Introduction:

🔗 Introducing "Blockchain Today": Your Daily Tech and Blockchain News Digest 🔗

Welcome to "Blockchain Today," your concise daily roundup of the latest news in technology, blockchain, and related fields. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our curated newsletter, delivering the most significant developments shaping the digital landscape.

Get a comprehensive overview of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and more. We cover industry events, regulatory updates, and breakthrough innovations, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in our rapidly evolving technological world.

Join Bit Education to receive the daily "Blockchain Today" posts an d become part of our community of like-minded individuals passionate about technology and its potential to shape our future.

Let's explore technology and blockchain together

Featured Tweet:

Contents:

• Tools for Humanity Raises $115M for Worldcoin!

• AI History: Myth to Boom

• Crypto Regulatory Landscape: A Stark Choice for Crypto Voters

Tools for Humanity Raises $115M for Worldcoin!

We have some thrilling news to share with you! Tools for Humanity, the brilliant team behind Worldcoin, has successfully raised $115 million in a Series C funding round. This exceptional achievement was led by Blockchain Capital, with participation from a16z, Bain Capital Crypto, and Distributed Global. It's a rare sight in this extended crypto bear market, and we are grateful for the incredible support.

Worldcoin, a decentralised open-source protocol co-founded by none other than OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is making waves in the cryptocurrency space. Currently in beta, it revolves around the revolutionary World ID and the Worldcoin token. To our delight, the project has already onboarded nearly 2 million people, and this funding will further accelerate its research, development, and growth efforts.

The World App, the first crypto wallet for the Worldcoin ecosystem, is also in the works. This innovative platform aims to enable individuals to maintain personal privacy while reaping the financial benefits of AI. We truly believe that as we enter the age of AI, preserving privacy while proving humanness is of utmost importance. This approach will help ensure that everyone can fully realise the potential advantages AI has to offer.

However, it's essential to address the controversies surrounding Worldcoin. The project has attracted attention due to its use of a biometric imaging device called the Orb. This device verifies that a person is unique and not a bot. While some may have concerns, our team at Tools for Humanity and Worldcoin contributors have carefully evaluated the system. We believe that World ID presents a unique opportunity to establish and scale a new privacy-preserving primitive. It allows any application to distinguish between humans and bots, improving the user experience of the internet and restoring trust in digital communities.

We're grateful for the support and encouragement we've received on this journey. Blockchain Capital general partner Spencer Bogart shared his initial skepticism on Twitter, but after extensive evaluation, he recognised the tremendous potential of Worldcoin. It's an exciting project that combines hardware, biometrics, crypto, and AI in ways that can revolutionise the cryptocurrency space.

To delve deeper into this exciting news, we encourage you to read the full blog post on our website. We'll provide a comprehensive overview of the Worldcoin project, the significance of the funding round, and the vision we have for a better, privacy-focused future.

AI History: Myth to Boom

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) has captured our imagination for centuries, with tales of intelligent and conscious beings crafted by skilled artisans. However, the journey towards the development of AI as we know it today has been a long and challenging one. From philosophical musings to groundbreaking inventions, and from periods of skepticism to renewed enthusiasm, the history of AI is a fascinating tale of human ingenuity and perseverance.

1. Philosophical Roots: Symbolic Manipulation The development of AI took a significant leap forward when philosophers began exploring the mechanics of human thinking. They proposed that the manipulation of symbols could explain the thought processes of humans, laying the groundwork for the future development of AI algorithms.

2. The Invention of the Programmable Computer The birth of the programmable digital computer in the 1940s marked a pivotal moment in the history of AI. This invention, based on the abstract essence of mathematical reasoning, inspired scientists too seriously contemplate the possibility of creating an electronic brain.

3. Dartmouth Workshop: A Turning Point In the summer of 1956, the field of AI research was officially founded at a workshop held on the campus of Dartmouth College. Attendees of this workshop would become the trailblazers and leaders of AI research for decades to come. With great optimism, they predicted the emergence of human-level intelligence within a generation and received substantial funding to bring this vision to life.

