Market

Brazil Explores AI Regulation, and More

Published

4 months ago

July 13, 2024

Coin2049 Newsletter

BeInCrypto comprehensive Latam Crypto Roundup brings Latin America’s most important news and trends. With reporters in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and more, we cover the latest updates and insights from the region’s crypto scene.

This week’s roundup includes stories on Brazil’s efforts to regulate AI, a surge in interest in the Argentine Football Association fan token as the Copa América final approaches, and more.

BBVA: 9 out of 10 Argentines Use Digital Wallets

BBVA Bank recently reported that nine out of every ten Argentines under 40 now use digital wallets. This is a huge increase from 2020 when only 4% paid using QR codes. According to Argentina’s National Institute of Statistics and Census (Indec), 89% of Argentines use smartphones and 88% have internet access, helping modernize financial services.

“The outlook is for growth: the greater adoption of digital wallets among young people allows us to think that their use will be increasingly widespread,” said Joaquín Molina from the consulting firm Taquion.

Popular digital wallets in Argentina that are not crypto-based include Mercado Pago, Ualá, Brubank, MODO, Cuenta DNI, and Tarjeta Naranja. MODO is the only one that integrates services from several banks like BBVA, Santander, Macro, Galicia, Nación, ICBC, and Ciudad.

Read more: 16 Best Web3 Wallets In 2024

Data from Taquion also shows that 55% of Argentines use digital wallets for shopping at local stores, 38% for supermarket purchases, and 30% for buying shoes. Additionally, four out of ten users prefer this payment method for the rewards offered.

In March, Argentina drafted a law to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets, working closely with the private sector. This move follows the guidelines of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The new set of rules requires Argentine lawyers, banks, and finance companies to report any client operations that seem illegal. This is part of President Javier Milei’s effort to regulate wallet use.

Venezuelan Authorities Warn of Alleged Cryptocurrency Ponzi Using PDVSA Name

In May and June, Venezuela faced controversies over alleged cryptocurrency Ponzi schemes. As July progresses, the issue persists with a new scheme reportedly using the name of Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The initial alert came from X (former Twitter) user RoamingVzla, known for exposing dubious operations of companies like BTR, HyperAI, and Solesbot.

“Since some major Ponzi schemes collapsed, new ones keep emerging weekly. Some last longer than others. The latest one, supposedly launched on July 2, is called PDVSA_Mall,” tweeted RoamingVzla.

The platform solicits investments in TRON (TRX) or USDT, promising benefits “valid for 40 days.” It also claims that forming a large team can significantly increase earnings.

“Whenever you top up through the registration link, you will receive additional USDT rewards. For instance, depositing 1000 USDT through the link grants an additional 160 USDT rebate,” stated the PDVSA-VIP team.

Alleged List of PDVSA-VIP Members and Their Investments. Source: X/Twitter

The cryptocurrency ecosystem in Venezuela has seen multiple scams, causing significant losses. Previous schemes like Solesbot, HyperAI, and BTR have left Venezuelan investors wary.

The use of PDVSA’s name raises serious concerns, especially without official endorsement. The platform claims to operate under the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) and the Bank of Venezuela (BDV) regulations.

The PDVSA crypto scandal, marked by massive corruption within Petroleos de Venezuela, serves as a stark fraud warning. Former Petroleum Minister Tareck El Aissami was arrested for allegedly siphoning billions from oil sales through cryptocurrencies and Venezuela’s National Superintendence of Cryptoassets (SUNACRIP). Estimates suggest up to $23 billion was embezzled, severely impacting Venezuela’s economy.

Brazilian Senate Postpones Vote on AI Regulation Bill

The Brazilian Senate has delayed voting on Bill 2338/23, which aims to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The bill will undergo further debate, with a vote expected only after the municipal elections. Opposition senator Marcos Rogério proposed the postponement, citing concerns about the bill’s potential impact on the tech sector.

“The bill aims to regulate AI to prevent misuse in elections and establish privacy rules. However, it imposes excessive restrictions on a nascent sector,” he stated.

Rogério warned that the bill’s bureaucracy could hinder technological development, requiring rigorous documentation and state analysis for all systems. Alan Nicolas, founder of the Lendár.IA Community and an AI expert, echoed these concerns. He said the need for legislation to protect against AI misuse but cautioned against stifling innovation.

The push for AI regulation stems from its disruptive potential, especially in elections, where false information can spread rapidly. The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has mandated AI-created content identification and banned deepfakes for the 2024 elections.

This concern extends beyond Brazil. Tech giants like Google and OpenAI have restricted their AI tools from discussing elections. OpenAI’s terms of service prohibit tools like ChatGPT from creating political content. With elections in Brazil and the US in 2024, it remains to be seen how AI will influence the outcomes, marking the first time elections will occur after AI tools have become widespread.

