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US military partner Constellation opens Hypergraph network to app developers

The “Layer 0” network was created in collaboration with the United States Department of Defense and is now open for commercial Web3 applications.

On July 15, Constellation Network opened its Hypergraph blockchain, created in partnership with the United States military, to application developers at a global hackathon event hosted alongside technology giants IBM and Panasonic.

The hackathon marks the debut of Constellation’s “meta graph” application layer, which enables third-party developers to build Web3 applications—or even new layer 1 blockchains—on top of Hypergraph’s existing network.

Hypergraph is a so-called “Layer 0” protocol designed to validate and store data from interoperable applications and networks—known as “meta graphs”—on its ledger. According to the announcement, its meta graphs can work with any data type, interface directly with external data sources, and accept mainstream programming languages such as Java.

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Blockchains should make money move like email — Stellar Development Foundation CEO

Denelle Dixon believes the success of blockchain protocols will hinge on the ability of traditional finance to move value on- and off-chain.

Blockchain protocols must allow financial assets to move seamlessly across traditional and on-chain infrastructures to achieve mainstream adoption.

Denelle Dixon, CEO of Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), hammered home this crucial point in a conversation with Cointelegraph during Paris Blockchain Week. 

“From the beginning, we’ve focused on making money move like email, but we really understood that to do that, you needed the on- and off-ramps and couldn’t rely on transacting with volatile cryptocurrencies,” Dixon said.

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BlockShow unites with BlockDown for a crypto festival in Hong Kong

BlockShow marks its return to in-person conferences by joining forces with BlockDown to bring a crypto festival to an iconic Hong Kong location in May 2024.

BlockShow, a major global conference devoted to the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry, is making a comeback after four years, joining forces with BlockDown Festival — powered by public relations agency EAK Digital — to bring a festival-like Web3 event to Hong Kong in 2024.

First launched in 2016, BlockShow is backed by the blockchain industry publication Cointelegraph and will work closely with EAK to produce the BlockShow X BlockDown, the Asia edition, which will take place at Hong Kong’s government-backed Cyberport venue. Known for hosting prominent Web3 companies such as Animoca Brands, Cyberport is the Silicon Valley of Hong Kong and will be the primary venue for the main BlockShow X BlockDown Asia event.

The main conference will take place from May 8 to 9, 2024, and will be accompanied by side events across several additional days. Choosing Hong Kong was only natural, with the region’s growth as a global technology and Web3 hub in recent years making it the perfect location. The Cyberport will be transformed into Web3 city, with access to multiple floors, exhibition spaces, galleries, meeting zones, cafes, restaurants, workshop rooms, open-air spaces and more.

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US regulators doing ‘good job of alienating’ crypto sector — Cardano founder

Charles Hoskinson took a jab at the perceived inconsistency in applying decentralization standards by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The United States’ approach to cryptocurrencies could do more harm than good and they risk losing major players by the time they “get their act together,” Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has said.

“When you look at some of the U.S. regulators, in particular, they’ve done a really good job of alienating most of the industry. They aren’t clear at all,” Hoskinson told Cointelegraph on the sidelines of the recent Abu Dhabi Finance Week.

Charles Hoskinson with Cointelegraph Arabic journalist Hermi De Ramos at the Abu Dhabi Finance Week. Source: Cointelegraph

He took a jab at the perceived inconsistency in applying decentralization standards by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), stressing that Cardano (ADA) did not conduct an initial coin offering (ICO) and saying ADA vouchers were sold in Japanese territory with no U.S. participation.

“I guess, apparently, that’s under U.S. jurisdiction,” Hoskinson said. “There was an airdrop, but people then sold on Binance and Bittrex… According to the recent court ruling with Ripple, that’s not an investment contract. So it was never really clear how that applies.”

Hoskinson also pointed out that Ethereum, which he said conducted an ICO for their Ether (ETH) token without implementing mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, and Bitcoin (BTC) were labeled non-security for “some reason.” He said:

“There are a lot of facts and circumstances that are insanely ambiguous, and it seems like it’s just the monster of the week. And if they can’t have success with a layer-one, like Ripple, then they go hit the exchanges… That's not really a well-formed policy.”

On Nov. 20, the SEC filed a complaint in a federal court, alleging that crypto exchange Kraken commingled customer funds and failed to register with the regulator. In the complaint, the SEC listed 16 cryptocurrencies it considered securities, ADA.

