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Binance Academy has recently unveiled a range of university-accredited programs in partnership with leading educational institutions in Europe. These programs are designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge and understanding of blockchain technology and digital assets.

The participating universities include the Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE), the European Business Institute (EBI) of Luxembourg, and the ESCP Business School. Each program has been developed in collaboration with experienced professors who teach crypto and blockchain-related courses on campus.

To ensure accessibility and affordability, Binance Academy has priced the enrollment fees for these programs at just 10 USDT. This discounted rate aims to make high-quality education in the field of blockchain accessible to learners worldwide.

Upon successful completion of a program, participants will receive a co-branded certificate from the respective university and Binance Academy, enhancing their credentials and knowledge in the blockchain industry.

To celebrate the launch of these university-accredited programs, Binance Academy is offering a limited-time discount and rewarding participants. During the activity period, users who enroll in any of the new programs using Binance Pay will receive a 60% discount on the enrollment fees. This means that the enrollment fee for each program is reduced to 4 USDT during the promotional period.

Furthermore, the first 2,000 new users who complete the program and meet specific requirements will receive a 4 USDT token voucher as a reward. The tasks include registering for a Binance account, completing identity verification, purchasing a university program using Binance Pay, completing the program, and sharing the certificate of completion on social media.

It is important to note that this activity may not be available in all regions, and only verified Binance users from qualified regions where Binance Pay is available are eligible to participate and receive rewards. The token voucher rewards will be distributed within 21 working days after the activity ends.

Binance Academy aims to provide comprehensive and accessible education in the field of blockchain and digital assets. Through these university-accredited programs, learners can enhance their knowledge and skills, bolstering their understanding of the rapidly evolving blockchain industry.

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Everyone is aware of crypto these days. Once obscure, these digital assets are rapidly integrating into the mainstream, particularly in the realm of e-commerce. The industry is predicted to grow from its previous perception as a niche investment for tech enthusiasts to $2.9 billion by 2030.

The increasing digitisation of various aspects of life demands the recognition of virtual currency as an authentic asset, not merely a passing fad. This article will examine why the e-commerce industry is open to accept crypto as a viable payment solution, as well as what benefits it presents.

Potential of Crypto Payments

The unpredictable adoption rates of cryptocurrencies make it challenging to estimate the size of the market. The Global Crypto Adoption Index indicated that adoption peaked in Q2 2021. However, affected by economic concerns and market instability, cryptocurrency ownership proceeded to witness significant fluctuations.

According to stats, adult crypto ownership rates in the United States fell slightly from 33% in 2022 to 30% in 2023. However, with 60% of respondents saying they are familiar with the idea, there appears to be a good chance that the use of digital currencies will rise as technology becomes more widely available.

Though, the use of cryptocurrency is still quite low. According to the same survey, 38% of cryptocurrency users were lured to the technology, whereas only 13% of users bought crypto for usage in online transactions.

E-commerce aims to overcome the drawbacks of conventional payment methods to enhance the consumer experience. As the needs for online commerce change, cryptocurrencies present a viable way to conduct transactions more quickly. This and decreasing trust in conventional institutions suggest that future perceptions and usage of cryptocurrencies may change.

Advantages of Cryptocurrency in E-Commerce

Using cryptocurrency for payments gives e-commerce companies a number of advantages over competitors:

Improved Global Reach

E-commerce sites can reach a wider audience worldwide with cryptocurrencies. Conventional payment options are not always accessible everywhere and may have regional limitations. Companies looking to conduct cross-border business often choose to use cryptocurrencies because of their ease of use and absence of global regulation.

Lower Expenses

Businesses can avoid the high fees associated with using credit cards by accepting cryptocurrencies. Customers and businesses may save money as a result of the typically lower fees connected with digital asset transactions, which would cut the price of goods and services.

Greater Safety

Transactions using cryptocurrencies are highly secure since they are decentralised. As a transaction is almost impossible to undo after completion, the likelihood of fraud is greatly decreased. Adopting blockchain technology provides an extra layer of protection against chargebacks and fraudulent actions, protecting merchants and customers in the online marketplace.

Cryptocurrency Applications in E-Commerce

With cryptocurrency, a wide range of e-commerce applications are feasible:

• Loyalty Programmes: The innovative and safe benefits that customers may now enjoy as a result of blockchain technology increase the allure of loyalty programmes. Benefits like loyalty tokens are ensured to be fair and secure due to the immutability of blockchain technology, which increases engagement and confidence.

• Web 3.0 and Metaverse: With its immersive purchasing experience, cryptocurrency is a key component of both Web 3.0 and the metaverse. It enhances user engagement by facilitating transactions for virtual money and collectables.