Copa América Final: Argentina Fan Token Surges

Argentina, the reigning world champions, will play Colombia in the Copa América final on July 14. Argentina is favored to win their 15th continental title.

Soccer fans have enjoyed this major event for a month, but cryptocurrencies have also taken the spotlight. Amid this excitement, the Argentine Football Association Fan Token (ARG) is surging, now trading at $2.09.

ARG token price — ARG Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

The rise in fan token prices correlates with the teams’ performances in the tournaments. However, other factors, like the overall volatility of the cryptocurrency market, also play a role. It’s important to note that fan tokens are a new and uncertain asset, involving several investment risks.

After the celebrity meme coin frenzy, hackers have shifted their focus to sports stars, using their accounts to push dubious projects. The latest victims are Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho Gaúcho.

Messi’s Instagram account was hacked on Monday, leading to a 193% surge in the WATER meme coin value. Hackers posted a story featuring an image of Messi with a link to promote WATER.

A similar incident occurred on Tuesday with Ronaldinho Gaúcho’s account. The post remained visible on his profile, with no explanation provided.

Messi Instagram story — Lionel Messi Promotes Water Meme Coin. Source: Instagram

The meme coin promotion reached a significant portion of the combined 577 million followers of the two soccer legends. This exposure created a spike in interest in WATER.

WATER was launched on June 24, 2024 on Solana, valued at approximately $0.00264353. It experienced a sharp decline, hitting a low of $0.00028329 by Monday morning.

The hack on Messi’s account caused WATER’s value to rise exponentially, reaching $0.00123181. However, the price fell again. Another slight surge occurred on Tuesday morning following the post on Ronaldinho’s account, but it failed to sustain the meme coin’s value, which has continued to decline.

As the Latam crypto scene grows, these stories highlight the region’s increasing influence in the global market. Stay tuned for more updates and insights in next week’s roundup.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

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Polymarket Faces Ban in France as US Election Betting Ends

Published

3 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Coin2049 Newsletter

According to a report from The Big Whale, the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), France’s gambling regulator, is preparing to block the prediction markets platform Polymarket.

Polymarket, the decentralized platform that allows users to bet on the outcome of political events, sports, and other occurrences using cryptocurrency, has gained popularity in recent months, especially with bets surrounding the US presidential election. More than $3.2 billion was reportedly wagered on the platform during this high-stakes period, with a record-breaking $294 million in volume on November 5 alone.

France Users May No Longer Access Polymarket

According to The Big Whale, a French website that covers the crypto industry, the ANJ’s impending ban comes after a French trader placed a $30 million bet on a Trump victory, reportedly attracting the regulator’s scrutiny.

The trader’s wager positioned him to make approximately $19 million in profits, a sum that has intensified concerns over Polymarket’s compliance with French gambling laws. A source close to the ANJ stated that despite Polymarket’s use of blockchain and cryptocurrency, its activities are akin to gambling, making it subject to restrictions under French law.

“We are aware of this site and we are currently examining its operation as well as its compliance with French gambling legislation,” The Big Whale reported, citing an ANJ spokesperson.

Legal expert William O’Rorke from ORWL Avocats explained that although Polymarket does not specifically target French users, its activities fall squarely under gambling regulations.

“Polymarket involves betting money on uncertain outcomes, which aligns with the legal definition of gambling,” O’Rorke noted.

Against this backdrop, the ANJ is well within its mandate to block the platform’s access in France. Accordingly, the French regulator may enforce the ban by blocking Polymarket’s domain name in France. It amy also pressure third-party players, like media outlets and online directories, to limit access to Polymarket links.

However, French users may still circumvent this by using virtual private networks (VPNs). This is because Polymarket’s crypto-based infrastructure allows for relatively anonymous participation.

France’s looming ban is not the first regulatory roadblock Polymarket has encountered. In 2022, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) fined Polymarket $1.4 million for failing to register as a designated contract market. The CFTC also challenged Kalshi’s operations due to questions about betting on political events.

Polymarket’s Fate After US Elections

Meanwhile, the US election was a significant catalyst for Polymarket. It drove the platform to new heights in user engagement and bet volume. Polymarket’s election-related markets have been featured on major financial platforms, including Bloomberg, highlighting the platform’s appeal to mainstream finance.

As BeInCrypto reported, Polymarket’s election betting topped $3 billion, reflecting unprecedented participation. The platform, however, faces a crossroads in its path forward. Following the climax of the US election on Wednesday, data from Dune Analytics shows a steep decline in Polymarket’s activity.

Daily active addresses and transaction volumes, which soared in the election lead-up, have notably dwindled as election-related betting winds down. For instance, Polymarket’s open interest, a key indicator of active betting engagement, dropped from $350 million to $268 million after the polls closed. Similarly, monthly new accounts have also dropped by over 41% between October and November.

