backlash – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:10:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 backlash – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 xAI Scrubs Grok 4 Clean After Offensive Posts Spark Backlash https://earlybirdsinvest.com/xai-scrubs-grok-4-clean-after-offensive-posts-spark-backlash/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/xai-scrubs-grok-4-clean-after-offensive-posts-spark-backlash/#respond Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:10:13 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/xai-scrubs-grok-4-clean-after-offensive-posts-spark-backlash/

xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence (AI) company, has fixed the problems with Grok 4’s offensive responses.

The AI model, which launched on July 9, was initially promoted as a strong performer across various tests.

However, the official Grok account on X began calling itself “Hitler”, posting antisemitic comments, and parroting Elon Musk’s opinions when asked about controversial topics.

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Following the criticism, xAI apologized and promised to resolve the issues. In a July 15 post on X, the company announced that fixes were in place and explained what went wrong.

The team stated that the “Hitler” name came from the chatbot pulling a viral meme it found online, where it jokingly referred to itself as “MechaHitler”. Therefore, Grok treated the meme as fact.

Additionally, the reason it leaned on Musk’s views was also clarified. xAI explained that Grok assumed it did not have its own opinion, and since it knew it was a product of xAI, it searched to see what the company or Musk had said about a topic, then repeated those views.

xAI has updated the instructions that guide Grok’s behavior. New directions were added to tell the model to research topics more thoroughly and to include a variety of perspectives when discussing current events or disputed subjects.

Meanwhile, xAI recently signed a $200 million agreement with the US Department of Defense. What is the purpose of the deal? Read the full story.

Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


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Turkey blocks 46 crypto platforms in big crackdown: Facing serious backlash https://earlybirdsinvest.com/turkey-blocks-46-crypto-platforms-in-big-crackdown-facing-serious-backlash/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/turkey-blocks-46-crypto-platforms-in-big-crackdown-facing-serious-backlash/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:16:35 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/turkey-blocks-46-crypto-platforms-in-big-crackdown-facing-serious-backlash/

In a strict repression of regulations, Turkey has blocked access to 46 cryptocurrency platforms. Thousands of Turkish crypto users have suddenly found themselves unable to access the crypto trading platform.

Turkish financial authorities have made that clear – they target both centralized and decentralized exchanges.

This crackdown is alongside the introduction of new rules for crypto exchanges operating in Türkiye. This includes required user verification or KYC for all platforms. There is also withdrawal delays to enhance monitoring of suspicious transactions.

There is also an increase in cooperation between the exchange and the authorities to go ahead and report illegal activities.

Discovery: Next 1000x Ciphers: 10+ Ciphers tokens that could hit 1000X in 2025

Moves serious repulsion in the face – “In countries with high inflation and low trust in lira, cryptography has become a lifeline.”

However, the move was filled with serious repulsion. Shyft Network states, “Turkey has just passed the cleaning cryptography. But this is not just about compliance. It’s not about control. Turkey must register, follow AML rules and comply with FATF travel rules.”

“Down the FATF grey list, but there is a deeper play below it. “We will extend the state’s surveillance of the rapidly growing, high-recruiting crypto market,” the embarrassment added. Now that lifeline is regulated – firmly. ”

But why did Turkey take this step? The Turkish government cited several reasons for this aggressive regulatory action.

Fighting money laundering and terrorist financing, consumer proposals, maintaining financial stability, and more. In 2021, the state did something similar, banning the use of crypto for payments.

Turkish regulators have ordered internet service providers to block access to 46 crypto-related websites. The affected platforms range from general central exchanges to major Defi protocols such as Pancakeswap.

read more: Türkiye’s banned pancay swap: a set of codes?

Turkey bans pancake wap

The Turkish Capital Markets Committee (CMB) has closed pancake waps (cakes) for citizens. We also blocked Cryptoradar, a crypto comparison site. why? They said the platform didn’t have the right paper to work there. All this gives CMB the power to block unlicensed crypto platforms, thanks to the new laws of 2024.

The move is part of Türkiye’s bigger plan to crack down on the code and keep things under control. Essentially, they want to make sure the crypto platform is legal and are said to protect people from shade. So, if other exchanges don’t line up their licenses, expect more of these bans.

After the news broke, the cake was a 4.00% hit in just one day. It has now dropped by 10% over the past month, indicating that the market is not satisfied with these rules. Pancakeswap’s trading volume also fell sharply, falling 20%, to $45.54 million.

