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17 Jan 2026, 13:10
X dangles $1M creator bounty as it trails Meta’s Threads
In a move to light a fire under content creators and improve active users, Elon Musk’s X announced a massive $1 million bounty program. The million-dollar contest follows Threads announcing an increase in its active monthly users, which surpassed that of X for the first time. The announcement, which was posted on X’s Creators account, comes at a critical time as the social media platform struggles to regain its standing as the preferred platform for real-time conversations and breaking news. According to a recent report by Cryptopolitan, Threads is seeing stronger user engagement, particularly among the younger demographic. X make s mi llion-dollar play for creator loyalty X (formerly known as Twitter) announced a $1 million dollar bounty on their Creators account. “We’re trying something new: we’re giving $1 million to the Top Article of the next payout period.” This was a move to recognize and reward high-impact content, which shapes conversation on the platform. However, given the recent competition from Threads users see it as a move to attract more content creators and improve its standing in the content creator economy wars. The bounty is targeted towards creators who write long form content an d re stricted to only U.S. users. Ironically, the United States is the one of the places where X is doing better than Threads, even though those numbers are not as impressive as they used to be. In the announcement post, X said the content published must be an original work and at least 1,000 words. This isn’t the first time X has tried to use money to solve the problem. The platform had previously rolled out a monetization feature, where creators with large verified following and impressions on posts are eligible for ad revenue sharing. While X has not formally acknowledged a user engagement competition with Threads, the timing of the bounty is not coincidental. Threads has been refining its algorithm to create a more polished user experience, which has driven up its active users to beat X’s numbers. Additionally, the Meta owned platform has a seamless integration with Instagram, which makes it easy for creators to move their following there. The bigger picture beyond features and monetization X’s announcement of a bounty raises more serious questions regarding creator retention. There is a growing perception that creators are starting to diversify, even though X still has a lot of cultural significance. Many creators now post simultaneously on X, Threads, and other platforms. The competition between the social media platforms, however, goes beyond just features or money, but also includes user experience. Threads is positioning itself as a less toxic alternative to X, with better content moderation policies, which users find more appealing. Elon Musk’s X positions itself as a free-speech platform, which sounds appealing to some, but also alienates others . Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.
17 Jan 2026, 13:05
Analyst Is Confident: XRP Will Soon Surpass $3
XRP remains at the center of market attention as traders assess whether recent volatility signals exhaustion or opportunity. After a sharp pullback that tested key technical levels, price action has begun to stabilize, prompting renewed discussion about XRP’s next directional move. For many market participants, the current structure suggests preparation rather than weakness. That outlook aligns with a recent technical assessment shared by market analyst CRYPTO CAPTAIN, who expressed strong confidence that XRP is setting up for a move beyond the $3 mark . His analysis focuses on higher-timeframe structure, confirmed support levels, and emerging reversal behavior. Price Action Defends a Key Support Level On the one-day XRP/USD chart from Bitstamp referenced in the analysis, the price recently dipped to the $2.04 region before rebounding. This level has acted as a structurally important support zone , repeatedly attracting buyers during periods of market stress. XRP’s ability to hold this area despite broader crypto volatility strengthens the bullish thesis. #XRP is going to 3$ and beyond pic.twitter.com/Nn8Mm2yfRk — CRYPTO CAPTAIN (@UniverseTwenty) January 16, 2026 When price respects a well-established support on the daily timeframe, it often signals that selling pressure is weakening. Buyers typically step in at these zones to defend market structure, creating the foundation for a potential trend continuation. Technical Structure Signals Reversal Potential CRYPTO CAPTAIN highlighted signs of a developing bullish reversal following the dip. XRP showed a swift response from support, suggesting accumulation rather than panic-driven selling. This type of reaction often precedes a retest of higher resistance levels, especially when no lower lows form. From a technical standpoint, XRP remains within a broader uptrend as long as price holds above critical daily support. This structure keeps the probability of upward continuation intact while invalidating deeper bearish scenarios. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 The $3 Level as the Next Major Target The $3 price zone represents both a psychological milestone and a technical resistance area. XRP previously faced rejection near this level, making it a natural point of interest for traders. A renewed approach toward $3 would test bullish momentum and market conviction. If XRP breaks and holds above this level, technical traders often view such a move as confirmation of strength rather than speculation. Volume expansion and follow-through would remain key factors in validating any breakout attempt. Market Conditions Favor a Bullish Continuation While short-term volatility persists across the crypto market, XRP’s resilience at support suggests underlying demand remains strong. Combined with improving regulatory clarity and sustained institutional interest, the technical setup appears constructive rather than fragile. Although no forecast guarantees immediate results, XRP’s current structure supports CRYPTO CAPTAIN’s view that a move toward $3 and potentially beyond remains a realistic near-term scenario. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Analyst Is Confident: XRP Will Soon Surpass $3 appeared first on Times Tabloid .
