Invest ideasNews
24 Jan 2026, 14:59
Fake AI video of Nepal politicians sparks disinformation fears ahead of snap election
In front of the nation’s impending snap election on March 5, a fake movie featuring three prominent politicians from Nepal has revealed how AI is being used as a weapon. The video, which was entirely computer-generated, depicted former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, former head of the electricity sector Kulman Ghising, and leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party Rabi Lamichhane walking together. Many people thought a new political alliance was emerging when the video went viral on the internet. However, because the entire encounter was computer-generated, the three politicians never really met. Audio forgeries spread through social networks The fake video represents just one example of AI-manufactured content now saturating Nepal’s digital spaces as the vote approaches. The election takes place merely six months after violent demonstrations led by young people demanding an end to corruption. Those protests forced out then-prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli and left the nation’s political system in turmoil. Digital forgeries targeting well-known individuals have flourished as a result of this crisis of confidence. The Rastriya Swatantra Party’s vice president, Swarnim Wagle, has filed a complaint with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau. A phony audio tape was made to give the impression that he had a discussion with the prime minister of India, which never took place. These audio fakes pose unique risks in Nepal, as demonstrated by Poynter’s fact-checking efforts . Voice messages travel quickly through family chat groups and social media, often reaching receivers who are unable to confirm their legitimacy. The unreliability of tools used to identify altered audio means that ordinary people have limited means of distinguishing between falsehoods and the truth. Attempts by the government to control the issue have frequently made matters worse. Due to their failure to register with regulators, Facebook, X, and YouTube were blocked by authorities during the demonstrations in September. The ban triggered more violence instead of calming tensions. Reuters documented at least 77 deaths and thousands of injuries during the chaos that followed. Officials eventually lifted the restrictions, but the incident showed why heavy-handed blocking doesn’t work. False information simply moved to harder-to-monitor channels. Nepal’s Election Commission has tried addressing these challenges through policy. Their 2021 “Policy on the use of social media in Electoral Management ” set initial guidelines. A new draft code of conduct for the upcoming vote specifically bans false information and fake accounts intended to sway voters. However, specialists warn that these rules need immediate updates for the age of generative AI. Questions remain unanswered: What exactly constitutes synthetic media? Should campaigns disclose content created with AI assistance? Who is held accountable when fake information spreads? Experts call for a coordinated response Without perfect regulations in place, specialists and monitoring groups are pushing for broader solutions. Poynter and similar media organizations recommend several steps: news organizations and fact-checkers should investigate every viral video like a crime, tracing its origin and demonstrating how they verified it. Political parties and candidates should promise not to use deepfakes and clearly label any AI-created material. Social media companies should establish quick-response teams familiar with Nepal’s languages and politics. Regular citizens should take a “ten-second triage” approach, stopping, checking, and confirming before they share shocking claims. The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau is already preparing for more advanced attacks on the technical side. SP Ray, an official with the bureau, said, “AI is getting bigger and being used in more ways. Soon we may see crimes and cyberattacks that AI makes easier. ” Ray also noted the technology’s relative newness might provide some breathing room. He believes AI tech is still in its infancy and is just being adopted by the public, so it may take a little longer to use it as a tool of destruction. “We are well-equipped to fight these crimes and threats, and we should be,” Ray said. He added reassurance: “Nepal Police can look into any action. The only thing that will take time to look into is attacks from foreign soil. “ Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program
24 Jan 2026, 12:57
Revolut signals UAE expansion plans in new technology manager job posting
UK-headquartered Revolut, a global financial application with over 60 million customers, has posted a job announcement for a “Crypto Technology Manager” for the UAE. This comes months after it received its in-principle approval for Stored Value Facilities and Retail Payment Services licenses from the Central Bank of the UAE. At the time, Revolut noted that this was a significant achievement, signaling its plans to launch in the UAE with the aim of offering a comprehensive product experience to retail customers. Crypto technology manager will work with local regulators The job post notes that the crypto technology manager is part of the technology team that will build the systems and experiences that keep Revolut moving forward. The opportunity claims, “We’re looking for a Technology Manager to support our crypto expansion in the UAE, focusing on technology risk, operational resilience, and regulatory readiness.” The crypto technology manager will work not