The Open Network (TON) Foundation’s golden visa slip-up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) highlights the need for legal compliance and proper review, a local lawyer said.

A premature announcement about TON’s UAE golden visa aimed to benefit the community but ran into complex local crypto rules, according to NeosLegal founder Irina Heaver.

With five regulators overseeing crypto asset service providers’ (CASP) activity in the UAE and strict marketing rules by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), ensuring local compliance requires proper legal assessment.

“Even with support from local government officials, you still must promote crypto deals in full alignment with the federal and local laws,” Heaver told Cointelegraph, adding that CASP-regulated activities like staking and token-related offers require specific attention.

TON’s Golden Visa incident: the timeline of events

The TON Foundation announced a program on Saturday, a Toncoin (TON) staking opportunity that claimed to offer golden visas for holders to enter the UAE.

A group of UAE regulators promptly denied the news on Sunday, issuing a joint statement that golden visas are not issued to digital asset holders. VARA highlighted that the company behind TON was neither licensed nor regulated by the agency.

In the now-deleted announcement, TON said it was offering to secure a “10-year Golden Visa with a one-time $35,000 processing fee” in addition to staking $100,000 in Toncoin for three years.

The foundation has since clarified that the announcement was premature and that it is working with a licensed partner independently. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov had amplified the post by retweeting crypto influencer Ash Crypto’s claim that “TON has just partnered with the UAE,” though Durov deleted the tweet a day later.

“TON has just partnered with the UAE to offer a 10-year Golden Visa to TON stakers,” said the now-deleted X post by Ash Crypto, which was retweeted by Durov.

The retweeted post was live until Monday at 1:00 pm UTC at least, and then deleted by Durov. The original post remained live on Ash Crypto as of Tuesday at 10:00 am UTC.

Early warnings from CZ

Some prominent figures in the crypto community, including former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, were quick to question the credibility of TON’s announcement.

“Is this real?” CZ asked X in response to the announcement. “It would be awesome IF it is true. But I got conflicting info so far,” he said on Saturday.

CZ specifically referred to the lack of official information from government authorities related to the program, calling on the community to verify sources, no matter how reputable they are.

Related: Pavel Durov warns France is experiencing societal collapse

Despite early warnings, TON’s golden visa announcement generated significant excitement within the community, prompting a sharp price rally on Saturday, followed by a sell-off after UAE authorities denied involvement.

Legal reviews “can save millions of fines”

Despite the initial enthusiasm, the UAE’s swift denial turned the TON announcement into a cautionary tale. Legal experts said it’s a reminder that hype-driven announcements in the crypto space can backfire when not properly vetted.

“In a fast-moving space like ours, it’s tempting to prioritize hype and own Twitter feed for a day, but in the UAE, the laws are already well-established,” Heaver said.

“It takes a knowledgeable crypto lawyer just two to three hours to review marketing materials and flag potential issues, and that quick check can save weeks of regulatory headaches and millions of dirhams in fines,” she said, adding:

“It’s a reminder that legal review isn’t a blocker — it’s a builder of sustainable growth.”

VARA declined to comment any further on the incident to Cointelegraph, referring to the joint announcement posted on Sunday.

Magazine: Dogecoin set for rebound? Ripple eyes US banking license: Hodler’s Digest, June 29 – July 5

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/tons-uae-golden-visa-mishap-shows-why-legal-reviews-matter/feed/ 0 46446 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trader-says-matter-of-time-before-crypto-breaks-to-new-all-time-highs-updates-outlook-on-bitcoin-ethereum-and-one-other-altcoin/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trader-says-matter-of-time-before-crypto-breaks-to-new-all-time-highs-updates-outlook-on-bitcoin-ethereum-and-one-other-altcoin/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:58:56 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trader-says-matter-of-time-before-crypto-breaks-to-new-all-time-highs-updates-outlook-on-bitcoin-ethereum-and-one-other-altcoin/

Widely followed trader Michaël van de Poppe believes that new record highs are bound to happen for the crypto market.

The analyst tells his 794,400 followers on the social media platform X that he’s keeping an eye on the TOTAL chart, which tracks the market cap of all digital assets excluding stablecoins.

According to Van de Poppe, TOTAL is gearing up for a massive breakout after printing a series of higher lows since the start of 2024.

“A constant move upwards for the entire crypto market capitalization.

Matter of time until we’re breaking upwards to a new all-time high.”

At time of writing, TOTAL is trading at $3.323 trillion, down about 11% from its all-time high of $3.738 trillion, which it hit in December of 2024.

Turning to Bitcoin, Van de Poppe thinks that new all-time highs are in sight for BTC.

“This can still be classified as the build-up phase for Bitcoin.

I assume we’ll be starting to run up significantly in the coming weeks.” 

At time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $109,100.

As for Ethereum, Van de Poppe believes that ETH could spark a huge upside burst if it takes out resistance at $2,800.

“The moment it breaks out (whichever side), it’s going to be providing a big move.

Given that we’ve hit the low at $1,700 and sentiment is on the bottom, I assume we’ll break upwards, resulting in the start of the bull market.” 

At time of writing, ETH is worth $2,570.

The last altcoin on the trader’s radar is the artificial intelligence (AI)-focused crypto project Bittensor (TAO). Van de Poppe thinks TAO needs to breach its resistance at around $350 to trigger a surge to his price target.

“TAO is on the edge of breaking back in the range, which would then fuel a move towards the other side of the range ($470).”

At time of writing, TAO is worth $328.

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Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing.

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Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have become a buzzword in the digital world, capturing the attention of artists, businesses, collectors, and investors alike. But what exactly are NFTs, how do they work, and why should businesses and entrepreneurs care? This comprehensive guide will demystify NFTs, explore their real-world applications, and highlight why partnering with the right NFT Development Company is crucial for success in this dynamic space.

NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are unique digital identifiers stored on a blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are interchangeable and identical in value, each NFT is one-of-a-kind. This uniqueness is what makes NFTs especially valuable for representing ownership and authenticity of digital and physical assets.

NFTs are most commonly associated with digital art, collectibles, music, and in-game items, but their potential applications extend far beyond these categories. Each NFT is created through a process known as minting, where a digital file (image, video, music, etc.) is linked to a unique token on the blockchain, making it possible to verify its origin and ownership.

NFTs are built on blockchain technology, which acts as a decentralized digital ledger. When an asset is minted as an NFT, it is assigned a unique identification code and metadata, which are stored on the blockchain. This information cannot be altered or duplicated, ensuring the authenticity and uniqueness of each NFT.

The blockchain records every transaction involving the NFT, from its creation to each subsequent sale or transfer. This transparent record helps prevent counterfeiting and provides proof of ownership. For businesses looking to enter the NFT space, working with an experienced NFT Development Company can simplify the complexities of blockchain integration, smart contract deployment, and security considerations.

To grasp the significance of NFTs, it’s important to understand the distinction between fungible and non-fungible tokens:

• Fungible tokens (like Bitcoin or Ethereum) are interchangeable. Each unit is identical in value and utility.
• Non-fungible tokens are unique. Each NFT has distinct attributes and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis with another NFT.

This difference is the foundation for the NFT’s value proposition: the ability to prove digital scarcity and exclusive ownership.

NFTs offer several unique features that set them apart from traditional digital assets:

• Uniqueness: Each NFT has a distinct identifier, ensuring no two are exactly alike.
• Verifiable Ownership: Blockchain records provide a transparent and immutable history of ownership.
• Transferability: NFTs can be bought, sold, or traded on various online marketplaces.
• Programmability: Smart contracts can automate royalties, access rights, and other functions.

For businesses, these features open up new possibilities for monetizing digital content, engaging with audiences, and building innovative products. A reputable NFT Development Company can help businesses tap into these opportunities by offering end-to-end solutions, from ideation to launch.

NFTs are not limited to digital art. Their versatility has led to adoption across multiple industries:

• Digital Art: Artists can tokenize their work, sell directly to collectors, and receive royalties from secondary sales.
• Collectibles: Digital trading cards, virtual pets, and other collectibles can be authenticated and traded as NFTs.
• Gaming: In-game items, characters, and skins can be owned, traded, and used across different games, creating new revenue streams for developers and players.
• Music and Media: Musicians and content creators can sell exclusive tracks, albums, or experiences as NFTs.
• Real Estate: NFTs can represent ownership of real-world properties or fractional shares in real estate assets.
• Event Ticketing: NFTs can serve as tamper-proof tickets, granting access to events and exclusive experiences.
• Identity and Certification: NFTs can be used for digital identity verification, academic credentials, and more.

The adoption of NFTs in business is growing rapidly. Brands are using NFTs for marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, and customer engagement. For example, companies have launched limited-edition digital collectibles, NFT-based memberships, and exclusive access passes.

However, entering the NFT space also presents challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Blockchain integration, smart contract development, and security require specialized expertise.
• Legal and Regulatory Uncertainty: The legal status of NFTs, intellectual property rights, and compliance issues are still evolving.
• Market Volatility: NFT prices can be highly volatile, and the market has experienced both rapid growth and sharp downturns.
• Environmental Concerns: Some blockchains consume significant energy, raising sustainability questions.

Partnering with an NFT Development Company can help businesses navigate these challenges by providing technical support, compliance guidance, and ongoing maintenance.

The NFT market has seen dramatic shifts over the past few years. After explosive growth in 2021, the market experienced a downturn in 2023 and 2024, with trading volumes dropping significantly. However, new trends are emerging in 2025 that signal renewed interest and innovation:

• Utility-Driven NFTs: NFTs are now used for loyalty programs, memberships, and event access, providing tangible value to holders.
• Integration with VR/AR: Virtual galleries, AR fashion, and interactive experiences are making NFTs more immersive.
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly blockchains and carbon offset initiatives are addressing environmental concerns.
• Cross-Chain Interoperability: NFTs can now move across different blockchains, increasing their utility and reach.
• Fractional Ownership: High-value NFTs can be split into fractions, making them accessible to more investors.
• AI and Dynamic NFTs: NFTs that evolve over time or are curated by AI are gaining popularity.
• Real-World Asset Tokenization: Physical assets like real estate and art are being represented as NFTs, increasing liquidity and accessibility.

These trends highlight the importance of innovation and adaptability in the NFT space. Businesses looking to capitalize on these opportunities should consider working with an NFT Development Company that stays ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes.

One common misconception is that owning an NFT automatically grants ownership of the underlying digital asset. In reality, purchasing an NFT typically gives you a unique token and a record of ownership, but not necessarily the copyright or intellectual property rights to the content.

It’s important for businesses and creators to clearly define what rights are transferred with each NFT sale. Smart contracts can be programmed to specify usage rights, royalties, and other terms, but legal frameworks are still catching up with the technology. Consulting with legal experts and partnering with an NFT Development Company can help ensure compliance and protect your interests.

NFT marketplaces are online platforms where users can mint, buy, sell, and trade NFTs. Some of the most popular marketplaces include OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation. These platforms provide tools for creators to mint NFTs, set prices, and manage sales.

For businesses, launching a custom NFT marketplace can offer greater control, branding opportunities, and revenue potential. An NFT Development Company can build tailored marketplaces with features like auction systems, royalty management, and secure wallets.

Minting is the process of creating an NFT by publishing a digital asset on the blockchain. This involves:

1. Selecting the Asset: Choose the digital file (artwork, music, video, etc.) to be tokenized.
2. Adding Metadata: Attach information such as title, description, and creator details.
3. Deploying a Smart Contract: A smart contract governs the NFT’s rules, ownership, and royalties.
4. Publishing to the Blockchain: The NFT is recorded on the blockchain, making it publicly verifiable.

Businesses can mint NFTs for a variety of purposes, from product launches to fundraising campaigns. Working with an NFT Development Company streamlines the minting process and ensures best practices are followed.

Smart contracts are self-executing programs that run on the blockchain. In the context of NFTs, smart contracts automate key functions such as:

• Transferring ownership: When an NFT is sold, the smart contract automatically updates the blockchain record.
• Paying royalties: Artists can receive a percentage of each resale, enforced by the smart contract.
• Enforcing terms: Access rights, usage restrictions, and other conditions can be coded into the contract.

Developing secure and reliable smart contracts is critical for NFT projects. An NFT Development Company with expertise in smart contract development can help prevent bugs, vulnerabilities, and legal disputes.

The gaming industry has embraced NFTs as a way to create unique, tradable in-game assets. Players can own characters, skins, weapons, and other items as NFTs, which can be used across different games or sold on secondary markets.

NFTs enable new business models, such as play-to-earn games, where players can earn real value through gameplay. For game developers, integrating NFTs can drive engagement, retention, and revenue. An NFT Development Company can provide the technical expertise to build NFT-powered games, design tokenomics, and integrate with popular blockchains.

NFTs are increasingly being used to represent ownership of physical assets, including real estate, luxury goods, and collectibles. Tokenizing real-world assets as NFTs can simplify transactions, reduce paperwork, and increase liquidity.

For example, a property can be divided into fractional NFTs, allowing multiple investors to own shares and trade them easily. This approach is gaining traction in real estate, art, and commodities markets. Businesses interested in asset tokenization should seek guidance from an NFT Development Company with experience in both digital and physical asset integration.

NFTs can serve as digital certificates for identity verification, academic achievements, professional licenses, and more. These NFTs are tamper-proof and easily verifiable, making them ideal for applications in education, healthcare, and government.

For organizations, issuing credentials as NFTs can streamline verification processes and reduce fraud. An NFT Development Company can develop secure, user-friendly solutions for issuing and managing digital credentials.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms are integrating NFTs for new financial products and services. Examples include:

• NFT-backed loans: Borrowers can use NFTs as collateral for loans, unlocking liquidity without selling their assets.
• Staking platforms: Users can stake NFTs to earn rewards or participate in governance.
• Insurance protocols: NFTs can represent insurance policies, claims, or coverage.

These innovations are expanding the utility of NFTs and creating new opportunities for businesses and investors. Partnering with an NFT Development Company can help you explore and implement DeFi solutions tailored to your needs.

Security is a top concern in the NFT space. Risks include hacking, phishing, smart contract vulnerabilities, and loss of private keys. To mitigate these risks:

• Use reputable wallets and platforms.
• Implement strong authentication and access controls.
• Conduct smart contract audits.
• Educate users about common scams.

An NFT Development Company can provide security audits, best practices, and ongoing support to help protect your digital assets.

The regulatory environment for NFTs is evolving rapidly. Key considerations include:

• Securities laws: Some NFTs may be classified as securities, subject to additional regulations.
• Intellectual property: Ensure you have the rights to tokenize and sell digital content.
• Consumer protection: Be transparent about what buyers are purchasing and any associated risks.

Staying compliant requires staying informed about legal developments and working with experts. An NFT Development Company can help you navigate regulatory requirements and avoid costly mistakes.

Some blockchains, such as Ethereum (prior to its transition to proof-of-stake), have been criticized for their energy consumption. In response, many NFT projects are moving to more energy-efficient blockchains and adopting green practices.

Businesses can choose eco-friendly platforms and participate in carbon offset programs to minimize their environmental impact. An NFT Development Company can advise on sustainable blockchain options and help implement responsible practices.

The NFT space is constantly evolving, with new use cases and innovations emerging every year. In 2025, key trends include:

• AI-generated and dynamic NFTs: NFTs that change over time or respond to user interactions.
• Hybrid experiences: NFTs that bridge digital and physical worlds, such as redeemable merchandise or event access.
• Interoperability: NFTs that can move across multiple blockchains, increasing their utility and value.
• Real-world asset tokenization: Expanding the range of assets that can be represented as NFTs, from real estate to commodities.

Businesses that stay agile and embrace these trends will be well-positioned to succeed in the NFT ecosystem. Working with an NFT Development Company that understands the latest technologies and market dynamics is essential for long-term growth.

If you’re considering NFTs for your business, here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Define Your Goals: What do you want to achieve with NFTs? (e.g., new revenue streams, customer engagement, product innovation)
2. Research Use Cases: Explore how NFTs are being used in your industry and identify opportunities.
3. Consult Experts: Partner with an NFT Development Company to assess feasibility, technical requirements, and compliance.
4. Develop a Strategy: Plan your NFT project, including asset selection, platform choice, and marketing.
5. Build and Launch: Work with developers to mint NFTs, create smart contracts, and launch your marketplace or campaign.
6. Promote and Support: Market your NFTs, engage your audience, and provide ongoing support.

Selecting the right NFT Development Company is critical to the success of your project. Look for a partner with:

• Technical expertise: Experience with blockchain platforms, smart contracts, and security.
• Industry knowledge: Understanding of your business sector and relevant use cases.
• Custom solutions: Ability to build tailored platforms, marketplaces, and applications.
• Ongoing support: Maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting after launch.

A reliable NFT Development Company will guide you through every stage, from concept to execution, ensuring your project meets your goals and stands out in the market.

While NFTs offer exciting opportunities, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

• Market volatility: NFT prices can fluctuate dramatically, and the market is still maturing.
• Legal uncertainty: Regulations are evolving, and compliance is essential.
• Security threats: Hacking, scams, and technical vulnerabilities can result in asset loss.
• Intellectual property: Ensure you have the rights to tokenize and sell digital content.

By partnering with a reputable NFT Development Company, you can mitigate these risks and build a solid foundation for your NFT initiatives.

Many brands and creators have launched successful NFT projects, demonstrating the technology’s potential:

• Digital artists have sold NFTs for millions, reaching global audiences and earning royalties from resales.
• Sports organizations have created NFT collectibles, driving fan engagement and new revenue streams.
• Gaming companies have introduced NFT-based assets, enabling players to trade and monetize in-game items.
• Real estate firms have tokenized properties, simplifying transactions and expanding investment opportunities.

These examples illustrate how NFTs can unlock new business models and connect with audiences in innovative ways.

NFTs are reshaping how we think about ownership, authenticity, and value in the digital age. From art and entertainment to real estate and finance, NFTs are unlocking new possibilities for businesses and creators. By understanding the technology, staying informed about trends, and partnering with a trusted NFT Development Company, you can position your business at the forefront of this exciting movement.

If you’re looking to launch your own NFT project, build a custom marketplace, or integrate NFTs into your business, codezeros is here to help. As a leading NFT Development Company, we offer end-to-end solutions tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to discover how we can help you turn your NFT vision into reality.

What is an NFT?
An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a unique digital asset stored on a blockchain, used to certify ownership and authenticity of digital or physical items.

How are NFTs different from cryptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrencies are fungible and interchangeable, while NFTs are unique and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis.

What can be represented as an NFT?
Almost anything-digital art, music, videos, collectibles, in-game items, real estate, and more.

How do I buy or sell an NFT?
NFTs are bought and sold on online marketplaces using cryptocurrencies. Transactions are recorded on the blockchain for transparency.

Are NFTs secure?
NFTs are secured by blockchain technology, but risks such as hacking and scams exist. Use reputable platforms and consult experts for security best practices.

What legal issues should I consider?
Intellectual property rights, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection are key considerations. Consult legal experts and work with an NFT Development Company for guidance.

The following is a guest post by Rob Viglione, CEO of Horizen Labs.

Standards are the unsung heroes of technological innovation. They pave the way for true interoperability and establish a solid foundation for businesses to operate. A solid foundation of standards and guidelines makes it possible for builders to take a longer view and design more reliable technology.  

From HTTP for web browsing to SMTP for email, standards have catalyzed paradigm shifts that shaped the modern world. As privacy technology matures, the emergence of standards for zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) promises to usher in a new era for web3 and beyond.

An effort to standardize ZK is underway

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. government agency that focuses on developing and maintaining standards across a variety of industries, including cybersecurity, AI, healthcare, and cryptography. Operating under the Department of Commerce, NIST sets benchmarks for technical standards and measurements within the country. 

Now, as part of its Privacy-Enhancing Cryptography (PEC) initiative, NIST has set an anticipated 2025 deadline to standardize zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), which could be impactful for the blockchain world and beyond. 

To do this, they’ve opened a “Threshold Call” — which is an ongoing open call for researchers to submit their proposals for advanced cryptographic techniques. By doing this, the agency gathers a comprehensive set of reference material that they can use to base their analysis and standardization efforts. Essentially, it’s a way for the research community to weigh in on how these specifications and standards should be crafted, and why. 

For this open call, experts have been asked to submit and refine ZKP schemes to ensure consistency, security, and usability across applications. Without these standards, ZKPs risk becoming a fragmented patchwork of solutions as adoption skyrockets. 

Standards unlock new eras of technological growth

With formal standards in place, we can build trust and interoperability in fields like blockchain, finance, and identity verification, much like HTTP did for web browsing. 

HTTP established the internet as we know it, by creating a standardized way for computers to communicate and transfer data and multimedia. With HTTP, users could now visit different websites using any browser, operating system, or device. It also unlocked the ability to use hyperlinks, making the internet interactive and easy for anyone to navigate. 

Before HTTP, the internet was largely text-based and centered around a command-line interface. Used by academics and researchers, users could navigate to files and information by entering commands, but there wasn’t a graphical interface or hyperlinks to jump between pages. It was basically just a limited network of computers sharing information between each other. Once we had standards in place to make the internet accessible for all, the entire world started to wrap their minds around the World Wide Web, kicking off the dotcom era that fostered Amazon and Google.

This is the level of standardization that we need for ZK cryptography, as we move fully into the web3 era. 

NIST has collaborated with the ZKProof initiative since 2019, as a way of supporting the development of open reference material on zero-knowledge proofs. The agency’s research team is also setting guidelines around what ZKPs can and cannot be used for. For instance, ZKPs are ideal for proving the identity of a person without revealing anything else about them, but they aren’t suitable for opinions. They can only be used for verifiable statements. 

The team is also maintaining a community reference with relevant terms, examples, and recommendations, to help bring ZK down to earth for anyone who wants to study this transformative technology. 

Looking forward to 2025 and beyond

Formal standards will accelerate enterprise adoption of ZK technology by reducing risk and fostering interoperability. Early adopters like Horizen Labs are laying the groundwork for this transition, creating a foundation for larger companies to build on.

With standards paving the way, zero-knowledge proofs could become the backbone of a more private, secure, and interoperable digital future. By participating in NIST’s standardization efforts, the cryptographic community can ensure ZKP technology is ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving, AI-driven world. This is our chance to define not just the future of web3, but the future of trust itself.

If you have a ZKP scheme or research to contribute, or you’d like to support NIST’s public analysis, you can participate in the standardization effort here.