Discover: Best Meme Coin ICO for Investing in 2025

Key takeout

  • After Turkey blocked 46 cryptographic platforms, thousands of Turkish crypto users suddenly found themselves unable to access crypto trading platforms.

  • The relationship between Türkiye and cryptocurrency was turbulent. After the 2021 payment ban, regulators steadily increased sector scrutiny.

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    Anchorage to Phase Out USDC, Agora USD Citing Risks, Stirring Fierce Backlash https://earlybirdsinvest.com/anchorage-to-phase-out-usdc-agora-usd-citing-risks-stirring-fierce-backlash/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/anchorage-to-phase-out-usdc-agora-usd-citing-risks-stirring-fierce-backlash/#respond Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:07:20 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/anchorage-to-phase-out-usdc-agora-usd-citing-risks-stirring-fierce-backlash/

    Anchorage Digital, a crypto custodian and federally chartered bank, said it will start phasing out and direct institutional clients to convert USDC

    and other stablecoins into rival token Global Dollar (USDG) in a sweeping move that drew criticism from industry players.

    The firm released a “Stablecoin Safety Matrix” that ranks stablecoins based on regulatory oversight and reserve asset management on Tuesday.

    jwp-player-placeholder

    Circle-issued USDC, which is the second-largest stablecoin with a $61 billion supply and is popular among institutions, was deemed no longer suitable under Anchorage’s security framework. Two other, smaller tokens, Agora USD (AUSD) and Usual USD (USD0), were also slated for removal. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies with their prices tied to an external asset, predominantly to the U.S. dollar.

    “Following our Stablecoin Safety Matrix, USDC, AUSD, and USD0 no longer satisfy Anchorage Digital’s internal criteria for long-term resilience,” Rachel Anderika, head of global operations at Anchorage, said in a statement justifying the decision. “Specifically, we identified elevated concentration risks associated with their issuer structures — something we believe institutions should carefully evaluate.”

    “Anchorage Digital is focused on supporting stablecoins that demonstrate strong transparency, independence, security, and alignment with future regulatory expectations,” she added.

    Stablecoin race heats up

    The move came at a time when competition in the stablecoin market is heating up with global banks, payments firms and crypto companies jockeying for position in the rapidly-growing sector.

    The U.S. Senate recently passed the GENIUS Act that aims to enact clear rules for the asset class and issuers, which could open the gates for broader adoption. On Friday, White House crypto czar David Sacks suggested that the bill may become law as soon as next month, pending passage in the House of Representatives.

    Reports by Citi and Standard Chartered reports projected the asset class to grow from the current $250 billion to trillions through the next few years. Circle (CRCL), the company behind the USDC token, recently went public and skyrocketed in valuation.

    Anchorage gave USDC a score of 2 out of 5 for regulatory oversight and reserve management. The report said there was “no substantive prudential oversight” and that Circle had a large — about 15% — amount of its reserves held in cash at banks. Notably, USDC depegged temporarily in March 2023 when partner bank Silicon Valley Bank went under. Tether’s USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin, had a higher rating with Anchorage pointing to it being regulated in El Salvador.

    S&P Ratings rated USDC “strong,” its second-best rating in its stablecoin stability assessment. Bluechip, a crypto-native stablecoin rating firm, gave USDC a B+ rating in its economic safety rating.

    Industry leaders push back

    Anchorage’s decision met with fierce pushback.

    Nick Van Eck, whose firm Agora issues AUSD, accused Anchorage of misrepresenting facts about his stablecoin and failing to disclose its commercial interest in Global Dollar. USDG is issued by Paxos and is backed by a consortium of firms that share the income from the reserve assets backing the token. Anchorage is a founding partner in that consortium.

    “If Anchorage had just delisted USDC and AUSD to prioritize the stablecoins that they have an economic interest in, I would understand it as a business decision,” he said in an X post. “But attempting to delegitimize AUSD and USDC for ‘security concerns,’ while knowingly publishing false information, is unserious and bizarre.”

    “Never seen such an obvious hit piece be so poorly executed,” said Viktor Bunin, protocol specialist at digital asset exchange Coinbase. Coinbase jointly launched USDC with Circle in 2018, and shared revenue from the reserve assets backing the token.

