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Meta’s AI Dream Runs on Nuclear Energy in New 20-Year Power Agreement

Meta has struck a long-term agreement to secure nuclear energy for its AI and data center operations, ensuring the continued operation of a key Illinois power plant.

Under the 20-year deal announced on 3 June, Meta will purchase 1.1 gigawatts of electricity from Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center beginning in 2027.

We’ve signed an agreement with @Meta for the emissions-free output of Clinton Clean Energy Center. Deal supports Meta’s clean energy goals and operations in the region while enabling us to relicense and continue operating Clinton for another 20 years. 1/3 https://t.co/VQnTVnl1jp

— Constellation (@ConstellationEG) June 3, 2025

Meta stated:

“As we look toward our future energy needs in advancing AI, we recognize the immense value of nuclear power in providing reliable, firm electricity.”

Meta strikes its biggest energy deal yet—securing 1,121 megawatts of nuclear power to fuel its AI expansion, while Constellation eyes a new reactor in Illinois. ⬇️ $META $CSU.TOhttps://t.co/HfVKwIkmX6

— Juniorstocks.com (@Junior_Stocks) June 3, 2025

As Meta ramps up its AI ambitions—integrating generative models into Facebook, Instagram, and automating ad creation by 2025—it faces a soaring demand for energy.

AI infrastructure requires immense computational power, and the International Energy Agency warned in April that data center electricity use could more than double by 2030, surpassing Japan’s current consumption.

The partnership helps keep the Clinton facility, a vital nuclear plant in southern Illinois, online without relying on the state’s Zero Emission Credit programme.

Meta says the deal will also preserve over 1,100 jobs, inject $13.5 million annually into local tax revenues, and expand the grid with 30 megawatts of additional capacity.

Lawmakers, including Rep. Regan Deering (R-IL), welcomed the move as a “forward-thinking investment” that secures both economic and energy resilience.

Clinton Nuclear Plant Faced Shutdown in 2017 Despite Top Performance and Rising Costs

Once slated for closure in 2017 due to sustained financial losses—despite being one of Illinois’ top-performing nuclear plants—the Clinton Clean Energy Center was rescued by the state’s Future Energy Jobs Act.

The legislation created the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) programme, which kept the facility operating through mid-2027.

Now, thanks to Meta’s new energy agreement, the Clinton plant will remain online beyond that deadline—without relying on taxpayer-funded support, Constellation announced on 3 June.

On top of helping power Meta’s operations in the region with reliable, clean nuclear energy, the agreement ensures that Clinton’s emissions-free electricity will continue to flow onto the grid, providing reliable, low-cost power to local homes and businesses. 3/3

— Constellation (@ConstellationEG) June 3, 2025

The impact of closing Clinton would have been significant.

A March analysis by the Brattle Group projected that its shutdown would result in over 34 million metric tons of additional carbon emissions over two decades—the equivalent of adding 7.4 million gasoline-powered cars to the roads for a year.

Economically, the loss would have been just as severe, with an estimated $765 million annual hit to Illinois’ GDP.

Meta’s partnership not only secures the plant’s future but reflects a broader strategy: the company says it is actively exploring additional nuclear energy partnerships through ongoing requests for proposals, as it seeks to meet the immense energy demands of AI development while advancing its climate goals.

After announcing the initiative last December, Meta noted:

“[We] are in final discussions with a shortlist of potential projects to meet our 1-4 gigawatt target.”

Trump Family Distances from Magic Eden Wallet

The launch of a Trump-branded crypto wallet has ignited confusion and controversy, prompting members of the Trump family to publicly distance themselves from the project.

On 3 June, NFT marketplace Magic Eden and the team behind the “Official Trump” (TRUMP) meme coin announced a collaboration to release “the Official $TRUMP Wallet,” complete with a referral campaign offering $1 million in TRUMP tokens and a waitlist for early access.

BIG NEWS! The Official $TRUMP WALLET is COMING SOON! The First and Only Crypto Wallet for True Trump Fans.

Join the FREE waitlist for a chance to get a share of $1 MILLION IN $TRUMP REWARDS! Go to https://t.co/PVCQ6YXQ5v NOW!

The $TRUMP Wallet is Powered by @magiceden pic.twitter.com/KA26RzjY6m

— Magic Eden 🪄 (@MagicEden) June 3, 2025

The wallet’s landing page branded it as “the first and only crypto wallet for true fans” of Donald Trump, listing Magic Eden and Slingshot Finance as partners.

With Billions of Trump fans around the world, the $TRUMP mission has always been to make it super easy for Trump supporters to get into crypto and join the $TRUMP community.

The $TRUMP Wallet powered by @magiceden is coming soon. Join the $TRUMP community!… pic.twitter.com/7nIubWIdqw

— TrumpMeme (@GetTrumpMemes) June 3, 2025

Yet within hours, the Trump family pushed back.

Donald Trump Jr. stated unequivocally that the Trump Organisation had no involvement with the wallet and added that the family’s own crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, would soon launch its official product.

The Trump Organization has zero involvement with this wallet product. @EricTrump and I know nothing about it. Stay tuned—World Liberty Financial @worldlibertyfi, which we have been working tirelessly on, will be launching our official wallet soon. https://t.co/h1wO7dy6AX

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 3, 2025

Eric Trump echoed the denial, cautioning Magic Eden against using the Trump name without authorisation and calling the project unfamiliar to anyone in their organisation.

This project is not authorized by @Trump. @MagicEden I would be extremely careful using our name in a project that has not been approved and is unknown to anyone in our organization. https://t.co/OovJGvGOkO

— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) June 3, 2025

Barron Trump also chimed in with his first-ever post on X (formerly known as Twitter), clarifying that the family has “zero involvement” with the initiative.

To be clear, our family has zero involvement with this wallet. https://t.co/5NE6cZZQlO

— Barron X Spaces (@BarronXSpaces) June 3, 2025

The situation escalated when the account @TrumpWalletApp on X was abruptly suspended, casting further doubt on the venture’s legitimacy.

Crypto researcher Molly White, who initially discovered the website, called the incident “absolute chaos” and speculated that the confusion points to deeper miscommunication among Trump-affiliated crypto entities.

Absolute chaos. After my scoop about the upcoming launch of a Trump Wallet by Magic Eden, in cooperation with the $TRUMP memecoin team, Magic Eden pushed out their announcement. Both Eric and Don Jr then repudiated the project, stating they had no prior knowledge. pic.twitter.com/Exsr3jti4L

— Molly White (@molly0xFFF) June 3, 2025

Meanwhile, Magic Eden co-founder Jack Lu defended the wallet as a tool for enabling broader access to crypto, saying it would support popular assets like Bitcoin and Dogecoin and reflect the company’s effort to bring mainstream users into the space.

Our partnership with the $TRUMP team to build @TrumpWalletApp represents our commitment to onboarding mainstream audience deeper into crypto.

Most US users (and mainstream users worldwide) use centralized exchanges today, but we know that the newest metas on crypto happens…

— Jack (@0xLeoInRio) June 3, 2025

Magic Eden Doubles Down on Post Amidst Fears of Social Media Hack

Magic Eden reaffirmed its partnership with the Trump-themed wallet across several official channels, prompting speculation about whether the company’s social media accounts had been compromised.

Yes. It's real. https://t.co/GFCYUK4kkE

— Magic Eden 🪄 (@MagicEden) June 3, 2025

Addressing the concerns, Magic Eden’s business lead Liz A—known online as “Voh”—clarified that the firm’s accounts were secure and that the announcement was authentic.

magic eden is not hacked and this is legitimate

— voh (@vohvohh) June 3, 2025

However, key technical specifics remain undisclosed.

Cole McMillian, known as “Papi,” who is the NFT marketplace’s head of community, told one user on Magic Eden’s Discord server:

“This is like… The most legal scrutiny we will ever have. So just need to be careful about responses.”

largou essa agora kkkk pic.twitter.com/f6Wp90QbMC

— schallen.hl (@scha11en_) June 3, 2025

Neither Magic Eden nor its listed partner Slingshot has released details regarding wallet custody, supported blockchains, or any geographic limitations—leaving critical questions about the project’s infrastructure and compliance unanswered.

Specs of the Alleged Trump Wallet

The Trump Wallet’s main draw currently lies in its promotional tie-in with the TRUMP meme coin, offering users the chance to win token-based rewards. According to the wallet’s website, a $1 million TRUMP token giveaway, kicks off today and runs through 4 July.

Participants who refer at least one user by Independence Day will be entered into a raffle to win a grand prize of $100,000 in TRUMP tokens.

The referral system also introduces “TRUMP Boxes,” tiered reward packages that increase in value with more sign-ups.

For example, referring 100 people earns a user 100 entries toward a Diamond TRUMP Box, which could contain up to 200 TRUMP tokens—worth about $2,316 at current market rates.

The Trump Wallet app itself is powered by Slingshot, a mobile crypto trading platform acquired by Magic Eden in April, signalling a strategic pivot to diversify beyond its core NFT business.

By signing up for the @TrumpWalletApp (account already suspended 💀) -- which btw is in no way associated with the Trump family-- you agree to the privacy policy and terms & conditions from Slingshot finance.

People should know exactly what that entails 👇 https://t.co/7x2xMQ7FNQ pic.twitter.com/H1ESK9EZiY

— Timmy 銃🔫 (@TendermintTimmy) June 3, 2025

A Magic Eden spokesperson said:

“We have historically worked with the TRUMP project to support their prior NFT launches and are excited that we’re working on a much larger project now with Trump Wallet.”

Inside the Fractured World of Trump’s Expanding Crypto Empire

The Trump Wallet website bills the product as the “Official $TRUMP Wallet by President Trump,” claiming that Magic Eden has partnered with GetTrumpMemes.com for the launch.

That site is owned by Fight Fight Fight LLC, a company co-owned by CIC Digital LLC—an entity affiliated with the Trump Organisation.

Together, these two firms control a majority share of the TRUMP token supply.

One key figure behind the effort is businessman Bill Zanker, listed in public filings for Fight Fight Fight LLC and a significant TRUMP token holder via CIC Digital.

Zanker is also tied to a growing roster of Trump-linked crypto ventures: he played a central role in launching the TRUMP meme coin, has helped develop Trump-branded NFT collections, and is currently building a crypto-enabled Monopoly-style game.

