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Hokkoku Bank, a regional financial institution in Ishikawa prefecture, has introduced Tochika, Japan's first deposit-backed stablecoin. Users with a Hokkoku Bank deposit account and access to the Tochitsuka app can purchase and utilize this stablecoin. Tochitsuka, originally developed by Digital Platformer for earning points from city services, now serves as a wallet for Tochika tokens. Tochika coexists with Tochipo, Suzu City's point system, and users can spend both stablecoins and points at affiliated retail stores, albeit limited to Suzu City. The bank aims to promote digitalization by offering Tochitsuka to businesses hesitant to adopt cashless payments due to transaction fees and local gift certificate issuers still reliant on paper-based certificates. Moreover, Hokkoku Bank plans to introduce a peer-to-peer remittance function by the end of the year. The bank envisions future collaborations with other regional banks to facilitate a seamless cashless environment, potentially...

Forbes emphasizes the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain in fueling the growth of Web3, the next iteration of the internet. The synergy between blockchain's transparency and security features and AI's data processing and predictive capabilities holds the potential to enhance user experiences and reduce friction in Web3 adoption. The integration of blockchain and AI addresses critical challenges faced by each technology individually. Blockchain's consensus mechanism ensures data integrity, mitigating the risk of faulty outputs in AI algorithms due to poor-quality data. This symbiotic relationship enhances the reliability and accuracy of AI-driven applications within the Web3 ecosystem. The global Web3 market is poised for exponential growth, with projections indicating a significant expansion from USD 2.18 billion in 2023 to approximately USD 65.78 billion by 2032, driven by a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46%. The emergence of the metaverse and...

A non-profit organization based in El Salvador, known as "Mi Primer Bitcoin" or "My First Bitcoin," has launched an updated version of its Bitcoin Diploma program. This initiative is aimed at promoting wider adoption of Bitcoin and educating individuals from early age about its technology in BTC education. The organization started offering BTC classes in El Salvador following the implementation of the Bitcoin Law in 2021. In June 2022, they introduced the first 10-week educational program, enrolling 38 students from public schools in El Salvador, making it the first BTC Diploma program in any public school system worldwide. Now collaborating with the Ministry of Education in El Salvador, the organization's BTC-focused educational program has been adopted as the primary resource for the country's educational curriculum. Through partnerships with the government and Bitcoin Beach, they are currently training 700 public school teachers to deliver the BTC Diploma curriculum in local...

In a settlement to resolve a lawsuit alleging privacy violations, tech giant Google has agreed to delete billions of data records. The lawsuit claimed that Google improperly tracked users' internet activity even when they believed they were browsing in privacy mode. Users accused Google of monitoring their activity despite using features like Chrome's "Incognito" mode or other browsers' "private" browsing options. The settlement, estimated to be worth over $5 billion, includes updates to Google's disclosures on data gathering during private browsing and a five-year restriction on third-party cookies for Incognito users. Despite Google's denial of the allegations, the settlement reflects the company's commitment to addressing privacy concerns and improving transparency regarding user data collection. The development establishes the growing scrutiny and demand for accountability in the tech industry, particularly regarding data privacy practices. As Google navigates these legal...

Tether Ltd, the company behind the world's leading stablecoin Tether (USDT), has successfully passed a comprehensive SOC 2 audit, affirming its commitment to data security and privacy. This certification underscores Tether's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and safeguarding user assets and data. With the SOC 2 certification, Tether aims to enhance user trust and confidence in its platform by demonstrating robust information security and data protection measures. CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasizes the importance of this certification in reassuring users about the integrity of their assets managed by Tether. Looking ahead, Tether outlines a strategic plan to expand its market presence and diversify into Bitcoin mining. The company aims to control 1% of the Bitcoin mining operations by 2024, signaling its ambition to not only diversify revenue streams but also expand its influence in the cryptocurrency industry. Additionally, Tether plans to invest in building...

China announces a collaboration with Conflux Network to develop a blockchain infrastructure platform for the Belt and Road initiative, signaling a strategic shift towards embracing blockchain technology for international trade and cooperation. Despite its stringent stance on cryptocurrencies, the Chinese government recognizes the potential of blockchain in enhancing global collaboration. The project aims to establish an integrated public blockchain network to facilitate cooperation projects among Belt and Road countries, leveraging blockchain's capabilities to transcend geographical boundaries. Cosmos System, operating primarily on Conflux Network, plays a important role in enabling this initiative, showcasing China's commitment to utilizing domestically developed blockchain technology for strategic objectives. While China has imposed regulations to limit cryptocurrency activities within its jurisdiction, including banning operations and closing exchanges, it acknowledges the complex...

Amidst ongoing Bitcoin price volatility, the recent developments in Switzerland, particularly in the city of Lugano, offer significant signals for the crypto industry's future. While short-term price fluctuations dominate investor discussions, understanding long-term goals is crucial in the crypto space. Lugano serves as a prime example of how cryptocurrencies are shaping daily life and financial interactions. While Switzerland boasts robust financial services, many parts of the world still face challenges in accessing financial systems. In Lugano, however, residents can pay taxes using cryptocurrency, with over 15% of citizens already utilizing crypto for payments. This approach extends to over 400 businesses in the city that directly accept crypto payments, with expectations to exceed 2,000 in the coming years. Globally, efforts by payment service providers and tech giants to integrate crypto, coupled with increasing acceptance by businesses, are propelling the adoption of...

Deribit, the world's leading crypto derivatives exchange, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving a conditional Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). This makes Deribit the first crypto derivatives exchange to obtain regulatory approval from VARA, signaling a positive development for both the firm and the broader crypto community. The VASP license, covering virtual asset exchange services for both spot and derivatives trading, is subject to specific conditions and final operational approval. The official launch will take place once all formal steps are completed and full VARA approval is obtained. In addition to this, Deribit has announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This move aims to offer crypto services to institutional and qualified investors as the firm commences corporate operations in Dubai. Meanwhile, services for retail investors will continue through a...