only with Revolut’s internal engineering, product, operations and compliance teams but with local regulators as well to ensure their crypto platforms operate in line with UAE regulatory requirements. The role entails implementing and maintaining a technology and operational risk framework for crypto activities in the UAE, ensuring compliance with ICT regulations and requirements, and supporting crypto licensing and regulatory engagement with local authorities (e.g., Central Bank of the UAE, VARA, DFSA, FSRA). Of course, the candidate has to have experience in financial services, fintech, crypto/digital assets, and knowledge in the blockchain domain. Currently, Revolut allows users to buy, sell, and hold over 175 cryptocurrencies directly within its app, offering features like instant exchanges, automatic “round-up” investing, and advanced trading via the specialized Revolut X platform. It recently partnered with Trust Wallet to offer enhanced, low-fee purchasing options for users. Revolut plans to expand into 30 markets by 2030 and add 10,000 jobs In November, Ambareen Musa, Head of Revolut in GCC noted the firm is in “day zero build mode” in the UAE, completing governance and licensing requirements and is hopeful for an upcoming launch subject to regulatory approval. The expansion in the MENA region is part of their strategy to serve 100 million customers by 2027, and Revolut as such aims to enter 30 new markets by 2030. It also committed $13 billion in investments over the next five years to accomplish this while creating 10,000 jobs globally. This includes significant funding for established and high-growth regions, such as a $4 billion commitment to the UK, $1.2 billion for its Western Europe hub in France, and $500 million to accelerate its operations in the US. The investments will also drive further growth in other European markets as well as launches in new markets across Latin America, APAC, and the Middle East. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
24 Jan 2026, 12:31
Ripple Is Bringing AI to the XRP Ledger. Here’s the Latest
Crypto researcher SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) recently highlighted a major development on the XRP Ledger. He revealed that Ripple has successfully combined blockchain technology with artificial intelligence to optimize cross-border payments. The XRPL, a decentralized blockchain, enables real-time payment settlement, and Ripple’s platform now leverages AI to enhance transaction efficiency. RIPPLE HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMBINED BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE XRP LEDGER “The XRP Ledger, a decentralised blockchain that enables real-time cross-border payment settlement, is used by Ripple's platform. Al is also used to optimise transaction… https://t.co/11yty1yccO pic.twitter.com/pFKJHzzUBF — SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) January 23, 2026 AI-Agentic Infrastructure Expands on the XRP Ledger SMQKE’s post was a response to ChartNerd (@ChartNerdTA), a crypto analyst, who reported that AI-Agentic infrastructure is being deployed to support autonomous treasury operations. According to the analyst, Evernorth is integrating t54’s agentic finance infrastructure and trust layer to bring verification, risk assessment, and compliance to AI-powered treasury management on the XRPL. This integration is not limited to a single product, as both t54 and XRPL teams will collaborate to develop new products for the XRP ecosystem. The collaboration aims to expand the XRPL’s capabilities in AI-driven financial operations, enhancing efficiency , security, and operational intelligence across the network. AI-Powered Transaction Optimization The integration of AI on the XRP Ledger enables the optimization of transaction flows and routing choices. Financial institutions using Ripple’s platform can make dynamic decisions on the most effective payment routes. The system evaluates enormous volumes of payment data in real time, ensuring that transactions follow the most efficient paths. This approach improves the speed and reliability of cross-border payments. By analyzing large datasets, AI adjusts routing dynamically to current network conditions and transaction volumes. The result is faster settlements and improved liquidity management for institutions. Impact on Cross-Border Payments Traditional international payments often involve delays, high fees, and reliance on complex intermediary networks. Ripple’s combination of blockchain and AI addresses these issues by providing a more streamlined, cost-efficient alternative. Real-time settlement is now possible while maintaining transparency and reliability, which supports the adoption of this approach by banks and other financial institutions . We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 The XRP Ledger’s scalability ensures that the platform can handle high transaction volumes without reducing performance. AI determines optimal paths for payments, reducing latency and ensuring funds reach their destination promptly. Ripple’s Position in Financial Technology The integration of AI with the XRP Ledger marks a significant advancement in payment technology. Real-time processing allows institutions to respond quickly to market changes, improving overall reliability in international payments. Ripple now provides a platform capable of handling complex, high-volume transactions quickly and accurately. Institutions using the system benefit from optimized routing, faster settlements, and reduced operational costs. 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 Ripple Is Bringing AI to the XRP Ledger. Here’s the Latest appeared first on Times Tabloid .