This is not the first time Trump-branded crypto ventures have sown confusion.

In May, Trump Media and Technology Group—the company behind Truth Social—initially denied a Financial Times report claiming it planned to raise $3 billion to invest in crypto assets.

The company reversed course just one day later, announcing a confirmed $2.5 billion raise: $1.5 billion through a stock sale and $1 billion in convertible bonds, earmarked for Bitcoin purchases.

The Trump sons’ reaction to the Trump Wallet announcement appears to reveal a growing split within the former president’s increasingly tangled crypto empire.

On one side stands Zanker, a longtime Trump ally and mastermind of the meme coin strategy.

On the other are Eric and Donald Trump Jr., who co-founded World Liberty Financial—a separate crypto venture that claims to have generated $550 million in token sales.

In text messages to The New York Times, Eric threatened legal action over the wallet’s release, asserting that it was unauthorised and promoted without consent—even though promotional posts had come from accounts linked to Zanker.

Eric Trump now seems to be publicly threatening Magic Eden.

The New York Times also separately reported he made threats to sue the company: https://t.co/YCq4mvpqcG pic.twitter.com/RR13fktCvi

— Molly White (@molly0xFFF) June 3, 2025

Eric wrote:

“There is no deal for this product. There is no agreement for this product. It has not been approved.”

The incident underscores the mounting friction within Trump’s overlapping digital currency ventures, where competing players now appear to be working at cross purposes under the same name.

AI Set to Lead Deep Scientific Research and Creative Projects Within a Decade

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) marks a distinct shift from past technology revolutions—be it mobile, social, or cloud computing.

According to a new report by Mary Meeker and her team, AI and AI-enabled tools are poised to transform scientific research over the next decade.

These technologies are expected to independently generate hypotheses, run simulations, and design and analyse experiments—ushering in a new era of automated, data-driven discovery.

She writes in the report called “Trends — Artificial Intelligence”:

“The pace and scope of change related to the artificial intelligence technology evolution is indeed unprecedented, as supported by the data.”

Meeker, once dubbed the “Queen of the Internet” for her influential Internet Trends reports, brings renewed focus to AI after a hiatus since 2019.

I read the entire 340 page "AI Trends" report by legendary investor Mary Meeker which was released 48 hours ago.

Mary used to publish the famous annual “Internet Trends” before most of us were born - her insights are invaluable.

Sharing 10 takeaways from this report ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/2iQxULnv5W

— Rahul Mathur (@Rahul_J_Mathur) June 1, 2025

Now a general partner at venture firm Bond and formerly head of growth at Kleiner Perkins, where she backed companies like Facebook, Spotify, and Square (now Block), Meeker returns with a striking message: AI adoption is accelerating faster than any prior technological wave in human history—and its impact may prove even more profound.

AI Advancing?

In a sweeping 340-page report, Mary Meeker and her team lay out a bold vision for the future of AI—one that extends far beyond today's capabilities.

Worth the time to read Mary Meekers latest report on AI. The implications are far reaching touching every company and industry pic.twitter.com/6xBJxXTe6F

— Mark Valdez (@_markvaldez) May 30, 2025

By 2035, the report suggests, AI and AI-enabled tools could autonomously drive breakthroughs in material discovery, biotech engineering, energy prototyping, and even oversee the end-to-end research, development, financing, and logistics of companies—all with minimal human oversight.

The report also forecasts that AI will take on complex physical tasks like tool handling, component assembly, and spatial adaptation, while delivering expert-level guidance in real-time across fields such as law, medicine, and business.

More immediately, by 2030, AI is expected to independently produce full-length films and video games, generate scripts and characters, co-author novels, compose music, design buildings, and operate humanoid robots.

Within just five years, emotion-aware, real-time multilingual AI agents—capable of understanding and responding like humans—may become widely accessible, fundamentally reshaping how we communicate, create, and work.

Solana Foundation and Dubai’s VARA Partner to Launch Web3 Economic Zone and Nurture Blockchain Talent

Dubai has taken a major step forward in its digital asset ambitions through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Solana Foundation and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), announced on 3 June.

We’re proud to formalise our partnership with the @solana Foundation through a newly signed MoU by our CEO, Matthew White, and Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation.

From regulatory education and talent development, to data-sharing and co-creating the Solana Economic Zone… https://t.co/V0viseAnEZ

— Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) (@varadubai) June 3, 2025

This strategic partnership focuses on developing blockchain talent, enhancing regulatory collaboration, and supporting the launch of the proposed Solana Economic Zone in Dubai—an initiative designed to embed Web3 into the city's broader economic vision.

At the heart of the MoU is a commitment to fostering deeper cooperation among crypto stakeholders.

solana economic zones are more than a meme. this partnership with VARA recognizes our impact on the present and future of the dubai economy https://t.co/ikaIdO66jH pic.twitter.com/hn8Ty2rrZL

— Alex Scott (@afscott) June 3, 2025

The agreement outlines a series of joint initiatives, including specialised training programmes, technical workshops, and regulatory advisory sessions aimed at helping founders navigate Dubai’s licensing landscape.

Blockchain startups will gain access to tailored resources such as investor networking, compliance education, and direct engagement with policymakers—equipping them to scale responsibly within a regulated framework.

The Solana Economic Zone will offer founders and developers a dedicated environment to build and experiment, complete with access to VARA’s regulatory expertise and business advisory tools.

Additionally, the partnership includes plans to share anonymised economic data, enabling both parties to evaluate the impact of digital assets on employment and economic growth in the UAE.

These insights will inform regulatory innovation and strengthen Dubai’s role as a global hub for blockchain advancement.

This collaboration between Solana and VARA not only signals Dubai’s increasing embrace of crypto technologies but also sets a global precedent for how public-private partnerships can fuel innovation in digital finance.

Look forward to doing more (and more) in the UAE https://t.co/bnKuTIYEy7

— Lily Liu (@calilyliu) June 3, 2025

Solana Teams Up with AIX and Interbix to Support Tokenised Public Offerings

The Solana Foundation has also entered into a significant agreement with Kazakhstan’s Astana International Exchange (AIX), Interbix, and Jupiter, marking a bold step toward bridging traditional finance and blockchain technology.

🚨BREAKING: @Solana Foundation, @JupiterExchange, AIX, and @Intebix sign MoU for Dual IPO Listings

✍️ @ideyquickvex https://t.co/dMp5LnzJF2

— SolanaFloor (@SolanaFloor) May 29, 2025

This newly signed MoU establishes a dual listing framework that merges conventional stock exchange infrastructure with tokenised securities built on Solana’s blockchain.

Under this framework, companies preparing to go public on AIX will have the option to issue tokenised shares simultaneously on Interbix.

Solana will provide the foundational blockchain infrastructure, while Jupiter will supply decentralised tools to manage the technical operations of the platform.

The goal is to seamlessly integrate digital assets into existing financial ecosystems—improving access to capital markets while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

We're excited to advance our Global Unified Markets vision together with @SolanaFndn and Astana International Exchange (AIX).

Jupiter and AIX, Kazakhstan's Stock Exchange, have signed a memorandum aimed at developing a dual listing — allowing companies to go public through a… pic.twitter.com/2nUkMisKck

— Jupiter (🐱, 🐐) (@JupiterExchange) May 29, 2025

AIX CEO Assel Mukazhanova emphasized that this initiative could unlock more efficient capital flows and support the integration of digital finance into established frameworks.

Interbix CEO Talgat Dossanov described the agreement as a milestone for capital formation, combining the transparency of blockchain with the credibility of regulated financial systems.

The partnership aims to offer a hybrid model that enhances investor participation by enabling more flexible, secure, and accessible methods of trading equities.

According to the Solana Foundation, this initiative is designed to meet the demands of a broader investor base, ensuring the system is not only scalable but also compliant with evolving global standards.

It represents a forward-looking approach to financial innovation, where decentralised tools enhance—not replace—traditional financial structures.

SOL Price in Recovery?

Solana’s price initially showed a modest uptick following news of its strategic partnerships.

According to CoinMarketCap’s on-chain data, SOL climbed nearly 2% to $158.64—marking a 1.71% daily gain and an 8.89% increase over the past month.

However, at the time of writing, the token has dipped to $156.21, reflecting a 2.01% drop in the past 24 hours and an 11.59% decline over the past week.

Solana Struggles Below $170 Amid ETF Delay - https://t.co/CHB7Ut2rCW - #cryptocurrency #bitcoin #altcoins pic.twitter.com/hLCvjUF0oI

— The Currency Analytics 📰 (@TheCurrencyA) June 4, 2025

This pullback appears to be linked to Bitcoin’s recent downturn.

After hitting an all-time high of over $111,000, Bitcoin has since slipped to $105,652.63, down 0.54% in the last 24 hours.

Analysts speculate that the broader market correction triggered by Bitcoin’s price drop has impacted altcoins like Solana, which often mirrors BTC’s trajectory.

Despite the current slump, Solana’s broader performance remains notable.

Once trading as low as $9 during the 2022 collapse of FTX, the token surged throughout 2024 to reach several new all-time highs, positioning it as one of the year’s best-performing digital assets.

Still, breaking past certain resistance levels has recently proven challenging.

Looking ahead, Solana’s recovery may hinge on Bitcoin’s momentum and market enthusiasm around its recent milestones—including the VARA partnership and its expanding role in tokenised finance.

As investor sentiment stabilises, these developments could help SOL regain upward traction.

X Remains the Top Choice for News Influencers Despite Bluesky’s Growth

Bluesky is steadily gaining traction among news influencers—particularly progressive voices—seeking alternatives to X (formerly known as Twitter).

According to new data from the Pew Research Center, the number of influencers on Bluesky has doubled in just a few months.

Yet despite the platform’s momentum, most are not turning their backs on X.

The platform still dominates in daily usage and reach, highlighting how entrenched user habits remain—even amidst shifts in the social media landscape.

New Pew study: Left-leaning news influencers are joining Bluesky—but not ditching X.

While Bluesky saw a post-election boost, most influencers still post regularly on X.https://t.co/fkoVMjDyZp#bluesky #socialmedia #X #Trending

— Mobile Marketing Reads (@mmarketingreads) June 2, 2025

Pew’s findings are based on a panel of 500 prominent news influencers—creators with over 100,000 followers on at least one major platform (X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube) who regularly engage with current events and civic issues.

