Digital – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Sun, 14 Sep 2025 05:24:18 +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 Digital – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 RI Mining Unveils Next-Gen Contracts Aligned With Microsoft AI Push to Reshape Digital Infrastructure https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ri-mining-unveils-next-gen-contracts-aligned-with-microsoft-ai-push-to-reshape-digital-infrastructure/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ri-mining-unveils-next-gen-contracts-aligned-with-microsoft-ai-push-to-reshape-digital-infrastructure/#respond Sun, 14 Sep 2025 05:24:18 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ri-mining-unveils-next-gen-contracts-aligned-with-microsoft-ai-push-to-reshape-digital-infrastructure/

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Microsoft’s recent $17.4 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure has captured global attention and underscored how demand for high-performance computing is reshaping the digital economy. While Bitcoin consolidates near record levels, institutional investors are shifting focus toward platforms that combine ​AI-driven efficiency with sustainable blockchain mining​.

In this context, ​RI Mining​, a UK-registered cloud mining company operating across more than 190 countries, today announced the launch of its ​next-generation mining contracts​. The new model integrates ​AI-optimized hashrate scheduling and renewable energy infrastructure​, enabling users to secure daily digital income with greater consistency and transparency.

RI Mining Cloud Mining: AI and Blockchain Convergence

Analysts note that both AI and crypto mining now compete for the same energy-intensive infrastructure, while also driving each other’s growth. Microsoft’s bold bet on AI highlights the need for scalable, efficient computing resources—a shift that aligns with RI Mining’s platform upgrades.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming global infrastructure,” said ​Robert Chen​, spokesperson for RI Mining. “Our next-gen contracts are built to reflect this reality. By combining automation, compliance, and renewable energy, we give users—from Bitcoin and Ethereum investors to XRP and Dogecoin holders—an accessible path to stable returns without hardware or technical barriers”.

Highlights of RI Mining New Contract

  • AI Smart Scheduling​: Contracts use automated algorithms to reallocate hashrate when network difficulty or energy costs shift, ensuring more stable output.
  • Real-Time Settlement Engine​: Income is distributed every 24 hours, with a verified ledger that users can audit directly in their dashboards.
  • Flexible Contract Design​: Options range from short-term “experience” plans to longer strategic packages, allowing both beginners and advanced users to tailor participation.
  • Integrated Risk Controls​: Multi-layer wallet isolation and transparent on-chain reporting help protect user funds while enhancing trust.
  • Cross-Asset Coverage​: Contracts extend beyond Bitcoin to include Ethereum, Dogecoin, XRP, and USDT, giving users diversified exposure in a single platform.

How to Join RI Mining

  1. Sign Up — It only takes seconds, just an email address, and you’ll get $15.
  2. Deposit — Add funds in BTC, ETH, SOL, DOGE, XRP, or USDT.
  3. Choose a Contract — Select from short trials or long-term AI-optimized plans.
  4. Start Mining — Earnings are settled daily and shown in your dashboard.
  5. Withdraw or Reinvest — Transfer profits to your wallet or compound returns.

About RI Mining

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in London, RI Mining has grown from a niche company specializing in mining services to one of the most recognizable brands in digital infrastructure. The platform operates a distributed network of data centers across Europe, North America, and Asia, all powered by renewable energy to reduce operating costs and meet increasingly stringent ESG standards.

RI Mining’s new AI-powered contracts are designed to be easily accessible—requiring no hardware or technical barriers—and offer automatic daily settlement.

Looking forward, RI Mining plans to expand its presence in emerging markets and deepen the application of its AI-driven optimization, positioning itself at the intersection of sustainable energy and blockchain innovation. The company’s long-term goal is to provide everyday investors and institutions with a reliable framework for transforming digital assets into a stable source of passive income.

Visit the website for more information or download the mobile app.