    Jan Van Eck, father of Nick Van Eck and CEO of asset manager Van Eck, which manages AUSD’s backing assets, also questioned the risk assessment.

    “If you need a laugh, check out this ‘safety’ matrix before Anchorage pulls it down. According to the matrix, Circle’s USDC (world’s second largest stablecoin) and AUSD (backed 100% by treasuries) have reserve issues,” he posted on X. “Oh, and by the way, AUSD’s reserve manager is regulated by umpteen different regulators.”

    Circle, in a statement sent to CoinDesk, defended the firm’s “long-standing compliance record” and “strong reputation as an industry leader.”

    “We comply with the prevailing U.S. regulatory standards that apply to leading fintech and payments firms, and we were the first stablecoin issuer to achieve full compliance with the European Union’s landmark crypto law,” a Circle spokesperson said. “USDC is 100% backed by fiat-denominated reserves and has robust primary liquidity through a well-developed network of banks, representing what we view as the highest levels of transparency, safety, and operational resiliency in our industry.”

    Support came for Circle and Agora outside of the two stablecoins’ camp.

    “For the record, BitGo is not dropping USDC support,” said Chen Fang, chief revenue officer at crypto custodian BitGo.

    “Agora and Circle are long-standing partners of ours, and our customers count on safe, transparent rails for USD settlement,” said Joshua Lim, co-head of markets at crypto prime broker FalconX, adding that his company “is ready to support clients using AUSD and USDC.”

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    MrBeast’s AI Thumbnail Generator Backfires, Gets Pulled After Backlash https://earlybirdsinvest.com/mrbeasts-ai-thumbnail-generator-backfires-gets-pulled-after-backlash/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/mrbeasts-ai-thumbnail-generator-backfires-gets-pulled-after-backlash/#respond Sat, 28 Jun 2025 19:34:35 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/mrbeasts-ai-thumbnail-generator-backfires-gets-pulled-after-backlash/

    YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has removed an artificial intelligence (AI) thumbnail generator following criticism from other content creators.

    The tool, which cost $80 per month, was designed to generate thumbnails by copying the visual style, logos, and even faces of popular YouTubers.

    The tool was offered through ViewStats, a platform Donaldson co-founded in 2023 alongside Chucky Appleby as part of the creator startup Juice. Although Donaldson is not the sole owner, his name and brand were closely linked to the launch, and Juice helped promote the tool across social media.

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    The backlash began when several creators noticed their branding had been used in the tool’s examples without permission. The deleted promo video shared on X showed the tool producing images that mirrored the designs of well-known channels.

    In response, Donaldson posted on X that the tool had been taken down and replaced with a page that connects users to actual thumbnail designers. He described this change as a reaction to “feedback” and emphasized that creators should be able to find and hire real people for their thumbnail needs.

    Donaldson also clarified that the tool was not meant to let users paste someone else’s face into their thumbnails. It was intended only for creators using their own images.

    Despite this change, the thumbnail feature remains accessible on the ViewStats platform, although the original promotional videos and posts have been removed.

    Meanwhile, students at universities across the UK have increasingly turned to artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT. What are they using AI for? Read the full story.

    Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
    With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
    Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
    Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


    ]]>
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    CLARITY Act: Crypto Bill Faces Backlash Over President Trump’s Meme Coin Ties https://earlybirdsinvest.com/clarity-act-crypto-bill-faces-backlash-over-president-trumps-meme-coin-ties/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/clarity-act-crypto-bill-faces-backlash-over-president-trumps-meme-coin-ties/#respond Sun, 08 Jun 2025 19:45:13 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/clarity-act-crypto-bill-faces-backlash-over-president-trumps-meme-coin-ties/

    The debate over new crypto legislation in Congress has been complicated by concerns about President Donald Trump’s involvement in the cryptocurrency industry.

    During a June 4 hearing in the House Financial Services Committee, Representative Maxine Waters raised concerns over what she sees as a major gap in the proposed Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act.

    Waters pointed to a private dinner President Trump hosted for his top meme coin supporters, an event that reportedly brought in $148 million, and warned that without specific rules, the bill might allow the president to benefit personally from future crypto policies.

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    She said it leaves room for risky practices to continue unchecked and could expose investors to more harm. She also argued that the bill offers little help for victims of fraud and fails to include penalties for wrongdoing in the crypto industry.

    Committee Chair French Hill stated that the lack of a federal framework has left digital asset businesses uncertain about how to operate.