Hoskinson contends that the registration process with the SEC is vague as “it’s not possible to actually operate these systems in a reasonable way.” He argued:

“How can any issuer understand who holds the cryptocurrency when they have no control over the distribution? How can you do KYC and AML on every single person in an open decentralized protocol? If the issuer goes out of business and the protocol still operates, what happens? Who registers?

Related: Binance CEO CZ’s downfall is ‘the end of an era’ — Charles Hoskinson

Asked what he wants to see from regulators, Hoskinson said they have to introduce clear, unambiguous policies and implement an open door policy between the crypto industry, regulators and legislators to resolve issues and, if necessary, update laws to reflect emerging technologies.

But while he believes litigation will continue, Hoskinson is positive that the regime and policies will change over time:

“What we’ll likely see is a law passed that removes the ambiguity like the [Financial Innovation Act]... and there will be some regime that between the CFTC and the SEC to sort all of this out.”

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Brazil’s crypto regulatory environment is driving competitiveness — CEO of Coinext

Bitcoin maximalist José Ribeiro, CEO of crypto exchange Coinext, spoke with Cointelegraph at the Web Summit about Brazil's cryptocurrency landscape.

Cryptocurrency may be "out of fashion", but it still draws new users to Web3 every day, in particular in emerging markets such as Brazil, according to Bitcoin maximalist José Ribeiro, CEO of crypto exchange Coinext. 

During the Web Summit in Lisbon, Ribeiro discussed with Cointelegraph's Joe Hall Bitcoin's perspectives, Brazil's vibrant crypto economy and how regulatory clarity has boosted competition in the country's payments sector.

According to Ribeiro, the Bitcoin volume transactions in Brazil will reach a record level in 2023, as more global crypto exchanges set operations there, such as Binance, OKX, and Coinbase.

"The competitiveness has increased considerably, which is part of the business from a crypto adoption perspective. The country has a history with inflation, and I see that interest rates are going to be down next year for sure, and we're going to have another cycle," states Ribeiro.

Cointelegraph team is on the ground covering the latest frWeb Summit 2023. Source: Joe Hall

The benchmark interest rate in Brazil is currently 12.25%, down from 12.75%, and may reach 9.25% by December 2024, according to a recent survey by the local central bank.

Alongside a perspective of lower interest rates in Brazil, global drivers, such as the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF in the United States and the Bitcoin halving, are expected to affect prices. However, the crypto community should focus on fundamentals rather than price movements, according to Ribeiro.

"People just hear about Bitcoin when the price is hitting all-time highs, right? [...] but people don't talk too much about fundamentals, and the fundamentals haven't changed since its creation."

In addition, Ribeiro emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks in boosting innovation in the country. "We are very advanced in terms of forms to comply with the tax authorities," said Ribeiro, referring to the monthly reports filed with the local tax authorities on transactions carried out on the exchanges.

According to Coinext CEO, Brazilian regulators are willing to engage in discussions about crypto and payments.

"They (Brazil's regulators) understand about crypto, they understand about the risks of our business, which is good. I won't say that regulation is good, but regulation is needed somehow because we definitely want some rules to be competitive in the market because we are competing with companies outside Brazil, which are not paying taxes, so we are not competing in the same manner."

In the past few years, the Brazilian central bank has implemented the PIX payment system, which allows instant payments between individuals and businesses. For PIX transactions, users just need the key identifier of the PIX recipient, such as an ID number, a cell phone number or even an email address.

The country is also working on its central bank digital currency (CBDC), dubbed DREX, which is expected to be available next year. "That's going to put Brazil on another level in terms of Blockchain adoption, in terms of using Blockchain as infrastructure for the whole financial market industry," Ribeiro noted.

Magazine: Beyond crypto — Zero-knowledge proofs show potential from voting to finance

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Ripple exec reiterates need for tech-neutral crypto regulations

Navin Gupta, managing director of South Asia, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Ripple, told Cointelegraph that education and introducing non-speculative use cases can help crypto companies navigate through varying regulations.

A Ripple executive has re-emphasized the need to adopt a technology-neutral approach for more effective and adaptable guardrails as global regulators grapple with cryptocurrency rules.

At the recent Ripple Swell 2023 event, Navin Gupta, managing director of South Asia, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Ripple, told Cointelegraph that the industry should be regulated based on activity rather than the technology used. He said:

“We don’t want people to think about regulating the technology… We want regulators, or anybody for that matter, to be technology-neutral. It doesn’t matter if the [activity] is happening in blockchain or traditionally.”

