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28 Apr 2026, 22:53

Tornado Cash dev supporters reject AG Blanche's hollow ‘code is not crime’ pledge

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche’s promise to developers at the Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas has been dismissed by Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm’s defense team. Despite the Trump administration’s crypto-positive attitude, the ongoing prosecution of non-custodial developers has become something of a hole in the hull of what is supposed to be a regulatory tight ship. What did the Attorney General Blanche actually say? Speaking on a panel hosted by Coinbase’s (NASDAQ: COIN) Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that software developers would no longer face prosecution for writing code. He said coders would be exempt from prosecution if it is proven that they are not third-party users, and are not helping or knowledgeable about what a third-party user is using their product for. However, he contradicted himself later on, stating that being a coder doesn’t excuse anyone from criminal liability. The CEO of Coin Center, Peter Van Valkenburgh questioned how the DOJ determined what classifies as publishing noncustodial software and “helping” or “knowing” about a bad user. “What counts as ‘helping’? What counts as ‘knowing’?” He added. Laurent Salat, creator and developer of OXT, pointed out that under such vague interpretations of what counts as knowledge, a federal agent could incriminate an operator of a non-custodial bitcoin service with a simple email. Why is Roman Storm still facing prison? Cryptopolitan reported that Roman Storm was convicted in August 2025 of one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. A jury was unable to decide on whether or not to charge Storm with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Even though the U.S. Treasury lifted sanctions on Tornado Cash in 2025, the DOJ filed for a retrial on the deadlocked counts in March 2026. AG Blanche’s “knowledge” standard is the exact legal theory used to convict Roman Storm in the first place. In his case, the government introduced evidence that he received emails from third parties about misuse of Tornado Cash, conducted Google searches about prominent hacks, and shared media reports about those hacks with team members. Prosecutors have argued this constitutes sufficient “knowledge” to establish criminal liability for transmitting illicit funds, a theory that even Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who is presiding over the case, questioned. Storm himself posted on X that developers “CAN be prosecuted for your software,” adding that it does not matter whether a developer can stop the software from functioning. Storm’s counsel Brian Klein argued at the hearing that any technology created for legitimate purposes can be misused, and that a developer’s awareness of such misuse does not amount to assisting criminals. His team cited case law, including a sugar seller who knew his product was being used to manufacture illegal alcohol during prohibition. Judge Katherine Polk Failla has tentatively set Storm’s retrial date for October 26, 2026. If convicted on the remaining charges, he faces up to 40 years in prison. Your bank is using your money. You’re getting the scraps. Watch our free video on becoming your own bank

28 Apr 2026, 22:42

Why are Coreweave, SoftBank, Broadcom, AMD, Nvidia, and Oracle stocks crashing?