    According to him, without a defined role for regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), both startups and investors are left unsure about the rules that apply to them.

    However, former CFTC Chair Timothy Massad called President Trump’s role in crypto “a taint” and warned that it could blur the line between public interest and personal benefit. Massad said it is hard to know whether the president’s actions are aimed at improving the industry or boosting his own gains.

    On May 28, former CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam shared his views on the US crypto market. What did he say? Read the full story.

    Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
    With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
    Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
    Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


    ]]>
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    Aussie Senator Slams Bitcoin as a 'Ponzi Scheme', Sparks Backlash https://earlybirdsinvest.com/aussie-senator-slams-bitcoin-as-a-ponzi-scheme-sparks-backlash/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/aussie-senator-slams-bitcoin-as-a-ponzi-scheme-sparks-backlash/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 06:43:59 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/aussie-senator-slams-bitcoin-as-a-ponzi-scheme-sparks-backlash/

    Australian Senator Gerard Rennick caused a stir in a May 23 post on X after describing Bitcoin
    BTC


    $108,313.52

    as a “Ponzi scheme”.

    He claimed that Bitcoin’s value would keep climbing due to large investors like BlackRock pushing more money into an asset with a fixed supply.

    Senator Rennick added, “You can’t eat Bitcoin”, and questioned its usefulness in the real world.

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    Currently leading the People First Party, Senator Rennick argued that Bitcoin and its supporters offer little to Australia’s economy. Instead, he said the country should focus on building essential infrastructure like roads, energy systems, and clean water access.

    He wrote in a post, “Australia needs real engineers, not financial engineers”.

    Senator Rennick’s remarks drew criticism from the crypto community. In a May 24 post on X, the Australian Bitcoin Industry Body (ABIB) called his comments “a deep misunderstanding”.

    They warned that public statements like his could lead to poor decisions by lawmakers. ABIB said Australians already use Bitcoin, and the real issue is whether leaders are willing to understand its role in the country’s future.

    Senator Rennick, however, questioned why anyone cared about his opinion on Bitcoin in the first place. He wrote in a follow-up post on X, “You’re disappointed about what a politician thinks about Bitcoin? Seriously? Invest as you will”.

    A recent proposal to make Bitcoin easier to use has sparked fresh discussion, reviving a long-running debate about its smallest units. What did the crypto community say? Read the full story.

    Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
    With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
    Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
    Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


    ]]>
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    Creator First? Base Faces Backlash Over Token Drop and Priorities https://earlybirdsinvest.com/creator-first-base-faces-backlash-over-token-drop-and-priorities/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/creator-first-base-faces-backlash-over-token-drop-and-priorities/#respond Wed, 23 Apr 2025 03:39:57 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/creator-first-base-faces-backlash-over-token-drop-and-priorities/

    Coinbase’s



    $4.23B

    Layer-2 blockchain, Base, is facing criticism after a recent token experiment sparked a debate about who the network is really built for.

    The discussion was triggered by Jesse Pollak, the lead behind Base, who defended its focus on creators and developers, rather than traders, after a one-day token minting event caused prices to spike and then collapse.

    The event involved Base’s X post on April 17 being created into a tradable token using Zora, a minting protocol. The token briefly reached a market value of $16.9 million before quickly falling by 92%. This raised concerns that the campaign encouraged hype without considering market stability.

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    Alon Cohen, co-founder of Pump.fun, stated in a post on X, “Traders are easily the most important user group in crypto”. Cohen added that without market demand, creative efforts cannot last, since creators need a strong trading base to support their work.

    However, Pollak stated that the project’s main focus is supporting people who build things on the platform.

    In a separate post on X, he also said that he appreciates traders but sees them as part of a larger system that depends on creativity. He added that his focus will remain on helping creators and developers succeed.

    Tomasz Stańczak, a co-executive director at the Ethereum Foundation, discussed plans to improve the core Ethereum network. What did he say? Read the full story.

    Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
    With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
    Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
    Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


    ]]>
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    Base creator Jesse Pollak apologizes for sharing provocative GIF after latest backlash https://earlybirdsinvest.com/base-creator-jesse-pollak-apologizes-for-sharing-provocative-gif-after-latest-backlash/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/base-creator-jesse-pollak-apologizes-for-sharing-provocative-gif-after-latest-backlash/#respond Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:45:57 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/base-creator-jesse-pollak-apologizes-for-sharing-provocative-gif-after-latest-backlash/

    Jesse Pollak, the creator of Coinbase-backed Base, an Ethereum layer 2 network, conceded he made a “mistake” by sharing a GIF containing controversial words in an X post.