“[If] somebody is going payments, then it needs to be regulated as a payment instrument. If something is a security, it needs to be regulated as a security instrument,” he added.

For Gupta, the focus should be on the purpose and use of the virtual asset rather than the underlying technology to create flexible regulations, ensuring that they remain relevant as blockchain technology evolves.

Related: Brad Garlinghouse jabs at maximalists: ‘It will be a multichain world’

The unique characteristics and global portability of cryptocurrencies — with their different token types — have proved challenging for regulators. In response, the Group of Twenty last month unanimously accepted a crypto regulatory roadmap proposed by the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Stability Board in September that advocates for comprehensive oversight of crypto globally.

But while the MENA region has jurisdictions such as the United Arab Emirates that have taken an open stance toward the new asset class, some nations, including the Arab superpower Saudi Arabia, have yet to introduce clear rules, with some, like Egypt and Morocco, completely banning Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies altogether.

According to Gupta, besides educating and working with regulators to help them better understand the industry, introducing non-speculative crypto use cases, such as crypto remittances and payments, is key to navigating the region’s varying legal landscapes.

“Whenever you talk about non-speculative use cases and how crypto can play a part, regulators are all ears because there you’re not going to say that people are speculating to double their money. [You’re] going to say, ‘How can we make it easier for citizens to get a better benefit that they’re not getting today.’”

“Education and utility-based projects where there is real utility for usage is how we can get regulators onboard,” he added.

Given the large remittances market in Africa, Ripple announced a partnership with mobile payments provider Onafriq in November that will open new payment corridors between 27 African countries and Australia, the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Magazine: China’s surprise NFT move, Hong Kong’s $15M Bitcoin fund: Asia Express

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Yuga Labs addresses Apefest ‘vision damage’ issue; community calls out poor management

The Bored Ape community was not very impressed by the Yuga Labs' reaction to the mishap, calling out their lack of basic health management at the event.

Several attendees of Yuga Labs’ ApeFest event on Nov. 4 in Hong Kong reported eye-related issues, including burns, damaged vision and “extreme pain” in their eyes.

Yuga Labs’ official X account has now addressed the issue, claiming they are aware of the reports of potential eye-related issues to many attendees and are investigating the cause behind them.

Yuga Labs claimed that less than 1% of the attendees have experienced eye-related symptoms, and most of the affected attendees are experiencing improvement in their conditions with the passage of time.

The Hong Kong event grabbed most of the headlines and attention of Crypto Twitter over the weekend. Many users came up with different theories behind the eye related injury with one user pointing toward a similar instance six years ago, where during a promotional event, third-party contractors installed disinfecting ultraviolet lights instead of stage lights, leading to similar eye injuries, burning, blindness, photokeratitis

Others pointed out that the effects of the UV lights could last from a couple of hours to a few days depending on the exposure.

Related: Ryder Ripps ordered to pay Yuga Labs $1.6M in copyright lawsuit

Many on social media platforms were critical of the organizers behind the event, claiming that they should have paid more attention to basic medical hazards with such a setup, and said:

“I can’t imagine paying so much money to be a part of a "club" that overlooks basic medical hazards. I have a Philipps UV Disinfectant lamp in my home, and you’re not even supposed to be in the same room as it when it's on. It literally says in the instructions to not look at it or be within close proximity as it can also release Ozone, which is toxic/carcinogenic gas.”

Many other attendees blasted Yuga Labs for its mishap, claiming that they had taken out loans to attend the event only to get more “eye-related medical bills I don’t know how to pay.”

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Web3 company to have balloons featured during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The iconic U.S. holiday event has previously introduced themed nonfungible tokens and held a virtual parade in the metaverse.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most iconic events surrounding the United States holiday in November, will feature characters from the crypto and blockchain space for one of the first times in its 99-year history.

In a Sept. 14 announcement, Web3 firm Cool Cats Group said some of the characters from their nonfungible token (NFT) collection will appear as balloons in the Thanksgiving Day parade scheduled for Nov. 23 in New York City — a blue cat and a milk carton. According to the parade’s producer Jordan Dabby, the characters will be represented physically for thousands of New Yorkers watching from the streets and millions watching from their homes.

With roughly two months until Thanksgiving, it’s unclear whether any other firms in the crypto and blockchain space plan to have characters represented with parade floats or balloons. The lineup at the Macy's parade changes from year to year, and has featured characters including Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian series, Sonic the Hedgehog, Pikachu, and Charlie Brown.