Coreweave (CRWV), SoftBank Group (9984.T), Broadcom (AVGO), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Nvidia (NVDA), and Oracle (ORCL) fell because traders are no longer treating OpenAI’s spending plans like free money. A report said OpenAI has not hit some of its own growth and sales goals, and that was enough to hit the whole AI infrastructure trade on Tuesday. The damage was not small. Oracle dropped 4%, even with its $300 billion five-year compute partnership with OpenAI still in place. Broadcom lost 4%. AMD fell 3%. Nvidia slipped more than 1%. Qualcomm (QCOM) went down 0.2%, though it finished above its weakest level after getting some help Monday from reports that it is working with OpenAI on smartphone chips. Coreweave, the debt-heavy neocloud stock tied closely to AI compute demand, fell more than 5%. SoftBank, one of OpenAI’s largest investors, sank about 10% in Asia. OpenAI misses growth targets and investors sell the companies tied to its compute demand The report said OpenAI has recently missed its own targets for user growth and revenue. That matters because OpenAI has signed massive deals for data centers and long-term computing power. OpeAI’s finance chief Sarah Friar warned colleagues that slower sales could make it harder for OpenAI to fund future compute deals, which landed hard because OpenAI has become one of the biggest demand engines for the AI supply chain. OpenAI fought back against the criticisms though. Sam Altman and Sarah said, “We are totally aligned on buying as much compute as we can and working hard on it together every day.” They also said any claim that they are split or stepping back from buying computing resources is “ridiculous.” Oracle also stood by the partnership. A company spokesperson said, “We’re incredibly excited about our partnership with OpenAI and remain focused on building and delivering the capacity they need to support rapidly growing demand.” The spokesperson added, “OpenAI’s new 5.5 model is a significant step forward, and we expect continued momentum as access to their technology expands across cloud providers.” For years, Sam has tried to secure as much data-center capacity as OpenAI can get. His view has been that not having enough computing power is the biggest limit on OpenAI’s growth. That thinking led to a huge run of deals last year and left the company tied to about $600 billion in future spending promises. ChatGPT slows, Gemini gains users, and OpenAI faces a three-year cash burn test OpenAI’s “buy everything” compute strategy had support from Sarah and the board while ChatGPT looked almost unstoppable. Then growth slowed near the end of last year, and the mood inside the company became less relaxed. OpenAI had set an internal goal of reaching one billion weekly active ChatGPT users by the end of last year. It has not announced that number. That has made some investors uneasy because the AI boom is already priced like growth will keep coming fast. The company also missed its yearly ChatGPT revenue target after Google (GOOGL) Gemini grew strongly late last year and took share from OpenAI. Subscriber cancellations have also been an issue. Earlier this year, OpenAI missed several monthly revenue targets after Anthropic gained ground in coding and enterprise products. OpenAI recently raised $122 billion, the largest funding round Silicon Valley has seen. That gave the company more cash, but the spending load is still huge. With all the computing power OpenAI has signed up for, the company expects to use that money within three years, even if it hits aggressive sales goals. Some of the funding also depends on partner agreements, so not every dollar is fully locked in with no strings attached. There are still areas growing inside OpenAI. Codex, its coding tool, is gaining popularity. The company is also cutting costs by scaling back projects such as Sora, its video-generation app. OpenAI has released GPT-5.5, a model that beat several industry benchmarks. But the stock reaction showed that traders are now watching cash, targets, and compute bills more closely than hype. For Coreweave, Oracle, SoftBank, Broadcom, AMD, and Nvidia, that is the problem. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

28 Apr 2026, 22:15

MARA sells 15,133 BTC and launches $100,000 Bitcoin fund

🚨 MARA Holdings sold 15,133 BTC and launched a $100,000 community Bitcoin fund. The $MARA Foundation will support Bitcoin research, software, and user education. Continue Reading: MARA sells 15,133 BTC and launches $100,000 Bitcoin fund The post MARA sells 15,133 BTC and launches $100,000 Bitcoin fund appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

28 Apr 2026, 19:15

Google Expands Pentagon Access to Its AI After Anthropic Refuses Similar Deal — A Controversial Move

