Signit

signit

COPA v. Wright, Court Filing, retrieved on January 29, 2024, is part of HackerNoon’s Legal PDF Series. You can jump to any part of this filing here. This part is 39 of 42. 37. The Tulip Trust Deed (Particulars of Claim at [66A] {A/2/10}) ({ID_001186}) / {L8/20/1}) The Fifth Pleaded Example 728. In the Kleiman Litigation, Dr Wright proffered a Deed of Trust document as evidence of the existence of a trust called the Tulip Trust. Dr Wright has claimed that the Tulip Trust held Bitcoin and/or an encrypted file with keys to that Bitcoin. The Deed of Trust document that was adduced by Dr Wright was dated 23 October 2012. (a) COPA’s Reasons for Alleging Forgery 729. The date of 23 October 2012 was false. Computer forensic analysis of this document shows that it was backdated and that it was not created until at least 22 May 2015 (over two years after the death of David Kleiman on 26 April 2013). This document was therefore forged. As to the basis on which the Claimant alleges forgery, the Claimant relies on the above matters and the fact that this Deed of Trust document was found to be backdated in the Order of Justice Reinhart dated 27 August 2019. 730. A copy of this document is at C00000560 {L8/17/1}, which was included in the Extended Disclosure served on 7 March 2023. The Re-Re-Amended Defence was served on 20 April 2023. (b) Dr Wright’s Explanations and COPA’s Rebuttal 731. The document appears as a Deed of Trust between two Seychelles companies, Wright International Investments (“WIIL”) and Tulip Trading Ltd (“TTL”) with a date of 23 October 2012. 732. In Wright11 Appendix C, Dr Wright addressed this 23 October 2012 Deed of Trust document by reference to one particular version of it. There are a number of copies disclosed which are all identical in substance: 732.1. (C00000560) / {L8/17/1} – (includes the Kleiman case reference at the top). 732.2. (ID_001186) / {L8/20/1}; 732.3. (ID_003790) / {L8/28/1}; 732.4. (ID_003982) / {L8/14/1}; and 732.5. (ID_003329) / L15/86/1} – this is the version Dr Wright refers to in Wright11. 733. Mr Madden addresses the identical nature of the above documents in PM48, {H/304/8}. In PM48, Mr Madden notes that the documents analysed indicate that WIIL was purchased as an aged shelf company in 2014, not being active prior to that date: PM48 at [29] {H/304/9}. Mr Madden also notes the effect of similar analysis in respect of other similar documents relating to TTL (PM4 [119-127], {H/29/38}). 734. In his Defence (after various amendments), Dr Wright states that, pursuant to an order of the US Court in the Kleiman proceedings, he disclosed a copy of a Deed of Trust document between two Seychelles companies, WIIL and TTL, with a date of 23 October 2012 (Defence [85A(1)] {A/3/26}. Dr Wright claims that: “The date 23 October 2012 is not a false date as the Deed of Trust was executed on 23 October 2012” (Defence [85A(5)] {A/3/27}. 735. In Wright11, Dr Wright gives the following account. He says that he set up the trust structure with the intention that he did not have any rights to see documents until 2020 (Wright11 Appendix C, [6.6] {CSW/3/14}). Dr Wright says that Dianne Pinder of Lloyds solicitors in Brisbane Australia drafted a deed of trust to replace a former trust structure that had been set up in such a way that he did not have a right to see documents until 2020 (Wright11 Appendix C, [6.6] {CSW/3/14}). Dr Wright says that, as he was not a party to the Tulip Trust Deed, he can only comment on what appears on the face of the documents, and that the version at {ID_003329} is not the trust deed for the Tulip Trust (Wright11 Appendix C, [6.11] {CSW/3/15}). The position stated in Wright11 therefore appears to be that, whilst a trust was settled on 23 October 2012 which was called the Tulip Trust, the disclosed versions set out above do not represent the deed of that trust or record its terms. 736. Dr Wright further states in Wright11 that he thinks that the version at {ID_003329} has been doctored by someone, as some of the parties acting for Savannah Ltd as noted in the document held no authority with the company, which he did not find out until after 2022 (Wright11 Appendix C, [6.12] {CSW/3/15}). 737. In his oral evidence at trial, Dr Wright at first accepted that he had sworn in the Kleiman proceedings that the Tulip Trust Deed put to him in those proceedings (which was the version at {L8/17/1}) was an authentic document {Day4/107:4} to {Day4/109:5}. However, he then went on to say that it does not record the terms of the trust. He said that this particular Tulip Trust Deed is not a real document and that it is not part of the trust. Dr Wright claimed that he told the Judge in Kleiman that it was a real document but that he did not know any different to say otherwise at that time: {Day4/109:2} to {Day4/112:2}. He claimed that he had subsequently spoken to some of the individuals whose signatures appear on this Tulip Trust Deed and they told him that they did not sign it: {Day4/113:6}. 738. Dr Wright claimed that this particular version of the Tulip Trust Deed was formed by someone merging documents together: {Day4/114:5}. Dr Wright said that it was a fake document used by Ira Kleiman, and that there had never been any agreement made between Wright International and Tulip Trading: {Day4/115:10} to {Day4/115/20}. 739. COPA submitted that Dr Wright’s explanation should be rejected for the following reasons: 739.1. On Dr Wright’s own admission, the Tulip Trust Deed is not a genuine document on the basis that (on his account) (i) there never has been any agreement between WIIL and TTL at all; (ii) the signatures are said not to be genuine; and (iii) the terms do not reflect what he understood to be the terms of the Tulip Trust Deed actually executed on 23 October 2012. It is, however, remarkable that he failed to mention this in his Re-Amended Defence. 739.2. There is no evidence of any of other version of the Tulip Trust Deed dated to 23 October 2012 with different terms. Dr Wright has not brought any of those who are said to deny signing this deed to Court as witnesses, nor has he called anyone as a witness to say what the “real” terms of the Tulip Trust are. 739.3. WIIL is purportedly a party to the Tulip Trust Deed, but that company was only first purchased as an off the shelf company by Dr Wright in October 2014. Mr Madden's findings in Appendix PM48 to the effect that alteration of documents supports that proposition {H/304/9} were not challenged in cross-examination. 739.4. Paragraph 3 of this Tulip Trust Deed {L8/17/2} refers to bitcoin having been transferred into TTL on 10 June 2011, although that company likewise was not purchased until October 2014 (as explained in relation to {ID_001421} and {ID_001930} in COPA’s original Forgeries Schedule at {A/2/91} and {A/2/101}. 739.5. There is nothing in the terms of this trust (as recorded in this Deed) to say that trust documents cannot be shown to Dr Wright. He claimed that he did not know the terms of the document, but also that those terms precluded him from talking directly to any of the individuals involved. He then said that he had spoken to them and found out that the signatures on the document were not genuine. Dr Wright's evidence about this document, and the Tulip Trust more generally, has been confused and internally inconsistent. In particular, he has invented the excuse of having been precluded from seeing the document to explain away his having sworn to its authenticity in the Kleiman proceedings and made a sworn declaration based on its terms, but then having denied its authenticity in the Granath proceedings. See generally: {Day3/105:2} to {Day3/119:5}. (c) Conclusions 740. I found Dr Wright’s contorted explanations to be wholly unconvincing and false, including his final excuse that this document was ‘doctored by someone’. 741. There is strong evidence that (and I so find) both Tulip Trading Limited and Wright International Investments Ltd were acquired by Dr Wright in 2014 as aged shelf companies, and that the ‘Tulip Trust’ itself was a fabrication designed to shield Dr Wright’s assets against possible bankruptcy. Dr Wright’s explanations of the terms of the Trust were inconsistent and did not ring true. He has never explained the plain inconsistency between his assertion that the Trust put his assets (including his IP in various documents) beyond reach, yet his continued ability apparently to reference and use all such documents to yield the large number of ‘White Papers’ which are said to have given rise to all the claimed patent filings for nChain. Continue Reading Here. About HackerNoon Legal PDF Series: We bring you the most important technical and insightful public domain court case filings.