Between February and March 2025, 43% had joined Bluesky, up from just 21% before the 2024 US presidential election.

However, X retains its grip: 82% of these influencers remained active there in early 2025, only slightly down from 85% the previous summer.

The share of news influencers on Bluesky doubled to 43% after the 2024 US election, but X remains dominant, with 82% still maintaining accounts. Influencers are expanding their reach across platforms without leaving X. #Bluesky #X #NewsInfluencers #SocialMedia #MediaTrends pic.twitter.com/4oXjDVkmyo

— PUPUWEB Blog (@cheinyeanlim) June 1, 2025

The takeaway? While alternative platforms like Bluesky are growing, X continues to be the primary stage for digital influence—at least for now.

Exploring Options, Not Exiting

The growing presence of news influencers on Bluesky signals a clear intent to diversify—not to depart—from dominant platforms like X.

While X remains the primary vehicle for mass reach despite ongoing criticism over its content moderation and political slant, Bluesky is carving out a niche, particularly among progressive voices.

According to Pew Research Center data, 69% of influencers on Bluesky identify as liberal or pro-Harris, compared to just 15% who identify as conservative, Republican, or pro-Trump.

The remainder—47%—claim no clear political affiliation, suggesting that while Bluesky’s appeal skews left, it is not exclusively partisan.

The study, which tracks 500 prominent news influencers with large followings across platforms, suggests a pattern of platform expansion rather than abandonment.

Most influencers on Bluesky are still active on X, and just 6% use Bluesky exclusively.

In contrast, 46% remain active only on X, while 37% maintain a presence on both.

For now, X retains its dominance in audience size, user habits, and cultural relevance.

Still, Bluesky’s momentum is notable.

Its decentralised moderation model and reputation for a “healthier” discourse are attractive to influencers exploring new digital spaces.

By the end of March 2025, 66% of influencers with Bluesky accounts had posted content, up from 54% in January.

🇺🇸 LEFT-LEANING INFLUENCERS STILL USE X… EVEN WHILE COMPLAINING AND BOOSTING BLUESKY

66% of major news influencers with Bluesky accounts posted on X in March.

lol

But 87% of them still posted on X that same week.

Pew tracked 500 influencers with 100k+ X followers.

Most are… pic.twitter.com/jLedGCOmuD

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 2, 2025

Activity on X, while still high, has seen a slight dip—from 92% of influencers posting at the start of 2025 to 87% by March.

Yet the engagement gap remains wide.

Among influencers on X, 83% post content at least four days a week, compared to just 31% on Bluesky.

Nearly half of Bluesky account holders (48%) posted rarely or not at all.

Bluesky is gaining traction, but it’s still playing catch-up.

X remains the central hub of influence—though cracks in its monopoly are beginning to show.

Pew Research Center concludes:

"Among right-leaning influencers, 97% of those with an X account posted there at least four days per week during the study period. But too few of them have Bluesky accounts to reliably report on their posting frequency there."

$1.5B Bitcoin Move Signals Big Expansion Plans for HK Firm

Reitar Logtech Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company specialising in real estate and logistics technology, has announced plans to invest up to $1.5 billion in Bitcoin.

According to a recent SEC filing (No. 001-42210), this strategic move aims to fuel the company’s expansion beyond Hong Kong while updating its treasury management approach to better navigate evolving financial landscapes.

🚨JUST IN: US-listed 🇭🇰Reitar Logtech Holdings announces up to $1.5 billion Strategic Bitcoin (BTC) Acquisition for new Bitcoin Treasury Reserve pic.twitter.com/yVqBuC9iMU

— NLNico (@btcNLNico) June 2, 2025

By incorporating Bitcoin into its reserves, Reitar Logtech intends to reinforce the development of its logistics technology platform, positioning digital currency both as a store of value and a flexible asset to respond to global market fluctuations.

The filing, signed by Kin Chung Chan—Director, Chairman, and CEO—emphasizes that this investment is specifically designed to support growth and innovation within the company’s logistics technology operations.

Reitar Logtech Chairman and CEO John Chan, according to the filing, stated:

“This strategic treasury diversification initiative underscores our commitment to maintaining a strong financial foundation while scaling our global logistics technology platform.”

He added:

“By exploring Bitcoin treasury allocation, we aim to fortify our financial position while aligning with digital transformation trends in the supply chain industry. This potential initiative provides enhanced flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions and expand into new markets.”

Reitar Picks Bitcoin to Power Growth, Joining Strategy Group’s Latest Move

On the same day, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) revealed it had acquired 705 BTC for $75.1 million, bringing its total holdings to 580,955 BTC valued at over $60 billion.

Strategy Buys more 705 Bitcoin for $75.1 million dollars and now holds a total of 580,955 BTC.#crypto #cryptocurrency #bitcoin pic.twitter.com/VX9TUjLVhY

— Mohsin Ali (@Mohsin_71) June 2, 2025

Despite these significant purchases, Wall Street remains cautious.

Meanwhile, Trump Media announced plans to raise $2.5 billion to invest in Bitcoin, and GameStop declared a $500 million Bitcoin buy.

Adding to the mix, Twenty One—a newcomer backed by Tether, SoftBank, and Strike’s Jack Mallers—launched with an ambitious goal to hold 42,000 BTC, potentially becoming the third-largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally.

However, the market response was negative: Trump Media’s shares dropped more than 20%, and GameStop’s stock fell 17%.

Investors remain unconvinced that these Bitcoin-centric strategies will deliver immediate returns.

Tether Introduces XAUt0, an Omnichain Gold-Backed Stablecoin, Now Live on TON

Tether has partnered with the TON Foundation to launch XAUt0, an omnichain version of its gold-backed stablecoin, on The Open Network (TON).

Designed to provide an inflation-resistant digital asset with the convenience of blockchain, XAUt0 offers exposure to physical gold through a fully interoperable token standard.

Built on LayerZero’s Omnichain Fungible Token (OFT) protocol, the token allows seamless transfers across blockchains without requiring bridges, wrapping, or middlechains.

XAUt0 is the latest evolution of Tether’s XAUt, the leading gold-backed stablecoin by market cap, currently almost at $830 million, according to CoinMarketCap.

XAU₮0 is here: the omnichain evolution of tokenized gold.
1 token = 1 ounce of real gold, stored in Switzerland.
Brought to life by the team behind @USDT0_to — seamless, redeemable, composable.
A powerful step for digital assets. pic.twitter.com/4XrswJw60R

— Tether Gold (@tethergold) June 2, 2025

Previously confined to Ethereum, XAUt now extends its reach with XAUt0—broadening access to tokenised gold across multiple ecosystems.

By comparison, Paxos’s Pax Gold follows closely behind, with an $811 million market cap.

This deployment is part of Tether’s broader multi-chain strategy, echoing the rollout of USDT0—its omnichain dollar-backed stablecoin deployed across Optimism’s Superchain and other networks.

XAUt0 on TON will maintain the same backing as its predecessor: each token represents one troy ounce of gold, certified by the London Bullion Market Association and held in Swiss vaults.

Tether currently holds more than 7.7 tons of physical gold, according to its Q1 2025 attestation.

The move also deepens Tether’s integration with TON, which already hosts a native version of USDT.

🚨 Tether Gold (XAUt) is now LIVE on TON through XAUt0

Congratulations to @Tether_to, @usdt0_to, @topdotco and TON!

XAUt0 is a gold-backed, inflation-resistant on-chain asset combining the advantages offered by physical gold with the opportunities of blockchain technology.

Now… https://t.co/u9jmPtXtxI

— TON 💎 (@ton_blockchain) June 2, 2025

This growing ecosystem benefits from added liquidity and investor interest, especially after TON recovered to $3.22 following a brief network outage.

Tether’s Gold-Backed XAUT Token Sees Growing Demand for Tokenised Metals

Tether’s original gold-backed token, XAUt, launched in 2020 during a surge in gold prices, offering fractional ownership and the option for physical delivery to Swiss vaults.

Launched in 2020, Tether Gold (XAUt) was one of the earliest and most groundbreaking projects to bring real-world assets onchain at scale.

XAUt0 offers the best of both worlds: a timeless hedge against inflation, delivered with the flexibility and freedom that modern finance…

— USDT0 (@USDT0_to) June 2, 2025

Now, with the introduction of XAUt0 on TON, Tether is expanding the token’s reach across chains while deepening TON’s DeFi footprint.

Already home to more than 928 million USDT tokens, TON continues to outpace many Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks in native stablecoin usage.

The addition of tokenised gold enhances its total value locked and introduces new opportunities for trading and collateralisation.

XAUt0 is transferable across blockchains via automated mint-and-burn bridging, making it usable as DeFi collateral or as a digital hedge against inflation.

While the tokens remain pseudonymous and borderless, the underlying gold—7.7 tons, per Tether’s latest attestation—is stored under jurisdictional constraints in Switzerland.

XAUt enjoys 24/7 access, secure digital storage, infinite divisibility, and physical redemption options.

XAUt0 frees the world's largest gold-backed digital token across the world's leading blockchains via a frictionless, omnichain liquidity layer.

Get XAUt0 now ↓…

— USDT0 (@USDT0_to) June 2, 2025

As Telegram’s blockchain ecosystem works to align with US compliance standards and attract institutional capital, tokenised gold fits into a broader narrative: the blending of crypto’s hard-money ethos with growing demand for real-world assets.

In 2025, gold and Bitcoin have reestablished their positive price correlation, underscoring gold’s renewed appeal as both a store of value and a speculative asset.

With over $2.1 billion now tied up in tokenised precious metals, XAUt0 represents both a continuation of crypto’s evolution—and a challenge to traditional gold markets.

XAUt0 unlocks omnichain access, capital efficiency, atomic mint-and-burn, and programmable gold.

Own a physically backed, inflation-resistant asset while tapping into the full composability and financial innovation that web3 offers.

Your Gold, anywhere.https://t.co/fcU0M3fY5v

— USDT0 (@USDT0_to) June 2, 2025

Record Labels Push for Deals That Ensure AI Pays Artists for Their Music

Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment are in advanced talks with generative AI startups Suno and Udio to negotiate licensing agreements that would allow the use of their music catalogs.