• Supply Chain Transparency: Supply chain integrity and product manufacturing can be transparently verified by using blockchain for tracking. This highlights a brand’s dedication to integrity in the fight against fake goods and unscrupulous business methods.

• Specialised Marketplaces: With the emergence of virtual assets, specialised peer-to-peer networks marketplaces have been established. These platforms give merchants new chances to reach larger audiences and increase their market presence by providing safer transactions and lower operating costs.

Final Remarks

Companies that accept crypto as payment have a unique opportunity to gain a lot from this technology and other innovations in the industry. In addition to the advantages mentioned earlier, using cryptocurrency for payments has enormous potential to grow the e-commerce sector.

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Worldcoin’s World App has achieved a major milestone, surpassing 10 million users since its launch in June 2023. The app, which aims to create a universal basic income, has gained significant traction and popularity among users worldwide.

World App: A Gateway to Universal Basic Income

The World App, developed by Worldcoin, offers users the ability to register their identity through eye-scanning technology known as “Orbs”. This innovative approach to identity verification has attracted millions of users who are interested in participating in the Worldcoin ecosystem and potentially benefiting from a universal basic income.

Rapid Adoption and User Engagement

Since its introduction, the World App has experienced rapid adoption, with an average of 2 million daily users and over 5 million monthly users. This level of engagement highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies and the potential for blockchain technology to revolutionize financial systems.

The success of the World App can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, accessibility, and the promise of a universal basic income. By providing a simple and intuitive platform, Worldcoin has made it easier for individuals from various backgrounds and countries to participate in the crypto economy.

Sparking Interest in Alternative Wallets

The viral story of a Kenyan user who used Worldcoin funds to purchase goats has captured the attention of the crypto community and highlighted the real-world impact of cryptocurrency. This heartwarming story has not only showcased the potential of Worldcoin but has also sparked interest in alternative wallets within the Worldcoin ecosystem.

Remco Bloemen, head of blockchain at the Worldcoin Foundation, expressed hope that the success of the World App would encourage other contributors to develop additional wallets for the protocol. By offering a variety of wallet options, Worldcoin aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its user base, further promoting decentralization and accessibility.

Conclusion

Worldcoin’s World App has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 10 million users since its launch in June 2023. The app’s user-friendly interface, eye-scanning technology, and the promise of a universal basic income have contributed to its rapid adoption and engagement. The success of the World App has also sparked interest in alternative wallets within the Worldcoin ecosystem, further driving the adoption and innovation of this cryptocurrency project.

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With the introduction of its Pectra update in late 2024 or early 2025, Ethereum hopes to significantly enhance cryptocurrency wallets by adding new features and improving user experience. Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 3074, one of the main recommendations of the update, would allow regular cryptocurrency wallets to operate like smart contracts, including transaction bundling and sponsored transactions .

Improved Crypto Wallet Usability and Functionality

A number of improvements to cryptocurrency wallets will be brought forth by the Pectra update, giving consumers a more streamlined and effective experience. Users will benefit from transaction bundling—which enables many transactions to be bundled together and processed as a single transaction—with the addition of EIP 3074. This function can lower transaction costs and boost productivity.

The update will also make sponsored transactions possible, enabling users to store assets in wallets that aren’t Ethereum-based yet still have access to the Ethereum network’s features. With the help of this functionality, users will be able to engage with dApps and take advantage of Ethereum’s ecosystem without having to physically own Ether.

Security Points to Remember

Even though the Pectra update has several interesting new features, users should still be cautious and alert to any security concerns. Users should take the necessary precautions to safeguard their wallets and valuables since there is always a danger of financial loss while completing financial transactions.

Using trustworthy wallets and adhering to recommended security procedures for wallets—like creating strong passwords, turning on two-factor authentication, and updating hardware and software—are essential. Additionally, users should exercise caution while using unidentified dApps or participating in sponsored transactions, since these activities may provide extra dangers.

Anticipated for deployment in late 2024 or early 2025, the Ethereum Pectra update will significantly enhance cryptocurrency wallets by adding new capabilities and improving user experience. With the addition of EIP 3074, standard cryptocurrency wallets will be able to perform the functions of smart contracts, including sponsored transactions and transaction bundling. To reduce any dangers, users should prioritise wallet security and exercise caution.

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The first licenced supplier of digital assets in El Salvador, Bitfinex Securities, is spearheading the nation’s first tokenized asset raising using the layer 2 Liquid Network of Bitcoin. Bitfinex Securities intends to use a tokenized debt offering in partnership with Inversiones Laguardia S.A. de C.V. to finance the construction of a new Hilton hotel complex at El Salvador International Airport.