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SharpLink Transfers 379M USDC To Galaxy Digital: Ethereum Buy Incoming? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sharplink-transfers-379m-usdc-to-galaxy-digital-ethereum-buy-incoming/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sharplink-transfers-379m-usdc-to-galaxy-digital-ethereum-buy-incoming/#respond Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:37:14 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sharplink-transfers-379m-usdc-to-galaxy-digital-ethereum-buy-incoming/

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Ethereum continues to show remarkable resilience, with demand leaving its mark even as price action remains sideways. ETH has been consolidating in a narrow range, mirroring the broader market where Bitcoin trades cautiously and altcoins display selective strength. Yet behind the scenes, institutional interest in Ethereum is quietly building, setting the stage for what could be the next major move.

According to fresh data from Lookonchain, SharpLink recently transferred $379 million USDC to Galaxy Digital, capital that may be allocated toward purchasing more ETH. This transfer underscores a growing trend: institutional players are not shying away from Ethereum, even amid volatility and macroeconomic uncertainty. Instead, they are positioning themselves for what could be a decisive breakout once the current consolidation phase resolves.

SharpLink Transfers to Galaxy Digital | Source: Lookonchain
SharpLink Transfers to Galaxy Digital | Source: Lookonchain

SharpLink Gaming is among the first Nasdaq-listed companies to design a treasury strategy centered on ETH, marking a significant milestone in corporate adoption. By treating Ethereum as a strategic reserve asset, it reinforces the idea that ETH’s role extends well beyond speculative trading into long-term institutional portfolios.

Related Reading: Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Keeps Rising Despite Price Volatility – Details

With consolidation tightening and institutional inflows accelerating, the coming weeks may prove critical. Many investors expect a massive surge for Ethereum once the current sideways structure breaks, potentially marking the start of its next major rally.

SharpLink Expands Ethereum Treasury

SharpLink has officially announced that its total Ethereum holdings climbed to 837,200 ETH as of August 31, 2025, solidifying its role as one of the largest corporate holders of the asset. The company continues to pursue its ETH-focused treasury strategy aggressively, with notable activity reported in the week ending August 31.

During that week, SharpLink purchased an additional 39,008 ETH, bringing its cumulative balance to new heights. These acquisitions were financed through $46.6 million in net proceeds raised via the company’s at-the-market (ATM) facility, demonstrating its ongoing ability to secure fresh capital for strategic allocations. Importantly, the average purchase price for the week’s ETH acquisitions stood at $4,531, reflecting the company’s confidence in buying at elevated levels as Ethereum consolidates near all-time highs.

SharpLink Weekly Ethereum and Capital Summary | Source: SharpLink
SharpLink Weekly Ethereum and Capital Summary | Source: SharpLink

This accumulation has elevated SharpLink to the position of the second-largest ETH treasury holding company, trailing only BitMine. BitMine currently holds more than 2 million ETH, valued at approximately $9.2 billion. Together, these treasury allocations highlight how major institutions are increasingly adopting Ethereum not only as a speculative asset but also as a long-term strategic reserve.

By expanding its ETH holdings so aggressively, SharpLink is sending a clear signal to the market: Ethereum’s role in corporate treasuries is no longer theoretical. As adoption grows, such moves could prove pivotal in reinforcing ETH’s status as a core asset in the global digital economy.

ETH Analysis: Trading Sideways

Ethereum is trading at $4,436, showing a 2% daily gain as the price begins to emerge from a prolonged consolidation phase. The 12-hour chart highlights that ETH has been moving sideways for much of September, holding firmly above $4,200 support. Now, momentum appears to be picking up as the price tests resistance around $4,450.

ETH testing local supply | Source: ETHUSDT chart on TradingView
ETH testing local supply | Source: ETHUSDT chart on TradingView

The 50 SMA at $4,407 is now acting as immediate support, while the 100 SMA at $4,182 provides a stronger cushion below. The 200 SMA, sitting at $3,460, remains well beneath the current range, confirming that ETH’s broader bullish structure is intact. As long as Ethereum maintains levels above $4,200, the technical setup favors continuation to the upside.