BitcoinWorld Google Expands Pentagon Access to Its AI After Anthropic Refuses Similar Deal — A Controversial Move Google has expanded Pentagon access to its artificial intelligence, granting the U.S. Department of Defense permission to use its AI on classified networks for all lawful purposes. This decision follows Anthropic’s public refusal to provide the same unrestricted terms to the DoD. The move marks a significant shift in the AI industry’s relationship with the military and has sparked internal and external debate. Google Expands Pentagon Access to Its AI: The Core Agreement According to multiple news reports, Google’s new contract with the DoD allows the military to use its AI models for a wide range of applications. The agreement includes access to Google’s cloud infrastructure and AI APIs for classified networks. This essentially permits all lawful uses, though Google’s statement includes language that it does not intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. However, the Wall Street Journal reports that it is unclear whether these provisions are legally binding or enforceable. Google is now the third major AI company to sign such a deal with the DoD. OpenAI immediately signed a similar agreement, as did xAI. This pattern suggests a growing trend of AI companies seeking government contracts despite ethical concerns. Anthropic’s Refusal and the Pentagon Lawsuit The context of this deal is crucial. Anthropic, a leading AI model maker, publicly refused to grant the DoD the same unrestricted terms. The Pentagon wanted unrestricted use of AI, while Anthropic insisted on guardrails to prevent its technology from being used for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Because Anthropic refused these use cases, the DoD branded the model maker a “supply-chain risk” — a designation normally reserved for foreign adversaries. This designation has led to a lawsuit between Anthropic and the DoD. A judge last month granted Anthropic an injunction against the designation while the case proceeds. This legal battle highlights the tension between AI companies’ ethical commitments and national security demands. Google’s Internal Conflict: Employee Protests Google’s decision did not come without internal dissent. A total of 950 Google employees have signed an open letter asking the company to follow Anthropic’s lead and not sell AI to the Defense Department without similar guardrails. The employees argue that selling AI without strong restrictions could enable harmful applications. Despite this, Google proceeded with the deal. The company tells Bitcoin World that it is “proud” to be among the AI companies supporting national security. Google’s full written statement emphasizes its commitment to responsible AI use, stating that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons unless a human is overseeing such operations. What Google’s Statement Says A Google spokesperson provided the following statement: “We are proud to be part of a broad consortium of leading AI labs and technology and cloud companies providing AI services and infrastructure in support of national security. We support government agencies across both classified and non-classified projects, applying our expertise to areas like logistics, cybersecurity, diplomatic translation, fleet maintenance, and the defense of critical infrastructure.” The statement continues: “We believe that providing API access to our commercial models, including on Google infrastructure, with industry-standard practices and terms, represents a responsible approach to supporting national security. We remain committed to the private and public sector consensus that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weaponry without appropriate human oversight.” AI Defense Contracts: A Growing Trend The race for AI defense contracts is accelerating. Here is a brief timeline of recent developments: Anthropic (2024-2025): Refuses DoD terms, gets labeled a “supply-chain risk,” and files a lawsuit. OpenAI (2025): Signs a deal with the DoD shortly after Anthropic’s refusal. xAI (2025): Follows suit with its own DoD agreement. Google (2025): Expands Pentagon access to its AI, becoming the third major player. This timeline shows a clear pattern. Companies