spaces and had the participation of forty students and seven teachers.

In a historic event for higher education, Tecnológico de Monterrey has left a mark by holding the first international master class in its metaverse, in collaboration with the prestigious University of San Sebastián in Chile.

Under architect and Tec Campus Querétaro professor Antonio Juárez’s direction, Mexican and Chilean students were immersed in an unprecedented educational journey.

“The students were able to develop different skills such as working as a team with emerging technologies and effective communication, and it is also worth highlighting that they were able to have an international experience,” he pointed out.

Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Bet on Education in the Metaverse

This pioneering program focused on the design of spaces and had the participation of 40 students, half from the Tec Campus Querétaro and half from the University of San Sebastián, along with 7 professors from both institutions. For five weeks, everyone was immersed in the fascinating Tec Virtual Campus, where traditional classrooms were transformed into immersive and collaborative experiences.

The initiative challenged the barriers of time and space, facing the three-hour time difference between Mexico and Chile. Despite this obstacle, students immersed themselves in mixed teams, creating avatars and designing sensory habitats that conveyed messages about crucial topics, from climate change to artistic inspiration.

The challenge was monumental: to design virtual installations that were not only visually striking, but also communicated deep emotions and messages. Among the tools they used to develop a design project are some virtual, mixed and augmented reality.

This creative process involved the use of cutting-edge tools, from initial sketches to 3D image models with SketchUp and augmented reality with SketchFab. This in addition to complete immersion in virtual reality with Mozilla Hubs and Twinmotion.

The project culminated with the presentation of these habitats in the Virtual Campus metaverse, where students and teachers shared their creations in a virtual auditorium before directors of both institutions. In addition, they took advantage of the VR Zone on the Querétaro campus for a completely immersive experience.

Tecnológico de Monterrey Builds One of the First Educational Metaverses in the World

What began as an experimental blockchain program is now projected as a scalable model that can be implemented in all Tec schools and campuses. The collaboration with the University of San Sebastián has further consolidated the Tec21 Educational Model. An approach based on challenges, flexibility and a memorable student experience.

Professor Juárez, leader of this initiative, presented findings from the project at an international forum in Seville, Spain. He highlighted the motivation, commitment and effective coordination among the students despite the distance.

Interaction in the metaverse not only developed technological skills, but also strengthened essential competencies for teamwork and effective communication, providing students with a unique international experience.

This exciting step into the university metaverse not only breaks virtual boundaries, but is also a testament to the vision of Tec de Monterrey and the University of San Sebastián for the creation of global educational opportunities.

In this ever-evolving virtual world, international collaboration in the metaverse is not just a possibility; it is possibly the new norm in higher education.

By Audy Castaneda

Matrixport Predicts Bitcoin Surge in 2024 Regardless of Timely ETF Approval – Here’s Why

According to its latest report, Matrixport strongly believes that Bitcoin and cryptocurrency prices are destined to skyrocket in 2024, regardless of the SEC’s decision on ETF approval.

As 2023 draws to a close, anticipation surrounding the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has generated considerable enthusiasm among analysts and traders.

While many are pinning their hopes on these index funds to drive a significant rise in Bitcoin prices and the broader crypto market, Matrixport, a digital asset financial services platform, offers a different perspective.

Fed Rate Cuts as a Catalyst?

An influential factor identified by Matrixport is the recent declaration of victory by Jerome Powell, chairman of the United States Federal Reserve (Fed), in the institution’s fight against inflation.

Powell’s mention of possible rate cuts caught the attention of the digital asset platform, which noted in its report that Bitcoin prices rose nearly 300% in 2019 as the Federal Reserve ended its hiking cycle and maintained the unchanged rates for an extended period.

Matrixport draws parallels with the current scenario, where the Federal Reserve projects three cuts, equivalent to 75 basis points, in 2024. In addition, Matrixport’s analysis incorporates its own inflation model presented a year ago, which projected a sharp drop in inflation from 8% to 3%. -4% by the end of 2023.

This model instilled strong confidence in the platform, suggesting that risk assets, including stocks and cryptocurrencies, would witness a substantial rally in 2023.

Possible CPI Decrease Strengthens BTC’s Role as a Hedge Against Inflation

Matrixport’s proprietary inflation model also indicates the possibility of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) falling below 2% by the end of 2024. This prediction has significant implications for the price of Bitcoin and its role as a possible hedge against inflation.