24 Jan 2026, 10:10
McLaren Sets Foot into Web3 with Hedera Partnership to Revolutionize Fan Experience
McLaren Racing and Hedera Forge Partnership to Revolutionize Fan Engagement in Web3 McLaren Racing has launched a multi-year partnership with the Hedera Foundation, bridging motorsport fans with the digital frontier. As a trusted public network powering fast, secure, and compliant decentralized applications, Hedera becomes an Official Partner of both the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team. Charles Adkins, CEO of HBAR, Inc., hailed the collaboration, stating : “Working with one of the world’s most recognised sports brands is a big step for the Hedera ecosystem. It gives us a chance to show what Web3 can look like when it’s built on a network people can trust, and when it’s tied to experiences fans actually want.” McLaren Racing is merging the thrill of the racetrack with the innovation of Web3, giving fans new ways to engage with their favorite teams. Leveraging Hedera’s fast and secure network, McLaren will launch officially licensed digital experiences that are interactive, verifiable, and globally accessible. At McLaren, precision, speed, and performance define our legacy, and through this partnership, we’re bringing that same excellence to the digital world, creating unique opportunities for fans everywhere. Nick Martin, Co-Chief Commercial Officer at McLaren Racing, welcomed the partnership, noting: “Innovation off the track is just as important as performance on it. Partnering with Hedera allows us to deliver cutting-edge Web3 experiences for our fans. We’re excited to welcome Hedera to the McLaren family as we continue to push boundaries on and off the track.” Central to this partnership is a cutting-edge programme of digital experiences that brings fans closer to the team than ever. Kicking off with free-to-claim digital collectibles during Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends, these assets are powered by Hedera, offering fans trusted, secure, and environmentally efficient blockchain ownership. The collaboration also reintroduces Arrow McLaren IndyCar digital collectibles for the 2026 season, giving fans a fresh way to celebrate the team’s journey on and off the track. This initiative marks a major expansion of McLaren Racing’s digital presence, merging real-world motorsport excitement with immersive Web3 experiences. Well, McLaren Racing and Hedera unite innovation, precision, and performance in a partnership set to redefine fan engagement. By pairing McLaren’s racing legacy with Hedera’s cutting-edge blockchain technology, fans can expect immersive digital experiences, from exclusive collectibles to interactive activations, that go beyond the track. As sports and technology converge, this collaboration positions McLaren at the forefront of the next generation of digital fan interaction. Conclusion The McLaren Racing and Hedera partnership ushers in a new era of fan engagement, merging motorsport excitement with Web3 innovation. Leveraging McLaren’s legacy of speed and precision alongside Hedera’s fast, secure, and reliable network, fans gain access to immersive digital experiences, from free-to-claim collectibles to officially licensed activations. Therefore, this collaboration transforms spectators into active participants, allowing them to celebrate every victory on and off the track in ways that are seamless, secure, and unforgettable.
24 Jan 2026, 08:08
Vitalik Buterin calls on cypherpunks to push back against governments
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is urging cypherpunks to resist government and corporate encroachment, predicting that both seek more control and less trust. Buterin stresses that it is the work of the Ethereum developers and cypherpunk community to ensure user independence without being hostile to institutions. According to Buterin, the relationship between cypherpunks and large corporations or governments is far from simple. He points out that governments and corporations are not always enemies of privacy tools and open systems, nor are they guaranteed allies. They usually support open systems in one area while pushing for control in another. Buterin points to several recent examples, noting that the EU has signaled strong support for open-source software. At the same time, some EU officials push for Chat Control, requiring encrypted messaging to have backdoors. He also cited the U.S. Patriot Act, which he says remains in effect with little interest in repealing it from either Democrats or Republicans. Buterin says institutions play both sides in the cypherpunk debate According to the Ethereum co-founder, institutions play both sides of the cypherpunk debate, and this pattern reflects a basic mindset: control everything possible and resist control by others. However, he concludes that cypherpunks need not be hostile to institutions, though they should firmly defend their core interests. For Ethereum users, Buterin believes that the core interest is building social, financial, and identity systems that protect user freedom and self-sovereignty. He calls Ethereum a censorship-resistant world computer, where no one has to approve of every activity running on it. In his view, building strong systems on top of Ethereum to compete both against CEXs and within blockchain ecosystems is what matters. “At best, we can interoperate with the non-cypherpunk world to better bootstrap the cypherpunk world…Synergies like this should be explored across all domains.” – Vitalik Buterin , Co-founder of Ethereum According to Buterin, institutions will favor self-custody and staking going forward, supporting Ethereum’s decentralization. He also noted that KYC and privacy technologies evolve in parallel with ongoing debates around zero-knowledge proofs. The Ethereum co-founder further stated that institutions are currently focusing on data security and sovereignty to maximize control and minimize reliance on external parties. Stablecoins to sit at the center of the control war Buterin says stablecoins will be one of the main battlefields between crypto privacy supporters and institutions. He emphasizes that governments and large corporations want digital currencies they can rely on, but also want strong control over risk, compliance, and rules. Meanwhile, stablecoin issuers in the EU will prefer blockchains not dominated by U.S. governance, while U.S.-based issuers will prefer the opposite, according to Buterin. The political balance is expected to influence which chains institutions choose. At the same time, the Ethereum co-founder expects governments to push harder for KYC and monitoring of stablecoin use. Buterin also projects that privacy around stablecoins will continue to improve, adding that user privacy protection tools will grow stronger and that non-KYC stablecoins are not likely to disappear. He points to ideas like zero-knowledge proofs of money sources, which could allow users to prove compliance without revealing everything. However, Buterin warns that these tools will trigger deep disagreements inside the crypto space. According to Buterin, spreads on decentralized stablecoins can also decrease if it is easy for people to run arbitrage strategies where they hold positive quantities of a centralized stablecoin and negative quantities of the decentralized one. He also believes that traditional financial institutions should explore improving the liquidity of their stablecoins to use them for hedging existing risks. On the other hand, the Ethereum executive notes that institutions want to retain full control over their own stablecoin wallets and infrastructure. He also explains that it is up to cypherpunks and Ethereum developers to ensure that regular users continue to have access to self-sovereign, secure ways to hold and use stablecoins. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
24 Jan 2026, 06:30
Ethereum Quantum Security: Foundation Launches Urgent Post-Quantum Team to Shield Billions
BitcoinWorld Ethereum Quantum Security: Foundation Launches Urgent Post-Quantum Team to Shield Billions In a decisive move to safeguard the future of the world’s second-largest blockchain, the Ethereum Foundation has officially launched a dedicated Post-Quantum team. This strategic initiative, announced in Zurich, Switzerland, on March 15, 2025, directly counters the looming threat quantum computing poses to cryptographic security. Consequently, the foundation is mobilizing developers and researchers to future-proof a network securing over $500 billion in value. Ethereum Quantum Security Becomes a Core Priority The Ethereum Foundation has formally elevated quantum resistance to a core strategic priority. This decision reflects a proactive stance within the blockchain industry. Quantum computers, which leverage quantum mechanics, threaten to break the cryptographic algorithms that secure digital wallets and transaction signatures. Therefore, the foundation’s new Post-Quantum team will coordinate a multi-pronged defense strategy. This team will immediately begin hosting bi-weekly developer sessions. These sessions aim to enhance user wallet security through collaborative discussions. Key discussion topics will include advanced in-protocol cryptographic tools, secure account abstraction pathways, and efficient signature aggregation structures. Moreover, this initiative represents a significant shift from theoretical concern to practical implementation. The foundation recognizes that quantum advancements, while still emerging, could eventually compromise current encryption standards like ECDSA. As a result, early preparation is critical for maintaining long-term trust and asset security on the Ethereum network. Mobilizing Research with Substantial Financial Backing Parallel to its operational efforts, the Ethereum Foundation is making a major financial commitment to foundational research. Specifically, the organization has allocated $2 million in prize funding to accelerate quantum-resistant cryptography. This funding targets two critical areas of development essential for Ethereum quantum security. The Poseidon Prize ($1 million): This prize focuses on strengthening the Poseidon hash function. Poseidon is a zk-SNARK-friendly hash function crucial for Ethereum’s layer-2 scaling and privacy solutions like zk-Rollups. Enhancing its quantum resistance is vital for the entire scalability ecosystem. The Proximity Prize ($1 million): Dedicated to broader research into quantum-resistant technology, this prize encourages innovation in post-quantum cryptography (PQC). PQC involves creating new algorithms that even powerful quantum computers cannot easily break. This dual approach ensures both immediate protocol components and long-term cryptographic standards receive dedicated support. Furthermore, it incentivizes global academic and cryptographic research communities