Related: Indonesian government looks to NFTs to preserve cultural heritage

In 2021, when the parade returned to its full procession following the 2020 shutdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers also launched an NFT series. The following year, in addition to the proceedings held in-person, the event arranged for a virtual parade within the metaverse.

Having a Web3 firm represented in a major event like the Thanksgiving Day parade will likely come amid other happenings in New York. Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman’s criminal trial is set to kick off on Oct. 3 and may still be going on at the time of the holiday parade.

Magazine: Crypto City: Guide to New York

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How to host an event in the metaverse

From pre-event planning to virtual execution, discover the steps to create an immersive and engaging digital experience that captivates the audience.

Event management in the metaverse

The planning, coordination and execution of various events within virtual and augmented reality environments are referred to as event management in the metaverse.

The fusion of physically persistent virtual reality with virtually improved physical reality yielded the metaverse, a communal virtual shared place. It includes immersive digital environments like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and others.

In this context, event management entails producing and presenting events in these digital spaces, including conferences, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, social gatherings and more. This article will discuss how an event is hosted in the metaverse.

Steps to host an event in the metaverse

Hosting an event in the metaverse involves several key steps to create an engaging digital experience. These stages, which include defining the concept and goals (pre-event preparation), platform selection, content creation and event execution in a virtual setting, pave the way for an immersive event that appeals to a worldwide audience.

In the dynamic metaverse, successful event hosting is completed by post-event activities, including getting feedback and maintaining connections.

Step one: Define the event concept and goals

The pre-event planning phase is the first and most important step in organizing a successful event in the metaverse. This pivotal phase entails several tactical choices and acts that set the stage for the entire event.

It involves setting clear goals, assembling an expert team, selecting the right platform, budgeting adequately, handling legal issues and developing an interesting event concept. This thorough groundwork is essential for the succeeding stages of event conception and implementation within the dynamic and immersive metaverse.

Step two: Technical setup

The technical setup step transforms the event concept into a functional virtual experience. Setting up the selected metaverse platform, producing avatars or digital representations, and developing the virtual space are required.

Furthermore, integrating interactive elements like live chat, virtual networking areas and multimedia presentations is essential to engage the audience. To provide a seamless experience, it is also crucial to ensure flawless audio-visual quality, verify user accessibility and resolve technological issues.

Step three: Marketing and promotion

The emphasis switches to creating buzz and luring attendees during the marketing and promotion phases. It is crucial to use both conventional and metaverse-specific marketing platforms to reach people.

Building interest in an event is facilitated by creating captivating event content, trailers and teasers. Reach can be increased through social media channels, influencer alliances and metaverse community interaction. Moreover, attendance can be encouraged by implementing ticketing systems and developing tier-based access alternatives.

Depending on user preferences and budget, these tiers give guests varied degrees of engagement and benefits. A base tier might, for instance, grant admission to the main event sessions, while premium and VIP tiers might provide extra benefits like exclusive workshops, individualized interactions and unique content. This strategy maximizes inclusivity and gives participants the freedom to select the level of involvement that best suits their needs and interests.

Step four: Event execution

The event execution phase marks the culmination of meticulous planning and preparation. Everything at this stage works together to create an immersive experience. While attendees communicate, network and participate in events, presenters conduct speeches, panels or concerts within the virtual setting.

To solve any problems that may develop, real-time technical support is essential. Making quick adjustments for the optimal experience during the event involves keeping an eye on engagement data, crowd responses and technical performance.

Step five: Post-event activities

The post-event activities phase begins once the event is over. This stage covers several actions, such as getting input from attendees via surveys or polls to determine satisfaction and acquire knowledge for future changes. Sharing highlights or taped sessions keeps people interested long after the actual event.

Utilizing user-generated content, including images and recordings, helps create a buzz on social media after an event. Additionally, maintaining relationships developed during the event is facilitated by arranging follow-up sessions, virtual meetups or networking opportunities.

How much does it cost to host an event in the metaverse?

The cost of holding an event in the metaverse can vary greatly and depends on a number of variables. These factors consist of the complexity of the event itself, the selected metaverse platform, the expected number of attendees, the desired level of customization and the variety of features incorporated into the event experience.

Metaverse platforms may charge users based on various criteria, including event hosting, the number of attendees and the feature set. Investments in 3D modeling, interactive features and immersive visuals are required to create an engaging virtual venue, with prices equal to the complexity of the design.

Expenses include audio-visual gear, streaming services and tech support workers to ensure flawless technical execution. The promotion cost also includes operations like influencer partnerships, social media marketing, creating promotional materials and other similar activities. Additional factors that can affect the cost include content production, avatar customization, networking tools, security precautions, training and post-event engagement activities.

To ascertain a precise estimation of costs, careful budget preparation, quotes from relevant service providers, and an in-depth study of metaverse platforms are helpful. It is also prudent to weigh potential revenue streams from ticket sales, sponsorships or other sources against these costs to gauge the financial feasibility of the event.

Traditional events vs. metaverse events

Traditional events and metaverse events represent two distinct paradigms of gathering and engagement. In conventional events, participants physically congregate at a predetermined site, encouraging face-to-face interactions, relying on physical arrangements and abiding by geographical restrictions.

In contrast, metaverse events take place in virtual 3D settings that transcend geographical boundaries and allow participants to participate through avatars that can be customized and partake in interactive activities.

While traditional events offer a sense of place, metaverse events offer an immersive digital experience, demonstrating the evolving landscape of event hosting in an increasingly interconnected world.

Here are some differences between traditional events and metaverse events:

Risks involved in hosting virtual event spaces in the metaverse

Hosting virtual event spaces in the metaverse entails risks, including increased harassment and inappropriate behavior, as shown by incidents of sexual harassment directed at women. Because of the anonymity of virtual spaces, people may act in ways they might not in real-world settings, which makes the environment uncomfortable and unsafe for participants.

Other issues include privacy violations, technical difficulties and the possibility of a digital divide because of a lack of knowledge of the technology. To reduce these hazards and create a welcoming environment, organizers should develop explicit rules of behavior, practice strong moderation, emphasize data security and provide user-friendly information.

Additional significant risks include infringements on intellectual property, problems with platform dependability and misunderstandings brought on by the lack of tangible cues. These risks can be mitigated by using secure content exchange protocols, cautiously selecting platforms, conducting thorough testing and providing transparent communication channels. Metaverse event planners can create a setting that promotes participation, diversity and an educational experience for all participants by proactively addressing these risks.

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ZkDay comes to Paris on July 19: A marquee ZK conference amid EthCC

The ZK-focused community conference zkDay Paris kicks off on July 19 during EthCC after a successful event in Denver.

Zero-knowledge (ZK) projects continue to spread worldwide, and a new go-to ZK event is coming to Paris, hosted by Manta Network, a ZK layer-1 blockchain; investment firm Polychain Capital and Cointelegraph. The ZK community conference — zkDay Paris — kicks off during EthCC Paris on July 19, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Central European Time, on the back of a successful event at zkDay Denver.

ZkDay Paris will include booths, networking, keynotes, venture capital and industry panel discussions with the best and brightest in the crypto industry and the ZK niche. Speakers are invited to apply to join the event on the zkDay website. Additionally, the event will feature an intimate Tech Room, allowing visitors to attend at least 10 ZK workshops.

Register to attend zkDay Paris on July 19 for free.

The upcoming ZK event also boasts a pitch contest with a five-figure prize pool. Early-stage startups are eligible and can now apply through the form, also available on the official zkDay website. The organizers expect to feature at least 10 curated early-stage ZK projects on zkPitch Day.

The zkPitch Day schedule will be shared ahead of the event, and according to the statement, the organizers will look for a variety of teams to join: “Carefully selected ZK projects that demonstrate the highest quality are eligible to participate, from those just starting fundraising to those who have recently completed their seed round.”

The five-figure prize pool for ZK projects at zkDay Paris was contributed to by several sponsors, including platinum sponsors like Foresight Ventures, a Web3-focused investment firm, and Polyhedra Network, a company providing infrastructure for Web3 interoperability.

ZkDay Paris expects to gather at least 25 community partners and speakers from Foresight Ventures, Polyhedra Network, Figment Capital, Hyper Oracle, Landa Class and Kontos, and from companies like Aztec and Worldcoin, among others.

ZkDay Paris comes on the heels of the success of zkDay Denver — the biggest side event in ETHDenver, with more than 3,000 participants. The conference showcased ZK projects at various stages, from those embarking on their fundraising journey to those that recently completed their seed round.

Follow the official conference website and Twitter account for all the latest updates and announcements.

Sponsored: Cointelegraph does not endorse the content of this article nor any product mentioned herein. Readers should do their own research before taking any action related to any product or company mentioned and carry full responsibility for their decisions.

MicroStrategy completes $3 billion convertible notes offering to buy more Bitcoin