This court case retrieved on January 29, 2024, judiciary.uk is part of the public domain. The court-created documents are works of the federal government, and under copyright law, are automatically placed in the public domain and may be shared without legal restriction. COPA v. Wright, Court Filing, retrieved on January 29, 2024, is part of HackerNoon’s Legal PDF Series. You can jump to any part of this filing here. This part is 39 of 42. COPA v. Wright, Court Filing, retrieved on January 29, 2024, is part of HackerNoon’s Legal PDF Series . You can jump to any part of this filing here . This part is 39 of 42. HackerNoon’s Legal PDF Series HackerNoon’s Legal PDF Series here here 37. The Tulip Trust Deed (Particulars of Claim at [66A] {A/2/10}) ({ID_001186}) / {L8/20/1}) The Fifth Pleaded Example 728. In the Kleiman Litigation, Dr Wright proffered a Deed of Trust document as evidence of the existence of a trust called the Tulip Trust. Dr Wright has claimed that the Tulip Trust held Bitcoin and/or an encrypted file with keys to that Bitcoin. The Deed of Trust document that was adduced by Dr Wright was dated 23 October 2012. Kleiman (a) COPA’s Reasons for Alleging Forgery (a) COPA’s Reasons for Alleging Forgery 729. The date of 23 October 2012 was false. Computer forensic analysis of this document shows that it was backdated and that it was not created until at least 22 May 2015 (over two years after the death of David Kleiman on 26 April 2013). This document was therefore forged. As to the basis on which the Claimant alleges forgery, the Claimant relies on the above matters and the fact that this Deed of Trust document was found to be backdated in the Order of Justice Reinhart dated 27 August 2019. 730. A copy of this document is at C00000560 {L8/17/1}, which was included in the Extended Disclosure served on 7 March 2023. The Re-Re-Amended Defence was served on 20 April 2023. (b) Dr Wright’s Explanations and COPA’s Rebuttal (b) Dr Wright’s Explanations and COPA’s Rebuttal 731. The document appears as a Deed of Trust between two Seychelles companies, Wright International Investments (“ WIIL ”) and Tulip Trading Ltd (“ TTL ”) with a date of 23 October 2012. WIIL TTL 732. In Wright11 Appendix C, Dr Wright addressed this 23 October 2012 Deed of Trust document by reference to one particular version of it. There are a number of copies disclosed which are all identical in substance: 732.1. (C00000560) / {L8/17/1} – (includes the Kleiman case reference at the top). 732.2. (ID_001186) / {L8/20/1}; 732.3. (ID_003790) / {L8/28/1}; 732.4. (ID_003982) / {L8/14/1}; and 732.5. (ID_003329) / L15/86/1} – this is the version Dr Wright refers to in Wright11. 733. Mr Madden addresses the identical nature of the above documents in PM48, {H/304/8}. In PM48, Mr Madden notes that the documents analysed indicate that WIIL was purchased as an aged shelf company in 2014, not being active prior to that date: PM48 at [29] {H/304/9}. Mr Madden also notes the effect of similar analysis in respect of other similar documents relating to TTL (PM4 [119-127], {H/29/38}). 734. In his Defence (after various amendments), Dr Wright states that, pursuant to an order of the US Court in the Kleiman proceedings, he disclosed a copy of a Deed of Trust document between two Seychelles companies, WIIL and TTL, with a date of 23 October 2012 (Defence [85A(1)] {A/3/26}. Dr Wright claims that: “The date 23 October 2012 is not a false date as the Deed of Trust was executed on 23 October 2012” (Defence [85A(5)] {A/3/27}. “The date 23 October 2012 is not a false date as the Deed of Trust was executed on 23 October 2012” 735. In Wright11, Dr Wright gives the following account. He says that he set up the trust structure with the intention that he did not have any rights to see documents until 2020 (Wright11 Appendix C, [6.6] {CSW/3/14}). Dr Wright says that Dianne Pinder of Lloyds solicitors in Brisbane Australia drafted a deed of trust to replace a former trust structure that had been set up in such a way that he did not have a right to see documents until 2020 (Wright11 Appendix C, [6.6] {CSW/3/14}). Dr Wright says that, as he was not a party to the Tulip Trust Deed, he can only comment on what appears on the face of the documents, and that the version at {ID_003329} is not the trust deed for the Tulip Trust (Wright11 Appendix C, [6.11] {CSW/3/15}). The position stated in Wright11 therefore appears to be that, whilst a trust was settled on 23 October 2012 which was called the Tulip Trust, the disclosed versions set out above do not represent the deed of that trust or record its terms. 736. Dr Wright further states in Wright11 that he thinks that the version at {ID_003329} has been doctored by someone, as some of the parties acting for Savannah Ltd as noted in the document held no authority with the company, which he did not find out until after 2022 (Wright11 Appendix C, [6.12] {CSW/3/15}). 737. In his oral evidence at trial, Dr Wright at first accepted that he had sworn in the Kleiman proceedings that the Tulip Trust Deed put to him in those proceedings (which was the version at {L8/17/1}) was an authentic document {Day4/107:4} to {Day4/109:5}. However, he then went on to say that it does not record the terms of the trust. He said that this particular Tulip Trust Deed is not a real document and that it is not part of the trust. Dr Wright claimed that he told the Judge in Kleiman that it was a real document but that he did not know any different to say otherwise at that time: {Day4/109:2} to {Day4/112:2}. He claimed that he had subsequently spoken to some of the individuals whose signatures appear on this Tulip Trust Deed and they told him that they did not sign it: {Day4/113:6}. 738. Dr Wright claimed that this particular version of the Tulip Trust Deed was formed by someone merging documents together: {Day4/114:5}. Dr Wright said that it was a fake document used by Ira Kleiman, and that there had never been any agreement made between Wright International and Tulip Trading: {Day4/115:10} to {Day4/115/20}. 739. COPA submitted that Dr Wright’s explanation should be rejected for the following reasons: 739.1. On Dr Wright’s own admission, the Tulip Trust Deed is not a genuine document on the basis that (on his account) (i) there never has been any agreement between WIIL and TTL at all; (ii) the signatures are said not to be genuine; and (iii) the terms do not reflect what he understood to be the terms of the Tulip Trust Deed actually executed on 23 October 2012. It is, however, remarkable that he failed to mention this in his Re-Amended Defence. 739.2. There is no evidence of any of other version of the Tulip Trust Deed dated to 23 October 2012 with different terms. Dr Wright has not brought any of those who are said to deny signing this deed to Court as witnesses, nor has he called anyone as a witness to say what the “real” terms of the Tulip Trust are. 739.3. WIIL is purportedly a party to the Tulip Trust Deed, but that company was only first purchased as an off the shelf company by Dr Wright in October 2014. Mr Madden's findings in Appendix PM48 to the effect that alteration of documents supports that proposition {H/304/9} were not challenged in cross-examination. 739.4. Paragraph 3 of this Tulip Trust Deed {L8/17/2} refers to bitcoin having been transferred into TTL on 10 June 2011, although that company likewise was not purchased until October 2014 (as explained in relation to {ID_001421} and {ID_001930} in COPA’s original Forgeries Schedule at {A/2/91} and {A/2/101}. 739.5. There is nothing in the terms of this trust (as recorded in this Deed) to say that trust documents cannot be shown to Dr Wright. He claimed that he did not know the terms of the document, but also that those terms precluded him from talking directly to any of the individuals involved. He then said that he had spoken to them and found out that the signatures on the document were not genuine. Dr Wright's evidence about this document, and the Tulip Trust more generally, has been confused and internally inconsistent. In particular, he has invented the excuse of having been precluded from seeing the document to explain away his having sworn to its authenticity in the Kleiman proceedings and made a sworn declaration based on its terms, but then having denied its authenticity in the Granath proceedings. See generally: {Day3/105:2} to {Day3/119:5}. Kleiman Granath (c) Conclusions (c) Conclusions 740. I found Dr Wright’s contorted explanations to be wholly unconvincing and false, including his final excuse that this document was ‘doctored by someone’. 741. There is strong evidence that (and I so find) both Tulip Trading Limited and Wright International Investments Ltd were acquired by Dr Wright in 2014 as aged shelf companies, and that the ‘Tulip Trust’ itself was a fabrication designed to shield Dr Wright’s assets against possible bankruptcy. Dr Wright’s explanations of the terms of the Trust were inconsistent and did not ring true. He has never explained the plain inconsistency between his assertion that the Trust put his assets (including his IP in various documents) beyond reach, yet his continued ability apparently to reference and use all such documents to yield the large number of ‘White Papers’ which are said to have given rise to all the claimed patent filings for nChain. Continue Reading Here. Continue Reading Here . Here About HackerNoon Legal PDF Series: We bring you the most important technical and insightful public domain court case filings. This court case retrieved on January 29, 2024, judiciary.uk is part of the public domain. The court-created documents are works of the federal government, and under copyright law, are automatically placed in the public domain and may be shared without legal restriction. About HackerNoon Legal PDF Series: We bring you the most important technical and insightful public domain court case filings. This court case retrieved on January 29, 2024, judiciary.uk is part of the public domain. The court-created documents are works of the federal government, and under copyright law, are automatically placed in the public domain and may be shared without legal restriction. judiciary.uk judiciary.uk

Forensic Analysis Exposes Flaws in Craig Wright's Tulip Trust Deed

Nowadays, the field of content creation is rapidly evolving into a professional sector and offers great earning potential. It is projected that the creator economy market will nearly double from $250 billion in 2023 to $480 billion by 2027. As the industry is experiencing rapid growth, the competition among content creators becomes intense. All this leads to a fierce battle for audience engagement. At the same time, it is not enough to simply produce high-quality content for success. Good content itself cannot guarantee growth, revenue, or audience expansion for creators. That is why a partnership with an agency can help creators stay competitive and maximize their potential. The main reason is that agencies offer crucial support in marketing, brand partnerships, audience growth strategies, and monetization opportunities. However, choosing an agency can be a very complicated task because there's a wide range of options. So, let's look at what creators should consider when picking an agency and spot potential red flags to watch out for. Scaling up Your Business Through Partnering With an Agency Recent data shows that only 9% of independent creators made over $100,000 last year. While 34% earned less than $5,000, and 37% made between $5,000 and $30,000. This means that the income of 71% of independent creators was less than $30,000 last year. All this makes evident the fact that there's a need for strategic help for content creators to be financially successful. In this case, partnering with a professional agency can be a game-changer. Creators can focus more on their creative work and benefit from the strategic support and guidance of an agency. Here are three key advantages of working with an agency: The first advantage: An agency can help a creator increase their reach. Creators can greatly expand their reach to their target audience by partnering with an agency. This gives creators access to many new advertisers who can promote their content. And this not only increases revenue potential but also enhances brand visibility and credibility in the market. The second advantage: Get scalability and access to valuable information. Large agencies are more informed about market prices and can share this information with creators; they can also identify trends or advertisers who cannot work with small or medium creators ever. The third advantage: Enjoy networking within various industries. Agencies often organize exclusive events where their clients can network with other creators and gain access to industry gatherings. This provides creators with the chance to expand their network across a range of industries. As a result, they can gain many opportunities, partnerships, and perspectives. To sum up, partnering with an agency can greatly boost a content creator’s career. Agencies can help creators with financial issues and support their growth by expanding their reach, giving important market insights, and offering many networking opportunities. Choosing the Right Partner When choosing an agency, creators should consider looking at the existing clients – if you notice some familiar faces among other creators, then it will be easier to integrate and trust this particular company from the start. If another prominent creator from the same niche partners with this agency, it indicates that the agency has something worthwhile to offer. In case there are not too many creators in one agency, deciding may become quite confusing, because there is no guarantee that the chosen agency has enough expertise in this field. Signing non-exclusive contracts for a test period can be useful in determining whether or not this agency fits. Additionally, creators may make a preliminary trial: send a request as if they were a potential advertiser to this very organization to evaluate its response rate and sales strategy. As far as an unknown agency is concerned, a trial period lasting between 3 and 6 months would be reasonable. The creators can work with two or three agencies at the same time if the agreement does not prohibit them from doing so. To prevent yourself from entering into any contracts like these, you should talk about non-exclusive arrangements beforehand. Besides, creators should deal respectfully with agencies taking into account that there are other clients and none of the customers’ interests can be put first by them. How to Review an Agency Contract Partnering with an agency can greatly impact a creator’s career, both positively and negatively. This is why it's imperative to ensure the contract aligns with the creator’s goals and offers essential support. Understanding the financial terms and conditions and evaluating the personal data protection rules is a must. Here are some critical aspects to consider when signing a contract with an agency. The first tip: Check the policy on intellectual property rights. It is important to know what an agency will do with a creator's intellectual work. The second tip: Pay attention to account aspects and payments. A good contract should clearly state what the content creators must do, taking into account aspects such as the creative direction provided by the agency and content submission deadlines. The agreement should also indicate terms of compensation, payment amounts, and payment dates. The third tip: Consider personal data protection. Any privacy statement issued by an agency needs to comply with data protection laws in order to protect customer information adequately. Finally, the agreement must also talk about advertising support, copyright registration, and trademark registrations on behalf of an agent so as to simplify things for future jobs by a creator. The fourth tip: The terms of termination are very important. The contract should clearly state who has the right to content even after the relationship with the agency ends, including copyright ownership and related rights. Some red flags include ambiguous content as well as payment terms, unilateral termination by an agency, penalties and any other unilateral condition. A lawyer should be able to assess this agreement fully and independently before you sign it. The Way to Success: Moving Forward Together Working with an agency provides two main benefits which are scalability potential and networking opportunities among other creators of content. Big agencies also have contracts with advertisers and can help with brand integrations that creators might not be able to organize on their own. However, when signing a contract with an agency, carefully examine it, in particular, aspects concerning intellectual property and copyright. Creators should retain rights to their work even after ending the agency relationship. If everything checks out and the terms are agreeable, proceed with a trial period, and then consider an exclusive contract. As the old saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Nowadays, the field of content creation is rapidly evolving into a professional sector and offers great earning potential. It is projected that the creator economy market will nearly double from $250 billion in 2023 to $480 billion by 2027. As the industry is experiencing rapid growth, the competition among content creators becomes intense. All this leads to a fierce battle for audience engagement. projected At the same time, it is not enough to simply produce high-quality content for success. Good content itself cannot guarantee growth, revenue, or audience expansion for creators. That is why a partnership with an agency can help creators stay competitive and maximize their potential. The main reason is that agencies offer crucial support in marketing, brand partnerships, audience growth strategies, and monetization opportunities. However, choosing an agency can be a very complicated task because there's a wide range of options. So, let's look at what creators should consider when picking an agency and spot potential red flags to watch out for. Scaling up Your Business Through Partnering With an Agency Recent data shows that only 9% of independent creators made over $100,000 last year. While 34% earned less than $5,000, and 37% made between $5,000 and $30,000. This means that the income of 71% of independent creators was less than $30,000 last year. All this makes evident the fact that there's a need for strategic help for content creators to be financially successful. data In this case, partnering with a professional agency can be a game-changer. Creators can focus more on their creative work and benefit from the strategic support and guidance of an agency. Here are three key advantages of working with an agency: The first advantage: An agency can help a creator increase their reach. Creators can greatly expand their reach to their target audience by partnering with an agency. This gives creators access to many new advertisers who can promote their content. And this not only increases revenue potential but also enhances brand visibility and credibility in the market. The first advantage: The second advantage: Get scalability and access to valuable information. Large agencies are more informed about market prices and can share this information with creators; they can also identify trends or advertisers who cannot work with small or medium creators ever. The second advantage: The third advantage: Enjoy networking within various industries. Agencies often organize exclusive events where their clients can network with other creators and gain access to industry gatherings. This provides creators with the chance to expand their network across a range of industries. As a result, they can gain many opportunities, partnerships, and perspectives. The third advantage: To sum up, partnering with an agency can greatly boost a content creator’s career. Agencies can help creators with financial issues and support their growth by expanding their reach, giving important market insights, and offering many networking opportunities. Choosing the Right Partner When choosing an agency, creators should consider looking at the existing clients – if you notice some familiar faces among other creators, then it will be easier to integrate and trust this particular company from the start. If another prominent creator from the same niche partners with this agency, it indicates that the agency has something worthwhile to offer. In case there are not too many creators in one agency, deciding may become quite confusing, because there is no guarantee that the chosen agency has enough expertise in this field. Signing non-exclusive contracts for a test period can be useful in determining whether or not this agency fits. Additionally, creators may make a preliminary trial: send a request as if they were a potential advertiser to this very organization to evaluate its response rate and sales strategy. As far as an unknown agency is concerned, a trial period lasting between 3 and 6 months would be reasonable. The creators can work with two or three agencies at the same time if the agreement does not prohibit them from doing so. To prevent yourself from entering into any contracts like these, you should talk about non-exclusive arrangements beforehand. Besides, creators should deal respectfully with agencies taking into account that there are other clients and none of the customers’ interests can be put first by them. How to Review an Agency Contract Partnering with an agency can greatly impact a creator’s career, both positively and negatively. This is why it's imperative to ensure the contract aligns with the creator’s goals and offers essential support. Understanding the financial terms and conditions and evaluating the personal data protection rules is a must. Here are some critical aspects to consider when signing a contract with an agency. The first tip: Check the policy on intellectual property rights. It is important to know what an agency will do with a creator's intellectual work. The first tip: The second tip: Pay attention to account aspects and payments. A good contract should clearly state what the content creators must do, taking into account aspects such as the creative direction provided by the agency and content submission deadlines. The agreement should also indicate terms of compensation, payment amounts, and payment dates. The second tip: The third tip: Consider personal data protection. Any privacy statement issued by an agency needs to comply with data protection laws in order to protect customer information adequately. Finally, the agreement must also talk about advertising support, copyright registration, and trademark registrations on behalf of an agent so as to simplify things for future jobs by a creator. The third tip: The fourth tip: The terms of termination are very important. The contract should clearly state who has the right to content even after the relationship with the agency ends, including copyright ownership and related rights. The fourth tip: Some red flags include ambiguous content as well as payment terms, unilateral termination by an agency, penalties and any other unilateral condition. A lawyer should be able to assess this agreement fully and independently before you sign it. The Way to Success: Moving Forward Together Working with an agency provides two main benefits which are scalability potential and networking opportunities among other creators of content. Big agencies also have contracts with advertisers and can help with brand integrations that creators might not be able to organize on their own. However, when signing a contract with an agency, carefully examine it, in particular, aspects concerning intellectual property and copyright. Creators should retain rights to their work even after ending the agency relationship. If everything checks out and the terms are agreeable, proceed with a trial period, and then consider an exclusive contract. As the old saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."

The Boom of Creator Agencies: How Not to Screw Up Collaboration

Key Management System: Everything You Need to Know

কী ম্যানেজমেন্ট সিস্টেম: আপনার যা জানা দরকার

Schlüsselverwaltungssystem: Alles, was Sie wissen müssen

Sistema de gestión de claves: todo lo que necesita saber

Système de gestion des clés : tout ce que vous devez savoir

कुंजी प्रबंधन प्रणाली: वह सब कुछ जो आपको जानना आवश्यक है

鍵管理システム: 知っておくべきことすべて

키 관리 시스템: 알아야 할 모든 것

Sistema de gerenciamento de chaves: tudo o que você precisa saber

Система управления ключами: все, что вам нужно знать

Anahtar Yönetim Sistemi: Bilmeniz Gereken Her Şey

Hệ thống quản lý khóa: Mọi thứ bạn cần biết

密钥管理系统：您需要了解的一切

Sadly, it’s easier to be scammed in the online world, and cryptocurrencies haven’t been saved from it. Their internal platforms are mostly safe and useful, but centralized middlemen around them are another case entirely. There are legitimate crypto exchanges and projects, but there are also malicious copycats and brands designed just to snatch the coins of their followers. ‘Centralized’ means that something (often the power) is concentrated in a central point, individual, or group. In this case and for final users of cryptocurrencies, this means that custody of your funds, and/or the ultimate rules of the game, are in the hands of a company or organization. That’s how most crypto exchanges with fiat exit work, for instance. In this article, we’ll delve into the potential red flags these projects may have, while in a future piece, we’ll talk about different alert signs for decentralized projects. Luckily, it’s almost always possible to distinguish between a legitimate platform from one that it’s not. There are a lot of obvious red flags we can find in plain sight if we just look in the right direction. Let’s learn more about it ahead. Basic Signs Likely, the first thing you’ll visit when interested in a certain coin, exchange, or any other related brand, is its website or social media account. In the first case, there are several things (links) you should find in a legitimate project: an “About Us” or “Team” section, terms and conditions, contact data or support system, related documents (whitepaper, roadmap, blog, privacy notices, etc.), and, of course, a readily-available product or service. If most of those items are missing, that’s a giant red flag, enough for you to just drop it. If they’re more or less there, but the product or service they’re describing is only a promise or incoming, and they’re already asking for money anyway, that’s also a very bad sign. It could be, for instance, the offer of new tokens in a presale without a whitepaper, and with an anonymous team. That’s a huge no for investors. Additional details also have their weight. You must be able to know for how long the project has been around –the longer, the better. A URL address without an SSL certificate (the common green lock), or a URL that isn’t written exactly as the name of the brand you’re looking for (i.e., Obite.com / Obyte.org) are more than suspicious signs. In the last case, you’ll end up, for sure, in a copycat site. Broken links that look like they’re there but you can’t click them or reroute to the wrong sections; as well as bad spelling and grammar in their original language are considered common warnings. In a social media platform like X (Twitter), it’s useful to check the unique handle (@) of every user, their verification badges, if any, and the number of followers or size of their community. In any case, it’s best to always check other sources about the project, starting from its official website. Read their Documents We’ve all done it: just accept terms and conditions without reading them. Don’t do that if you’re dealing with assets and investments, because you could easily lose them all. You’ll have to sit and actually read them, including sections like “Legal”, “Privacy”, “Warnings”, and other specific rules, if any. In the case of crypto projects like Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) or new coin or platform releases, in general, besides the above, you’ll also have to read their whitepaper and roadmap —they should be available in legitimate projects. A whitepaper outlines the project's goals, technology, use cases, tokenomics, and, sometimes, it also includes the roadmap (future plans). A legitimate project will have a well-written, detailed whitepaper that explains its vision clearly and transparently. Now, the first thing to check in this document is if it’s original. There are several free plagiarism checkers online that’ll allow you to analyze large sections, for instance. A lot of scammers wouldn’t bother to create something from scratch. Next, look for a clear problem statement and purpose, as legitimate projects aim to solve real-world problems with feasible solutions. Be wary of unrealistic promises of high returns or use overly aggressive marketing language without providing evidence to support their claims. Additionally, pay attention to the technical details provided in the whitepaper; if the technology or solution is unclear, overly complex, or lacks sufficient detail, it may indicate a lack of understanding or transparency from the project team. The tokenomics section is also important, but it shouldn’t be the main thing in the document. This one should describe a fair token distribution, clear token utility, and sustainability. On the other hand, a decent roadmap should outline realistic development milestones and timelines. Research the Team Yes, we know that Satoshi Nakamoto himself was always anonymous. However, in case you don’t know, most of the current main team of Bitcoin Core and their sponsors are quite public. Private with their personal data, as much as any other cypherpunk, but public anyway. Truth be told, most people and investors wouldn’t trust anonymous faces without any guarantee. A reasonable thing to do before investing is to put a name, face, and professional trajectory to the creators of the involved firm. Legitimate projects typically have a team with relevant experience in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), software development, finance, or related fields. Check their LinkedIn or GitHub / GitLab profiles and track records to verify their credentials. A useful tip to start is to look for their names on a search engine like Google or Bing and make a reverse image search of their photographs —using tools like TinEye. You may easily discover this way if they really are who they say they are. If you’re still not sure, contact them via LinkedIn, Twitter, or any other medium that doesn’t directly involve the project. Check Security Always assess the security measures in place to protect users' funds and data. Legitimate exchanges, for example, employ robust security practices such as encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage for funds. Other projects should also have secure smart contracts, tested protocols, and regular security audits conducted by reputable third-party cybersecurity firms. These audits assess the platform's security architecture, codebase, infrastructure, and adherence to best practices. Public disclosure of audit reports demonstrates a commitment to transparency and security. If you can read code, don’t forget to visit GitHub, GitLab, or wherever the source code is stored, so you can analyze it yourself. You could even be rewarded for it, since a lot of legitimate platforms, like Obyte, have their own bug bounty programs. Beyond the code, especially if the platform or service you’re about to use includes fiat money, you’ll also need to check for legal compliance. Ensure that the exchange or brand complies with relevant regulatory requirements and security standards in its jurisdiction. This often includes Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) policies, in which some of your personal data, like your official ID or passport, may be asked before trading. Reputation and Transparency Even if the brand is new, it may already have an initial reputation among online crypto enthusiasts and some trustable reviews around known platforms like ScamAdviser or Trustpilot. Legitimate projects often have active communities on social media platforms, forums, and discussion groups like Reddit or Bitcointalk. If a project is introduced on the latter, it’s a good sign, since it’s open to criticism from the actual experts populating this crypto-focused forum. Transparency is also key in the crypto space. Legitimate projects provide clear and detailed answers about their goals, technology, tokenomics, and roadmap. They maintain open communication channels with the community through regular updates, blogs, announcements, social media accounts, and AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions. Outside of this, you can always look for their history of security incidents, such as hacks, breaches, or data leaks. While no platform is immune to security risks, a pattern of past incidents or a lack of transparency regarding security breaches should raise concerns about the platform's security practices and risk management. Now, we should recommend that before engaging with any centralized service related to Obyte (a crypto exchange, for instance), first look for any of these signs. Trade safely! Featured Vector Image by Freepik Sadly, it’s easier to be scammed in the online world, and cryptocurrencies haven’t been saved from it. Their internal platforms are mostly safe and useful, but centralized middlemen around them are another case entirely. There are legitimate crypto exchanges and projects, but there are also malicious copycats and brands designed just to snatch the coins of their followers. ‘Centralized’ means that something (often the power) is concentrated in a central point, individual, or group. In this case and for final users of cryptocurrencies, this means that custody of your funds, and/or the ultimate rules of the game, are in the hands of a company or organization. That’s how most crypto exchanges with fiat exit work, for instance. In this article, we’ll delve into the potential red flags these projects may have, while in a future piece, we’ll talk about different alert signs for decentralized projects. this means that custody of your funds, and/or the ultimate rules of the game, are in the hands of a company or organization. Luckily, it’s almost always possible to distinguish between a legitimate platform from one that it’s not. There are a lot of obvious red flags we can find in plain sight if we just look in the right direction. Let’s learn more about it ahead. Basic Signs Likely, the first thing you’ll visit when interested in a certain coin, exchange, or any other related brand, is its website or social media account. In the first case, there are several things (links) you should find in a legitimate project: an “About Us” or “Team” section, terms and conditions, contact data or support system, related documents (whitepaper, roadmap, blog, privacy notices, etc.), and, of course, a readily-available product or service. If most of those items are missing, that’s a giant red flag, enough for you to just drop it. If they’re more or less there, but the product or service they’re describing is only a promise or incoming, and they’re already asking for money anyway, that’s also a very bad sign. It could be, for instance, the offer of new tokens in a presale without a whitepaper, and with an anonymous team. That’s a huge no for investors. If most of those items are missing, that’s a giant red flag, enough for you to just drop it. no Additional details also have their weight. You must be able to know for how long the project has been around –the longer, the better. A URL address without an SSL certificate (the common green lock), or a URL that isn’t written exactly as the name of the brand you’re looking for (i.e., Obite.com / Obyte.org ) are more than suspicious signs. In the last case, you’ll end up, for sure, in a copycat site. Broken links that look like they’re there but you can’t click them or reroute to the wrong sections; as well as bad spelling and grammar in their original language are considered common warnings. Obite.com Obyte.org Obyte.org In a social media platform like X (Twitter), it’s useful to check the unique handle (@) of every user, their verification badges, if any, and the number of followers or size of their community. In any case, it’s best to always check other sources about the project, starting from its official website. Read their Documents We’ve all done it: just accept terms and conditions without reading them. Don’t do that if you’re dealing with assets and investments, because you could easily lose them all. You’ll have to sit and actually read them, including sections like “Legal”, “Privacy”, “Warnings”, and other specific rules, if any. In the case of crypto projects like Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) or new coin or platform releases, in general, besides the above, you’ll also have to read their whitepaper and roadmap —they should be available in legitimate projects. You’ll have to sit and actually read them, including sections like “Legal”, “Privacy”, “Warnings”, and other specific rules, if any. A whitepaper outlines the project's goals, technology, use cases, tokenomics, and, sometimes, it also includes the roadmap (future plans). A legitimate project will have a well-written, detailed whitepaper that explains its vision clearly and transparently. Now, the first thing to check in this document is if it’s original. There are several free plagiarism checkers online that’ll allow you to analyze large sections, for instance. A lot of scammers wouldn’t bother to create something from scratch. Next, look for a clear problem statement and purpose, as legitimate projects aim to solve real-world problems with feasible solutions. Be wary of unrealistic promises of high returns or use overly aggressive marketing language without providing evidence to support their claims. Additionally, pay attention to the technical details provided in the whitepaper; if the technology or solution is unclear, overly complex, or lacks sufficient detail, it may indicate a lack of understanding or transparency from the project team. The tokenomics section is also important, but it shouldn’t be the main thing in the document. This one should describe a fair token distribution, clear token utility, and sustainability. On the other hand, a decent roadmap should outline realistic development milestones and timelines. Research the Team Yes, we know that Satoshi Nakamoto himself was always anonymous. However, in case you don’t know, most of the current main team of Bitcoin Core and their sponsors are quite public. Private with their personal data, as much as any other cypherpunk , but public anyway. Truth be told, most people and investors wouldn’t trust anonymous faces without any guarantee. cypherpunk cypherpunk A reasonable thing to do before investing is to put a name, face, and professional trajectory to the creators of the involved firm. Legitimate projects typically have a team with relevant experience in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), software development, finance, or related fields. Check their LinkedIn or GitHub / GitLab profiles and track records to verify their credentials. A reasonable thing to do before investing is to put a name, face, and professional trajectory to the creators of the involved firm. A useful tip to start is to look for their names on a search engine like Google or Bing and make a reverse image search of their photographs —using tools like TinEye . You may easily discover this way if they really are who they say they are. If you’re still not sure, contact them via LinkedIn, Twitter, or any other medium that doesn’t directly involve the project. TinEye TinEye Check Security Always assess the security measures in place to protect users' funds and data. Legitimate exchanges, for example, employ robust security practices such as encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage for funds. Other projects should also have secure smart contracts, tested protocols, and regular security audits conducted by reputable third-party cybersecurity firms. These audits assess the platform's security architecture, codebase, infrastructure, and adherence to best practices. Public disclosure of audit reports demonstrates a commitment to transparency and security. If you can read code, don’t forget to visit GitHub, GitLab, or wherever the source code is stored, so you can analyze it yourself. You could even be rewarded for it, since a lot of legitimate platforms, like Obyte, have their own bug bounty programs. These audits assess the platform's security architecture, codebase, infrastructure, and adherence to best practices. bug bounty programs. bug bounty programs. Beyond the code, especially if the platform or service you’re about to use includes fiat money, you’ll also need to check for legal compliance. Ensure that the exchange or brand complies with relevant regulatory requirements and security standards in its jurisdiction. This often includes Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) policies, in which some of your personal data, like your official ID or passport, may be asked before trading. Reputation and Transparency Even if the brand is new, it may already have an initial reputation among online crypto enthusiasts and some trustable reviews around known platforms like ScamAdviser or Trustpilot. Legitimate projects often have active communities on social media platforms, forums, and discussion groups like Reddit or Bitcointalk . If a project is introduced on the latter, it’s a good sign, since it’s open to criticism from the actual experts populating this crypto-focused forum. Bitcointalk Bitcointalk Transparency is also key in the crypto space. Legitimate projects provide clear and detailed answers about their goals, technology, tokenomics, and roadmap. They maintain open communication channels with the community through regular updates, blogs, announcements, social media accounts, and AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions. Legitimate projects provide clear and detailed answers about their goals, technology, tokenomics, and roadmap. Outside of this, you can always look for their history of security incidents, such as hacks, breaches, or data leaks. While no platform is immune to security risks, a pattern of past incidents or a lack of transparency regarding security breaches should raise concerns about the platform's security practices and risk management. Now, we should recommend that before engaging with any centralized service related to Obyte (a crypto exchange, for instance), first look for any of these signs. Trade safely! Obyte Obyte Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

5 Steps to Recognize a Legitimate Centralized Crypto Service

একটি বৈধ কেন্দ্রীভূত ক্রিপ্টো পরিষেবা চিনতে 5টি পদক্ষেপ

5 Schritte zum Erkennen eines legitimen zentralisierten Kryptodienstes

Cinco pasos para reconocer un servicio criptográfico centralizado legítimo

5 étapes pour reconnaître un service cryptographique centralisé légitime

वैध केंद्रीकृत क्रिप्टो सेवा को पहचानने के लिए 5 कदम

合法的な中央集権型暗号サービスを見分ける5つのステップ

합법적인 중앙 집중식 암호화폐 서비스를 식별하는 5단계

5 etapas para reconhecer um serviço criptográfico centralizado legítimo

5 шагов, чтобы признать законный централизованный криптосервис

Meşru Bir Merkezi Kripto Hizmetinin Tanınması İçin 5 Adım

5 bước để nhận biết dịch vụ tiền điện tử tập trung hợp pháp

识别合法中心化加密服务的 5 个步骤

SINGAPORE, Singapore, July 1st, 2024/Chainwire/--The PLYR Gaming Blockchain mainnet is set to launch as an Avalanche Subnet today on July 1st, 2024. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new era in crypto gaming, aimed at creating a seamless and interconnected gaming universe that spans multiple blockchains. What is PLYR Gaming Blockchain? PLYR Gaming Blockchain is an advanced platform designed to revolutionize the gaming experience by leveraging blockchain technology. It focuses on creating a decentralized, secure, and transparent environment where players can truly own their in-game assets, enjoy thrilling play-to-earn opportunities, and engage in a dynamic gaming community. Multichain Empowerment PLYR Gaming Blockchain is designed to empower crypto gaming by connecting all chains. This multichain approach ensures that players from various blockchain communities can interact, trade assets, and participate in games without limitations. By bridging these chains, PLYR enhances interoperability and inclusivity within the crypto gaming ecosystem. Key Features of PLYR Gaming Blockchain. Cluster Nodes: Cluster nodes are the cornerstone of the PLYR ecosystem, allowing users to participate in the network’s governance and earn rewards. By operating a cluster node, users contribute to the decentralization and security of the platform.


PLYR-ID: PLYR-ID is a unique decentralized identity solution that provides players with a unified identity across all games and platforms within the PLYR ecosystem. This feature ensures seamless access and a personalized gaming experience.


PLYR-AUTH: PLYR-AUTH provides secure and seamless authentication across all PLYR-enabled games and services. Additionally to PLYR-ID, the InstantPlayPass feature simplifies the login process and enhances security by leveraging decentralized authentication methods, ensuring a smooth and secure gaming experience for all users. This innovative feature allows players to quickly jump into games without lengthy sign-up processes.


PLYR-API: PLYR offers a comprehensive suite of tools for game developers, including SDKs and APIs, to integrate blockchain functionality into their games effortlessly. These tools simplify the development process and enable the creation of innovative, blockchain-powered games.


Sidekick App: The Sidekick app is designed to enhance the gaming experience by providing players with real-time mobile updates, notifications, and easy access to their assets and rewards. It acts as a companion app, keeping players engaged and informed.


Gamestake: Gamestake rewards players and active participants of the platform with $GAMR tokens. These tokens can be used to participate in games on the PLYR chain, creating a vibrant and rewarding ecosystem. By participating in Gamestake, players can maximize their engagement and enjoyment while earning valuable rewards. More details can be found on the Gamestake page.


Web3 Games Marketplace: The PLYR crypto games marketplace is a hub for discovering and purchasing games. It features a wide variety of games including both Web2 and Web3 games. In-House Developed Games: PLYR has developed several exciting games, including: ZooRacers: A battle-kart game where players can engage in intense combat and compete for rewards. ZooNo: A card game based on Uno, with some added twists for a unique gaming experience. Poker ZooGenes Hold'Em: A unique poker game that integrates NFT-based characters and assets. Telegram Games: BangBang, ZooQuiAI, and Wild Kingdom, which connect to the blockchain for direct rewards distribution. How To Get Started Website and PLYR-ID Creation: Users can visit the PLYR Network website to create a PLYR-ID, which provides access to the latest updates and features. Community Engagement: Staying informed about events and news is possible by following PLYR on social media platforms such as Twitter(X). Participation in Events: Engaging with the community and earning rewards is facilitated through participation in various events organized by the platform. Roadmap and Future Updates: The roadmap available on the PLYR website offers insights into future developments and milestones, helping users stay informed about upcoming enhancements. Looking Ahead The launch of the PLYR Gaming Blockchain mainnet is just the beginning. An ambitious roadmap is in place, with plans to introduce more games, expand the ecosystem, and continuously improve the platform based on community feedback. This initiative aims to revolutionize the gaming industry and create a thriving community of passionate gamers. About PLYR The PLYR Subnet is a dedicated blockchain network on the Avalanche platform, optimized for the gaming industry. It offers low-cost, fast, and secure transactions, enabling seamless in-game purchases, asset transfers, and reward distributions. With a strong focus on interoperability, the PLYR Subnet integrates with over 200 blockchain networks, providing a robust and scalable foundation for cross-chain gaming experiences and innovative decentralized applications. This specialized subnet empowers developers and gamers with efficient, high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of modern gaming. The groundbreaking launch on July 1st, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The PLYR Gaming Blockchain is set to become a major player in the future of gaming, building on the successes of platforms like Gala, Immutable, and Beam. Contact Project Manager Silverlake PLYR Gaming Blockchain silverlake@onplyr.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here, SINGAPORE, Singapore, July 1st, 2024/Chainwire/--The PLYR Gaming Blockchain mainnet is set to launch as an Avalanche Subnet today on July 1st, 2024. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new era in crypto gaming, aimed at creating a seamless and interconnected gaming universe that spans multiple blockchains. What is PLYR Gaming Blockchain? PLYR Gaming Blockchain is an advanced platform designed to revolutionize the gaming experience by leveraging blockchain technology. It focuses on creating a decentralized, secure, and transparent environment where players can truly own their in-game assets, enjoy thrilling play-to-earn opportunities, and engage in a dynamic gaming community. Multichain Empowerment PLYR Gaming Blockchain is designed to empower crypto gaming by connecting all chains. This multichain approach ensures that players from various blockchain communities can interact, trade assets, and participate in games without limitations. By bridging these chains, PLYR enhances interoperability and inclusivity within the crypto gaming ecosystem. Key Features of PLYR Gaming Blockchain. Cluster Nodes: Cluster nodes are the cornerstone of the PLYR ecosystem, allowing users to participate in the network’s governance and earn rewards. By operating a cluster node, users contribute to the decentralization and security of the platform. PLYR-ID: PLYR-ID is a unique decentralized identity solution that provides players with a unified identity across all games and platforms within the PLYR ecosystem. This feature ensures seamless access and a personalized gaming experience. PLYR-AUTH: PLYR-AUTH provides secure and seamless authentication across all PLYR-enabled games and services. Additionally to PLYR-ID, the InstantPlayPass feature simplifies the login process and enhances security by leveraging decentralized authentication methods, ensuring a smooth and secure gaming experience for all users. This innovative feature allows players to quickly jump into games without lengthy sign-up processes. PLYR-API: PLYR offers a comprehensive suite of tools for game developers, including SDKs and APIs, to integrate blockchain functionality into their games effortlessly. These tools simplify the development process and enable the creation of innovative, blockchain-powered games. Sidekick App: The Sidekick app is designed to enhance the gaming experience by providing players with real-time mobile updates, notifications, and easy access to their assets and rewards. It acts as a companion app, keeping players engaged and informed. Gamestake: Gamestake rewards players and active participants of the platform with $GAMR tokens. These tokens can be used to participate in games on the PLYR chain, creating a vibrant and rewarding ecosystem. By participating in Gamestake, players can maximize their engagement and enjoyment while earning valuable rewards. More details can be found on the Gamestake page. Web3 Games Marketplace: The PLYR crypto games marketplace is a hub for discovering and purchasing games. It features a wide variety of games including both Web2 and Web3 games. Cluster Nodes: Cluster nodes are the cornerstone of the PLYR ecosystem, allowing users to participate in the network’s governance and earn rewards. By operating a cluster node, users contribute to the decentralization and security of the platform. Cluster Nodes: Cluster nodes are the cornerstone of the PLYR ecosystem, allowing users to participate in the network’s governance and earn rewards. By operating a cluster node, users contribute to the decentralization and security of the platform. PLYR-ID: PLYR-ID is a unique decentralized identity solution that provides players with a unified identity across all games and platforms within the PLYR ecosystem. This feature ensures seamless access and a personalized gaming experience. PLYR-ID: PLYR-ID is a unique decentralized identity solution that provides players with a unified identity across all games and platforms within the PLYR ecosystem. This feature ensures seamless access and a personalized gaming experience. PLYR-AUTH: PLYR-AUTH provides secure and seamless authentication across all PLYR-enabled games and services. Additionally to PLYR-ID, the InstantPlayPass feature simplifies the login process and enhances security by leveraging decentralized authentication methods, ensuring a smooth and secure gaming experience for all users. This innovative feature allows players to quickly jump into games without lengthy sign-up processes. PLYR-AUTH: PLYR-AUTH provides secure and seamless authentication across all PLYR-enabled games and services. Additionally to PLYR-ID, the InstantPlayPass feature simplifies the login process and enhances security by leveraging decentralized authentication methods, ensuring a smooth and secure gaming experience for all users. This innovative feature allows players to quickly jump into games without lengthy sign-up processes. PLYR-API: PLYR offers a comprehensive suite of tools for game developers, including SDKs and APIs, to integrate blockchain functionality into their games effortlessly. These tools simplify the development process and enable the creation of innovative, blockchain-powered games. PLYR-API: PLYR offers a comprehensive suite of tools for game developers, including SDKs and APIs, to integrate blockchain functionality into their games effortlessly. These tools simplify the development process and enable the creation of innovative, blockchain-powered games. Sidekick App: The Sidekick app is designed to enhance the gaming experience by providing players with real-time mobile updates, notifications, and easy access to their assets and rewards. It acts as a companion app, keeping players engaged and informed. Sidekick App: The Sidekick app is designed to enhance the gaming experience by providing players with real-time mobile updates, notifications, and easy access to their assets and rewards. It acts as a companion app, keeping players engaged and informed. Gamestake: Gamestake rewards players and active participants of the platform with $GAMR tokens. These tokens can be used to participate in games on the PLYR chain, creating a vibrant and rewarding ecosystem. By participating in Gamestake, players can maximize their engagement and enjoyment while earning valuable rewards. More details can be found on the Gamestake page. Gamestake: Gamestake rewards players and active participants of the platform with $GAMR tokens. These tokens can be used to participate in games on the PLYR chain, creating a vibrant and rewarding ecosystem. By participating in Gamestake, players can maximize their engagement and enjoyment while earning valuable rewards. More details can be found on the Gamestake page. Web3 Games Marketplace: The PLYR crypto games marketplace is a hub for discovering and purchasing games. It features a wide variety of games including both Web2 and Web3 games. Web3 Games Marketplace: The PLYR crypto games marketplace is a hub for discovering and purchasing games. It features a wide variety of games including both Web2 and Web3 games. In-House Developed Games: PLYR has developed several exciting games, including: ZooRacers: A battle-kart game where players can engage in intense combat and compete for rewards. ZooNo: A card game based on Uno, with some added twists for a unique gaming experience. Poker ZooGenes Hold'Em: A unique poker game that integrates NFT-based characters and assets. Telegram Games: BangBang, ZooQuiAI, and Wild Kingdom, which connect to the blockchain for direct rewards distribution. How To Get Started Website and PLYR-ID Creation: Users can visit the PLYR Network website to create a PLYR-ID, which provides access to the latest updates and features. Community Engagement: Staying informed about events and news is possible by following PLYR on social media platforms such as Twitter(X). Participation in Events: Engaging with the community and earning rewards is facilitated through participation in various events organized by the platform. Roadmap and Future Updates: The roadmap available on the PLYR website offers insights into future developments and milestones, helping users stay informed about upcoming enhancements. Looking Ahead The launch of the PLYR Gaming Blockchain mainnet is just the beginning. An ambitious roadmap is in place, with plans to introduce more games, expand the ecosystem, and continuously improve the platform based on community feedback. This initiative aims to revolutionize the gaming industry and create a thriving community of passionate gamers. About PLYR The PLYR Subnet is a dedicated blockchain network on the Avalanche platform, optimized for the gaming industry. It offers low-cost, fast, and secure transactions, enabling seamless in-game purchases, asset transfers, and reward distributions. With a strong focus on interoperability, the PLYR Subnet integrates with over 200 blockchain networks, providing a robust and scalable foundation for cross-chain gaming experiences and innovative decentralized applications. This specialized subnet empowers developers and gamers with efficient, high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of modern gaming. The groundbreaking launch on July 1st, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The PLYR Gaming Blockchain is set to become a major player in the future of gaming, building on the successes of platforms like Gala, Immutable, and Beam. Contact Project Manager Silverlake PLYR Gaming Blockchain silverlake@onplyr.com silverlake@onplyr.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here, This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here , here

