websites – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:41:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.9 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 websites – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Turkey blocks access to PancakeSwap, 45 crypto websites in regulatory crackdown https://earlybirdsinvest.com/turkey-blocks-access-to-pancakeswap-45-crypto-websites-in-regulatory-crackdown/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/turkey-blocks-access-to-pancakeswap-45-crypto-websites-in-regulatory-crackdown/#respond Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:41:14 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/turkey-blocks-access-to-pancakeswap-45-crypto-websites-in-regulatory-crackdown/

Turkish financial regulators have blocked access to decentralized exchange PancakeSwap and 45 other crypto-related websites as part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized digital asset services.

In a July 3 bulletin, the Capital Markets Board (SPK) announced legal action against the websites, citing provisions of Turkey’s Capital Markets Law.

The regulator said the targeted platforms were providing crypto services to residents without the required authorization.

PancakeSwap, which reported over $325 billion in trading volume for June, is among the world’s largest DEXs alongside Uniswap. It remains unclear how Turkish authorities determined the platform was directly offering services in the country.

Other blocked sites included Cryptoradar and various investment and trading platforms, reflecting Turkey’s tightening oversight of the crypto sector.

Under regulatory changes implemented since March, the SPK has full authority over crypto asset service providers offering products to Turkish residents, enforcing standards and compliance requirements.

The country has taken a strict stance on crypto payments since banning their use for purchases in 2021. However, residents are still permitted to buy, hold, and trade digital assets.

Earlier this year, Turkey mandated that crypto users provide identifying information for transactions above approximately $425.

Globally, countries such as Kazakhstan, Venezuela, Russia, and the Philippines have also blocked crypto-related websites, citing unauthorized operations and illicit transaction risks.

Turkey’s regulatory approach is part of its broader strategy to formalize and control digital asset markets amid rising adoption.

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Best Crypto Gambling Sites 2025: Top Bitcoin Gambling Websites https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-crypto-gambling-sites-2025-top-bitcoin-gambling-websites/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-crypto-gambling-sites-2025-top-bitcoin-gambling-websites/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 22:09:37 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-crypto-gambling-sites-2025-top-bitcoin-gambling-websites/

The best crypto gambling sites are similar to traditional online casinos, but they’re turbocharged with zero transaction fees, instant withdrawals, and enhanced security. They’ve also got the best games and the most generous bonuses!

Our team of iGaming experts has been hard at work testing the best Bitcoin gambling sites that support multiple crypto payment options. And while Bitstarz came on top when we applied our benchmarks, there are more top-rated Bitcoin casinos here for you to choose from.

So, come join us as we review the top BTC online gambling sites.

Best Crypto Gambling Sites

Important: The sites listed in this guide are targeting English speakers around the world. Please remember to check your local laws to ensure online gambling is legal where you live. Also Adblock might get confused so please disable it if you have any issues with our links.

1. BitStarz – Best Crypto Gambling Site Overall

BitStarz Casino USA

Pros:

  • Multi-award-winning crypto casino
  • Over 4,500 games
  • 1 BTC welcome bonus with 180 FS
  • 7 cryptos accepted
  • 25% cashback weekends

Cons:

  • Design is not the best
  • Could use more reload bonuses

For some, BitStarz is the OG of cryptocurrency gambling. We’ve awarded it gold for its outstanding selection of almost 4,000 games – and especially for its generous offers that boost your bankroll every day of the week.

Love bonuses? You might want to come take a closer look at BitStarz.

Crypto Compatibility: 4.8/5

BitStarz currently accepts 7 cryptos: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Ripple, and Tether.

Other than that, this crypto casino site is well-known for its high withdrawal limits, with players able to withdraw as much as 10 BTC in one go. That said, if you happen to win BIG off a bonus, BitStarz might split your withdrawal into monthly installments.

Bonuses and Promotions: 5/5

BitStarz is our top choice when it comes to bonuses. The fun starts with a 100% up to 5 Bitcoin welcome bonus that’s divided over your first four deposits.

However, if you don’t wish to make a deposit straight away, you can instead claim a no deposit welcome bonus that entitles you to 20 free spins.