4. The AI Winter: Lessons in Humility Despite high hopes and substantial investment, the early AI researchers soon realised the enormity of the challenges they faced. Criticism from figures like James Lighthill, coupled with pressure from funding sources, led to a halt in undirected AI research. This period, known as the "AI winter," cast a shadow of doubt on the feasibility of achieving human-level AI.

5. The Japanese Government Initiative: A Spark of Hope In the 1980s, the Japanese government took the reins and ignited a resurgence of interest and funding in AI. Billions of dollars were allocated to further AI research and development. However, as the 80s drew to a close, disillusionment set in, and funding once again diminished.

6. 21st Century Boom: Machine Learning Unleashed The dawn of the 21st century witnessed a remarkable boom in AI. Advancements in machine learning algorithms, the availability of powerful hardware, and the accumulation of vast datasets propelled AI to new heights. The application of AI in academia and industry became increasingly successful, reigniting investment and enthusiasm in the field.

Conclusion: The history of AI has been one of continuous progress, punctuated by periods of setback and resurgence. From the ancient myths that sparked our imagination to the philosophical ponderings that laid the foundation, AI has come a long way. While early optimism gave way to skepticism during the AI winter, renewed interest and breakthroughs in the 21st century have breathed new life into the field. As we stand on the cusp of an AI-driven future, the lessons from the past guide us toward the endless possibilities and potential that AI holds for humanity.

Crypto Regulatory Landscape: A Stark Choice for Crypto Voters

The world of cryptocurrency and its regulation has been a topic of heated discussion in recent times. In this newsletter, we will delve into the key developments and statements that have shaped the current regulatory landscape. From Governor Ron DeSantis' remarks to the actions of the Biden administration, the choices facing single-issue crypto voters are becoming increasingly clear.

Governor Ron DeSantis made waves with his announcement on Twitter that he would be running for president in 2024. However, what caught the attention of the crypto community were his statements regarding his stance on cryptocurrency. DeSantis emphasised the rights of crypto owners to use Bitcoin and expressed his belief that central planners view cryptocurrencies as a threat, aiming to regulate them "out of existence." Furthermore, he proudly highlighted Florida's pioneering move to pass a law declaring it would never recognise a central bank digital currency (CBDC). This announcement presents a stark choice for single-issue crypto voters who prioritise a favourable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies.

On the national front, the regulatory climate under President Joe Biden has been described as a "cold regulatory winter" for crypto developers and owners. While Biden initially took a balanced approach to crypto regulation through an executive order, subsequent actions by his administration demonstrated a shift. Financial-regulation nominees influenced by Senator Elizabeth Warren's views have played a significant role. The administration's crypto policy lost its semblance of balance after the collapse of FTX, a prominent crypto exchange.

Biden's regulators, particularly within the banking sector, initiated what has been referred to as "Operation Choke Point 2.0." This operation exerts pressure on banks to avoid conducting business with entities in the crypto industry. This move has raised concerns about undue interference in the flourishing crypto sector.

Furthermore, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Biden administration has adopted a policy of regulation by enforcement. Calls for clear regulatory guidelines specific to the crypto industry have largely gone unanswered, with the SEC leaders merely stating that the rules are clear and crypto projects should "just come in and register." This lack of clarity hinders innovation and creates uncertainty within the crypto ecosystem.

It is worth noting that the echoes of the past administration continue to resonate. Former President Donald Trump was openly critical of Bitcoin, and his Treasury secretary proposed rules that would have imposed surveillance on personal wallets, violating privacy and autonomy principles. Additionally, Trump's SEC chairman pursued a lawsuit against Ripple, with potential far-reaching implications for the broader crypto ecosystem.

In conclusion, the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrency is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. The choices made by politicians and regulators have a profound impact on the future of the crypto industry. As single-issue crypto voters, it is crucial to closely examine the positions and actions of candidates and policymakers when assessing the direction of crypto regulation.