For bulls, the next critical test lies in reclaiming $4,600, a level that has repeatedly capped rallies in recent weeks. A decisive breakout above this resistance would set the stage for ETH to retest the $4,800–$5,000 zone, potentially marking the start of a stronger bullish leg.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

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Ripple partners with BBVA to launch digital asset custody in Spain https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ripple-partners-with-bbva-to-launch-digital-asset-custody-in-spain/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ripple-partners-with-bbva-to-launch-digital-asset-custody-in-spain/#respond Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:47:30 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ripple-partners-with-bbva-to-launch-digital-asset-custody-in-spain/

Ripple has expanded its European footprint by joining forces with Spanish banking giant BBVA to introduce a digital asset custody service.

Announced on Sept. 9, the initiative extends Ripple’s institutional custody platform into Spain, giving BBVA the tools to store and manage cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets securely.

BBVA can scale its digital asset offering by deploying Ripple’s custody technology while staying within strict regulatory and security standards. The service positions the bank to meet rising demand from customers who want direct access to crypto without relying on third-party intermediaries.

This move comes as BBVA rolls out retail services for Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody in Spain. The bank’s customers can now buy, sell, and hold the two top cryptocurrencies directly through its mobile application.

BBVA said it has disclosed the new retail offering to Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV).

The bank stressed that all services are designed to comply with the EU’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) law, meaning customers initiate transactions themselves through the app.

MiCA compliance

Ripple’s European managing director, Cassie Craddock, said these developments reflect the market impact of MiCA among traditional European banks. With MiCA now in place, she explained, banks across the bloc feel more confident about launching digital asset services that customers have requested.

BBVA executives echoed this sentiment, while adding that the partnership allows the bank to expand its end-to-end crypto services

Francisco Maroto, who leads BBVA’s digital asset unit, noted that Ripple’s custody system offers the operational reliability and security needed to build customer trust.

He added:

“Through this agreement we can deliver on our goal of supporting our customers to explore digital assets, backed by the strength and security of a bank like BBVA.”

This collaboration follows earlier projects between Ripple and BBVA in Turkey and Switzerland.

Notably, BBVA’s Switzerland had previously collaborated with Ripple-owned Metaco to build its digital asset operations in 2023.

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Ant Digital is putting $8B in energy assets on the blockchain: Report https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ant-digital-is-putting-8b-in-energy-assets-on-the-blockchain-report/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ant-digital-is-putting-8b-in-energy-assets-on-the-blockchain-report/#respond Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:33:05 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ant-digital-is-putting-8b-in-energy-assets-on-the-blockchain-report/

A unit of the Chinese fintech conglomerate Ant Group is tokenizing more than $8 billion worth of energy infrastructure on its own blockchain. 

Ant Digital Technologies, the enterprise solutions arm of the Jack Ma-backed Ant Group, is in the process of tokenizing 60 billion yuan ($8.4 billion) of power infrastructure on its AntChain network, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. 

The company has been monitoring power output and outages from 15 million energy devices, including wind turbines and solar panels across China, and uploading this data to their blockchain, according to the report. 

Ant Digital has already completed financing for three clean energy projects using asset tokenization, raising about 300 million yuan ($42 million) total, and its next step will be to issue tokens linked to those assets. 

One of the company’s future expansion options is putting tokens on decentralized offshore exchanges to create more liquidity for the assets, but this is subject to regulatory approval, according to the anonymous sources. 

Ant already tokenizing energy assets 

Ant Digital raised 100 million yuan ($14 million) for energy firm Longshine Technology Group in August 2024, and linked 9,000 of its electric charging units to AntChain. 

In December, it secured over 200 million yuan ($28 million) for GCL Energy Technology by connecting photovoltaic assets to its blockchain.

Related: Green RWAs recast climate assets as profitable cutting-edge tech

Asset tokenization allows companies to bypass traditional financial intermediaries by issuing digital tokens directly to investors. 