As a third alternative, you can opt for a 125% VIP sign-up bonus when you create your account if you decide to deposit more.
Regular bonuses include 25% cashback weekends, a welcome tournament for new players who can compete for a slice of the $1,000 prize pool, and Free Spins Wednesdays.

Casino Games: 5/5

At BitStarz, you can search through more than 3,800 casino games, which means that your options are practically infinite.

The crypto casino games here include well over 2,000 slot games, a stack of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker games, as well as live dealer games where the table limits range from less than $1 to over $15,000. Note, however, that live games may not be available in all countries.

And despite the enormous selection, BitStarz has a very useful filter to help make it easier for you to find your preferred games. There’s also a “Feeling Lucky” tab that chooses a game at random for you.

The games are provided by over 45 different iGaming developers, such as BetSoft, Reflex, and Booming Games.

Reputation: 5/5

A lot of our top crypto online casinos are operated by Dama N.V., and BitStarz is no different.

Founded in 2014, BitStarz has been one of the pioneers of the crypto online casino scene. It’s constantly innovated over the years and added new features, and today it stands out as one of the most professional, reliable, and modern crypto casinos.

>> Get your 1 BTC first deposit bonus at BitStarz

2. Ignition – Best Crypto Gambling Site for Poker

Ignition Casino US

Pros:

  • $2m weekly GTD poker tourneys
  • Extra safety measures for newbies against sharks
  • Extra promos for poker players
  • $3,000 welcome bonus
  • On-site forum adds transparency

Cons:

  • Extra hoops to reach customer service
  • Homepage is a bit cluttered

Ignition is the ultimate destination if you’re on the lookout for poker Bitcoin gambling sites. The platform is very poker-centric and even offers special promos just for playing the iconic card game.

Crypto Compatibility: 4.8/5

When it comes to banking at Ignition Casino, users have a decent array of options with cryptocurrency, credit or debit cards, and wire transfers.

Focusing on cryptocurrency enthusiasts, you will enjoy no fees on transactions with exceptional payouts, normally within 1 hour or less. Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) are all supported crypto banking methods at this casino.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.85/5

Players who join Ignition Casino will be pleased to know that there’s a cool first-deposit bonus up for grabs – up to $3,000 split 50/50 between the poker rooms and the general casino section (primarily slot games).

To access any winnings from your bonus, you must wager 25x on the casino offer, which is great because it’s lower than the 40x industry standard.

Poker players can additionally benefit from promotions like the Bad Beat Bonus, where you land up to $1,000 if your aces full of kings are beaten by a stronger hand. Or, $400 awaits those who land the iconic Royal Flush.

And that’s not all because playing casino games here grants you Ignition Miles bonus points – and the more points you collect, the higher your loyalty tier gets, and the better the perks become!

Casino Games: 4.8/5

Ignition is all about poker tournaments, with heaps of options for players to choose from. From low-stakes daily events to their big monthly tours, such as the Monthly Milly, where the prize pool has $1 million guaranteed, there’s something available for everyone.

When all is summed up, we are looking at a combined total of more than $8 million in prizes every month! And if you’re a newbie, worry not about those sharks, because the ability to join the tables anonymously will keep them at bay.

The casino also offers 150+ online slots, about 3 dozen live dealer games, and virtual sports betting, powered by some of the top industry providers.

With titles like 777 Deluxe being part of the jackpot network, you’ll never be at a loss for something entertaining each time you visit here. Still, the sheer number of slots isn’t on par with the likes of Bitstarz.

Reputation: 5/5

Ignition is an online poker powerhouse that has set the industry abuzz since its launch in 2016.

Beaufort Media owns and operates this real money casino, which holds a Curacao eGaming license. The platform only hosts reputable software providers like RealTime Gaming (RTG).

>> Enjoy your $3,000 welcome bonus at Ignition

3. Super Slots – Best Free Spins Bonuses of All Crypto Gambling Sites

Super Slots Casino USA

Pros:

  • 300 free spins welcome bonus
  • Multiple weekly and daily promotions
  • Accepts over a dozen cryptocurrencies
  • Higher-than-average RTP
  • Excellent live dealer section

Cons:

  • Designs could be better
  • Some payouts take longer

Next up, we have Super Slots, our top pick when it comes to free spin bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at it.

Crypto Compatibility: 4.9/5

Making payments at Super Slots is convenient due to the wide selection of around 20 accepted cryptos, including Bitcoin, Cardano, and Ape. And yes, all the major altcoins in between, like ETH and BCH, are readily available.

For larger transactions, gamers can deposit up to $500,000 in Bitcoin per transaction and cash out a maximum of $100,000 in Bitcoin with no extra fees – a great way to transfer funds quickly without any hidden costs.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.75/5

Players who join Super Slots can get a special sign-up bonus – it is a 300 free spins welcome package, divided over the first 10 deposits you make.

After registering, there’s more in store with cashback prizes and casino boosts, among other daily reload bonuses and tournaments.

Casino Games: 4.8/5

Super Slots Casino is a top-level destination for Bitcoin slot players, offering more than 300 titles, including classics like the Mega Joker.

The site packs a pair of live casinos, too – black and red. They provide ample choice with sizable prizes up for grabs.

All players need to do is open the slots tab and scroll down to see the jackpot amount clearly listed alongside each game title. There are titles such as Koi Fortunes and Dragon Kings.

The 3 dozen progressive jackpot slots available on the platform have a combined prize pool reaching into 7 figures.

Reputation: 4.8/5

Launched in 2020, Super Slots promotes responsible gambling and is RNG certified.

Its FAQ is easy to reach, and so are the official Terms & Conditions. The platform’s management consists of a pro-tier team of professionals that has been in the gambling industry since 1991.

>> Score your 300 free spins at Super Slots

4. MyStake – Best Game Variety of all Crypto Gambling Sites

MyStake Casino USA

Pros:

  • Over 6,000 online casino games
  • Over 40 categories for sports betting
  • Multiple bonus offers
  • 3+1 Free Bet
  • 10% casino cashback

Cons:

  • Design is not the best
  • Could use more bonuses

Very few online casinos manage to deliver a premium-tier casino gaming and sports betting experience simultaneously. MyStake is that perfect crypto gambling site for those looking to combine gambling’s favorite two pastimes.

Crypto Compatibility: 4.5/5

​​MyStake offers its players multiple options for deposits and withdrawals – Bitcoin payments usually get processed within 24 hours, while more traditional methods such as MasterCard, WebMoney, or Visa are also readily accepted.

We would appreciate a wider range of crypto payment methods, but all the basics are well covered. You’ve also got Tron, Dash, Ethereum, Monero, Tether, and Ripple here.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.75/5

The range of promotional offers at MyStake is as impressive as the number of gambling options. Casino players using crypto qualify for an exciting 10% cashback, while sports bettors can get a 3+1 free bet bonus.

Casino Games: 5/5

We’re looking at a fine crypto gambling site here, with more than three and a half thousand games, as well as competitive odds spread across 40+ sports categories.

The variety of options is unparalleled!

Plus, the platform also has a great live casino with classic table games. And for casual players, check out the Mini Games section for good, clean, low-stakes fun.

Additionally, there are daily jackpots and Megaways slots. And as the cherry on top, the platform regularly hosts online casino tournaments.

Reputation: 4.5/5

Launched in 2020, MyStake is yet to establish a long-term reputation. However, we are quite impressed with what the company has managed to do in three short years on the market and encourage them to keep it up!

This crypto casino site is licensed by Curacao eGaming and supports responsible casino gaming.

>> Get your 10% casino cashback at MyStake

5. Bovada – Best Online Crypto Gambling Site for Sports Betting

Bovada Casino USA

Pros:

  • Thousands of daily betting markets
  • $3,750 casino bonus package
  • Covers 25+ sports
  • Mobile-friendly site
  • Fast crypto payouts

Cons:

  • Dual sports betting lines on some events
  • Design could use an update

Next up, we have Bovada, our top pick for sports betting. Let’s take a closer look at it.

Crypto Compatibility: 4.7/5

Bovada is a crypto-oriented platform. It offers crypto-oriented bonuses that are much better than fiat promos (more on that in a sec), plus secure crypto banking methods.

You can opt for Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin SV (BSV), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Tether (USDT). All transactions are completed within an hour without any additional costs.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5

First-time users of Bovada can gain access to up to $3,750 in crypto bonuses when making their initial three deposits – the bonus money is distributed evenly each time your account is credited and applies to crypto casino games, mainly crypto slots.

Sports bettors can also pull in a 75% sports bonus amounting to as much as $750 with low 5x rollover requirements. Other cashback rewards and exclusive VIP bonuses are also available.

Casino Games: 4.65/5

Bovada delivers an ample selection of over 30k daily sports wagering options across more than two dozen categories, providing you with a broad range of sports wagering.

You can enjoy pre-game bets (all the classics like moneyline bets, parlay wagers, totals, and more), dive into live betting, or even take advantage of the on-site streaming service accessible for some matches.

With competitive odds, a bet builder, and an early cash-out feature, Bovada is the premier choice for NFL lovers – it even provides hundreds of props on some matches! Note that late sports betting lines are present in some matches.

In the casino section, we are looking at a fine mix of slot machines and table games, combining a catalog of over 250 titles overall.

Reputation: 4.8/5

Bovada has been in the business for over a decade and operates under the Curacao eGaming license. All the software providers hosted at this Bitcoin casino site are reputable and well-established within the online casino industry.

>> Get your $3,750 welcome package at Bovada

How We Chose the Best Crypto Gambling Sites

Crypto Compatibility

All these crypto casinos and Bitcoin gambling sites support multiple payment options, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. They also offer instant withdrawals, high withdrawal limits, as well as zero transaction fees.

Bonuses and Promotions

Gambling is always more fun when there are generous bonuses up for grabs. This is why we chose online crypto casinos that offer an amazing array of bonuses, from exciting welcome bonuses to daily reload offers.

Casino Games

The best Bitcoin casino sites let you choose from a huge selection of high-quality games. This is certainly true of our Bitcoin casinos, which work alongside the biggest iGaming providers that arm them with jackpot slots, table games, specialty games, and more.

Reputation

Lastly, we made sure to verify the license and ownership of every Bitcoin casino we chose. This ensured that we only added Bitcoin online gambling sites that are safe, secure, and legit to join.

Why Is BitStarz the Best Crypto Gambling Site Online?

Bitstarz is an online casino that focuses on offering a comprehensive and entertaining crypto-gambling experience. But what makes it the best Bitcoin gambling site?

  • Over 4,500 Games: Bitstarz offers a diverse catalog of games that includes exclusive titles and those from top-tier software providers.
  • 5 BTC + 180 Free Spins Welcome Bonus: All players who sign up get rewarded with a generous welcome package that covers their first four deposits and includes 180 free spins granted in batches of 20 after their first deposit.
  • Near Instant Payouts: The site supports various cryptos such as Bitcoin (BTC), Cardano (ADA), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and guarantees quick payouts of less than 10 minutes, which is fast even by Bitcoin gambling standards.

Why Should I Use Online Bitcoin Gambling Sites?

Online Bitcoin casinos have grown in popularity over the past few years, making it easier for experienced and novice gamblers alike to enjoy digital gaming from the comfort of their own homes.

But why should more advanced players turn to online gaming with Bitcoin?

Here are three reasons why:

  • Access to a Vast Range of Games & Providers: Many Bitcoin gambling platforms offer a wide selection of games from various providers, giving more experienced players access to titles not available on other sites. For example, some online crypto casinos like Bitstarz may feature exclusive collections from certain developers that cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Superior Security & Speed Compared to Traditional Banking Methods: Bitcoin casinos offer superior security and speed compared to traditional banking methods such as Visa or Mastercard. In addition, using cryptocurrency offers faster withdrawal speeds than what is commonly found at most banks.
  • Bonuses & Promotions Aimed at Rewarding Regular Customers: Online casinos featuring Bitcoin often come with plenty of bonuses and promotions aimed at rewarding regular customers. This means that more experienced players can take advantage of special offers designed just for them.

Best Crypto Gambling Sites: FAQs

What Makes Online Crypto Gambling Sites Popular?

Bitcoin gambling sites are much like traditional casinos, but they offer extra perks, such as instant withdrawals, zero transaction fees, and anonymous transactions.

It’s also safer to make a deposit and a withdrawal, thanks to the fact that transactions take place on the blockchain.

You’ll also find that the best Bitcoin gambling sites tend to be more modern, innovative, and feature-rich. This is certainly true of BC Game Casino, for example, which dazzles players with animations and creative touches.

What Games Can I Play at Crypto Gambling Sites?

You can play all the most popular online casino table games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and video poker.

You can also play provably fair games, alongside live casino games. Some online casinos, such as BC Game, also let you play a range of specialty games, such as craps, keno, and dice games.

What Are the Best Crypto Gambling Sites?

The best crypto gambling sites are Bitstarz, Ignition, and Super Slots. In case you’re looking for the biggest game variety or Bitcoin sports betting, you should check out MyStake.

How Do I Gamble Online with Crypto?

If you don’t have a cryptocurrency wallet, open one and buy some coins of your choice. The next thing you need to do is pick one of these Bitcoin gambling sites, make a deposit, and start playing! Pretty simple, huh?

How Do I Deposit Money at Crypto Gambling Sites?

Making crypto payments is a simple process. First, you need to enter the “Banking” section of your casino account before selecting “Deposit.”

Choose the cryptocurrency you wish to make a deposit with and enter the amount you wish to deposit.

You’ll then be given a unique ID, which you need to enter into your Bitcoin wallet (or another crypto wallet) before confirming the transaction.

Comparison of the Top 5 Cryptocurrency Gambling Sites

BitStarz: BitStarz is a multi-award-winning Bitcoin gambling site that’s now in its ninth year. It’s jam-packed with almost 4,000 games, there’s a four-tiered welcome bonus on the table for new players, and you can deposit and withdraw via 8 different coins.

Ignition: The best poker crypto casino in the world, boasting $2m in GTD weekly poker tournaments. As a new player, you can grab up to $3,000 in welcome bonus money.

Super Slots: The No. 1 Bitcoin gambling site for fans of slot games and big bonuses. You can get up to 300 free spins as a new player.

MyStake: The biggest crypto gambling library in the world, including 3.5k+ games and over 3 dozen sports betting categories. New casino players receive a 10% cashback.

Bovada: The leading Bitcoin gambling site for sports betting, offering 2 dozen betting categories and tens of thousands of daily markets. New players receive up to $3,750 in bonus cash.

Ready to Explore the Best Crypto Gambling Sites Online?

Crypto gamblers have lots to choose from when it comes to casinos that accept Bitcoin. We applied our benchmarks and chose the 5 best ones that are rated for their crypto options, games, and bonuses.

And while Bitstarz is our best Bitcoin gambling site overall, all the casinos we’ve reviewed have something amazing to offer.

At the best Bitcoin gambling sites, you can play casino games, claim bonuses, and have lots of fun! However, we remind you that online gambling is meant to be fun first and foremost, and that you should always gamble responsibly.

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Sophisticated bot uses OpenAI to bypass filters, flooding over 80,000 websites with spam https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sophisticated-bot-uses-openai-to-bypass-filters-flooding-over-80000-websites-with-spam/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sophisticated-bot-uses-openai-to-bypass-filters-flooding-over-80000-websites-with-spam/#respond Sat, 12 Apr 2025 18:28:16 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sophisticated-bot-uses-openai-to-bypass-filters-flooding-over-80000-websites-with-spam/

Cutting corners: A sophisticated spam campaign leveraging GenAI’s large language models has targeted tens of thousands of websites, revealing the darker side of LLMs. According to a detailed report by SentinelLabs, the framework behind this operation, dubbed AkiraBot, has successfully bypassed spam detection filters, delivering AI-generated messages to over 80,000 websites in just four months.

AkiraBot is a Python-based framework that exploits website contact forms and live chat widgets, primarily targeting small and medium-sized businesses. Its goal is to promote questionable search engine optimization services under the brands “Akira” and “ServiceWrap.”

Unlike traditional spam tools that rely on repetitive templates, AkiraBot uses OpenAI’s chat API to generate unique messages tailored to each targeted website. It crafts personalized content using site-specific details scraped with BeautifulSoup, making the messages more difficult for spam filters to detect.

The framework’s modular design includes advanced CAPTCHA bypass mechanisms and network evasion techniques. It uses Selenium WebDriver to simulate legitimate browsing behavior, along with scripts like inject.js to manipulate browser attributes such as graphics rendering, installed fonts, and system memory profiles.

These modifications allow AkiraBot to mimic real user behavior, defeating CAPTCHA systems like hCAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA. Additionally, it relies on proxy services like SmartProxy to diversify traffic sources and evade IP-based restrictions.

SentinelLabs uncovered archives dating back to September 2024 that document AkiraBot’s evolution. Initially referred to as “Shopbot,” the framework expanded its targeting from Shopify-based websites to platforms like GoDaddy, Wix, Squarespace, and others commonly used by small businesses.

The bot’s graphical user interface allows operators to monitor success metrics and adjust settings for concurrently targeting multiple websites. Logs obtained by researchers reveal that AkiraBot successfully spammed over 80,000 domains while failing on approximately 11,000 attempts. In total, more than 420,000 unique domains were targeted.

The use of AI-generated content in spam campaigns marks a significant shift in tactics. It highlights the dual-use nature of large language models: while they power innovations in automation and communication, they also provide tools for malicious activity.

OpenAI responded promptly after being alerted by SentinelLabs, disabling the API key associated with AkiraBot and reaffirming its commitment to preventing misuse. “Distributing output from our services for spam is against our policies,” OpenAI stated. “We take misuse seriously and are continually improving our systems to detect abuse.”

Despite this, SentinelLabs warns that AkiraBot’s operators are likely to continue refining their techniques as website hosting providers strengthen defenses. It noted that the campaign’s reliance on CAPTCHA bypassing technologies and proxy rotation demonstrates a high level of sophistication and determination.

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Amazon can now shop other websites on your behalf https://earlybirdsinvest.com/amazon-can-now-shop-other-websites-on-your-behalf/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/amazon-can-now-shop-other-websites-on-your-behalf/#respond Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:12:12 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/amazon-can-now-shop-other-websites-on-your-behalf/

In a nutshell: Amazon already offers hundreds of millions of items to choose from yet even still, the e-commerce giant doesn’t have everything. In the rare instance Amazon doesn’t have what you’re looking for, the company’s latest feature might be able to help.

Buy for Me, available to select US customers in the Amazon Shopping app on Android and iOS devices, leverages agentic AI to make purchases on users’ behalf. When searching for a branded product in the Amazon app, shoppers will be shown relevant results from Amazon and third-party sellers and when applicable, results from stores not currently on Amazon.

Clicking a product labeled Buy for Me takes shoppers to a product page similar to others in the Amazon app, complete with relevant information. Should the shopper want to move forward with the purchase, clicking the Buy for Me button will request Amazon to make the purchase from the brand’s website on their behalf. Customers can complete the transaction on a checkout page similar to what they normally experience in the Amazon app without having to jump through hoops on a third-party page.

Once complete, the customer will receive confirmation from the store via email and have access to tracking information in the Amazon app. Deliveries, returns, and customer service are managed by the brand store, not Amazon directly.

Amazon said it does not have access to a users’ previous / separate orders from a Buy for Me store. The feature is free to use from Prime and non-Prime members alike. Notably, you’ll be unable to use a brand promo code during checkout. If you have a coupon that affords a significant discount, it might be best to purchase directly from the brand site.

The new feature runs on Bedrock, and is supported by Amazon Nova and Anthropic’s Claude models. It is being tested with a limited number of customers, stores, and products. The e-commerce giant expects to expand the feature to more users and retailers should everything go according to plan.

Image credit: Marques Thomas

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California Government Shuts Down 26 Different Crypto Scam Websites, Uncovering $4,600,000 in Consumer Losses https://earlybirdsinvest.com/california-government-shuts-down-26-different-crypto-scam-websites-uncovering-4600000-in-consumer-losses/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/california-government-shuts-down-26-different-crypto-scam-websites-uncovering-4600000-in-consumer-losses/#respond Tue, 11 Mar 2025 23:51:44 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/california-government-shuts-down-26-different-crypto-scam-websites-uncovering-4600000-in-consumer-losses/

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) says it has shut down 26 cryptocurrency scam websites and identified $4.6 million in consumer losses, officials announced Monday.

In a new announcement, the DFPI says the crackdown is part of a broader initiative to combat increasing crypto-related fraud in the state, utilizing the department’s “Crypto Scam Tracker” to identify fraudulent schemes based on consumer complaints.

Says DFPI Commissioner KC Mohseni,

“As crypto scams evolve, DFPI’s Crypto Scam Tracker helps empower consumers to stay vigilant.

It is a vital part of our enforcement strategy and role as a financial regulator, educator and enforcement agency. We urge all Californians to exercise caution with unknown platforms, verify website domains to avoid fraudulent imitations, and stay wary of crypto recovery scam sites. Staying informed and reporting scams to the DFPI strengthens the Crypto Scam Tracker, making it an even more effective tool in protecting consumers.”

Officials reportedly processed over 2,600 complaints, uncovering scams ranging from fake Bitcoin (BTC) mining operations to deceptive crypto gaming platforms and fraudulent job offers. The investigation also identified seven new scam types, highlighting hackers’ evolving tactics.

Says Attorney General Rob Bonta,

“As scammers grow increasingly sophisticated and calculated, so must our enforcement.

Scammers can use deception and emotional manipulation to take advantage of people looking for connections. While there is much work to be done, I want to take a moment to celebrate the hard work of my team, who took action to protect consumers by shutting down these fake cryptocurrency websites last year. I would also like to thank our state partners at the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for their collaboration. I urge Californians to be vigilant and protect their finances: Do not send money to anyone you have never met in person.”

Investigators also noted the prevalence of “pig-butchering” scams, where fraudsters manipulate victims into investing in non-existent cryptocurrency projects. Such schemes have contributed significantly to the $9.9 billion in global crypto scam losses reported in 2024.

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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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Trump has purged government websites. The Wayback Machine is trying to preserve the record. https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trump-has-purged-government-websites-the-wayback-machine-is-trying-to-preserve-the-record/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trump-has-purged-government-websites-the-wayback-machine-is-trying-to-preserve-the-record/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2025 04:06:25 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trump-has-purged-government-websites-the-wayback-machine-is-trying-to-preserve-the-record/

Government websites have undergone massive changes since President Donald Trump returned to office.

Some of the changes are routine — like swapping out the current president and vice president for their predecessors on the White House’s official site.

But other changes go much further. Several sites — like USAID.gov, ReproductiveRights.gov, and the Spanish-language version of WhiteHouse.gov — have gone offline. Remaining sites have been scrubbed of certain data and terminology in order to comply with Trump’s executive orders targeting “gender ideology” and DEI.

It’s an acceleration of a problem known as digital decay — or linkrot. Large quantities of the internet are disappearing as media outlets go under, companies upgrade their web infrastructure, or organizations take down information they believe is no longer valuable or relevant. A recent Pew Research Center study found that 38 percent of webpages that existed in 2013 are no longer available. Because so much of our culture now happens online, losing those pages means losing part of the record of ourselves.

Mark Graham, director of the Wayback Machine, joined Sean Rameswaram on Today, Explained to talk about digital decay, what his team is doing to combat the problem both generally and during Trump’s second term, and why internet preservation is so important.

Below is an excerpt of the conversation, edited for length and clarity. There’s much more in the full podcast, so listen to Today, Explained wherever you get podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

For people who have maybe stumbled upon your website but don’t really know what you do, can you give them a sense of the things that you guys have saved in 30 years?

Where do I begin? It’s like walking into a very large library and saying, “Show me your favorite book.”

Last year, there was a big news story that MTV News was shut down. The founding editor wrote about it on LinkedIn, and there were a lot of other editors talking about it: “My God, all of our articles are gone. They’re missing.” And I just casually waded into the conversation and went, “Hi, um … check the Wayback Machine.”

They were like, ‘Oh my God, you guys got it all. What did you do?’ We didn’t do anything when the site went down because we’ve been doing our job all along. We’ve been working to archive the public web, as it’s published, on an ongoing continuous basis. If we have to start paying attention to something after it’s gone down, that means we screwed up.

So what are you guys doing in advance of these sites going down to make sure that people can find out what Everlast was singing about in 2004?

We set our web crawlers and archiving software out on a mission every day to identify and to download web pages and related web-based resources. We bring in millions and millions of URLs every day that are signals of where new material is being published on the web. And we make sure that we archive all of those URLs and all the web pages associated with those URLs.

Then, we look at those pages, and we identify links to other pages. And then we go to those pages and we archive them. That’s where you get this metaphor of crawling like a spider throughout this web.

The net result of it is that we add more than a billion archived URLs to the Wayback Machine every day. This material that’s added to the Wayback Machine is indexed and it’s immediately available to people who go to web dot archive.org and enter in a URL. They are then able to see a history of archives that we have of that web page that was available from the URL at any given time.

“That’s where you get this metaphor of crawling like a spider throughout this web.”

I want to talk about government websites, because that’s the reason we’re having this conversation today. I think most people probably think the government will take care of archiving government websites. But here we are in a new administration and websites are disappearing, coming back online, and people are worried. When you — an archivist of the internet — see this happening, how do you react to that? Is it better or worse than regular, non-governmental websites going offline?

Well, as an American, my tax dollars help pay for some of this stuff and much of it is a benefit to people. Certainly my first reaction is: That might not be such a good thing.

I do want to underscore that the National Archives and Records Administration does do archiving as well, and the Library of Congress. So it’s not like we’re the only game in town. But for whatever reason, we seem to be one of the main players in the space of trying to archive much of the public web, including — and right now, especially — US government websites and making those archives available in near real time.

Were you caught off-guard when you saw the new administration removing web pages, removing websites?

In some respects, this is normal and expected. It’s what’s happened, frankly, for each administration in the time that we’ve been working on this effort. I mean, look, it’s under new management, right? You wouldn’t expect the WhiteHouse.gov website under any new presidential administration to be the same as it was before. You’re going to see the bios of the people that are part of the current administration, the news of that administration. We go out of our way to try to anticipate the frequency in which web pages should be archived so that we have a pretty good shot at getting those changes.

You’re saying that the WhiteHouse.gov site obviously changes administration to administration. I think to some degree people understand that: Joe Biden’s administration probably wouldn’t have been posting trolly Valentines about immigration to their Instagram account a year ago. But what we’re seeing here is websites that people need — websites that record public health information going offline — briefly, permanently, what have you.

Is that a different degree of erasing the historical record — or messing with the historical record — than we’ve seen?

That’s true. It is. It’s different. It’s certainly different in terms of the number [of changes] — seemingly! We’re still in the early stages of this administration, but yeah, I’d say on the face of it, you’re right. Historically, we haven’t seen major US government websites taken offline like we did, for example, with regard to USAID. But I’m going to leave that kind of analysis to others, and really just focus on trying to archive the material.

The Wayback Machine and the Internet Archive are mostly funded through donations: the generosity of people, institutions, even governments. Is that going to be enough to archive the internet to the extent that future generations will want and need?

“Enough” is a very subjective term. As an archivist, for me, it’s never enough. I don’t know, and no one knows, what is going to be of use, value, importance in the future — maybe even the near future of tomorrow, much less the very far-off future. Since millions of people use our site on a daily basis, we get a lot of feedback from them. It motivates us, but it also helps direct us and inspires us to continuously try to do a better job at being the best library that we can be.

“As an archivist, for me, it’s never enough.”

You guys have been at this for nearly three decades. Certainly, you’ve saved a lot of stuff. Certainly, a lot of stuff has fallen through the cracks. I wonder, is there something that slipped through the cracks that might suggest to our audience what is lost when we can’t archive to the extent we want to, or need to?

Okay, I got one! This is just in recent history. Apparently there was a page up on the CDC website about bird flu last week that was only up for a few minutes, and no one got it.

And by losing that fleeting web page, that one maybe minor, maybe major web page about bird flu on the CDC website, what are we losing?

Well, we’re losing part of the story, right? We’re losing part of our understanding of the evolution of arguably a significant health issue. We don’t know where this is going to go. I guess that’s the other point, right? You don’t know now what is going to be very important in the near or longer term.

In the time of Martin Luther, there were raging debates. Much of that debate took the form of things that were written on pamphlets. The pamphlets at the time were considered of little value: People read them and they shared them, but they didn’t necessarily save them. So today, a scholar of that time — or someone like me, who is strangely curious — what I would give for a collection of those pamphlets.

You are comparing, in a way, a CDC website to the Protestant Reformation. But I think you mean it, don’t you?

I do! Because I don’t know. One really can’t know without the benefit of the long historical view. That’s not something that we have access to today. Why? Because we don’t have a real time machine.

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