PLYR Gaming Blockchain Officially Launches

Warp Core of Confidence: How Blockchain Creates Trust in the Digital Frontier

If you work from home, chances are you're relying on various online tools to replace in-person meetings and maintain productivity. However, if your workspace remains cluttered with paper, your home printer never rests, and old reports keep stacking on your shelves, it may be time to consider reducing paper consumption. Doing so can simplify your workflow, increase productivity, and even save you money. Plus, it's an environmentally friendly choice. Let's explore three simple strategies to make your home office paperless. Disregard any backlog and begin today Making your home office paperless might seem like a big task, causing you to put it off. However, simply beginning with small steps each day can lead to significant progress in just a few weeks. If you have a lot of papers to deal with, it's okay to leave sorting and scanning for later. When you have time and feel like doing it, you can go through the papers and decide what to scan and what to throw away. The key is to start reducing paper usage today rather than putting this beneficial initiative on hold. Try using these 5 apps Consider installing a few helpful apps to make your home office truly paperless. They'll assist you in transitioning tasks from paper to digital, bringing immediate benefits. With such apps, finding information becomes effortless—no more searching through piles of paper for hours. Plus, you won't have to worry about spilling coffee on important documents or your pet leaving marks on them. So, these are the apps that will help you go paperless: Scanning apps Gone are the days when you needed a bulky scanner. Now, with apps like or , your phone can do the job just as effectively. Moreover, iScanner, for example, employs a wide range of AI features to make your scans look better than the original documents by removing folds, shadows, and glares. iScanner Adobe Scan Online storage services Sure, electronic documents need somewhere to be stored securely, and choosing the right platform is crucial. When evaluating your options, consider factors like storage capacity, document sharing, and, of course, the cost. Top contenders in this field include , , and . Google Drive Microsoft OneDrive Dropbox E-signature tools In today's digital world, even signing documents has gone electronic. Whether it's a rental agreement or a service contract, you can sign it with just a click. The two most popular services are and . But if you're handling just a few documents, many scanning apps offer an easy-to-use e-signature feature. PandaDoc DocuSign To-do list apps If your workspace is covered with Post-its and notebooks for task management, consider switching to apps like or . These digital alternatives keep your tasks organized and accessible, preventing you from losing important notes or forgetting urgent tasks. Plus, you can easily rearrange tasks and add new information without adding to the clutter. Trello Todoist Notion apps To cut down on paper usage, try ditching traditional notebooks. Instead, jot down your notes digitally using Word documents or specialized apps such as or . While it may feel somewhat awkward at the start, you'll soon find it much simpler to find, organize, and share your notes with colleagues. Notion Evernote Set up an algorithm for new incoming papers Even though you can deal with your pile of papers later, it's crucial to manage new documents properly as soon as possible. If you get flyers or newspapers in your mailbox, take a quick look at them, and if there’s nothing important, simply toss them out. But when you receive letters or official documents, decide what to do with them right away using this simple guide: Put it in the recycling bin right away. Scan and save the digital copy, then throw away the paper one. Scan and save the digital copy, and keep the paper one for a while before throwing it away. Keep the paper version forever. Yes, we can't go completely paperless since there are some documents we need to keep in paper form forever. And here's the main tip, which is helpful in many life situations—Don't Overthink It. If you've decided to use less paper and begun organizing your home office—that's great news, regardless. If you're struggling to change your routine quickly, forgetting to scan documents and dispose of unnecessary papers, don't be too hard on yourself. Starting is always the toughest part, but eventually, you’ll grow into the habit.

3 Tips On How To Make Your Home Office Paperless

So, this is absolutely just another example of me playing around too much, but I had to share. As I mentioned in my yesterday, Google's AI Studio now supports uploading files and working with them in your prompt. post Today, I decided to give the Chat interface a try as I hadn't yet played with it. On a whim, I googled "dungeons and dragons rules PDF" and... well, you won't believe what happened next. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) First off, the most important thing to note if you want to test with PDFs, ensure that they are OCRed. Right now, AI Studio does not handle that well, but it should be corrected in the future. My Google search turned up the PDF here: , and I confirmed it was properly OCRed with a very scientific test by trying to select a few words. https://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/DnD_BasicRules_2018.pdf Note that it's from 2018 and probably a bit out of date, but I figured it was good enough. I uploaded the PDF to Gemini and ensured I was using Gemini 1.5. This is important as the size of the PDF (180 pages) means a rather large token size. The UI reports this nicely: For my first test, I simply asked, "What are the attributes of a player character?" Here's what I got: In Dungeons & Dragons, player characters (PCs) are defined by several key attributes: Race: This determines your character's physical characteristics, ancestry, and innate abilities. Examples include humans, elves, dwarves, halflings, dragonborns, tieflings, etc. Each race has unique traits that affect gameplay. Class: This represents your character's chosen profession and determines their skills, abilities, and progression path. Examples include fighter, wizard, rogue, cleric, bard, etc. Each class has unique features and abilities that define their role in the party. Ability Scores: These six scores represent your character's core physical and mental capabilities: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. They influence almost every action your character takes, from attacking and defending to interacting with the world and casting spells. Skills: These represent specific areas of expertise your character has developed through training or experience. Examples include Athletics, Acrobatics, Stealth, Perception, Persuasion, Arcana, etc. Skills are tied to ability scores and determine your character's success in various tasks. Background: This details your character's history and past experiences before becoming an adventurer. Examples include soldier, criminal, noble, sage, etc. Backgrounds provide additional skills, proficiencies, and roleplaying hooks. Equipment: This includes weapons, armor, tools, and other items your character carries. Equipment affects your character's capabilities in combat and exploration. Personality and Alignment: These define your character's moral compass, beliefs, and behavior. Alignment is a combination of two factors: morality (good, evil, or neutral) and attitude towards society and order (lawful, chaotic, or neutral). Backstory: This is the narrative of your character's life before the game begins, including their motivations, goals, and relationships. A well-developed backstory adds depth and helps you roleplay your character. These attributes work together to create a unique and well-rounded character that you can roleplay and guide through adventures in the D&D world. I'm pretty rusty in D&D, but that surely seems right! (When I shared this in a chat related to Gemini, William Ito skimmed it and said it looks correct for that era - so, I'm taking that as another sign it worked well.) I then asked, "What races are available to player characters?" The most common player character races in Dungeons & Dragons are: Humans: Adaptable and versatile, with no major strengths or weaknesses. Elves: Graceful and long-lived, with a natural affinity for magic and a resistance to charm effects. Subraces include High Elves, Wood Elves, and Dark Elves (Drow). Dwarves: Stout and hardy, with a resistance to magic and poison, and proficiency in combat and craftsmanship. Subraces include Hill Dwarves and Mountain Dwarves. Halflings: Nimble and small, with a natural ability to hide and a resistance to fear. Subraces include Lightfoot Halflings and Stout Halflings. The Player's Handbook also introduces several less common races, including: Dragonborn: Proud and draconic humanoids with scales and the ability to breathe fire. Tieflings: Demonic descendants with a natural affinity for magic and resistance to fire. Gnomes: Inventive and curious small creatures with a natural ability to tinker and a resistance to magic. Half-elves: Combining human and elven traits, they are versatile and have a resistance to charm effects. Half-orcs: Combining human and orc traits, they are strong and fierce with a resistance to being knocked unconscious. Additionally, some campaign settings and sourcebooks introduce even more exotic races, such as Aasimar, Firbolg, Goliath, Aarakocra, Genasi, and many others. The availability of these races depends on your Dungeon Master and the specific campaign setting you are playing in. Remember, the most important factor in choosing a race is to pick one that excites you and fits the character concept you have in mind. I have absolutely no clue if those exotic races exist, but I did a quick search on Aasimar, and it looks like it certainly does: Aasimar Alright, now, at this point, I was impressed. But I thought - why not push my luck? "Given the rules to create a character, create one with all the required characters and give it a name" And holy crap - Gemini delivered! Character Name: Lyra Swiftfoot Race: Lightfoot Halfling Class: Rogue (Thief) Background: Entertainer (Dancer) Alignment: Chaotic Good Ability Scores: (Using the standard set) Strength: 8 (-1) Dexterity: 17 (+3) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 13 (+1) Wisdom: 12 (+1) Charisma: 15 (+2) Hit Points: 10 (8 + 2 from Constitution modifier) Proficiencies: Armor: Light armor Weapons: Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords Tools: Thieves' tools, Disguise kit (from background) Saving Throws: Dexterity, Intelligence Skills: Acrobatics (+5), Perception (+4), Performance (+6), Stealth (+7) (Expertise in Stealth and Performance) Equipment: Rapier Shortbow and quiver of 20 arrows Leather armor Two daggers Thieves' tools Disguise kit Backpack Bedroll Mess kit Tinderbox 10 torches 10 days of rations Waterskin 50 feet of hempen rope Pouch with 15 gp Personality Traits: I have a quick wit and a fondness for pranks. I am fiercely loyal to my friends and always look out for their safety. Ideal: Freedom: Everyone should be free to live their life as they see fit. (Chaotic) Bond: I will do anything to protect my younger sister, who is the only family I have left. Flaw: I have a weakness for shiny objects and can't resist the urge to steal them, even if it means putting myself at risk. Backstory: Lyra grew up on the streets, using her nimbleness and charm to survive. She learned to dance for coins and honed her skills in stealth and deception to pilfer from unsuspecting onlookers. After her sister was kidnapped by slavers, Lyra vowed to do whatever it takes to find and rescue her, even if it means venturing into the darkest corners of the world. This is just a basic example, and you can further customize Lyra by adding details to her appearance, personality, and backstory. You can also choose different skills, proficiencies, or equipment based on your preferences and the campaign setting. By the way, the formatting above is a bit off, but that came from me copying and pasting from Gemini and being a bit lazy about sprucing it up. I figured I'd push my luck and try again: "do that again please" Character Name: Falion Sunstrider Race: High Elf Class: Wizard (Evocation) Background: Sage (Researcher) Alignment: Neutral Good Ability Scores: (Using the standard set) Strength: 8 (-1) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 13 (+1) Intelligence: 17 (+3) Wisdom: 12 (+1) Charisma: 10 (+0) Hit Points: 8 (6 + 1 from Constitution modifier) Proficiencies: Weapons: Daggers, darts, slings, quarterstaffs, light crossbows Tools: None Saving Throws: Intelligence, Wisdom Skills: Arcana (+6), History (+6), Investigation (+4) (Expertise in Arcana and History) Equipment: Quarterstaff Arcane focus (crystal) Scholar's pack Spellbook with six 1st-level wizard spells (Burning Hands, Charm Person, Detect Magic, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Shield) Backpack Bedroll Mess kit Tinderbox 10 torches 10 days of rations Waterskin 50 feet of hempen rope Pouch with 10 gp Personality Traits: I am deeply curious about the world and always eager to learn new things. I am absent-minded and often lost in my own thoughts. Ideal: Knowledge: The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral) Bond: I am searching for the lost library of a legendary archmage, rumored to contain powerful spells and forgotten lore. Flaw: I am overconfident in my abilities and sometimes underestimate the dangers I face. Backstory: Falion spent his youth studying in a prestigious academy of magic, quickly surpassing his peers with his thirst for knowledge and natural talent for evocation magic. After hearing rumors of a lost library containing powerful spells and forgotten lore, Falion set out on a journey to find it, hoping to unlock its secrets and further his magical abilities. This is just a basic example, and you can further customize Falion by adding details to his appearance, personality, and backstory. You can also choose different skills, proficiencies, or equipment based on your preferences and the campaign setting. So, at this point, I was blown away. Like, I don't even care if it broke any particular D&D rules; that was just fun. But... yeah, I pushed my luck ... ... ... one last time "Of the two characters you just made, who do you think would be a better party leader?" Between Lyra Swiftfoot and Falion Sunstrider, Lyra would likely be the better party leader for several reasons: : Lyra has a higher Charisma score, which is important for inspiring and motivating others. Her background as an entertainer also suggests she is comfortable in front of crowds and skilled at interacting with people. Charisma : Lyra's skillset is more suited to leadership. Her expertise in Persuasion and Deception allows her to negotiate effectively and navigate social situations, while her proficiency in Perception and Stealth makes her a good scout and strategist. Skills : Lyra's personality traits suggest she is quick-witted and loyal, both valuable qualities in a leader. Her flaw, while potentially problematic, can be mitigated by her other strengths and the support of her party. Personality : While wizards can be powerful, their focus on spellcasting and relative lack of social skills often makes them less effective leaders. Class Falion, on the other hand, excels in knowledge and magical power, making him a valuable asset to the party in terms of strategy and information gathering. However, his lower Charisma and lack of social skills might hinder his ability to effectively lead and inspire others. Additionally, his absent-mindedness and overconfidence could lead to poor decisions in critical situations. Of course, the effectiveness of a party leader also depends on the specific campaign setting, the party composition, and the players' roleplaying preferences. In some situations, Falion's knowledge and magical prowess might be more valuable than Lyra's social skills. Ultimately, the best party leader is the one that the players and the Dungeon Master agree upon and who can effectively guide the party through their adventures. My god. That's just... perfect. And honestly, it feels like the right choice for the right reasons. Anyway, this isn't necessarily a deep look at this particular feature, but it was so fun I had to share!