17 Jan 2026, 12:31
This 8-Year Technical Pattern Could Send XRP to $58.9
XRP has spent most of the past decade moving through distinct phases of expansion, correction, and stabilization. That long history now forms the basis of a technical outlook shared by analyst Leb Crypto (@leb_crypto). The analyst published a monthly XRP chart highlighting a large-scale structure that has been building since 2016. His analysis focuses on time, price structure, and clearly defined targets rather than short-term momentum. The chart shows XRP trading near $2.11 while compressing beneath a major resistance zone tied to its prior all-time high. This area has capped price action for around a year, with the total consolidation lasting 13 months . According to Leb Crypto, that extended pause matters as much as any breakout attempt. * ~8 year rounded bottom / cup & handle formation * Consolidation under prev ATH resistance for one full year #xrp is setting up for a great swing trade with targets at $7.0 , $19.5 and $58.9 Yes, $58.9 is my highest target (not to be confused with the jokers' $589 ) $XRP pic.twitter.com/cwFuuWJyOD — LE₿ C®YPTO (@leb_crypto) January 15, 2026 A Rounded Bottom Spanning Nearly a Decade The foundation of the setup begins after XRP’s early 2018 peak. The chart shows a prolonged decline followed by a gradual stabilization phase that stretches through 2020. Rather than forming a sharp V-shaped recovery, XRP’s price action curved upward over time. This created a rounded bottom and formed the cup section of the cup and handle pattern . From 2020 onward, XRP transitioned into a slow recovery marked by higher lows and diminishing downside volatility. The rounded structure remained intact through multiple market cycles. This type of base often reflects sustained accumulation rather than speculative spikes. The length of the formation strengthens its technical significance. Cup and Handle Structure Emerges After completing the rounded bottom in late 2024, XRP moved into the handle, experiencing a gradual decline in the latter half of 2025. The cup spanned several years and resolved into a handle that formed just below the previous all-time high. XRP traded sideways within a narrowing range during this phase, and briefly broke above it when it reached an all-time high in July 2025 . Leb Crypto emphasizes the duration of this consolidation. XRP has remained below the resistance level without losing structural support. Monthly candles cluster tightly, suggesting reduced volatility and controlled price behavior. In classical technical analysis, this pattern often precedes directional expansion once resistance gives way. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Fibonacci Extensions Outline Price Targets The chart includes Fibonacci extension levels projected from the base of the structure. These levels define three upside targets. The first sits near $7 (Fib. 0.272). The next appears around $19.5 (Fib. 0.618). The highest extension reaches $58.9 Fib 1. He clarified that $58.9 is his highest target and noted that it is “not to be confused with the jokers’ $589.” The targets reflect measured moves based on the size of the base rather than speculative projections. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post This 8-Year Technical Pattern Could Send XRP to $58.9 appeared first on Times Tabloid .
17 Jan 2026, 11:59
Elon Musk backed $10B for-profit OpenAI ICO in early 2018, internal notes reveal
OpenAI’s recently surfaced internal call notes reveal Elon Musk’s previous backing for a $10 billion for-profit arm ICO in early 2018 to fund the nonprofit’s projects. Musk’s decision to abandon the ICO and later exit from the AI startup set the company on its current path, combining a controlling nonprofit with a public benefit corporation (PBC). OpenAI’s President, Greg Brockman, said he and Musk agreed back in 2017 that a for-profit structure would be the AI startup’s next phase. However, negotiations hit a snag when the AI startup blatantly refused to give Musk full control of the for-profit arm. The ChatGPT maker also rejected Musk’s proposal to merge the AI startup with his Tesla, opting for alternative means to jointly achieve the objective. In response, Musk stormed out of the AI startup and gave the company a 0% chance of success if it failed to raise billions of dollars. Today, the company’s structure includes a controlling nonprofit that owns equity in the PBC, currently valued at over $130 billion. Musk sues OpenAI for breach of charitable trust In his latest court filing, Musk is suing the AI firm for breach of charitable trust and constructive fraud. However, the AI company seeks to deny Musk any remedy for the alleged misconduct on technical grounds. It asserts that the Tesla boss lacks standing to sue because he made most of his contributions indirectly through personal donor-advised funds (DAFs). The AI company also pointed out that Musk made additional donations through the fiscal sponsor YC.org, which it had designated to receive contributions on its behalf. Meanwhile, Musk calls OpenAI’s arguments “meritless,” emphasizing that the court had already ruled he has standing to sue as a “settlor” of a trust. He added that he is the settlor of his contributions to the ChatGPT maker, whether directly or indirectly. Musk contributed about $38 million to the AI startup’s initial funding, which accounted for roughly 60% of the total funding. He also claimed he made countless non-monetary contributions, such as recruiting top talent, including the AI firm’s chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, also acknowledged in his deposition that Musk’s initial contributions to the AI startup were crucial. He does not think the AI company would exist without Musk. Brockman says Musk is just harassing the AI startup According to Brockman, Musk’s latest lawsuit is his fourth attempt to make these claims, and part of his broader strategy to delay the ChatGPT maker’s progress through harassment. He believes Musk is using underhanded tactics to gain an advantage for his xAI firm. Brockman also claimed that Musk is grossly misrepresenting facts on record to further his harassment. He noted that Musk had deliberately cherry-picked and shared snippets from written records to tell a different story. “Elon did not think that OpenAI needed to remain solely a non-profit. As the context shows, he agreed that OpenAI needed both a non-profit and a for-profit entity—the exact structure OpenAI has today, and that Elon is now suing OpenAI over.” – Greg Brockman , President of OpenAI Brockman also clarified that it was Ilya, not Musk, who suggested that the nonprofit should continue to exist in some form and remain connected to the AI firm’s mission. Musk actually created an OpenAI PBC (B-Corp) shortly after these discussions. Brockman further noted that Musk’s court filings glossed over the details of these negotiations, and they were intense and deeply personal. Brockman also pointed out that one of the people who had worked closely with Musk described him as someone who tends to vilify people who quit his companies. The former Musk colleague also noted Musk’s Mars ambition, which started as a philanthropic project and grew into a commercial business. Meanwhile, Brockman believes that Musk never truly treated OpenAI as an independent nonprofit. He explained that Musk seemed intent on starting a competitor, which is why ChatGPT maker had secretly considered removing him from its board. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
17 Jan 2026, 10:02
XRPL Validator: Owning XRP Will Be a Dream to Many. Time Is Running Out
XRP often appears widely distributed on paper. Wallet counts suggest millions of holders. However, a closer look tells a different story. Recent data shared by an XRP Ledger validator, 24HrsCrypto (@24hrscrypto1), challenges mass ownership and shifts attention to where meaningful XRP supply sits. The distinction is important because raw wallet numbers hide concentration. They also shape expectations around future demand. When ownership narrows, market dynamics change. Owning XRP will be a dream to many..and time is running out. When you strip out dust wallets and count meaningful XRP holders (1,000 – 500,000 XRP) you’re left with ONLY 1.2 million accounts. Even if you assume 1 wallet = 1 human (which is generous)… 1,118,000 ÷ 8.2bn =… https://t.co/O7RiWfDMrw pic.twitter.com/a6bAB141Gc — 𝟸𝟺𝙷𝚁𝚂𝙲𝚁𝚈𝙿𝚃𝙾 (@24hrscrypto1) January 14, 2026 What the Wallet Data Shows The charts highlight wallet distribution , showing XRP account balances by range. Millions of wallets hold between 0 and 20 XRP. Another large block sits below 1,000 XRP. These wallets add little weight to ownership analysis. They represent dust balances, inactive accounts, or testing wallets. Once those are removed, the picture tightens fast. Wallets holding between 1,000 and 500,000 XRP total roughly 1.2 million accounts. 