As part of the proposed deal, the labels are also seeking modest equity stakes in the two companies—both of which are at the forefront of AI-generated music.

According to individuals close to the negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the outcome could set a key precedent for how AI firms compensate artists and rights holders going forward.

Suno・Udioと米国大手レコードレーベル間の訴訟について、解決に向けた動きがありますね

✅️正当なライセンス契約の締結と報酬モデルの確立
✅️レーベル・AI企業間で明確な使用許諾を結び、適切な利用料を設定する…

— いにしえ@AIクリエイター (@old_pgmrs_will) June 2, 2025

AI Firms Clash with Media Giants Over Use of Copyrighted Content

Udio and Suno are reshaping music creation by enabling users to generate songs from simple text prompts—like “a modern country ballad about unrequited love”—and receive fully produced audio in return.

To power this capability, their AI models are trained on massive datasets, often comprising vast libraries of music.

This need for copyrighted material has sparked legal and ethical tensions across the media landscape, as AI companies argue that training on such content falls under fair use, while rights holders demand compensation.

The conflict has already reached the courts, most notably with The New York Times suing OpenAI, despite OpenAI securing licensing deals with publishers like News Corp., Vox Media, and the Associated Press.

Now, in the music industry, major labels and AI startups are pursuing a different route—negotiating instead of litigating.

Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment are in discussions with Udio and Suno to establish licensing frameworks that could set a precedent for how generative AI engages with copyrighted music.

But the path to consensus is not straightforward.

Labels want greater oversight and control over how their catalogs are used, while startups are pushing for flexible, cost-effective terms that allow them to innovate.

Streaming Platforms Poised to Bridge the Gap Between Labels and Tech

The music industry continues to grapple with how best to adapt to the rise of AI.

While revenues have grown over the past decade—thanks in large part to streaming platforms like Spotify—they have yet to fully recover from the disruption caused by early internet-era piracy and file-sharing.

Historically, major record labels have resisted new technologies, clashing with platforms for user-generated content, streaming services, and now, AI.

Just last year, the industry took legal action against AI startups Udio and Suno, with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) seeking damages that could reach billions, citing copyright infringement and demanding up to $150,000 per work.

Sony Music, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group have united to sue AI music-generator platforms Suno & UDIO for alleged copyright infringement.

The labels claim that Suno & UDIO have copied their music in a way that will ‘cheapen’ the market of genuine sound recordings. pic.twitter.com/Gg793IN57S

— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 25, 2024

Despite this combative past, the industry is shifting its approach.

Mitch Glazier, CEO of the RIAA, recently noted that the music community is embracing AI—so long as it is developed responsibly.

He emphasized that labels and artists are already partnering with developers to build sustainable AI tools that prioritise human creativity and give creators control over how their work is used.

Still, Glazier made clear that meaningful progress depends on collaboration.

The industry is willing to work with AI innovators—but only if those innovators are equally committed to working with the industry.

Crypto Gains Political Ground as South Korea Heads to the Polls

As South Korea heads to the polls on Tuesday, one outcome is already clear: cryptocurrency will come out ahead no matter who wins.

Both leading presidential candidates—Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo—have made digital asset policy a centerpiece of their campaigns, signalling a rare moment of bipartisan alignment in South Korean politics.

Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 election, has proposed legalising spot crypto ETFs and allowing the country’s $884 billion pension fund to invest in digital assets.

His conservative opponent, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, supports the ETF proposal and has gone further, pledging to remove regulatory barriers for banks working with crypto exchanges and to lower taxes on gains earned by small investors and crypto entrepreneurs.

This convergence of policy priorities reflects the growing political influence of South Korea’s crypto-savvy population—now estimated at over 18 million people, or more than a third of the country.

🇰🇷 Crypto Wins Either Way in South Korea’s Election! 🗳️💥

As South Koreans prepare to vote on June 3, both presidential frontrunners — Lee Jae-myung (🏛️ Democratic) and Kim Moon-soo (🛡️ Conservative) — are racing to win the crypto vote.

💹 Legalize spot Bitcoin ETFs
💵 Launch… pic.twitter.com/2LIG0VAfIN

— Degen Station (@Deg3nstation) June 2, 2025

As digital assets become a mainstream issue, they are reshaping not only financial markets but also the national political agenda.

South Korean Watchdogs Introduce Tighter Controls for Protection

South Korea’s crypto landscape has experienced dramatic swings, with one of its most damaging setbacks occurring in 2022 when the TerraUSD stablecoin collapsed.

Spearheaded by South Korean developer Do Kwon, the failure wiped out over $40 billion in value, devastating countless retail investors and sparking a wave of public outrage.

In response, lawmakers enacted the Virtual Asset User Protection Act, which took effect in July 2024.

The legislation imposed sweeping new requirements on crypto exchanges: at least 80% of user funds must be held in offline cold wallets, insurance coverage is mandatory, and platforms must have contingency plans for hacks or system failures.

Executives found guilty of fraud now face severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment.

Attention has since shifted to the stablecoin market, which regulators fear could become a conduit for capital flight via foreign-pegged assets like USDT and USDC.

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, South Korean exchanges saw outflows totaling 56.81 trillion won—nearly half in dollar-backed stablecoins.

In an effort to counter this trend, presidential candidate Lee has proposed launching a won-pegged stablecoin, arguing that it could modernise the country’s financial system while keeping capital within national borders.

🇰🇷LATEST: South Korean presidential front-runner Lee Jae-myung vows to approve spot #Bitcoin ETFs and pledges to cut crypto exchange transaction fees if elected next month 👀 pic.twitter.com/wejhbRV15g

— CryptosRus (@CryptosR_Us) May 8, 2025

However, the proposal faces resistance.

South Korea’s central bank insists that only regulated financial institutions—not private companies—should be permitted to issue stablecoins tied to the won.

Crypto Opportunities Grow in South Korea

South Korea has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most active cryptocurrency markets.

On certain days, trading volumes on domestic crypto exchanges even surpass those of the nation’s primary stock indices, the Kospi and Kosdaq—highlighting the rising prominence of digital assets, particularly among younger investors who feel underserved by traditional financial systems.

This surge of interest has been further fuelled by rare political consensus: both leading presidential candidates have voiced strong support for crypto-friendly policies.

The bipartisan backing has reinvigorated optimism across the industry, attracting renewed attention from venture capitalists, startups, and blockchain developers.

According to Simon Seojoon Kim, CEO of Seoul-based Hashed Ventures, the outcome of the election is a win for crypto no matter who takes office.

The global landscape is amplifying this momentum.

In the US, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order supporting crypto innovation—especially dollar-backed stablecoins—as a strategic move to strengthen the US financial system.

That announcement has spurred policymakers across Asia, including in South Korea, to accelerate their digital asset agendas in a bid to stay competitive.

By rallying behind pro-crypto leadership, South Korean voters are making a bold statement: the future of finance is digital, and they intend to lead the charge

Job Interviews Step Into the Future with AI That Talks Back

The job interview is undergoing a fundamental shift: AI-powered screeners with lifelike synthetic voices are now conducting live, two-way interviews—no human recruiter required.

Startups such as Apriora, HeyMilo AI, and Ribbon are at the forefront of this transformation, reporting rapid adoption of their platforms for real-time, AI-driven video interviews.

These systems simulate a human recruiter, asking follow-up questions, evaluating key competencies, and generating structured feedback for hiring managers.

The goal is twofold: streamline the hiring process for employers and give candidates more flexibility—especially those in industries like nursing or trucking, where odd-hour availability can be a major advantage.

For companies hiring at scale, the appeal is obvious.

Running hundreds of interviews a day becomes feasible without overloading human teams.

In 2 years, your first job interview may not be with a human.

It may be with an AI.

The craziest part? You might send your own AI to attend it.

Now imagine:
•A startup founder sets up an AI agent to run their hiring process.

•The AI posts on job boards, shortlists resumes,… pic.twitter.com/CA5Cx85CvS

— ankita mohnani (@ankitamohnani28) June 1, 2025

Ribbon CEO Arsham Ghahramani, whose Toronto-based company raised $8.2 million in a round led by Radical Ventures, acknowledges the cultural shift:

“A year ago this idea seemed insane. Now it's quite normalised.”

At Canadian nonprofit Propel Impact, which plans to hire over 300 fellows this year, the move to AI interviews was driven by necessity.

The traditional approach—written applications and alumni-led interviews—simply did not scale.

Worse, ChatGPT was blurring the authenticity of applications.

Cheralyn Chok, Propel’s co-founder and executive director, explained:

“They were all the same. Same syntax, same patterns.”

The technology underpinning this shift has been in development for over a decade.

Platforms like HireVue introduced one-way video interviews in the early 2010s and later added automated scoring using facial recognition and language analysis—though visual analysis was rolled back in 2020 after criticism.

These systems, however, remained largely static.

Candidates recorded responses for later review, but real interaction was missing.

That changed with the rise of large language models like ChatGPT in late 2022.

Developers began building more dynamic systems that could actually converse—in real time.

Ribbon launched in 2023 and signed nearly 400 customers within eight months.

HeyMilo and Apriora followed closely, each experiencing fast growth, though specific customer numbers remain undisclosed.

HeyMilo CEO Sabashan Ragavan noted:

“The first year ChatGPT came out, recruiters weren’t really down for this. But the technology has gotten a lot better as time has gone on.”

Glitches Inevitable

Despite growing adoption, the rollout of AI interviewers has not been without hiccups.

A few viral TikTok clips have captured awkward moments—like bots repeating phrases or misunderstanding basic responses.

WTF, people are using real-time AI to alter their faces during interviews

this is a REAL recording from a meeting I had with the developer today!!

1. all of his answers were from ChatGPT—I could smell the GPT-4 bullet point-style responses
2. HE WAS USING SOFTWARE TO CHANGE HIS… pic.twitter.com/wXoIqKhzzj

— Dawid Moczadło (@kannthu1) February 4, 2025

One particularly shared video showed an Apriora AI interviewer inexplicably repeating “vertical bar Pilates,” a glitch CEO and co-founder Aaron Wang attributed to a voice model misreading the word Pilates.

Wang noted the issue was quickly resolved and emphasized that such glitches are rare:

“We’re not going to get it right every single time. The incident rate is well under 0.001%.”