    Pollak had shared a GIF that played on the tagline of Base: Base is for everyone. It featured a rotating sequence of terms under the phrase “Base is for…” Some of these terms were neutral, like “art,” “minting,” and “great ideas.” However, the sequence also contained controversial terms like “pimping” and “squirting.”

    Pollak clarified that he or the Base marketing team was not involved in the creation of the GIF. He explained that it was developed by a creator he “wanted to support.” But he admitted that it was a wrong move, especially highlighting the phrase “Base is for pimping”:

    “… I’ll own this was a mistake and apologize. I’m sorry… the messages I share matter, especially when they look and feel like a direct message from me.”

    Apology follows strong community backlash

    Pollak continued to promote the creator of the GIF after publishing it. In an X post, he wrote: “buy the coin from @Wizard_Kin.” The GIF creator goes by Wizard_Kin on X.

    Pollak reposted the above message in various endorsement messages in response to users. When an X user shared a snapshot of “Base is for squirting,” Pollak replied, “seems provocative – let the artists cook.” He then proceeded to endorse the GIF creator, asking the user to “support the artist.”

    In another post, he wrote “art is provocative” and attached his previous post endorsing Wizard_Kin.

    However, strong criticisms started to surface quickly. Many X users, including those in the crypto community, found the GIF to be vulgar, offensive, and inappropriate. Crypto commentator David Z. Morris wrote in an X post:

    “the specific allusion to sex trafficking (not “sex work,” pimping is pretty fundamentally exploitation) is specifically bad for a sector that needs to advance the narrative that open finance is a net social positive.”

    Morris added that the allusion “doesn’t just hurt Base, it hurts crypto.”

    The pseudonymous founder of Kanto Labs, AshRobin, called the incident “an absolute PR nightmare.” Crypto commentator Kristel noted that the controversial GIF portraying offensive words “isn’t provocative and ‘edgy’” but “stupid.”

    Apology evokes a mixed response

    Pollak’s apology evoked a mix of responses from the community. Some praised Pollak for his honesty and transparency.

    “Love the honesty. We all make mistakes, but it’s about how we grow from them,” crypto commentator Zuri wrote in an X post. Bankless co-founder David Hoffman responded to Pollak’s apology with: “I respect the leadership here.”

    However, some crypto community members suggested that there was no need for Pollak to apologize. Milk Road co-founder Kyle Reidhead, for instance, said: “Do and share whatever you want without apology.”

    Second controversy in a week

    The GIF was the second controversy surrounding Base and Pollak in a week. The previous controversy started with Base sharing a tokenized version of its “Base is for Everyone” post on Zora via X. Zora is a decentralized content-sharing platform that automatically tokenizes all posted content.

    Zora clearly stated in a disclaimer that the Base is for Everyone token is not associated with either Base or Coinbase. It also warned investors not to expect returns.

    Despite the warnings, investors started trading the token, causing its market cap to soar to $17 million an hour after launch. In less than half an hour, however, the market cap crashed by around 95% to $1.9 million, according to data from DEX Screener. Multiple analysts and users then claimed there were signs of market manipulation and accused Base of doing a rug pull.

    Base has earned over $94,000 from the tokenized post on Zora. Previously, Base said that it does not intend to ever sell these tokens. Pollak claimed that Base is for Everyone is not a memecoin but a ‘Content Coin.’ Many, however, were not convinced and believed the token to be a memecoin with no purpose.

    In his latest apology post, Pollak continued to defend the concept of content coins. He elaborated that Base has started coining its content on Zora as a way to expand the use-cases of tokens. He added that coining content was a “powerful tool” to pave the path for creators to “earn from their creativity.”

    Pollak said that he expected the pushback from the community since Base is trying to shake up the status quo, adding:

    “I can’t predict the future, but I hope that we’ll continue to see folks look at the technology with clear eyes and see how we can use it to bring more people onchain.”