24HrsCrypto described this group as “meaningful XRP holders.” He went further. “Even if you assume 1 wallet = 1 human,” he wrote, that group equals “0.0135% of humanity.” The math leads to a clear ratio. “That’s 1 out of every 7,395 people.” The commonly cited figure of over 4 million XRP wallets remains technically accurate. It just lacks context. As 24HrsCrypto put it, “The ‘4M XRP holders’ number is inflated by millions of 0 – 1,000 XRP dust wallets.” This makes XRP holders a class among the population . Concentration Changes the Narrative The charts also show where XRP supply concentrates. Wallets holding 10,000 to 100,000 XRP control billions of tokens. Larger tiers above that hold even more, despite far fewer accounts, and these whales are constantly moving billions of tokens within the ecosystem. This structure points to ownership depth rather than breadth. XRP does not trade like a retail-saturated asset. It trades like one still building its holder base. That matters for price behavior. It also matters for liquidity shifts during periods of increased demand. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 What Comes Next for XRP? Narrow ownership creates optionality. New participants do not need to replace existing holders. They only need to join a relatively small group. That dynamic favors expansion phases over saturation. As infrastructure matures, access improves. Custodial platforms, institutional rails, and regulatory clarity all lower friction. Each step widens the potential holder pool without diluting existing supply concentration. The charts show XRP supply already positioned. Large balances sit idle across defined tiers. If demand increases, supply does not need to be reshuffled across millions of wallets. It can move through far fewer hands. That structure supports stability during accumulation phases. It also allows sharp upward repricing when conviction builds. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRPL Validator: Owning XRP Will Be a Dream to Many. Time Is Running Out appeared first on Times Tabloid .
17 Jan 2026, 09:28
Former lawmaker says UK laws fall short in curbing Grok harms
A former UK lawmaker has revealed that the approach of the United Kingdom in terms of its laws will not reduce the harm caused by Grok. This is coming after UK ministers responded to the backlash faced by Grok, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot, by fast-tracking legislation to ban the generation of non-consensual intimate images. According to the former UK lawmaker, the country is following a “what-a-mole” approach to regulating big technology companies. While there has been increased support for the law, experts have also warned that the changes may not go far to limit the harms posed by generative AI chatbots. “It looks like we are behind the curve, because we are,” says Harriet Harman, a former deputy Labour leader. “And it looks like we’re running to catch up, because we are. And it looks like we’ve got a scattergun approach, because we have.” Former lawmaker says the UK is behind in AI regulation According to the former UK lawmaker, this includes the country failing to clarify what the law should classify as “intimate” imagery. Although in the US, lawmakers have described it as depicting nudity or underwear, backbenchers and ministers have argued that the creation of non-consensual images of women and children in bikinis and wet T-shirts using Grok shows a significant weakness in the approach. Technology secretary Liz Kendall has also noted that the law is being aimed at nudification applications and may not even apply to Grok. According to Clare McGlynn, a professor of law at Durham University, the nudification ban is not a solution that will tackle the generation of sexual images with Grok, noting that it won’t even apply to the chatbot. The offense is designed to apply only to applications developed for the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery. On the other hand, Grok is seen as a general-purpose artificial intelligence model capable of predicting images, text, and code, and would most likely be outside the scope of the law. In a letter to Labour MP Chi Onwurah, Kendall mentioned that Grok might not be covered under the proposals. She mentioned that during the analysis, they identified that not all chatbots were covered under the scope of the law. However, she noted that officials have been commissioned to look into it so as to address the gap. Experts warn about the risks of AI chatbots Last Wednesday, X released a statement, noting that it would geoblock the ability for users to generate images of real people in skimpy outfits, like bikinis, underwear, and similar attire, in areas where it is currently illegal. It remains to be seen if similar images can still be generated using the standalone Grok application or the website. xAI , Grok’s parent company, did not disclose if that would be the case or if the enforcement would cover these parts. The debate is unfolding against rising concerns about violence against women and girls (VAWG) carried out using technologies. Reports claim that around one in 10 recorded offenses involving VAWG already has a digital element, something that experts believe significantly underestimates the true scale. Younger people are prone to more risks as they spend more time online. According to campaigners, artificial intelligence can be a harm accelerant. The group also mentioned that AI allows abuse to be generated and shared on a larger scale. Meanwhile, experts have warned that other AI-chatbot controversies are likely to emerge in the future. Michael Birtwistle, associate director at the Ada Lovelace Institute, an AI research body, mentioned that future flashpoints could include children being targeted with sexual interactions from chatbots or AI assistants dispensing questionable health or financial advice to their users. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