This provides several benefits, such as cutting out middlemen like loan officers and underwriters, reducing costs and speeding up funding access, and opening investment opportunities to retail investors typically excluded from infrastructure financing.

Stablecoin ambitions

Ant Group also has grand stablecoin ambitions.

In July, it was reported that Ant Group was working with stablecoin issuer Circle to integrate USDC into its blockchain platform. 

Meanwhile, the group’s global division, Ant International, has been leveraging infrastructure for cross-border corporate payments and applying for stablecoin-related licenses.

RWA onchain value at record high

Real-world asset tokenization is still a nascent sector; however, onchain value has almost doubled since the beginning of this year, reaching a record high of $28.4 billion this week, according to RWA.xyz. 

More than half of this total is tokenized private credit, while just over a quarter of it is tokenized US Treasurys. Ethereum remains the market-dominant chain for tokenizing RWA with a 57% market share.

RWA onchain value has surged this year. Source: RWA.xyz 

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]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ant-digital-is-putting-8b-in-energy-assets-on-the-blockchain-report/feed/ 0 57508 ECB's Digital Euro Plan Faces Pushback Over Privacy Fears https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ecbs-digital-euro-plan-faces-pushback-over-privacy-fears/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ecbs-digital-euro-plan-faces-pushback-over-privacy-fears/#respond Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:34:09 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ecbs-digital-euro-plan-faces-pushback-over-privacy-fears/

The European Central Bank (ECB) has once again promoted its plan for a digital euro, but not everyone is on board.

Lawmakers in the EU have raised several concerns, especially around how such a project might affect privacy and traditional banks.

During a September 4 hearing with the European Parliament’s economic committee, ECB board member Piero Cipollone said the digital euro would allow people across the EU to make electronic payments at any time, including during emergencies.

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However, some members of parliament questioned whether people’s personal information would be protected and whether individuals would start moving money out of commercial banks and into central bank-backed digital wallets.

Cipollone explained that the ECB would not have access to data about who sends or receives money using the digital euro. He also said there would be an offline version of the currency that works like cash in terms of privacy.

According to him, the goal is not to replace banknotes but to support them, especially since digital payments are becoming more common in everyday life.

Cipollone also pointed out that many of the systems Europe uses for digital payments are built by companies based outside the EU. A digital euro, he argued, would provide a backup if networks go down or cyberattacks occur.

He mentioned that the US is already exploring stablecoins backed by the dollar.

Recently, the ECB confirmed that traditional banknotes and coins will remain part of Europe’s payment system. What did Cipollone say? Read the full story.


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European Central Bank touts digital euro as key to payment security and inclusivity https://earlybirdsinvest.com/european-central-bank-touts-digital-euro-as-key-to-payment-security-and-inclusivity/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/european-central-bank-touts-digital-euro-as-key-to-payment-security-and-inclusivity/#respond Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:01:39 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/european-central-bank-touts-digital-euro-as-key-to-payment-security-and-inclusivity/

The European Central Bank said that its proposed digital euro would strengthen Europe’s defenses against cyber and infrastructure disruptions while ensuring broad access to digital payments.

Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB’s Executive Board, told the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee that resilience and inclusiveness must be central features as the bloc prepares to complement physical cash with a central bank-issued digital version.

The remarks marked the ECB’s 14th update to lawmakers on the central bank digital currency project.

Building resilience in payments

Cipollone said Europe’s reliance on foreign payment providers exposes citizens to risks in times of crisis. He cited incidents ranging from undersea cable sabotage in the Baltic Sea to recent power outages in Spain and Portugal as examples of how vulnerable infrastructures can disrupt daily transactions.

He argued that the digital euro would provide “spare capacity” in the financial system by adding public payment rails alongside private solutions.

Planned safeguards include transaction processing across multiple regions, a mandatory ECB-run app to ensure continuity if banks are targeted by cyberattacks, and offline functionality that would allow peer-to-peer payments during power or network outages.

Ensuring inclusion for all citizens

Cipollone stressed that the digital euro must also serve Europeans at risk of being excluded from a cash-light economy.