to contribute directly to blockchain security. The Looming Quantum Threat Timeline Experts generally agree that cryptographically relevant quantum computers are likely years, if not decades, away. However, the “harvest now, decrypt later” attack vector presents a clear and present danger. In this scenario, a malicious actor could record encrypted blockchain transactions today and decrypt them later once a quantum computer is available. This risk makes preemptive action not just prudent but essential for protecting long-lived assets and smart contracts. The table below outlines the primary cryptographic elements at risk and the general timeline of concern: Cryptographic Element Use in Ethereum Quantum Vulnerability Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) Secures transactions and wallet ownership. High – Shor’s algorithm could break it. Keccak-256 (SHA-3) Core hashing function for block integrity. Moderate – Grover’s algorithm halves its security. zk-SNARKs Proof Systems Enables private and scalable layer-2 solutions. Varies – Depends on underlying cryptographic assumptions. Transitioning these systems requires extensive research, testing, and community coordination. The Ethereum Foundation’s team will spearhead this complex technical migration. Industry Context and the Race for Quantum Resistance The Ethereum Foundation’s announcement places it at the forefront of a broader industry-wide awakening. Notably, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been standardizing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms for several years. Several blockchain projects are now exploring integrations with these NIST-finalized algorithms. Ethereum’s approach, however, is uniquely comprehensive. It combines immediate developer education with long-term research grants. This strategy acknowledges that a successful transition depends on more than just new algorithms. It requires seamless integration into wallets, smart contracts, and the core protocol without disrupting user experience or decentralization. Additionally, the foundation’s public commitment provides a clear signal to enterprises and institutional investors. It demonstrates that Ethereum’s governance is actively managing long-term existential risks. This action could influence other major blockchain ecosystems to accelerate their own quantum preparedness roadmaps. Expert Perspectives on the Proactive Move Cryptography experts view the foundation’s initiative as a necessary and timely step. Dr. Anna Kramer, a post-quantum cryptography researcher cited in the original CoinDesk report, emphasized the importance of early-stage development. “Cryptographic transitions are measured in decades, not years,” she stated. “Beginning this work now, while quantum threats are still theoretical, provides the necessary runway for robust, community-vetted solutions.” This expert insight underscores the foresight behind the launch. The foundation is not responding to an immediate breach but building a defensive moat years in advance. Conclusion The launch of the Ethereum Foundation’s Post-Quantum team marks a pivotal moment for blockchain security. By declaring Ethereum quantum security a strategic priority, allocating significant resources, and mobilizing its developer community, the foundation is taking definitive action. This proactive defense against future quantum computing threats aims to protect the network’s integrity, user assets, and foundational promise of decentralized trust. The journey to a quantum-resistant Ethereum will be complex and collaborative. However, this structured initiative provides a critical framework for ensuring the blockchain’s resilience for decades to come. FAQs Q1: What is the main goal of the Ethereum Foundation’s new Post-Quantum team? The primary goal is to research, develop, and implement quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions for the Ethereum blockchain. This protects user wallets and network integrity from future threats posed by advanced quantum computers. Q2: How soon do we need quantum-resistant cryptography for Ethereum? While powerful quantum computers are not imminent, the “harvest now, decrypt later” threat requires immediate action. Transitioning cryptography is a multi-year process, so starting now is essential for a secure transition before threats materialize. Q3: What are the Poseidon and Proximity Prizes? These are two $1 million research prizes funded by the Ethereum Foundation. The Poseidon Prize strengthens the quantum resistance of the Poseidon hash function. The Proximity Prize funds general research into quantum-resistant technology for blockchain. Q4: Will upgrading to quantum-resistant cryptography require users to take action? Ideally, the transition will be seamless for most users through protocol-level upgrades. However, wallet providers and smart contract developers will likely need to update their software to support new cryptographic standards in the future. Q5: Is Ethereum the only blockchain working on quantum security? No, quantum resistance is a recognized challenge across the industry. However, the Ethereum Foundation’s announcement represents one of the most structured, well-funded, and publicly committed initiatives from a major blockchain ecosystem to date. This post Ethereum Quantum Security: Foundation Launches Urgent Post-Quantum Team to Shield Billions first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