The CPI serves as a key measure of inflation and reflects changes in the average prices of a basket of goods and services over time. A drop below 2% suggests a slowdown in the rate of price increases, which could indicate a more moderate inflationary environment.

In such a scenario, investors could look for alternative assets like BTC that can preserve their purchasing power and protect them from value erosion caused by inflation.

Is SEC’s Bitcoin ETF Decision Irrelevant?

Matrixport emphasizes that even if the SEC maintains its disapproval of Bitcoin spot ETFs in January 2024, higher cryptocurrency prices are still expected throughout the year.

Additionally, the report highlights the substantial growth in US money market fund assets, which have doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching a staggering $6.1 trillion. This growth implies an additional $320 billion in interest rate payments per year, creating a potential influx of $370 billion annually or approximately $1 billion daily into risk assets such as stocks and cryptocurrencies.

Matrixport’s bullish outlook for 2024 also takes into account major developments on the horizon. The year marks a Bitcoin halving cycle, historically associated with substantial price increases averaging 192%.

Moreover, 2024 is an election year and the possibility of former President Donald Trump being re-elected is considered high. Matrixport suggests that his policies could potentially boost the US economy, thus driving up stock and cryptocurrency prices.

The largest cryptocurrency on the market has currently been trading at $42,600, up 1.8% in the last 24 hours.

By Leonardo Perez

Financial Future Shaped by Governments

Bitcoin at the dawn of a new financial era: challenges and perspectives.

Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, is now a key player in the global financial revolution. Born in the shadow of traditional monetary systems, Bitcoin has evolved to redefine our concepts of economics and finance. Today it is no longer just an alternative currency, but a central element in the transformation of monetary systems.

This development is particularly palpable with the emergence of sovereign digital currencies (CBDC) by several States, which signals a turning point in the recognition of technology, blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

CBDC and Its Impact on Emerging Countries

Africa and cryptocurrencies. In Africa, Bitcoin is proving to be a powerful tool in the face of monetary challenges such as low banking coverage and volatility of local currencies. Innovative services like M-Pesa and Machankura have revolutionized financial transactions, providing convenient and accessible solutions even without the Internet. This shows how bitcoin can be a lever for financial inclusion and monetary sovereignty.

El Salvador: A Case Study. El Salvador, having legalized Bitcoin in 2021, presents an interesting case study. Despite the government’s efforts, Bitcoin adoption remains marginal, reflecting the challenges posed by using cryptocurrencies in a state context. This case highlights the complexity of integrating bitcoin into traditional financial systems.

The BRICS Initiatives and Challenge to the US Dollar

BRICS Cryptocurrency. Robert Kiyosaki has raised the possibility of a common BRICS cryptocurrency, which could challenge the dominance of the US dollar. This project illustrates the global trend of de-dollarization and the search for monetary alternatives. However, political and economic differences between the BRICS countries make its implementation complex.

Europe and the United States: Their Response to Cryptocurrencies

Europe and the Digital Euro. In Europe, the ECB is actively working on the integration of the digital euro, with the aim of offering a secure and stable payment solution. Unlike cryptoassets like Bitcoin, the digital euro would be guaranteed by the ECB, ensuring its stability and reliability.

United States and the electronic dollar. In the United States, the possibility of an “e-dollar” is being explored, in response to the evolution of cryptocurrencies. This shows an awareness among Western powers of the importance of digital assets in the financial future.

MNBCs represent a fundamental change in the creation, distribution and management of money. They offer a stable alternative to decentralized cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Its potential to facilitate cross-border transactions and challenge the role of dominant reserve currencies is considerable.

Although the path to widespread adoption is fraught with obstacles, including regulation and privacy, the financial future appears to be decidedly digital, with Bitcoin playing a leading role in this transition.

MNBC Regulatory and Security Challenges

Confidentiality and security issues. The integration of MNBCs into global financial systems raises crucial questions about data privacy and security. Governments must balance the surveillance necessary to prevent illicit activities with protecting people’s privacy. Transparency and security are essential to earning the trust of users and ensuring the success of MNBC.

International regulatory harmonization. Coherent and harmonized regulation at an international level is imperative to avoid regulatory disparities. This harmonization is necessary to facilitate global trade and guarantee financial stability, taking into account the specificities of each economy. The adoption of MNBC must be accompanied by clear regulations to prevent potential risks and ensure a smooth transition to these new forms of money.

The future could see a coexistence between Bitcoin and MNBC, as each one has unique features that meet different needs. This coexistence could lead to a more diversified and resilient financial system.

By Audy Castaneda