He pointed to more than 30 million people in Europe who are blind or partially sighted, at least 34 million who are deaf or hard of hearing, and citizens with limited digital literacy.

The ECB said it is working with consumer groups to design adaptive interfaces, including voice commands and large-font displays, and will require payment providers to support its own app to guarantee basic access.

Local institutions such as post offices and libraries could also provide free support to those least familiar with digital tools.

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SOL Price Prediction: Solana Breaks $209 as Galaxy Digital Launches SEC-Registered GLXY Tokens – Is SOL Ready for New Highs? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sol-price-prediction-solana-breaks-209-as-galaxy-digital-launches-sec-registered-glxy-tokens-is-sol-ready-for-new-highs/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sol-price-prediction-solana-breaks-209-as-galaxy-digital-launches-sec-registered-glxy-tokens-is-sol-ready-for-new-highs/#respond Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:43:17 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sol-price-prediction-solana-breaks-209-as-galaxy-digital-launches-sec-registered-glxy-tokens-is-sol-ready-for-new-highs/

Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

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Anas is a crypto native journalist and SEO writer with over five years of writing experience covering blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and emerging tech.

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SOL price prediction scenarios have intensified as Solana broke through $209 resistance levels while Galaxy Digital made blockchain history by launching SEC-registered GLXY tokens directly on the Solana network.

This marks the first time a publicly listed U.S. equity has been issued natively on a major public blockchain.

Technical analysis reveals SOL maintaining its position above key ascending support around $190-200, with multiple projections targeting $225-291 in the coming months.

Galaxy Digital Develops Blockchain Equity Integration

Galaxy Digital launched tokenized GLXY shares, allowing holders of SEC-registered Class A common stock to convert shares into native tokens on Solana.

Each on-chain GLXY represents an actual share with identical legal and economic rights as traditionally held stock, not wrapped derivatives.

The tokenization process requires KYC verification through Superstate, Galaxy’s digital transfer agent.

Only allowlisted addresses can hold or receive tokens, which is implemented to preserve shareholder records and meet AML obligations while allowing corporate actions.

Galaxy selected Solana for its speed, throughput, and growing role as a high-volume spot trading Layer-1 blockchain.

The firm emphasized primary issuance on L1 networks to preserve unilateral exits and minimize centralized control points, though Ethereum support is planned for future phases.

Trading restrictions currently limit tokenized GLXY to bilateral transfers between KYC-approved addresses.

AMM and DEX trading remains unavailable pending regulatory clarity, though Galaxy argues automated market makers should function as autonomous escrow mechanisms rather than regulated exchanges.

Ascending Support Structure Maintains Bullish Framework

As the market is gearing up, SOL’s 4-hour chart maintains its position above the key ascending trendline support that has provided a foundation throughout the rally from $120 to the current $209 levels.

SOL Price Prediction: Solana Breaks $209 as Galaxy Digital Launches SEC-Registered GLXY Tokens – Is SOL Ready for New Highs?

The blue ascending support line confluences with the 200-period EMA around $190, which creates a strong technical foundation for continued momentum.

Similarly, the RSI reading of 14 suggests SOL approaches oversold conditions on this timeframe, potentially supporting bounce scenarios if ascending support holds.

The MACD indicator shows values around 12.26, maintaining positive momentum despite recent consolidation.

Stochastic readings of 14.1 also indicate potential for short-term upside if SOL sustains above ascending support levels.

However, momentum indicators are already at elevated levels, suggesting limited room for expansion before potential divergences develop.

This technical setup requires careful monitoring of support integrity around $190-200 zones.

Channel Projections Target $291 Following Support Retest

Daily chart analysis reveals SOL’s movement within a well-defined ascending channel structure, with September projections indicating an initial support test, followed by a resumption toward channel resistance.

SOL is currently around $208, and occupies middle channel territory with projected decline toward $190-200 support before rallying toward $240 upper boundary.

Multi-target analysis reveals SOL positioned within converging trendlines, with horizontal resistance levels marked at $174.36, $211.99, $ 224.10, and $291.04.

SOL Price Prediction: Solana Breaks $209 as Galaxy Digital Launches SEC-Registered GLXY Tokens – Is SOL Ready for New Highs?

The current projection suggests a specific sequence involving a decline toward the $170 support level, followed by recovery, ultimately targeting $291, representing an approximately 40% gain from current levels.

Moreover, a weekly comparison to autumn 2023 price action, around $24, suggests a similar consolidation pattern may be developing at higher absolute levels.

As it stands now, SOL may be building energy for another major leg higher, potentially targeting the $400-500 range based on measured moves from the current consolidation.

The immediate focus centers on SOL’s ability to maintain above the ascending support while building momentum for an assault on the $225-240 resistance zone.

A successful break above these levels would validate more optimistic projections toward $291 and beyond.

Is Snorter the Next 100x Telegram Bot Everyone’s Using?

While SOL prepares for a potential breakout toward new highs, this new trading bot is already showing strong presale performance.

Smart traders know that finding the right utility token early can lead to massive returns during bull markets.

Snorter is getting attention because it makes Solana trading faster and safer. The bot works inside Telegram and can buy tokens in under one second using private RPC connections.

The presale has raised over $3.6 million so far. Early buyers can earn around 127% staking rewards for holding their coins.

Above all that, here’s what matters: the best trading tools get adopted quickly once they prove they work.

Snorter launches fully in Q3 2025 with features like copy trading and rug pull protection. This means you should buy soon if you want presale prices.

You can buy SNORT tokens on their website using SOL, ETH, USDT, or credit cards.

Visit the Official Website Here


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Does digital ID have risks even if it’s ZK-wrapped? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/does-digital-id-have-risks-even-if-its-zk-wrapped/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/does-digital-id-have-risks-even-if-its-zk-wrapped/#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:52:58 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/does-digital-id-have-risks-even-if-its-zk-wrapped/

The following is a guest post and opinion from Evin McMullen, Co-founder & CEO at Billions.Network.

ZK Won’t Save Us: Why Digital Identity Must Stay Plural

Zero-knowledge (ZK)-wrapped identity was lauded as a silver bullet to solve everything about presenting yourself online—providing verifiable, privacy-preserving proof of personhood without the need to trust governments, platforms, or biometric databases.

But as Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin argued in June, encryption alone can’t fix “architecture-level” coercion. When identity becomes rigid, centralized, and one-size-fits-all, pseudonymity dies and coercion becomes inevitable.

The risks Vitalik raised in his recent post are not just theoretical. They are the inevitable outcome of systems that try to impose a single, fixed identity on a pluralistic internet. One account per person sounds fair—until it becomes mandatory. Add ZK proofs to the mix, and all you’ve done is encrypt the shackles.

Digital identity is becoming an important issue for governments, as shown by the G7 commissioning a report last year to inform policy, and the EU’s summit in Berlin in June to assess its regulatory framework for electronic identities and trust services.

The Limits of ZK Alone

Zero-knowledge proofs allow users to prove statements—age, residency, uniqueness—without revealing underlying personal data by using cryptographic methods. It’s like showing a sealed envelope that everyone can confirm holds the right answer, without anyone ever opening it. In theory, this should support privacy. But as Vitalik rightly argues, the problem is not what the proofs hide, but what the system assumes.

Most ZK-ID schemes rely on a core design principle: one identity per person. That might make sense for voting or preventing bots. But in real life, people operate across many social contexts—work, family, online, etc.—that don’t map neatly onto a single ID. Enforcing a one-person, one-ID model, even with ZK wrappers, creates a brittle system that’s easy to weaponize.

In such a system, coercion becomes a trivial matter. Employers, governments, or apps can demand that a user reveal all their linked identities. Pseudonymity becomes impossible, especially when IDs are reused across applications or anchored to immutable credentials. Even the illusion of unlinkability breaks down under pressure from machine learning, correlation attacks, or good old-fashioned power.

What began as a privacy tool becomes surveillance infrastructure, but with a nicer interface.

Identity Isn’t the Problem; Uniformity Is

ZK-wrapped systems don’t fail because ZK is flawed; they fail because the surrounding architecture clings to an outdated concept of identity that’s singular, static, and centralized. That’s not how humans operate, and it’s not how the internet works.

The alternative is pluralism. Instead of one global ID that follows you everywhere, imagine a model where you appear differently to each app, platform, or community—provably human and trustworthy, but contextually unique. Your credentials are local, not universal. You’re verifiable without being traceable. And no one, not even you, can be coerced into revealing everything about yourself.

This isn’t a fantasy. It’s already working.

Profile DIDs and the Case for Context-Based Identity

One approach already in production uses per-app Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) so that even colluding platforms can’t link a user’s personas.

It’s a structural fix, not just a cryptographic one. Instead of building global registries that bind people to a single identity, we can anchor trust in pluralistic models featuring decentralized reputation graphs, selective disclosure, unlinkable credentials, and ZK proofs that enforce contextual verification rather than static identifiers.

This system is already used by over 9,000 projects, including TikTok and Deutsche Bank. And it’s not just for humans. The same framework powers Billions Network’s DeepTrust initiative, extending verifiable identity and reputation to AI agents—a necessity in an internet increasingly shaped by autonomous systems.

Don’t Fight Surveillance With Better Locks

Some see identity as a necessary evil—a way to prevent misinformation or spam. But good identity design doesn’t require surveillance. It just requires context.

We don’t need one ID to rule them all. We need systems that let people prove what’s needed, when needed, without turning every interaction into a permanent record. Want to prove you’re not a bot? Fine. Prove uniqueness. Want to prove you’re over 18? Great. Do it without handing over your birthdate, postcode, and biometric template.

Crucially, we must resist the urge to equate compliance with centralization. Systems that use coercive biometrics, rigid registries, or global databases to enforce identity may look efficient. But they introduce potentially catastrophic risks: irreversible breaches, discrimination, exclusion, and even geopolitical misuse. Biometric data can’t be rotated. Static IDs can’t be revoked. Centralized models cannot be made safe; they can only be made obsolete.

Vitalik Is Right, But the Future Is Already Here

Vitalik’s essay warns of a future where identity systems, even when built on the best cryptography, accidentally entrench the very harms they set out to prevent. We share that concern. But we also believe there’s a way forward: one that doesn’t compromise on privacy, enforce uniformity, or turn people into nodes on a global registry.

That path is pluralistic and decentralized, and it’s already live.

Let’s not waste our best cryptographic tools on defending broken ideas. Instead, let’s build the systems that match how people actually live and how we want the internet to work.

The future of digital identity doesn’t need to be universal. It simply needs to be human.

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BTS Star, CEOs Hit in $28 Million Digital Theft Scheme, 16 Arrested https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bts-star-ceos-hit-in-28-million-digital-theft-scheme-16-arrested/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bts-star-ceos-hit-in-28-million-digital-theft-scheme-16-arrested/#respond Sat, 30 Aug 2025 11:56:29 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bts-star-ceos-hit-in-28-million-digital-theft-scheme-16-arrested/

South Korean authorities have arrested a group suspected of targeting wealthy citizens, including celebrities and business leaders, in a digital theft operation that resulted in losses exceeding $28 million.

According to a report by Korea Joongang Daily on August 28, the Seoul Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had detained 16 individuals linked to the scheme.

Two alleged leaders, both Chinese nationals, were captured in Thailand and accused of coordinating the operation from there and China over a nine-month period between July 2023 and April 2024.

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Police said the group illegally accessed databases from government and financial services to gather personal records. This information was used to open more than 100 mobile accounts under fake names.

These phones helped them bypass security systems and access various online accounts, including those holding large amounts of money and cryptocurrency.

In total, data was reportedly collected from 258 people. This list included crypto holders, executives, public figures, and professional athletes. Although many were targeted, investigators said the group only attempted to steal funds from 26 individuals. These victims held account balances worth nearly $40 billion combined.

Among the cases was that of BTS member Jungkook. In January, while he was fulfilling military duties, attackers allegedly tried to access and sell $6.1 million worth of HYBE stock tied to him. The transfer was blocked after the banking systems flagged the transaction, and his management intervened.

On August 27, the US government took new action against a group accused of helping North Korea steal cryptocurrency from companies based in the United States. What action did the government take? Read the full story.


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KuCoin Pay Joins Forces with 2Game Digital to Drive Web3 in Gaming https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kucoin-pay-joins-forces-with-2game-digital-to-drive-web3-in-gaming/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kucoin-pay-joins-forces-with-2game-digital-to-drive-web3-in-gaming/#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:49:02 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kucoin-pay-joins-forces-with-2game-digital-to-drive-web3-in-gaming/

KuCoin Pay and 2Game Digital are pushing crypto deeper into gaming. The two companies have joined forces to bring crypto payments and blockchain-powered rewards to global gaming communities — starting with an exclusive promotion on August 29, 2025, offering gamers discounts, bundles, and early access to the 2Game Token ICO.

Key Takeaways

  • KuCoin Pay integrates into 2Game Digital’s ecommerce, esports, and loyalty platforms.

  • 2Game Token will power rewards, gated perks, and competitive features.

  • Launch promotions kick off August 29 with 20% discounts and ICO early access.

  • 2Game’s esports and play-to-earn ecosystem gains crypto integration.

  • GCL Global Holdings is targeting Asia as a hub for Web3 gaming growth.

A New Era for Web3 Gaming Commerce

KuCoin, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, is pushing Web3 deeper into gaming through its payment arm, KuCoin Pay. Its new partnership with 2Game Digital, part of GCL Global Holdings (Nasdaq: GCL), allows millions of players to pay with cryptocurrency across 2Game’s ecosystem — from its global ecommerce store to its esports division and loyalty-driven 2Game Pro platform.

KuCoin Pay supports over 50 cryptocurrencies, including KCS, USDT, USDC, and BTC, allowing for fast, borderless, and secure transactions.

Kumiko Ho, Head of Payment Business at KuCoin, said:

“This partnership with 2Game Digital is another milestone in our mission to make cryptocurrency a frictionless part of everyday life.”

The 2Game Token and Community Engagement

2Game is also preparing to introduce its 2Game Token, which is intended to support loyalty programs, unlock gated rewards, and enable competitive features across its ecosystem. The company aims to become one of the first gaming platforms to combine ecommerce, esports, and play-to-earn mechanics under a unified Web3 infrastructure.

Sebastian Toke, Group CEO of GCL, added:

“This partnership not only opens the door to a new era of secure, instant, and seamless transactions, it also allows us to tap into a thriving global crypto community.”

Launch Promotions Begin August 29

To make the partnership immediately tangible, KuCoin Pay and 2Game Digital are rolling out a series of promotions from August 29, 2025.

Gamers who pay with KuCoin Pay here will unlock:

  • 20% discounts on select purchases

  • Special pricing on new releases

  • Biweekly limited-time bundles

  • Early whitelist access to the 2Game Token ICO

The promotion is intended to help onboard gamers into the ecosystem while offering added incentives for early participation.

Strategic Impact on the Gaming and Web3 Sectors

GCL is strategically focused on the growing Asian gaming market, where Web3 adoption in esports and digital commerce is accelerating. Through KuCoin Pay, 2Game Digital hopes to offer an accessible on-ramp for gamers to explore blockchain-based commerce.

For KuCoin, the move aligns with its broader effort to normalize crypto transactions in mainstream industries. For 2Game Digital, it represents an attempt to explore how blockchain can enhance user interaction, loyalty, and commerce — without altering core gaming experiences.

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