that refuse military contracts face significant pressure, while those that accept them gain lucrative government revenue. The DoD’s designation of Anthropic as a “supply-chain risk” sends a strong message to other AI companies. Ethical Guardrails: Are They Enforceable? One of the central questions in this debate is whether ethical guardrails are legally binding. Google’s agreement includes language that it does not intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. This language is similar to contract language used by OpenAI. However, the Wall Street Journal reports that it is unclear whether such provisions are enforceable. Critics argue that without clear enforcement mechanisms, these guardrails are merely aspirational. The DoD’s own actions, such as labeling Anthropic a risk for refusing to remove guardrails, suggest that the Pentagon prioritizes unrestricted access over ethical constraints. Expert Analysis on Contract Language Legal experts note that contract language about “intent” is often difficult to enforce. If the DoD uses Google’s AI for a purpose that Google says it does not intend, proving a breach of contract would require showing that Google knew or should have known about the use. This is a high legal bar. Furthermore, the DoD’s classified networks make external oversight nearly impossible. Without transparency, it is difficult to verify whether the AI is being used in accordance with the stated guardrails. Impact on the AI Industry and National Security Google’s decision has significant implications for both the AI industry and national security. On one hand, the DoD gains access to cutting-edge AI technology for logistics, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure defense. These are legitimate national security needs. On the other hand, the lack of strong guardrails raises concerns about potential misuse. Domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons are two areas where many experts believe AI should be strictly limited. The absence of enforceable restrictions could set a dangerous precedent. The AI industry is now divided. Some companies, like Anthropic, are taking a principled stand. Others, like Google, OpenAI, and xAI, are prioritizing government contracts. This split could lead to further legal battles and regulatory scrutiny. Conclusion Google expands Pentagon access to its AI after Anthropic refuses similar deal, marking a pivotal moment in the AI defense landscape. While Google claims its agreement includes ethical guardrails, the enforceability of those provisions remains unclear. The decision has sparked internal employee protests and external criticism, but it also positions Google as a key player in national security AI. As the lawsuit between Anthropic and the DoD proceeds, the industry will be watching closely to see how these ethical and legal questions are resolved. FAQs Q1: Why did Anthropic refuse the Pentagon’s AI deal? Anthropic refused because the Pentagon wanted unrestricted use of its AI, including for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Anthropic insisted on guardrails to prevent these uses. Q2: What did the Pentagon do after Anthropic refused? The Pentagon labeled Anthropic a “supply-chain risk,” a designation normally reserved for foreign adversaries. Anthropic sued the DoD, and a judge granted an injunction against the designation while the case proceeds. Q3: What does Google’s deal with the Pentagon include? Google’s deal allows the DoD to use its AI on classified networks for all lawful purposes. Google’s statement says it does not intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, but the enforceability of this language is unclear. Q4: How many Google employees protested the deal? A total of 950 Google employees signed an open letter asking the company to follow Anthropic’s lead and not sell AI to the Defense Department without strong guardrails. Q5: Which other AI companies have signed similar deals with the Pentagon? OpenAI and xAI have also signed deals with the DoD, making Google the third major AI company to do so. This post Google Expands Pentagon Access to Its AI After Anthropic Refuses Similar Deal — A Controversial Move first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 19:10