    Mentioned in this article
    ]]>
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    Solana CEO Anatoly Yakovenko: "Ashamed" Over Backlash to Deleted Ad https://earlybirdsinvest.com/solana-ceo-anatoly-yakovenko-ashamed-over-backlash-to-deleted-ad/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/solana-ceo-anatoly-yakovenko-ashamed-over-backlash-to-deleted-ad/#respond Fri, 21 Mar 2025 02:58:53 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/solana-ceo-anatoly-yakovenko-ashamed-over-backlash-to-deleted-ad/

    Anatoly Yakovenko, CEO and co-founder of Solana
    SOL


    $127.66

    Labs, has spoken out following criticism of the company’s advertisement, which combined American patriotism, technology, and political messaging about gender identity.

    The ad, titled “America Is Back — Time to Accelerate“, was posted on Solana’s official X account on March 17 but was removed after about nine hours. Before being taken down, it had gained around 1.2 million views and over 1,300 comments.

    Solana has not released an official statement, but its X account reshared Yakovenko’s post.

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    The two-and-a-half-minute video featured a man representing America in a therapy session. He expressed thoughts about innovation and crypto, to which the therapist responded that he should instead focus on creating a “new gender” or “pronouns”. The man replied that he wanted “to invent technologies, not genders”.

    On March 19, Yakovenko addressed the backlash, admitting that the ad was a mistake. “The ad was bad, and it’s still gnawing at my soul”, he wrote on X. He added:

    I am ashamed I downplayed it instead of just calling it what it is—mean and punching down on a marginalized group.

    He also acknowledged the members of the Solana community who criticized the ad, calling their response necessary. Yakovenko said that he wants Solana to stay focused on open-source development and decentralization rather than political debates.

    Meanwhile, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, announced the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially dropped its case and appeal against the company. What did he say? Read the full story.

    Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
    With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
    Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
    Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


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    Solana Foundation Deletes Controversial Ad After Crypto Community Backlash https://earlybirdsinvest.com/solana-foundation-deletes-controversial-ad-after-crypto-community-backlash/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/solana-foundation-deletes-controversial-ad-after-crypto-community-backlash/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:08:31 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/solana-foundation-deletes-controversial-ad-after-crypto-community-backlash/

    The Solana Foundation has removed an advertisement from its official X account following criticism over its political messaging on gender identity.

    The ad, posted on March 17 to promote the Solana Accelerate conference, attracted negative commentary from the crypto community for its references to gender and pronouns.

    Solana Co-founder Disapproves of the Campaign

    The video in question depicted a man, referred to as “America,” speaking with a therapist about his thoughts on innovation and crypto. However, the professional dismissed his concerns and suggested he focus on coming up with a new gender and on pronouns instead.

    As the conversation continued, the man delivered a monologue set to patriotic music, declaring his intention to build on-chain, reclaim innovation, and invent technologies rather than genders.

    Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, who recently disagreed with the foundation’s Executive Director Lily Liu over the now-rejected SIMD-228 proposal, has since distanced himself from the campaign. He stated that a previous marketing effort, the “Maren ad,” had been better. While the original post has been deleted, multiple users have reposted it on the platform.

    Community Backlash

    Several industry figures criticized the initiative for its handling of gender identity and its political tone. Cinneamhain Ventures partner Adam Cochran pointed out that it took Solana nine hours to delete the post. He also noted that major figures in its ecosystem initially supported the ad before removing their tweets and engagement with it.

    “They approved this, supported it and celebrated it,” he said. “They rolled it back because it hurt their business, not because they thought it was wrong.”

    Blocknative operating chief Sean O’Connor called the initiative “tone-deaf,” especially following recent policy changes in the U.S. President Donald Trump revoked executive orders from Joe Biden aimed at preventing discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.

    Tyler Bench, CRO of on-chain governance platform Tally.xyz, described the campaign as highly problematic and likened it to previous Coinbase advertisements but with a more extreme tone. Anneri van der Merwe, product lead at Base, criticized it as offensive and pandering, stating that it contradicted Solana’s previous messaging about inclusivity.

    Nicolas Pennie, co-founder of Solana development platform Helius, argued that virtue signaling in marketing efforts would always be ineffective, regardless of political ideology. On his part, DoubleZero operating chief David McIntyre questioned why the platform did not take a more positive approach instead of mocking social issues.

    Some observers believe the intention was to attract people by causing controversy. Reka, CEO of DEX protocol Avnu.Fi suggested that the marketing was designed purely for attention, stating that it prioritized controversy over creativity.

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