Polymarket Monthly New Accounts. Source: Dune

Against this backdrop, Polymarket may need to diversify its market offerings or potentially embrace a new model to maintain user interest. This is considering election-related activity comprised the majority of the prediction market’s volume.

Rumors are circulating about a potential move toward a decentralized governance token, which could distribute control over Polymarket’s operations to its community. This shift would reduce the liability of the central authority by decentralizing decision-making, though it remains theoretical, with no clear timeline.

Polymarket’s fast ascent and regulatory challenges highlight broader industry tensions between innovation and compliance. With election predictions no longer a draw and an impending ban in France, Polymarket’s future remains uncertain.

Its long-term viability may depend on how well it adapts to evolving regulatory landscapes and whether it can maintain popularity beyond election season peaks.

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Market

XRP Price Ready to Rally? Signs Point to a Bullish Move

Published

8 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Coin2049 Newsletter

Aayush Jindal, a luminary in the world of financial markets, whose expertise spans over 15 illustrious years in the realms of Forex and cryptocurrency trading. Renowned for his unparalleled proficiency in providing technical analysis, Aayush is a trusted advisor and senior market expert to investors worldwide, guiding them through the intricate landscapes of modern finance with his keen insights and astute chart analysis.

From a young age, Aayush exhibited a natural aptitude for deciphering complex systems and unraveling patterns. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity for understanding market dynamics, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to become one of the foremost authorities in the fields of Forex and crypto trading. With a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Aayush honed his craft over the years, mastering the art of technical analysis and chart interpretation.
As a software engineer, Aayush harnesses the power of technology to optimize trading strategies and develop innovative solutions for navigating the volatile waters of financial markets. His background in software engineering has equipped him with a unique skill set, enabling him to leverage cutting-edge tools and algorithms to gain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving landscape.

In addition to his roles in finance and technology, Aayush serves as the director of a prestigious IT company, where he spearheads initiatives aimed at driving digital innovation and transformation. Under his visionary leadership, the company has flourished, cementing its position as a leader in the tech industry and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in software development and IT solutions.

Despite his demanding professional commitments, Aayush is a firm believer in the importance of work-life balance. An avid traveler and adventurer, he finds solace in exploring new destinations, immersing himself in different cultures, and forging lasting memories along the way. Whether he’s trekking through the Himalayas, diving in the azure waters of the Maldives, or experiencing the vibrant energy of bustling metropolises, Aayush embraces every opportunity to broaden his horizons and create unforgettable experiences.

Aayush’s journey to success is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and growth. His academic achievements are a testament to his dedication and passion for excellence, having completed his software engineering with honors and excelling in every department.

At his core, Aayush is driven by a profound passion for analyzing markets and uncovering profitable opportunities amidst volatility. Whether he’s poring over price charts, identifying key support and resistance levels, or providing insightful analysis to his clients and followers, Aayush’s unwavering dedication to his craft sets him apart as a true industry leader and a beacon of inspiration to aspiring traders around the globe.

In a world where uncertainty reigns supreme, Aayush Jindal stands as a guiding light, illuminating the path to financial success with his unparalleled expertise, unwavering integrity, and boundless enthusiasm for the markets.

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Market

Solana (SOL) Rallies Strongly, Setting Sights on $200

Published

9 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Coin2049 Newsletter

Solana started a fresh increase above the $172 support zone. SOL price is rising and might soon aim for a move toward the $200 level.

SOL price started a fresh increase after it settled above the $165 level against the US Dollar.
The price is now trading above $172 and the 100-hourly simple moving average.
There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at $162 on the hourly chart of the SOL/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
The pair could continue to rise if it clears the $192 resistance zone.

Solana Price Starts Fresh Rally

Solana price formed a support base and started a fresh increase above the $162 level like Bitcoin and Ethereum. There was a strong move above the $165 and $172 resistance levels.

There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at $162 on the hourly chart of the SOL/USD pair. The price even cleared the $185 level. A high is formed at $192 and the price is now consolidating gains. It is trading above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $155 swing low to the $192 high.

Solana is now trading above $172 and the 100-hourly simple moving average. On the upside, the price is facing resistance near the $192 level. The next major resistance is near the $195 level.

The main resistance could be $200. A successful close above the $200 resistance level could set the pace for another steady increase. The next key resistance is $212. Any more gains might send the price toward the $220 level.

Another Dip in SOL?

If SOL fails to rise above the $192 resistance, it could start a downside correction. Initial support on the downside is near the $188 level. The first major support is near the $180 level.

A break below the $180 level might send the price toward the $172 zone or the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $155 swing low to the $192 high. If there is a close below the $172 support, the price could decline toward the $165 support in the near term.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for SOL/USD is gaining pace in the bullish zone.

Hourly Hours RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for SOL/USD is above the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $188 and $185.

Major Resistance Levels – $192 and $200.

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