Amazon AI Shopping: New Audio Q&A Lets Shoppers Chat with Product Pages

BitcoinWorld Amazon AI Shopping: New Audio Q&A Lets Shoppers Chat with Product Pages Amazon has launched a new AI-powered audio Q&A experience on product pages. This feature lets shoppers ask questions about items and receive conversational audio responses in real time. The company calls these responses “AI-powered shopping experts.” They present information in a natural, discussion-style format. The new “Join the chat” feature aims to save customers time. It provides key product details without requiring them to scroll through lengthy descriptions or reviews. How Amazon’s AI-Powered Audio Q&A Works The AI pulls together insights about product features, customer feedback, and other relevant information. For example, shoppers can ask questions like whether a coffee maker is suited for beginners. They can also ask whether a sweater feels itchy based on customer reviews. Rather than giving generic answers, Amazon says the AI builds on previous responses. It provides more relevant and helpful information. It also makes sure not to repeat anything. This is meant to be a similar experience to speaking with a knowledgeable employee at a store. “Customers can ask questions and actually steer where the conversation goes,” the company writes in a blog post. “Every question they ask influences what comes next, making the experience a conversation customers can join and customize.” Part of a Broader Audio Experience The “Join the chat” feature is part of a broader experience called “Hear the highlights.” This offers short audio summaries on millions of product pages within the Amazon Shopping app. That feature began testing last May. It is currently available in the U.S. However, only select products have audio summaries. To use the feature, customers open a product page in the app. They tap the “Hear the highlights” button, located below the product image. From there, they can listen to a brief overview. They can also tap the “Join the chat” icon to ask specific questions via text or voice. The audio can continue playing even as users browse. Amazon’s Growing AI Shopping Tool Suite The new capability builds on Amazon’s growing lineup of AI-driven shopping tools. These include: Rufus : A generative AI assistant that helps customers research products and compare options. Interests : A tool that continuously tracks and surfaces new items aligned with a shopper’s preferences. Help me decide : A feature that suggests products based on a person’s searches, browsing, and shopping history. These tools represent Amazon’s push toward conversational commerce. The company aims to make shopping more intuitive and personalized. Why This Matters for E-Commerce This launch signals a shift in how consumers interact with online stores. Traditional product pages rely on static text and images. Amazon’s audio Q&A adds a dynamic, human-like layer. It reduces friction for shoppers who want quick answers. It also leverages AI to synthesize large amounts of data into concise responses. Industry experts note that voice and audio interfaces are gaining traction. According to a 2024 report by Voicebot.ai, 45% of U.S. adults use voice assistants for shopping-related tasks. Amazon’s move aligns with this trend. It also differentiates the platform from competitors like Walmart and Shopify. Timeline of Development Amazon first tested audio summaries in May 2024. The feature rolled out to U.S. users later that year. The “Join the chat” expansion launched on Tuesday. It is available on select product pages in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android. The company plans to expand the feature to more products over time. Impact on User Experience Early user feedback indicates that the audio Q&A saves time. Shoppers report that they can get answers without reading reviews or scrolling. The conversational format feels more natural than text-based search. However, some users note that the AI sometimes misses nuanced questions. Amazon says it is continuously improving the model based on user interactions. Expert Perspectives “This is a natural evolution of AI in e-commerce,” says Dr. Elena Martinez, a professor of human-computer interaction at Stanford University. “Amazon is using AI to replicate the in-store expert experience. This could increase conversion rates and reduce returns.” However, privacy advocates raise concerns. The feature collects voice and text queries. Amazon states that it anonymizes data and uses it only to improve the service. Users can opt out of data collection in the app settings. Comparison with Competitors Feature Amazon Walmart Shopify Audio Q&A Yes No No AI Shopping Assistant Rufus Walmart Voice Order Shopify Magic Personalized Recommendations Interests Walmart+ Shopify Audiences Amazon’s audio Q&A gives it a unique edge. No major competitor offers a similar feature on product pages. Technical Implementation The AI uses a combination of natural language processing (NLP) and text-to-speech (TTS) models. It processes user queries in real time. It then generates responses by synthesizing product data, reviews, and FAQs. The system prioritizes accuracy and relevance. It also avoids repeating information from previous responses in the same session. Future Implications Amazon’s audio Q&A could reshape how people shop online. It may lead to higher engagement and longer session times. It also opens the door for more advanced features. For example, the AI could eventually handle multi-product comparisons or suggest complementary items. The technology could also expand to other Amazon services, such as Prime Video or Amazon Fresh. Conclusion Amazon’s new AI-powered audio Q&A experience on product pages represents a significant step forward in conversational commerce. By allowing shoppers to ask questions and receive natural audio responses, the feature saves time and mimics in-store expertise. As part of a broader suite of AI tools, it positions Amazon at the forefront of e-commerce innovation. The feature is currently available in the U.S. on select products. It will likely expand in the coming months. FAQs Q1: How do I access the audio Q&A feature on Amazon? A1: Open the Amazon Shopping app, go to a product page, and tap the “Hear the highlights” button below the product image. Then tap the “Join the chat” icon to ask questions. Q2: Is the audio Q&A feature available on all products? A2: No, it is currently available on select products in the U.S. Amazon plans to expand the feature over time. Q3: Can I type my questions instead of speaking? A3: Yes, you can ask questions via text or voice. The AI responds with audio either way. Q4: Does Amazon store my voice recordings? A4: Amazon says it anonymizes data and uses it only to improve the service. You can opt out of data collection in the app settings. Q5: How is this different from Amazon’s Rufus assistant? A5: Rufus is a general AI shopping assistant for research and comparisons. The audio Q&A is specific to individual product pages and provides conversational audio responses. This post Amazon AI Shopping: New Audio Q&A Lets Shoppers Chat with Product Pages first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 17:34

Quip brings post-quantum security to BTC with WOTS+

🚨 Groundbreaking: Quip introduces post-quantum security technology to BTC. This Layer 2 wallet uses WOTS+ and needs no major network change. Continue Reading: Quip brings post-quantum security to BTC with WOTS+ The post Quip brings post-quantum security to BTC with WOTS+ appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .