Latest news with #decentralized
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Threads Adds Expanded Fediverse Engagement Options
This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter. Yeah, I'm still convinced that Meta's ever going to go all-in on fediverse sharing, and its support of decentralized social media via a network of independent servers. But it is pushing forward with its fediverse experiments in Threads, with the platform today getting a couple of new features for fediverse-connected users. To recap, at launch, Meta made a commitment to ensuring that Threads would be interoperable with fediverse servers, meaning that, in theory, you would one day be able to follow users from other decentralized social apps, like Mastodon, within Threads. You'd be able to engage, interact, all via different servers, and over the past year, Threads has added various fediverse sharing options to facilitate external interconnection. To be clear, Threads is not fully open to other platforms as yet, but you can share your updates to other fediverse servers, and have people follow you from other platforms. And today Threads is expanding this, with fediverse-connected users now able to also see posts from federated users in the app. As you can see in this example, you'll now be able to view posts within Threads that were shared to other fediverse servers. Those posts will include their handles on other apps. You'll also be able to search for fediverse-connected users via Threads: Though not all federated servers will be available. For one, they have to be using the same protocol as Threads. Federated servers can only communicate with each other if, essentially, they speak the same language, and Threads is able to translate ActivityPub protocols, which is the same system that powers Mastodon, Bookwyrm, WriteFreely and others. Mastodon is clearly the biggest of these, though with only around 1.4 million active users at present, there's not a heap of expanded opportunity there. The largest decentralized social app is Bluesky, but that's built on AT Protocol, so, at this stage at least, it can't communicate with Threads. That may change in future, but right now, even this expanded decentralized linkage is fairly limited. Is it that big of a deal either way? Do users really care about fediverse connection? Well, it depends on who you ask. Last week, TechCrunch's Sara Perez wrote an overview of the expanded potential of Bluesky, and decentralized social media more broadly, in which she noted that the real benefit of decentralized social platforms is that provide more options, and personal control over your in-app experience: 'If you don't like the tone of the topics trending on Bluesky, you can switch to other apps, change your default feeds, or even build your own social platform using the technology.' This is the main benefit of decentralized social platforms, that you'll no longer be beholden to the big corporates that control social media engagement, and definitely, there's a case to be made on this front, considering how much control they enable billionaires to have over the broader information ecosystem. But the biggest challenge for fediverse adoption is that the vast majority of regular users just don't care. And this is not unique to decentralized social experiments. Back in 2016, for example, in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, when Meta was being scrutinized over the way it accesses and handles user data, and all the headline reports were that people should quit Facebook, that they should update their privacy settings, that they should stop submitting their info to Zuck and Co. altogether. The general feel, based on media coverage, was that there was a resulting Facebook backlash, but according to Meta itself, it saw no meaningful decline in usage, nor an uptick in people updating their privacy settings. Because that's not interesting, it's annoying, people don't like having to go into their settings and update their details, even when prompted, based on potential issues with their account. This happens time and time again. A platform will launch a new dashboard to enable more control options, but no one will use it. Facebook will let you opt out of certain ads, but nobody does. TikTok will let you hold your data out of its ad targeting system, yet the vast majority of people still allow it. Even though these users will still report having concerns about such, even though they'll engage with reports about privacy issues, even though we see regular reports of mass data breaches. People don't care, because convenience trumps complexity, for most social media users. Which is why decentralized social won't catch on, because the vast majority of people don't want to have to select a server to connect to, or define rules for the algorithm, or figure out how to communicate across fediverse instances. It's all too much extra work, especially when you can create a profile on TikTok and let the algorithm show you stuff you'll like, based on minimal input. Social platform algorithms are now better than ever at highlighting content that's relevant to each users' interest, without them even having to like or engage with anything themselves, and while they continue to refine personalization to the laziest degree for users, fediverse connection is going the other way, and seeking more and more specific input. Which, as people who are knowledgeable about such elements rightly point out, is a better way to go, but most people don't fit into that category. And without critical mass, fediverse servers become more like elitist group chats, which appeal to fewer and fewer users as they become more refined. Which, again, is why I don't think Meta's really taking this seriously, and is more hedging its bets with fediverse functionality. Sure, it looks good for Threads to link into other servers, leaning into the fediverse shift. But at this rate, it can hardly be called a 'shift' at all, it's more an alternative, a back-alley social gathering for nerdy conversations. Which is likely good for those engaged in them, but less so for the general population. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
TechCrunch
5 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Own, a new social media app, aims to tokenize the creator economy
With the TikTok deadline to sell its U.S. operations now just two days away, a new decentralized social media app launched its beta to the public on Tuesday. Own is the latest alternative to TikTok to emerge, featuring a swipeable feed for not just short videos but also text posts and images, as well as other features you'd expect, like direct messaging. However, the new app aims to disrupt the market by utilizing blockchain technology and a token economy. Most notably, content creators on the app can earn revenue without any minimum requirements for follower count or post count. The app was developed by Amir Kaltak (CEO) and Katia Zaitsev (COO), who previously co-founded web3 company Lexit. Notably, the app was also co-created by Sarah Mick (CCO), who has experience working at major dating apps Tinder and Bumble. Key highlights include the $OWN Token, which is rewarded to creators based on video engagement and is fully tradeable. Own operates on Base Layer 2 blockchain, ensuring secure transactions and content ownership. Image Credits: Kaltak believes this will be a game-changer for creators, especially since they earn tokens regardless of their location. 'Most creators around the world don't have access to monetization on major social platforms simply because of their location. With Own, we've built a system that levels the playing field and opens up real earning potential for creators globally,' he told TechCrunch. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW Kaltak adds that a portion of the platform's cash revenue is used to buy $OWN Tokens from exchanges for distribution to creators. 'We're tokenizing the creator economy in a way that rewards creators fairly while creating consistent buy-side demand for the token on the open market, which contributes to long-term price resilience and sustainability,' he said. Rewarding creators with in-app tokens has become a common practice, particularly in regions outside the U.S. One example is Chingari, a short-form video app that has attracted over 180 million users in India. Other forms of monetization include tipping, brand sponsorships, and selling items on Own Shop (the app's version of TikTok Shop). The app promises that creators can earn up to 50% more than on other platforms. Specifically, in the case of tipping, Own takes only 20% of the revenue, whereas TikTok takes 50%. For sponsorships, creators retain 90% of the earnings, with only 10% going to Own. Creators benefit most from Own Shops, keeping 95% of the revenue while Own takes just 5%. The monetization features, including tokens, are expected to be available sometime in the third quarter, between July and September. Meanwhile, Own Shop is expected to roll out as a beta sometime between October and December. Another revenue stream is content licensing. Each piece of content has proven ownership and origin, tracked on the blockchain, allowing creators to license their content while maintaining their rights. So, for example, creators can resell their content to brands for use in marketing campaigns and earn 90% of the revenue, while Own takes a 10% cut. The ranking system is also an interesting feature. Viewers have the ability to interact with content by pressing the up or down arrows to cast their votes—upvoting or downvoting posts in a manner reminiscent of platforms like Reddit. Creators who receive a higher number of upvotes can climb the leaderboard, gaining greater exposure. 'Owning your content, consumer agency, global equal pay, equal opportunity to go viral, making meaningful connections, and empowering people through self-expression and fair pay are at the forefront of correcting the current problems with social media,' Mick told TechCrunch. 'Without higher platform support and higher expectations of app ability for these creators, you're ultimately doing a disservice to their loyal fans.' Own is now available for free in the App Store and Google Play Store. The company claims to have nearly 40,000 people on the waitlist. To date, the startup has raised over $5 million from Sarah Mick, Michael Terpin (Transform Ventures), Saba Capital, Base Spin Capital, and Stoka Global.
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
There's a Tron Treasury Company
Among other things, crypto developed an alternative way to take companies public, or at least to take quasi-companies quasi-public. Traditionally, if you had a business idea, you would form a company to do that business. The company would receive the future profits of doing the business, and to raise money you would sell shares of the company, that is, rights to a portion of those future profits. Those shares are securities, and US law regulates how you can sell them: If you want to sell them to the general public in the US, you have to register them with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and provide financial and other disclosures. Crypto found a new approach. I mean, sort of; arguably it found new labels for the old approach. If you had a crypto business idea — 'I am going to start a platform to store value and do transactions and program smart contracts and trade derivatives' is the main crypto business idea — then you could form a decentralized crypto ecosystem to do that business. Instead of future profits accruing to a company, the future economic value of that business would accrue to the users of the ecosystem. Tokens of the ecosystem would be required to use the ecosystem, would represent a sort of quasi-ownership stake in the ecosystem, and would grow in value as the economic value of the ecosystem grew. And to raise money to start the business, you would sell some tokens.
Globe and Mail
13-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Imagen Network's IMAGE Token Debuts on Global Exchange MEXC, Expanding Web3 Accessibility
The listing strengthens Imagen's reach as the world's first AI-powered decentralized social platform. Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - June 13, 2025) - Imagen Network, the world's first AI-driven decentralized social platform, has announced the listing of its native utility token, IMAGE, on leading cryptocurrency exchange MEXC. This key milestone unlocks global access to Imagen's token economy, allowing more users to engage with its Web3-powered social ecosystem. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The IMAGE token began trading on MEXC with strong interest from the global Web3 and crypto communities. The listing significantly boosts liquidity while offering greater access to Imagen's core features, including AI-powered content creation tools, decentralized governance, and token-based community rewards. MEXC's listing of IMAGE further validates Imagen Network's position as an innovator in merging AI with decentralized social experiences. Built on Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana, IMAGE enables users to generate, own, and monetize AI-generated visuals and social content across multiple chains. The multichain token supports seamless creator engagement and fosters cross-platform utility, with applications ranging from image customization to content moderation. With MEXC's extensive reach, Imagen is now positioned for accelerated user growth and global adoption. The MEXC listing follows recent major developments in the Imagen roadmap, including a $32 million investment commitment from KaJ Labs to scale its platform capabilities. As Imagen pushes forward with mobile development and AI tooling upgrades, the listing provides critical exposure for a broader audience to join the next generation of decentralized social interaction. About Imagen Network Imagen Network is a decentralized social platform that blends AI content generation with blockchain infrastructure to give users creative control and data ownership. Through tools like adaptive filters and tokenized engagement, Imagen fosters a new paradigm of secure, expressive, and community-driven networking. Media Contact Dorothy Marley KaJ Labs +1 707-622-6168 media@ Social Media Twitter Instagram To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Atua AI Introduces Adaptive Logic Tools to Strengthen Cross-Network AI Scaling
Dynamic Automation Framework Empowers Smarter AI Deployment Across Multichain Ecosystems Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - June 11, 2025) - Atua AI (TUA), the decentralized AI-powered productivity platform, has unveiled a new suite of adaptive logic tools designed to boost cross-network scalability and automation efficiency. This strategic enhancement provides developers and enterprises with greater control over how AI workflows perform in real time across multiple blockchain networks. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Adaptive logic powering seamless AI automation across multichain networks To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The newly introduced tools allow AI modules—such as Chat, Writer, and Classifier—to dynamically adjust their behavior based on live chain activity, system performance, and contextual logic. This capability enables seamless task delegation, faster decision-making, and smarter allocation of AI resources across networks including Ethereum, BNB Chain, XRP Ledger, and others. With these adaptive logic systems, developers can build workflows that intelligently reroute tasks, prioritize mission-critical actions, and adapt in response to transaction conditions or governance updates. The tools support a wide range of decentralized applications, from DAO management and compliance monitoring to financial automation and on-chain analytics. Atua AI's focus on adaptive infrastructure underscores its mission to provide scalable, intelligent systems for the evolving needs of Web3. The introduction of these tools ensures the platform remains a flexible, high-performance solution for teams building the next generation of decentralized applications. About Atua AI Atua AI offers AI-powered productivity and creativity tools in the Web3 space. Its features include Chat, Writer, Imagine, Voiceover, and Classifier—all designed to empower users with intelligent, decentralized solutions for content creation, coding, analysis, and more. Media Contact Dorothy Marley KaJ Labs +1 707-622-6168 [email protected] Social Media Twitter Instagram To view the source version of this press release, please visit