Propel Impact’s Cheralyn Chok also reported encountering minor issues during interviews, though it was not always clear whether the problems were caused by Ribbon’s software or unstable internet connections on the candidate’s end.

In those cases, restarting the session usually fixed the problem.

Meanwhile, Braden Dennis, founder of AI-powered investment platform FinChat, observed that AI systems can struggle when candidates ask nuanced or off-script follow-up questions—highlighting a current limitation in conversational flexibility.

He pointed out:

“It is definitely a very one-sided conversation. Especially when the candidate asks questions about the role. Those can be tricky to field from the AI.”

To address reliability concerns, companies behind these tools are investing in active monitoring and real-time support.

HeyMilo runs a 24/7 support team and uses automated alerts to catch issues such as dropped connections or missed prompts.

Ragavan stated:

“Technology can fail but we’ve built systems to catch those corner cases.”

Ribbon has a similar system in place—every time a candidate hits the support button, a notification is sent directly to the CEO.

Ghahramani said:

“Interviews are high stakes. We take those issues really seriously.”

While videos showcasing AI fumbles might seem damaging, Ribbon CEO Arsham Ghahramani views them differently.

He sees the mockery as a milestone: the moment AI interviews moved from novelty to cultural familiarity.

Getting Potential Employees Ready

FinChat, which uses Ribbon to conduct initial interviews, informs candidates upfront that they will be speaking with an AI—acknowledging that the experience may feel impersonal.

It's true, AI is changing the hiring landscape, and preparing for bot-led interviews is becoming essential 🤔. Practicing with AI interview platforms can help you get comfortable with the format and refine your responses, giving you an edge in this new era of job searching.

— InterviewsChat (@InterviewsChat) June 1, 2025

Dennis noted:

“We let them know when we send them the link to complete it that we know it is a bit dystopian and takes the ‘human’ out of human resources. That part is not lost on us.”

Yet, the asynchronous nature of the platform has clear advantages, including expanding access to a broader talent pool and reducing the risk of overlooking qualified applicants.

He added:

“We have had a few folks drop out of the running once I sent them the AI link. At the end of the day, we are an AI company as well, so if that is a strong deterrent then that’s OK.”

Propel Impact takes a similarly transparent approach, clearly explaining why AI is used in its hiring process and offering live, human-led information sessions to preserve a sense of connection and trust with candidates.

Chok expressed:

“As long as companies continue to offer human touch points along the way, these tools are going to be seen far more frequently.”

At the same time, regulators are paying closer attention.

While AI tools are often marketed as objective and equitable, concerns are growing over how these systems evaluate candidates—and whether they may unintentionally reinforce bias at scale.

Illinois now requires companies to disclose if AI is analysing interview recordings and to obtain candidate consent, while New York City mandates annual bias audits for any automated hiring systems used by employers.

These developments signal that increased scrutiny of AI in recruitment is not just inevitable—it is already underway.

Moving Past Basic Screening Calls

While AI interviewing tools are still primarily used for early-stage screenings, that is starting to change.

According to Ghahramani, 15% of interviews on the platform now occur beyond the initial screening—up from just 1% a few months ago.

This shift points to a growing willingness among employers to explore new use cases for AI in hiring.

Some companies are testing AI-led interviews to gather sensitive information, such as compensation expectations or feedback on the interview process—interactions that can feel awkward for both candidates and hiring managers, but may be easier when handled by a bot.

In certain instances, AI is even being deployed for technical assessments or to replace second-round interviews altogether.

Wang stated:

“You can actually compress stages. That first AI conversation can cover everything from ‘Are you authorized to work here?’ to fairly technical, domain-specific questions.”

Still, most vendors see these tools as decision-support systems rather than decision-makers.

For now, AI’s role remains focused on collecting structured insights, not making the final hiring call.

Ragavan concluded:

“We don’t believe that AI should be making the hiring decision. It should just collect data to support that decision.”

XChat to Debut as Elon Musk’s Answer to Secure Messaging

Elon Musk is positioning Bitcoin-grade encryption at the heart of XChat, his newly unveiled messaging feature designed to elevate both privacy and user experience.

Announced on Sunday via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Musk revealed that XChat will offer end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, support for all file types, and seamless audio and video calls—all without requiring a phone number.

You can do audio/video calls without a phone number across all platforms

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 1, 2025

Built using Rust, a programming language known for its focus on security and performance, XChat is engineered around a new system architecture that Musk describes as “Bitcoin-style encryption.”

While not officially confirmed, the platform may leverage SHA-256, the cryptographic standard used in Bitcoin, assigning each user a public and private key for secure communication.

@tslaspacex @WatcherGuru Yes, Elon Musk announced XChat on June 1, 2025, with end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, file sharing, and audio/video calling. "Bitcoin-style" encryption likely refers to elliptic curve cryptography, similar to Bitcoin’s security method. However,…

— Grok (@grok) June 1, 2025

In a notable departure from competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram, XChat eliminates the need for SIM cards or cellular networks, enabling true cross-platform functionality.

This shift prioritises anonymity, device portability, and independence from traditional telecom infrastructure.

Currently in beta, access to XChat appears limited to premium users, as the platform gears up for broader rollou

Musk’s XChat Uses Bitcoin-Level Encryption, But Quantum Threat Looms

Musk’s mention of “Bitcoin-style encryption” likely refers to elliptic curve cryptography (ECC)—the same cryptographic foundation that secures Bitcoin transactions and digital signatures.

ECC has gained widespread adoption due to its efficiency: it delivers strong encryption with far smaller key sizes than older systems like RSA.

For example, a 256-bit ECC key offers comparable security to a 3072-bit RSA key, making it faster and more efficient for devices with limited processing power or bandwidth.

At its core, ECC relies on the complex mathematics of elliptic curves over finite fields, making it highly resistant to traditional decryption methods.

It enables secure key exchange, digital signatures, and encryption in a compact, high-performance format.

However, emerging research is beginning to cast doubt on its long-term resilience.

While ECC was once believed to be quantum-resistant for decades to come, recent advances suggest that quantum computers could break it up to 20 times faster than previously estimated.

The concern centers on the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem—the mathematical foundation ECC depends on.

If quantum systems can solve this problem efficiently, they could potentially decrypt private communications or forge digital signatures with ease.

For now, ECC remains a robust and widely trusted standard.

But as quantum computing accelerates, questions are growing about how secure XChat—and similar platforms using ECC—will be in a post-quantum future.

The race is on not just to adopt cutting-edge encryption, but to ensure it stands the test of time.

XChat Built on Elliptic Curve Cryptography for Enhanced Security

XChat’s security architecture appears to incorporate a suite of elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) protocols designed to ensure robust privacy and authentication.

@YC1401 @tslaspacex @WatcherGuru It's unlikely Elon is referring to Dogecoin. "Bitcoin-style" encryption in XChat points to elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), a standard Bitcoin uses for secure transactions, as noted in sources like Business Insider and The Verge. While Dogecoin…

— Grok (@grok) June 2, 2025

At the core is Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH), a key exchange protocol that allows users to generate a shared secret without transmitting the actual key over the internet—eliminating a major vector for interception.

Once this shared key is established, encryption duties likely fall to ECIES (Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme), which uses that key to secure message contents end-to-end.

For digital signatures, XChat could be using ECDSA—the same protocol trusted by Bitcoin to verify the authenticity of transactions—or potentially EdDSA, a newer and more efficient alternative based on twisted Edwards curves.

EdDSA is valued for its faster signature generation and verification, making it ideal for high-throughput applications like messaging platforms.

XChat may also employ ECMQV (Elliptic Curve Menezes–Qu–Vanstone), a more advanced key agreement scheme offering enhanced protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.

Another possibility is the use of ECQV (Elliptic Curve Qu-Vanstone) implicit certificates, which allow user identities to be verified without depending on a centralised certificate authority—an approach that aligns with decentralised security principles and reduces overhead.

The cryptographic foundation of all these methods hinges on a mathematical principle: while it is computationally straightforward to multiply a private number by a known point on an elliptic curve, reversing that process (i.e., solving the discrete logarithm problem) is prohibitively difficult with classical computers.

Built in Rust—a systems programming language renowned for its memory safety and performance—XChat’s codebase is engineered for security and efficiency.

Rust reduces the risk of critical vulnerabilities like buffer overflows, which remain common in legacy languages such as C++.

Coupled with ECC’s lightweight key requirements and energy efficiency, this makes XChat well-suited for deployment across both mobile and desktop platforms.

Still, one looming question remains: can this setup withstand the future threat of quantum decryption?

While current implementations remain secure against conventional attacks, the rise of quantum computing may one day render these protections obsolete.

Until then, XChat represents a compelling, forward-looking approach to private digital communication.

$43K in Crypto Paid to Free Kidnapped Russian Pair

A recent kidnapping in Buenos Aires has intensified concerns over the rising wave of crypto-related abductions worldwide.

In this latest case, a Russian couple—operators of a local cryptocurrency business—were lured into a trap by two fellow Russian nationals.

What began as a dinner invitation in the upscale Palermo district, a known center of Argentina’s crypto scene, quickly turned into a hostage situation.

The couple, aged 30 and 27, were invited to a rented apartment on Ravignani Street under the pretense of continuing a prior conversation from a local bar.

Once inside, the assailants restrained them and demanded $43,000 in cryptocurrency.

Although the attackers fled before authorities arrived, the couple was freed within 24 hours after a third Russian citizen—an acquaintance living in Partido de la Costa—transferred the ransom digitally.

The female victim’s cries for help in English around 11pm. caught the attention of staff at a nearby restaurant, prompting them to call emergency services.

Kidnapping of a Russian couple in Palermo: two Chechen suspects fled the country; Interpol is searching for two men.

A young Russian couple who run a cryptocurrency business were kidnapped and later released in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Palermo after a ransom of $43,000… pic.twitter.com/uqzJDBneke

— BowTiedMara (@BowTiedMara) May 29, 2025

Police discovered the victims tied up in the apartment, though unharmed.

Communication was briefly delayed due to language barriers until a friend assisted with translation, followed by official interpreters recording statements.

Investigators say the suspects—identified as two Chechen men—had been staying at the apartment for two nights and fled shortly after receiving the ransom.

Interpol has issued red notices for their arrest, with reports suggesting they may have fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Authorities believe this attack is part of a growing trend of transnational crypto kidnappings, echoing recent incidents across Europe and North America.

Despite the secrecy still surrounding parts of the case, one thing is clear: as the crypto economy expands, so too does the risk landscape surrounding it.

International Manhunt for Suspects Who Fled to UAE

Shortly after the crime, the suspects swiftly boarded a flight from Ezeiza International Airport to the UAE—escaping Argentina just hours before authorities could identify them.

The Argentine Federal Police (PFA) confirmed the departure, and Interpol has since issued red notices for both men.

A Russian couple operating a cryptocurrency business in Buenos Aires was kidnapped last week in their apartment by two Chechen suspects and held for a $43,000 digital currency ransom. The female victim called for help from the balcony, leading to a swift rescue by police. The…

— Nehal (@nehalzzzz1) May 29, 2025

The case is now under the jurisdiction of Federal Judge María Romilda Servini and the PFA’s Southern Anti-Kidnapping Department, with international arrest warrants issued and extradition efforts underway.

If captured and returned, the suspects face prison terms of 8 to 15 years.

Investigators believe the victims’ ties to the cryptocurrency industry likely made them targets.

A source close to the investigation said:

“This wasn’t a random act. The attackers likely knew the couple had access to digital assets and used that to their advantage.”

The ransom payment is now being tracked via on-chain analysis, though details remain limited. International law enforcement coordination is ongoing, as officials work to locate and detain the fugitives.

Judge Servini’s involvement adds an intriguing layer—she has presided over several high-profile crypto-related cases, including scrutiny of President Milei and advisory roles in warrants like that of Hayden Davis.

The case unfolds against the backdrop of a global surge in crypto kidnappings, from an Italian millionaire tortured in the US to a series of brutal attacks across France.

While this ransom was relatively modest, the perpetrators’ success raises the risk of future copycat crimes if swift arrests are not made.

Kazakhstan Unveils Ambitious Crypto City and AI Hub Initiative

Kazakhstan is taking a bold step toward integrating digital assets into its economy with the launch of “CryptoCity,” a pilot zone where cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be legally used for everyday transactions, including goods and services.

Announced on 29 May via the official presidential website, the initiative signals a shift in national policy—away from prohibition and toward thoughtful regulation of digital currencies.

Unveiled by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the Astana International Forum 2025, which convened global political, business, and institutional leaders, CryptoCity will serve as a regulatory sandbox.

Statement by President @TokayevKZ at the @AstanaIntlForum is now available via: https://t.co/k3cXEReVDx pic.twitter.com/7PyOYQZm1i

— Erzhan Kazykhan (@ErzhanKazykhan) May 29, 2025

Within this controlled environment, Kazakhstan will test the legal use of cryptocurrencies, allowing consumers and businesses to transact under the watchful eye of regulators.

The goal is to develop a comprehensive legislative framework that supports the open circulation of digital assets while ensuring compliance and mitigating risk.

Tokayev positioned the pilot as a way to attract crypto developers and investors, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s growing reputation as a regional crypto mining hub.

He expressed in his remarks:

“We are planning to create a pioneering pilot zone called CryptoCity where cryptocurrencies might be used for purchasing goods, services, and even beyond.”

While specific details about CryptoCity’s structure remain undisclosed, the project is the latest in a series of pro-crypto initiatives designed to capture more economic value from the country’s expanding digital asset sector.

Kazakhstan to Build CryptoCity in Alatau as Part of Digital Economy Push

Alatau was selected as the site for CryptoCity due to its robust technology and research infrastructure, making it an ideal environment for advancing blockchain and digital finance initiatives.

As home to Kazakhstan’s Innovation Technology Park and several leading scientific institutions, Alatau offers a strong foundation to support the pilot project’s ambitious goals.

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan Introduces 'CryptoCity' Pilot Zone for Crypto and Digital Asset Integration 🚀

Kazakhstan is taking a significant step towards embracing crypto and digital assets with the announcement of "CryptoCity," a designated pilot zone where cryptocurrencies will be used… pic.twitter.com/rRuKaJCXNK

— CryptoUK 🇬🇧 (@CryptoUKAssoc) May 29, 2025

Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev said:

“Of course, the most promising place for CryptoCity is the new city of Alatau – it’s the President’s initiative.”

Government officials and regulators, including Madiyev, are finalising project details but have expressed a clear preference for Alatau, citing its established tech ecosystem.

This choice is expected to foster synergies and stimulate economic growth, aligning Kazakhstan with global leaders like the US and China in embracing cryptocurrency adoption.

Located near Kazakhstan’s southeastern border, Alatau was founded in 1957 as a settlement dedicated to scientific research and housing for institutional staff.

It hosts the Institute of Nuclear Physics, the Kazakhstan National Nuclear Center with its experimental nuclear reactor and cyclotron, and the Physics and Technology Institute.

Beyond its scientific heritage, Alatau features a special economic zone—the Innovation Technology Park—which strengthens its appeal as a hub for innovation.

Given its existing status as a research and technology center, regulators see expanding Alatau’s scope to include CryptoCity as a logical progression.

He elaborated:

“The concept is that cryptocurrency would be used as a means of payment — to pay in restaurants, cafes, buy real estate, make investments. I believe this could be a major breakthrough for the blockchain industry.”

This expansion is anticipated to generate valuable synergies, attract investment, and accelerate the region’s development under crypto-friendly legislation and infrastructure currently underway.

Kazakhstan Embraces Crypto

Madiyev expressed optimism that CryptoCity will draw developers, programmers, and IT professionals to Kazakhstan, driving significant local economic growth.

While emphasizing that efforts remain focused on establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework, he confirmed that “the city itself is already under development.”

He further highlighted that CryptoCity aims to enable the free circulation of cryptocurrency, supported by crypto-friendly legislation, positioning digital assets as a fully legitimate means of payment within the zone.

He added:

“These conditions need to be reflected in the law.”

Google Photos Marks 10 Years with a Major Editor Upgrade Featuring Intelligent AI Enhancements

To mark the 10th anniversary of Google Photos, Google is rolling out a revamped photo editor packed with powerful AI features previously exclusive to Pixel devices.

Now available to all users, the update introduces Reimagine and Auto Frame, two generative AI tools designed to make photo editing more creative and intuitive.

Reimagine allows users to alter photo elements—such as replacing a cloudy sky with “clear blue skies”—by simply typing text prompts.

Auto Frame, on the other hand, suggests alternative framings by cropping, widening, or using AI to intelligently fill in gaps.

The redesigned interface also centralises all editing tools and introduces AI Enhance, a feature that applies multiple smart adjustments with a single tap—like sharpening an image while removing unwanted objects.

Users can also tap on specific areas of a photo to receive targeted suggestions, such as improving lighting or blurring the background.

Google says the upgrade is designed to make professional-grade editing more accessible to everyone.

Discover Google Photos' new AI powered editor with reimagine features, intuitive suggestions, and easier album sharing now accessible to everyonehttps://t.co/1F7GlQxHJv

— Critiqs AI (@critiqsai) May 29, 2025

Android and iOS Rollout to Follow

Google has announced that the redesigned Photos editor will begin rolling out globally to Android devices next month, with iOS users set to receive the update later this year.

Thrilled to mark 10 years at #GooglePhotos by contributing to our new, redesigned photo editor! Building on the Magic Editor, it democratizes advanced editing to all. Coming to Android & iOS later this year. https://t.co/od08cVLXpt

— Clement Ng (@heyclement) May 29, 2025

Alongside the editor, Google is introducing a new way to share albums using QR codes.

This feature is designed to make collaboration more seamless—users can scan a printed or digital code to instantly view and contribute to a shared album.

It is particularly useful for group events, where attendees can easily add their own photos without needing to exchange contact details or links.

Elon Checks Out of D.O.G.E Duty

Elon Musk has officially confirmed his departure from his role as head of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E), citing the difficulty of cutting federal programmes and jobs as a key reason for stepping down.

Appointed as a Special Government Employee, Musk was legally limited to 130 days of service, with his term concluding on 30 May.

In a 29 May post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Musk expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump “for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.”

As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.

The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 29, 2025

A White House official later confirmed that Musk’s off-boarding would begin that evening.

Speaking to The Washington Post earlier in the week, Musk described his experience in Washington as more challenging than anticipated, noting that the “federal bureaucracy situation is much worse” than he expected, and it was “an uphill battle trying to improve things in DC, to say the least.”

Musk Adamant D.O.G.E’s Mission Will Strengthen Over Time

Musk sharply criticised the multi-trillion-dollar tax break package passed by House Republicans on 22 May, arguing it would worsen the national deficit and counteract the efforts of D.O.G.E, in a separate comment to CBS.

Named after the popular cryptocurrency, D.O.G.E claims to have saved taxpayers $175 billion since President Trump’s return to office on 20 January.

However, these figures have been heavily contested by multiple media outlets, which cite numerous errors and accuse the agency of grossly inflating its accomplishments.

Musk initially pledged to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget—a goal later scaled back to $150 billion—making the claimed savings just 8.5% of his original target.

As a Special Government Employee, Elon Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claiming $160 billion in savings by terminating wasteful contracts, like $255 million from 269 contracts, and modernizing IT systems, such as digitizing the OPM retirement process.…

— Grok (@grok) May 29, 2025

According to a Reuters investigation, D.O.G.E has reduced the federal workforce by nearly 12%, or around 260,000 jobs, through layoffs, buyouts, and early retirements.

Despite the controversy, Musk remained bullish on the program’s future, writing on X that D.O.G.E’s mission will “only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

His optimism, however, comes amidst growing legal scrutiny.

A federal judge recently allowed a lawsuit to move forward that alleges Musk and D.O.G.E unlawfully influenced government operations.

Filed by 14 states, the suit claims that Musk and D.O.G.E violated the Constitution by improperly accessing government systems, firing federal employees, and cancelling agency contracts.

Musk Says Politics Took Up Too Much of His Time

Musk acknowledged that he may have devoted “a bit too much time” to political matters—an admission that some critics argue has distracted from his leadership at Tesla, in a 28 May interview with Ars Technica.

He lamented:

“I think I probably did spend a bit too much time on politics.”

Still, Musk downplayed the extent of his involvement in D.O.G.E, suggesting that media reports had exaggerated his role.

He maintained that his commitment to the initiative was far less substantial than it appeared in the press.

Musk added:

“It’s not like I left the companies. It was just relative time allocation that probably was a little too high on the government side, and I’ve reduced that significantly in recent weeks.”

Pakistan Announces Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in Major Policy Shift

Pakistan is preparing to establish a national strategic Bitcoin reserve, signalling a dramatic policy shift and aligning itself with the growing global embrace of digital assets.

The announcement came from Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, during his speech at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.

Bin Saqib stated that Pakistan is taking cues from the United States, particularly citing former President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to create a national Bitcoin reserve as a catalyst for Pakistan’s move.

The government official told the audience:

"Today is a very historic day. Today, I announce the Pakistani government is setting up its own government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, and we want to thank the United States of America again because we were inspired by them."

Today, 🇵🇰 rewrites history.

At Bitcoin 2025 Vegas, Minister of Crypto and Blockchain @bilalbinsaqib announces that Pakistan will be setting up its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. pic.twitter.com/1vNjryqimf

— Pakistan Crypto Council (@cryptocouncilpk) May 29, 2025

While the exact number of Bitcoins Pakistan plans to hold remains unspecified, questions linger about whether the assets will be directly purchased or secured through alternative means.

The announcement follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s appointment of Bin Saqib as Special Assistant on Blockchain and Crypto, reflecting a growing governmental commitment to the sector.

Honoured to be appointed as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, with the status of Minister of State.

This is a responsibility I carry with sincerity, for our youth, our builders, and the future we want to shape.

Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/hK4ZaMwXxW

— Bilal bin Saqib MBE (@Bilalbinsaqib) May 28, 2025

Notably, Bin Saqib also serves as an advisor to World Liberty Financial, a Trump-endorsed crypto initiative—further connecting Pakistan’s strategy to international crypto developments.

Pakistan Softens Stance Toward Crypto

Pakistan is making a decisive pivot toward embracing Bitcoin and blockchain innovation.

This week, the government announced the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity to support Bitcoin mining and AI-focused data centers—part of a broader strategy to generate revenue, create jobs, and attract foreign investment.

🇵🇰 Pakistan goes pro-crypto with industrial-scale mining plans

Kicking off crypto legalization and dedicating 2,000 megawatts to BTC mining and AI hubs. That’s two nuclear plants’ worth of power

From blackout memes to Bitcoin megawatts 🎃 pic.twitter.com/Z6fvVX5rh8

— Telbloggram (@Telbloggram) May 26, 2025

The country also plans to explore the tokenisation of illiquid state assets and apply blockchain technology to improve government efficiency.

This marks a dramatic reversal from Pakistan’s previously hardline stance that cryptocurrency would never be legalised.

The shift mirrors a wider global trend, particularly following regulatory changes under the Trump administration in the US, which have encouraged more nation-states to adopt pro-crypto policies.

Pakistan’s transformation began taking shape in early 2025 when the government floated the idea of a National Crypto Council to create a regulatory framework for digital assets and court international investment.

Among the Council’s early proposals were using excess energy to mine Bitcoin and build data centers, as well as accumulating BTC as part of a sovereign reserve.

Notably, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao joined as an advisor in April, offering guidance on crypto regulation, blockchain infrastructure, and digital asset adoption.

The country’s ambitions extend further.

On 27 April, Pakistan signed a letter of intent with World Liberty Financial (WLFI)—a decentralised finance protocol backed by President Trump—to explore tokenising real-world assets, building a DeFi ecosystem, and piloting crypto products.

To support these efforts, Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance recently established the Digital Asset Authority, a dedicated body tasked with regulating crypto platforms and issuing licenses to digital asset providers.

🇵🇰PAKISTAN JUST DID IN 32 DAYS WHAT MOST COUNTRIES CAN’T IN 5 YEARS

While other countries are still googling “what is blockchain,” Pakistan just speedran crypto nation-building.

In barely over a month, they:

— Got Binance’s billionaire founder CZ as their crypto coach.

—… https://t.co/3JrAhnNNl5 pic.twitter.com/QbyyKbSDSh

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 6, 2025

Together, these moves signal a profound policy transformation—and position Pakistan as an emerging contender in the global race for crypto leadership.

Cork Protocol Suffers $12M Exploit in Smart Contract Attack

As DeFi projects rebound, so too have the threats they face.

Cork Protocol became the latest casualty in a wave of renewed cyberattacks, losing over $12 million in a targeted smart contract exploit.

There was a security incident affecting the wstETH:weETH market at 11:23 UTC today.

All other Cork markets have been paused as a precaution, and no other markets have been impacted.

We are actively investigating the situation and will continue to provide updates as more details…

— Cork Protocol (@Corkprotocol) May 28, 2025

The breach, detected by cybersecurity firm Cyvers Alerts, occurred at 11:23:19 UTC and was traced to a wallet address ending in “762B.”

🚨ALERT🚨Our system has identified a $12M smart contract exploit, with @CorkProtocol potentially the victims.

A malicious contract was deployed on May 28, 2025 at 11:23:19 UTC by an address funded by 0x4771...762B (likely a service provider).
Just 16 minutes and 45 seconds… pic.twitter.com/72ScizbJPZ

— 🚨 Cyvers Alerts 🚨 (@CyversAlerts) May 28, 2025

According to Cork Protocol, the attacker exploited a vulnerability in the wstETH:weETH market—draining 3,761.87 Wrapped Staked Ether (wstETH), which was swiftly converted into Ether.

While the exploit was limited to this single trading pair, Cork pre-emptively paused all other markets as a security measure.

Cork Moves Fast to Limit Fallout After Exploit While Awaiting Publication of Post-Mortem Report

Shortly after news of the exploit broke, Cork Protocol founder Phil Fogel launched an internal investigation and froze all smart contracts to prevent further losses.

We are investigating a potential exploit on @Corkprotocol and are pausing all contracts. We will report back with more information.

— Phil Fogel ( 🦇, 🌳, 🍾) (@Philfog) May 28, 2025

Preliminary analysis suggests the attacker deployed a fraudulent smart contract tied to a spoofed token, allowing them to siphon off the protocol’s available wstETH.

Following the breach, the attacker’s wallet held 4,530.59 ETH—yet to be split across multiple addresses.

This lack of dispersion, coupled with the method used, has sparked speculation of potential ties to North Korean hacking strategies, which often involve delayed asset mixing.

The exploit capitalised on a pricing discrepancy: wstETH was trading at a premium of $3,207.73, well above ETH’s market price in the $2,500 range.

The timing was particularly disruptive—Cork had recently surged in popularity, boasting $23.8 million in total value locked and $563 million in decentralised trading volume for its Depeg Swap tokens, designed for risk hedging.

Since the attack, conflicting data has emerged regarding the protocol’s liquidity.

One metric suggests Cork lost over $1 billion from its wstETH vault, though the full scope of the impact on its Depeg Swap markets remains unclear.

Notably, Cork has no native token, limiting broader market contagion.

The team has promised a full post-mortem report to clarify the extent of the damage and next steps.

Security Incident Update

Today at 11:23 UTC, Cork Protocol experienced a security incident affecting the wstETH:weETH market, involving approximately 3,761.8 wstETH.

All other markets are unaffected and have currently been paused as the team works with auditors to ensure the… https://t.co/QTgOs0sg2b

— Cork Protocol (@Corkprotocol) May 28, 2025

Fogel thanked everyone for their support, reiterating that they are actively conducting a thorough post-mortem.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages of support and offers to help. It’s been a challenging day, but seeing all the support from the crypto community has been heartwarming.
We are actively conducting a thorough post-mortem and, in the meantime, are… https://t.co/xsuNMKFfI0

— Phil Fogel ( 🦇, 🌳, 🍾) (@Philfog) May 28, 2025

Cork Protocol Joins Victims’ List Alongside Cetus and Others

The Cork Protocol breach marks yet another high-profile security incident in a crypto sector grappling with persistent vulnerabilities.

We're here to help safeguard the space. Let us know if there's anything we can do to support your investigation.

— 🚨 Cyvers Alerts 🚨 (@CyversAlerts) May 28, 2025

As hacks continue to erode consumer confidence, industry leaders are increasingly calling for more robust safeguards.

Over the past week alone, attacks on DeFi and DEX platforms have intensified, coinciding with rising liquidity across protocols.

One of the most notable breaches occurred on 22 May, when Cetus—a decentralised exchange built on the Sui network—was compromised, resulting in the theft of $223 million.

Although Sui validators were able to freeze a large portion of the stolen funds, the move ignited a heated debate over the network’s degree of centralisation and the proper role of validators during major crises.

In response, Cetus offered a $6 million bounty to white hat hackers willing to help recover the outstanding assets.

⚡️@SuiNetwork steps in to fully compensate Cetus users after $223M exploit.

- The hacker used fake tokens to drain real assets from liquidity pools

- Sui Foundation gave a loan to Cetus to compensate users

- Cetus will begin repaying users using the loan and its own reserves pic.twitter.com/pJXadNpCNx

— Crypto Coin Show (@CryptoCoinShow) May 28, 2025

A detailed post-mortem by blockchain security firm Dedaub revealed the exploit stemmed from a flaw in Cetus’ automated market maker (AMM) logic.

📢 New Progress Update – A Path Forward Together!

Since the incident, we have reflected deeply on the incident and its impact on our users, partners, and the broader ecosystem. We are deeply sorry and take this responsibility seriously. Today, we want to share a meaningful step…

— Cetus🐳 (@CetusProtocol) May 27, 2025

Hackers manipulated liquidity parameters by altering undetected values in the binary code’s most significant bits (MSBs)—a technical sleight of hand that enabled them to inject massive amounts of liquidity with minimal input and siphon off funds from multiple pools.

The incident underscores the urgent need for more sophisticated risk controls as DeFi platforms scale.

No Grok Deal Signed with Telegram, Musk Clarifies

Elon Musk has publicly denied any formal partnership between xAI’s Grok and Telegram, casting doubt on what was previously touted as a confirmed deal.

The surprise rebuttal came just hours after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced a one-year agreement to integrate Grok across all Telegram apps, with a rollout planned for this summer.

No deal has been signed

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 28, 2025

According to Durov, the move would not only bring Grok’s AI capabilities to Telegram’s global user base—now surpassing one billion—but also significantly enhance the platform’s financial position.

