UN launches international effort to tackle AI governance challenges

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, revealed the establishment of a 39-member advisory committee aimed at tackling matters related to the global regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), on Thursday, Oct. 26. According to the announcement, the roster comprises individuals ranging from tech industry leaders, government representatives spanning from Spain to Saudi Arabia, and scholars hailing from nations like the United States, Russia, and Japan. Executives from prominent technology companies include Hiroaki Kitano, who holds the position of chief technology officer (CTO) at Sony, Mira Murati, CTO of OpenAI, and Natasha…

Astar Network launches zKatana layer-2 scaling solution on public testnet

The Astar Network, a smart contract platform for multi-chain, announced the launch of its zero-knowledge (ZK) Ethereum layer-2 solution, zKatana, to enhance interoperability with Ethereum-compatible chains. The zKatana testnet zKatana refers to the project’s Japanese roots, which depict a served blade used by feudal samurais in combat. The project is a zero-knowledge EVM (zkEVM) scaling solution on Ethereum (ETH) designed to increase interoperability between Astar and EVM-compatible chains. The layer-2 zkEVM solution is an addition to the tech stack of the Astar Network, comprising a variety of tools and products that…

Binance Crypto Exchange Launches Futures Trading for Ethereum-Based Altcoin That’s Surged Over 50% in a Week

The world’s largest crypto exchange platform by volume is launching futures trading for one Ethereum (ETH)-based altcoin that’s jumped over 50% in a week. In a new announcement, crypto exchange Binance says that it will be launching futures contracts with up to 50x leverage for Powerledger (POWR), a decentralized energy market built on top of ETH that democratizes energy tokens. According to Powerledger’s official website, the crypto asset aims to aid the decentralization of the energy grid, help transition toward renewable energy, and help consumers keep track of their power…

Horizen Launches EON for Web 3.0 Developers on Mainnet

As an emerging solution, Horizen has highlighted that EON is open to partnerships and integration but only with firms and protocols that resonate with its core values. Fast-growing Layer-0 public blockchain Horizen has hit a major milestone with the mainnet launch of Horizen Ethereum Open Network (EON). Notably, Horizen EON is a smart contracting sidechain platform fully compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It is designed to play a crucial role in the revolution of We b3.0 and to empower the next generation of developers.   The new solution is designed…

Solana Labs launches Web3 incubator offering dev and fundraising support

Solana Labs unveiled an all-new incubator program for project development on the Solana blockchain on Oct. 26.  Title simply “Solana Incubator,” the program will offer fundraising, development, networking, and marketing support for web and blockchain projects seeking to build on Solana’s platform. Building a web3 startup on the Solana network? ️ Today, @SolanaLabs introduces their Solana Incubator, so you can get hands on technical, go-to-market, and funding support! Learn more and apply https://t.co/W10WnEgDwQ — Solana (@solana) October 26, 2023 The Solana Incubator will accept applications through Nov. 30. Those accepted…

Circle launches ‘points-to-crypto’ program with Taiwan convenience store chain

The United States-based stablecoin issuer Circle has reported a partnership with Taiwan’s second-largest convenience store chain, FamilyMart, and a local crypto exchange, BitoGroup. According to the company’s press release from Oct. 26, it will deliver a new ‘Points-to-Crypto’ service on the Taiwan FamilyMart App.  This will allow FamilyMart customers to exchange their loyalty points for the Circle-issued USDC. Customers will be able to withdraw the equivalent of FamiPoints to their BitoPro wallets. As the release explains: “Converting FamiPoints into USDC prevents a loss of value in loyalty points over time and…

Polygon launches POL token contract on Ethereum to eventually replace MATIC

Polygon Labs has launched the Ethereum contract for the new Polygon token, POL, according to an October 25 announcement. The new token is intended to replace the ecosystem’s current token, MATIC. However, the team said users presently don’t need to exchange their MATIC for POL. The POL token upgrade is now live on Ethereum mainnet. Polygon 2.0, released this summer, is a roadmap for scaling Ethereum to build the Value Layer of the Internet. POL unlocks that future. POL is a next-generation token that can power a vast ecosystem of…

Euroclear launches digital securities issuance service, settles World Bank bond

Euroclear has launched a digital securities issuance service and settled a 100-million-euro ($106 million) digital World Bank bond. This is the first step in the Brussels-based settlement house’s digital infrastructure strategy, it said. The three-year bond, which is being called a digitally native note, was issued by World Bank lending arm International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to raise funds for sustainable development. It was listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and was completed on Oct. 23. Related: Europe drives institutional crypto adoption: Blockchain Expo Amsterdam Euroclear’s digital infrastructure is…

Privacy firm Nym launches $300M fund, eyes Web3 wallets, RPCs & infrastructure services

Blockchain privacy firm Nym Technologies has launched a $300 million funding program aimed at providing capital to projects building security-focused infrastructure. The Nym Innovation Fund will draw capital from venture capitalist investors including Polychain, KR1, Huobi Incubator and Eden Block and will focus on supporting projects building Web3 privacy-focused tools and services. Nym Technologies CEO and co-founder Harry Halpin said that privacy remains a central cog in ensuring that a decentralized internet remains resistant to censorship and avoids the pitfalls of Web2: “This programme will ensure the health of the…

Bitsa launches new safety card feature

European prepaid card provider Bitsa has launched a new feature that enhances the privacy and security of its users. The Disposable Prepaid Card for Online Purchasing feature allows users to make purchases while protecting their financial information. The Disposable Prepaid Card for Online Purchasing feature offers several advantages for users, such as: Reducing the risk of identity theft or fraud, as users do not have to share their financial data with untrusted online stores or platforms. Avoiding censorship and intermediaries, with users being able spend their crypto directly without relying…