Liquid Network’s Tokenized Debt Offering

On the Liquid Network, a bitcoin sidechain that facilitates quicker and more scalable transactions, the tokenized debt offering, or HILSV, will be launched. HILSV will be traded in relation to the US currency and tether (USDT), giving investors a chance to contribute to the hotel project’s fundraising.

El Salvador International Airport’s Hilton Hotel Complex

The construction of a Hampton by Hilton hotel complex at El Salvador International Airport will be funded by the money collected via the tokenized debt issuance. The building proposal will include restaurants, shops, a swimming pool, and 80 rooms spread across 4,484 square metres on five stories. Hilton Hotels is participating as a franchisor, although it is not associated with or responsible for the product.

Advantages for El Salvador’s Development of the Capital Market

This innovative programme marks a critical turning point in the growth of El Salvador’s capital market. Bitfinex Securities and Inversiones Laguardia are bringing a new asset class to the market by using tokenization and blockchain technology. In addition to giving issuers in areas with restricted access to capital a new source of funding, the tokenized debt offering enables participation from investors who may not otherwise have access to such assets.

Job Creation and Economic Opportunities

Significant economic prospects are anticipated to arise in El Salvador as a result of the building of the Hilton hotel complex. The hotel complex is expected to provide up to 5,000 direct and indirect employment once it is operating, with another 1,000 jobs expected to be created during the building period. This will help the tourist industry expand and strengthen the Salvadoran economy overall.

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As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, concerns about bias within AI systems have garnered significant attention. Bias in AI refers to the systematic errors or inaccuracies in decision-making processes, often resulting from the unconscious prejudices of its developers or the data used to train the algorithms. Addressing bias in AI is crucial to ensuring fairness, equity, and safety across various applications, from hiring processes to judicial systems. In this context, blockchain technology emerges as a promising solution to mitigate bias and enhance transparency in AI systems.

According to a post by CyberGhost, human biases can significantly influence AI algorithms, leading to discriminatory outcomes. For instance, if AI systems are trained on biased datasets, they may perpetuate and amplify existing societal inequalities. This highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to address bias in AI and uphold ethical standards.

Blockchain technology, known primarily for its association with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, offers a decentralized and transparent framework that can effectively combat bias in AI. Unlike traditional centralized systems, blockchain operates on a distributed ledger, where transactions are recorded across a network of computers. Each transaction, or in the case of AI, each decision made by the algorithm, is transparently recorded on the blockchain, making it immutable and tamper-proof.

One way blockchain can ensure the safety of AI systems is through the concept of a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). In a DAO, decisions are made collectively by a community of stakeholders rather than a single centralized authority. By integrating blockchain into AI governance models, decisions made by AI algorithms can be subjected to community scrutiny and consensus, reducing the likelihood of biased outcomes.

Moreover, blockchain enables the creation of transparent and auditable datasets for training AI algorithms. Data provenance, or the ability to trace the origin and history of data, is crucial for identifying and mitigating biases in AI. By recording data transactions on the blockchain, stakeholders can verify the authenticity and integrity of datasets, ensuring that they are free from bias or manipulation.

Furthermore, blockchain-based smart contracts can be utilized to enforce fairness and accountability in AI systems. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. In the context of AI, smart contracts can specify fairness criteria and penalties for biased decisions, thereby incentivizing developers to prioritize ethical considerations in algorithm design.

Implementing blockchain technology in AI systems is not without its challenges. Scalability, interoperability, and energy consumption are among the technical hurdles that need to be addressed. Additionally, regulatory and legal frameworks surrounding blockchain and AI integration require careful consideration to ensure compliance with data protection and privacy laws.

Bias in AI poses significant risks to individuals and society at large, undermining trust and perpetuating discrimination. Blockchain technology offers a promising avenue for mitigating bias in AI systems through transparency, decentralization, and accountability. By leveraging blockchain’s inherent features, we can foster more equitable and safe AI systems that uphold ethical principles and serve the greater good.

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Jan van Eck, the Chief Executive Officer of VanEck, recently gave an interview in which he stated his scepticism over the approval of a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in May. Together with Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest, VanEck was one of the first companies in the United States to submit an application for a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF). Van Eck, on the other hand, is of the opinion that their application will “probably be rejected”.

The Regulatory Process and the Absence of Communication

During his presentation, Van Eck brought attention to the regulatory procedure and explained that regulators provide feedback on the application. Concerns have been expressed over the introduction of an Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) due to the fact that there has been a significant absence of input on Ethereum. Jean-Marie Mognetti, the CEO of CoinShares, is of the same opinion, and he has said that he does not see any approvals taking place in the near future.

Market Behaviour and the Uncertainty of the Regulatory Climate

There has been a protracted period of silence on the part of the SEC about the seven applications that are now pending for spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds, which has caused confusion in the market. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a cautious approach to its regulatory posture, with a particular emphasis on the federal securities laws, as stated by Chair Gary Gensler. In particular, Ethereum’s transition to the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism raises regulatory problems that need to be addressed. These challenges are brought about by the unique nature of Ethereum.

Impact on the Market and the Attitude of Investors

There has been a robust market for Ethereum, with the price of Ethereum remaining relatively stable at roughly $3,700. This is despite the difficulties that authorities have encountered. Not only would the approval of an Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) provide more investment opportunities, but it would also have the ability to affect the price and liquidity of Ethereum. Investors and market players are keeping a close eye on the progress since it has the potential to establish a standard for future cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds.

Final Thoughts

Both Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, and Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO of CoinShares, have voiced their reservations with the SEC’s decision to approve a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the month of May. The legal environment, the absence of feedback, and the one-of-a-kind characteristics of Ethereum’s consensus process have all contributed to their unease with the cryptocurrency. Even if an Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) has been approved, the market effect and investor mood around it are yet unknown.

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OKX, one of the prominent cryptocurrency exchanges, has made an exciting announcement regarding the listing of BlockGames (BLOCK) on its spot trading market. This development opens up new opportunities for traders and investors looking to engage with the BLOCK cryptocurrency.

According to OKX, the listing schedule for BLOCK is as follows: BLOCK deposits will be available starting from 10:00 am UTC on April 9, 2024. Subsequently, the BLOCK/USDT spot trading will commence at 12:00 pm UTC on April 11, 2024. Lastly, users will be able to make BLOCK withdrawals starting from 10:00 am UTC on April 12, 2024.

BlockGames, the asset being listed, is a decentralized player network that serves as a cross-chain Universal Player Profiles platform. It empowers the next generation of mobile game publishing tools by allowing them to interact with player data and offer rewards in return.

Key information about BLOCK includes its asset name, BlockGames, its ticker symbol, BLOCK, and its total supply of 1,000,000,000. The contract address for BLOCK is 0x8fc17671D853341D9e8B001F5Fc3C892d09CB53A.

It is important to note that digital assets, including BLOCK, are subject to high volatility and carry speculative risks. Therefore, OKX advises users to conduct thorough research and evaluate their risk appetite before engaging in any digital asset trading.

For further inquiries or more information, users can reach out to the OKX support center or connect with OKX on various platforms. As OKX continues to expand its offerings, it aims to provide a secure and user-friendly trading environment for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

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Binance is constantly working to enhance its services and provide better opportunities for its users. In line with this commitment, the exchange has made significant updates to its Fiat Liquidity Provider Program.

Starting from April 10, 2024, Binance will add MXN (Mexican Peso) and CZK (Czech Koruna) markets to the Fiat Liquidity Provider Program. This expansion aims to offer more opportunities for liquidity providers to participate and contribute to the platform.

In addition to the new markets, Binance has also implemented a performance review mechanism for liquidity providers. Under this mechanism, providers will be reviewed weekly based on their performance. This evaluation will help ensure the quality and efficiency of the liquidity provided.

To incentivize liquidity providers, Binance will distribute maker fee rebates based on their trading performance across the selected fiat markets. Effective from April 16, 2024, liquidity providers will receive rebates on their previous week’s trading performance. The rebate amount will be determined by the user’s weekly spot maker volume as a percentage of the total Binance spot maker volume in each eligible fiat market.

The updated Fiat Liquidity Provider Program offers various incentives for participants. Qualified participants will receive maker rebates and standard VIP taker fees on all pairs across the eligible fiat markets. On the other hand, unqualified participants will enjoy zero maker fees and standard VIP taker fees on all fiat pairs in those markets.

To join the Fiat Liquidity Provider Program, users must have a 30-day trading volume of over 20,000,000 USDT equivalent on Binance Spot and Margin or other platforms. They must also exhibit quality liquidity providing strategies. Interested users can apply for a trial period by providing proof of their trading volume to mmprogram@binance.com or contacting their sales or key account coverage team.

It is important to note that Binance reserves the right to disqualify trades that are deemed to be wash trades or involve illegal bulk account registrations, as well as trades that display attributes of self-dealing or market manipulation.

Binance continues to prioritize the security and integrity of its platform, and these updates to the Fiat Liquidity Provider Program are aimed at fostering a robust and efficient trading environment for its users.

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