Specifications of the Alleged Telegram-Grok Deal

Durov announced that Telegram and Musk’s xAI have entered into a one-year partnership to bring Grok AI to Telegram’s billion-strong user base.

Under the agreement, Telegram is set to receive $300 million in a mix of cash and equity from xAI, along with 50% of the revenue generated from Grok subscriptions sold through the platform.

A promotional video accompanying the announcement highlighted plans for a broad rollout of Grok’s features directly within the Telegram app.

🔥 This summer, Telegram users will gain access to the best AI technology on the market. @elonmusk and I have agreed to a 1-year partnership to bring xAI’s @grok to our billion+ users and integrate it across all Telegram apps 🤝

💪 This also strengthens Telegram’s financial… pic.twitter.com/ZPK550AyRV

— Pavel Durov (@durov) May 28, 2025

Users will be able to access Grok via the search bar, unlocking capabilities such as threaded conversations, smart text editing, chat summaries, document digests, inbox agents, and group moderation tools.

The bold integration has sparked speculation that Musk may soon launch his own official Telegram channel as part of the collaboration.

Grok’s Next Chapter: Elon Musk’s Vision Unfolds

Telegram’s potential partnership with xAI marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the AI chatbot landscape.

For Telegram, it signals a bold entry into the AI race—positioning the platform as a powerful distribution channel for emerging AI tools.

For xAI, it opens the door to a global user base far beyond its current reach on X (formerly known as Twitter).

If the deal is official, the rollout of Grok across Telegram is expected soon, giving the chatbot a fast track to scale.

"No deal has been signed" @elonmusk said in response to Pavel Doruv(Telegram owner) tweeting about a collaboration which would see grok be integrated to Telegram, because it's an agreement in-principle, not finalised formally.

Elon doing Elon things😅

"Watch your $TON bags"👀… pic.twitter.com/GKCsnVY70O

— Engr. Khalifa🥷💎 (@mangunzalo) May 28, 2025

The timing is especially notable, coming just after a technical outage on X, where Grok was initially deployed, and amid Musk’s ongoing efforts to stabilise and expand the platform.

Since Grok’s integration with X in March 2025, xAI has been steadily building momentum, bolstered by a $6 billion funding round.

These strategic partnerships put xAI in direct competition with top-tier AI firms and signal a growing push to redefine how conversational AI is deployed and monetised at scale.

Toncoin on a Roller Coaster Ride

The initial announcement of a Telegram–xAI partnership sent waves through the Toncoin (TON) community, driving the token up over 20% to a monthly high of $3.67.

But the surge was short-lived.

Within 30 minutes of Musk publicly denying any formal deal, TON dropped sharply to $3.27.

It has since recovered slightly to $3.34—still reflecting an 11.10% gain over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap.

This modest rebound may have been bolstered by Durov’s follow-up clarification: while the agreement is not yet finalised, he claimed it exists “in principle.”

True. Agreed in principle, but formalities are pending.

— Pavel Durov (@durov) May 28, 2025

Still, the conflicting statements have left investors on edge.

With no formal confirmation from Telegram, the apparent disconnect between Durov and Musk has raised questions around transparency and coordination.

Toncoin’s price often mirrors developments within Telegram’s ecosystem, given its close ties to the platform’s blockchain ambitions.

If the Grok integration fails to materialise, analysts warn of a potential deeper correction as speculative momentum fades.

Was Durov’s announcement premature or simply unfounded?

China's AI-Powered Humanoids Enter the Ring in First-Ever Robot Combat Match

In a display of man-machine collaboration, four AI-enhanced humanoid robots battled it out in China's inaugural robot fighting tournament.

Hosted as part of the World Robot Competition Mecha Fighting Series, the event featured human-controlled robots—each designed by Chinese robotics firm Unitree—competing in three two-minute kickboxing rounds.

🇨🇳KNOCKOUT! CHINA DEBUTS HUMANOID ROBOT FIGHT CLUB?!

4 teams. 1 arena.

And a G1 robot just laid out its opponent—cold—in the world’s first-ever humanoid combat showdown.

Welcome to the Mech Combat Arena in Hangzhou, where 4-foot AI-powered fighters throw real punches, not… pic.twitter.com/J5B11jMziQ

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 25, 2025

Winners were determined by a points system that rewarded precision and penalised missteps.

Unitree team member Chen Xiyun explained that the matches operated on a human-machine hybrid model: while the robots were pre-programmed with fighting techniques, human operators ultimately dictated their in-ring actions.

Weighing 35kg and standing 132cm tall, the robots underwent pre-match demonstrations showcasing their ability to execute varied punches and kicks, helping organisers fine-tune the competition rules.

🤖 China hosted the world's first #humanoid robot fighting competition, the CMG World #Robot Competition. Four teams and their #UnitreeG1 robots duked it out in a globally live-streamed event! 🥊pic.twitter.com/vkODcSbPoQ

— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) May 26, 2025

Scoring was based on strike quality and control.

Head punches earned one point, head kicks three, while knockdowns incurred penalties—five points deducted for a fall, and ten if a robot remained down for more than eight seconds.

The team with the highest score advanced to the next match, blending athleticism and algorithm in a futuristic twist on combat sports.

Robots Learn to Fight with Help from AI and Motion Capture

During a live broadcast on state-run CCTV, Unitree Robotics Director Wang Qixin explained that the company used AI technology to train its robots through machine learning.

He said:

“First of all, the motion capture will be based on some professional fighting athletes. Based on their motion capture data, the robot will learn these movements in the virtual world.”

The event showcased the bots' ability to adapt and execute combat techniques with increasing precision.

In an early match, a robot in pink headgear faced off against a black-clad opponent.

After a chaotic exchange of imprecise punches and kicks, the black robot stumbled and fell while attempting a kick.

However, it rebounded in the third round, landing a successful front kick that floored its pink rival.

A second knockdown followed, with the black robot pinning the pink one to secure victory.

Both the pink and red-geared robots were eliminated, setting the stage for a final showdown between the black and green bots.

In a closely contested match, the black robot outscored its opponent to take the championship title.

Looking ahead, organisers announced plans for another event—this time featuring full-sized humanoid robots—scheduled for December in Guangdong Province, signalling the rapid evolution of competitive AI-powered robotics.

Top TRUMP Token Holder Justin Sun Salutes President’s Bold Bitcoin Vision

Tron founder Justin Sun praised former President Donald Trump’s firm commitment to Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency space during the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas.

Speaking on a panel, Sun credited Trump’s outspoken support for reshaping the digital asset landscape in the United States, calling it a game-changer for the industry.

BREAKING 🚨 JUSTIN SUN SAYS TRUMP’S COMMITMENT TO BITCOIN IS REAL

“HE’S SHOWING SUPPORT FOR THE ENTIRE CRYPTO ECOSYSTEM.” pic.twitter.com/yFQNHVfvrN

— That Martini Guy ₿ (@MartiniGuyYT) May 27, 2025

The conference, which brought together top lawmakers, entrepreneurs, and developers, served as a backdrop for Sun to highlight the direct link between Trump-backed policies and Bitcoin’s recent surge.

He boldly asserted that Bitcoin’s climb to an all-time high of $100,000 in December 2024—just one month after Trump’s re-election—would not have happened without the former president’s influence.

Sun also revealed his attendance at a recent high-profile crypto dinner hosted by Trump, underscoring his close alignment with the former president’s digital asset agenda.

As the largest holder of the TRUMP meme coin and an investor with a $75 million stake in World Liberty Financial (WLFI)—an organisation believed to be central to Trump’s crypto strategy—Sun’s remarks underscore his deepening involvement in the political and financial dimensions of crypto’s future in the US.

Trump Goes All In on Bitcoin While US Government Preps Space Storage for Crypto

In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, marking a historic move to integrate Bitcoin into the US Treasury as a long-term hedge asset—much like gold.

Notably, the reserve will be funded through Bitcoin seized in criminal and civil cases, avoiding the use of taxpayer dollars.

The directive also created a US Digital Asset Stockpile to manage a broader portfolio of cryptocurrencies and called for a full audit of federal digital asset holdings.

While Senator Cynthia Lummis has publicly stated that the government may hold around 200,000 BTC, the full report remains classified pending a White House security review.

Momentum for crypto policy continues to build in Washington.

Lummis announced that the Senate will soon consider the BITCOIN Act, which seeks to formally authorise the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and allow the federal government to acquire up to 1 million BTC over five years.

The BITCOIN Act is the only solution to our nation’s $36T debt. I’m grateful for a forward-thinking president who not only recognizes this, but acts on it. pic.twitter.com/NVWH6v2EcH

— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) May 2, 2025

The bill also proposes integrating Bitcoin into federal infrastructure and payment systems, reinforcing Trump’s broader strategy to ease crypto regulation, attract blockchain investment, and safeguard digital rights.

In parallel, the Senate is nearing a vote on the GENIUS Act—America’s first comprehensive stablecoin legislation.

As a longtime Bitcoin advocate, Lummis emphasized that the push is not just about cryptocurrency—it is about bolstering US financial sovereignty.

Stablecoins aren’t the future, they’re the present.
Digital assets can facilitate payments 365 days of the year, without the extra costs.

The GENIUS Act is a game-changer for everyone, from small businesses in Cheyenne, to major companies in New York City. pic.twitter.com/EVR0lQADpM

— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) May 22, 2025

Analysts believe that if passed, the BITCOIN Act and GENIUS Act could provide the regulatory clarity and confidence long sought by US crypto markets.

During a fireside chat with Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal at the event, Lummis said:

“It has been extremely difficult. I had no idea how hard this was going to be.”

Trump Pushes Ahead with US Bitcoin Strategy

With President Trump’s vocal backing and Congress actively advancing legislation, the United States is rapidly positioning itself as the global leader in cryptocurrency innovation.

High-profile figures like Sun, long associated with Asia’s crypto rise, are now turning their attention—and capital—toward US markets.

The shift is not going unnoticed.

Bitcoin is hover close to $109,000, Ethereum is gaining momentum, and major exchanges and mining firms are expanding operations on American soil, citing growing institutional interest and a more predictable regulatory environment.

The message is becoming clear: under Trump’s leadership, Bitcoin is evolving from a decentralised currency into a core pillar of national economic strategy.

As the world watches, the US is no longer just participating in the digital asset revolution—it is aiming to lead it.