Google Gemini: Your New Dungeon Master?

গুগল মিথুন: আপনার নতুন অন্ধকূপ মাস্টার?

Google Gemini: Ihr neuer Dungeon-Meister?

Google Gemini: ¿tu nuevo maestro de mazmorras?

Google Gemini : votre nouveau maître de donjon ?

गूगल जेमिनी: आपका नया कालकोठरी मास्टर?

Google Gemini: あなたの新しいダンジョンマスター?

Google Gemini: 새로운 던전 마스터?

Google Gemini: seu novo mestre de masmorras?

Google Gemini: ваш новый мастер подземелий?

Google Gemini: Yeni Zindan Ustanız mı?

Google Gemini: Chủ nhân ngục tối mới của bạn?

谷歌双子座：你的新地下城主？

https://youtu.be/0WH9oiYMS3M?embedable=true Introduction JWT authentication and session authentication are ways to authenticate users of your web app. In this article, we will explain the details of JWT, its structure, and its pros and cons. JWT stands for , and it is a commonly used stateless user authentication used to securely transmit information between client and server in a JSON format. JSON Web Token standard A JWT is encoded and not encrypted by default. It is digitally signed using a secret key known only to the server. It can be encrypted, but for this article, we will focus on signed, non-encrypted tokens. Structure of JWT A JSON Web Token consists of 3 parts separated by a period.
The header, the payload, and the signature.
Each section is base64 encoded. Header The header consists of a token type, which is JWT, and the signing algorithm used, such as HMAC SHA256 or RSA. { 
  "typ": "JWT",    
  "alg": "HS256"
} Payload The payload consists of the claims. Claims are statements about the user and additional data. For example, we have the time the token was issued. We also have its expiration time because tokens should expire. {
"iss": "example_issuer",
"sub": "user_id123",
"exp": 1644768000,
"iat": 1644744000
} Signature The signature is the most important part of a JWT. It is calculated using the header, the payload, and the secret, which are fed to the signing algorithm to use. signature = HMAC-SHA256(base64urlEncode(header) + "." + base64urlEncode(payload), secret_salt ) Steps The steps involved in a typical JWT authorization flow are as follows: The user signs in using a username and password or using, for example, Google or Facebook. The server verifies the provided credentials. 1- Authentication: The server will generate the JWT and send it to the client, which stores it for future use. 2- Token Generation & sending token to client: When the client wants to access a protected resource on the server, it sends the JWT in the Authorization header of the HTTP request. 3-Sending the Token to server: axios.get(URL, {
    headers: {
        'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + token,
    },
}) The server receives the request and verifies the JWT by checking its signature using the secret key that was used to sign it.
If the JWT is valid, the server extracts the information contained in it and uses it to determine what actions the user is authorized to perform. 4-Verifying the Token: If the user is authorized to access the resource, the server returns the requested data. If the user is not authorized, the server returns an error message. 5- Authorizing the Request: Advantages Lightweight Portable: It can be processed on multiple platforms, including web and mobile. JSON parsers are common in most programming languages. Protected against tampering because of the secret key stored on the server side. The server does not need to store any session information because of the stateless nature of the JWT token. Disadvantages On the server side, you should manually mark non-expired JWT as invalid on logout. A JWT can still be valid even after it has been deleted from the client. A method used is token blacklisting, which involves maintaining a list of invalidated tokens on the server side, preventing their reuse for authentication. For signed, nonencrypted tokens, we should not store sensitive info because JWT is protected against tampering but can be decoded and read by anyone. Can provide full access if intercepted. That’s why JWTs on the client side should be stored somewhere secure, for example, in the browser in an HttpOnly cookie.

JWT Explained in 4 Minutes, With Visuals

In recent years, Ethereum transitioned to the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) model, moving away from its initial Proof-of-Work consensus. This new PoS model changes how transactions are verified on Ethereum and how new blocks are added to the network. Instead of the energy-heavy mining required in Proof-of-Work, PoS works by selecting validators based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold and are willing to risk as security. This method is more energy-efficient and aims to improve network security and fairness in participation. However, switching to PoS introduced challenges, especially in maintaining network decentralization and ensuring secure validation. For example, security is a paramount concern in blockchain networks, especially for validators who participate in consensus mechanisms and have access to significant funds. Traditional if a validator's private key is compromised, it can lead to serious consequences such as slashing or loss of staked ETH. single-node validator configurations pose a risk; Ethereum has introduced Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) to tackle these issues. DVT spreads out the tasks and risks related to the validation process in Ethereum's PoS system. It works by dividing and sharing a validator's key responsibilities among several entities, decreasing the chances of centralized control and eliminating single points of failure. In this system, a validator's private key is fragmented and distributed across a network, forming a strong cluster. These clusters work together, ensuring the complete key is never fully available on any computer. This method enhances network security and guarantees uninterrupted validation, even if some nodes in the cluster are compromised or fail. Alon Muroch, Founder of the SSV.Network's core team broke it down saying, "Distribuited-Validator-Tech (DVT) is a protocol for delegating validator operations to a group of independent operators (cluster). DVT combines 2 core technologies: a BFT consensus protocol and threshold signatures. Cluster members reach a consensus, every epoch, on what duty data to sign, and then sign it using t-of-n BLS threshold." "Each operator in a cluster holds a key share, those shares can be split from an existing validator using Shamir-Secret-Sharing or by some distributed-key-generation (DKG) protocol." "Cluster members require consensus before signing, removing single point of failure setups in which a hacked or compromised service provider compromises the entire validator. DVT overcomes those challenges by using a fault tolerant consensus protocol (QBFT)." DVT's integration into Ethereum's PoS framework is crucial for a more decentralized and secure blockchain network. By reducing the risks of centralized power and enhancing the security of the validation process, DVT significantly bolsters the integrity and reliability of Ethereum's network. It ensures that the power to validate and create new blocks is spread across a broader group of participants, not concentrated among a few. This paper will examine how DVT strengthens Ethereum's decentralization, exploring its mechanisms and impact on the future of blockchain security and integrity. Understanding Ethereum's Proof-of-Stake and the Need for Decentralization was motivated by the need to improve the inefficiencies and environmental issues linked to PoW. Ethereum's transition from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) PoS, is more energy-efficient and accessible, reducing the heavy computational demand of PoW. which selects validators based on their cryptocurrency holdings and risk commitment, Decentralization is a key aspect of PoS, vital for network security and resilience. Unlike PoW, where the high computational demands can lead to a few entities dominating mining power, PoS provides a fairer system for participation. Decentralization is important in PoS to avoid any single group having too much control over the network, which helps reduce the risk of unfair tactics like the 51% attack, where someone controls most of the mining power. A decentralized network is also more robust, less prone to specific points of failure, whether technical, geographical, or political. Yet, achieving true decentralization in standard PoS models has its challenges. One main concern is the risk of wealth concentration, where wealthier stakeholders might have too much influence, potentially leading to a plutocracy. There's also the issue of centralization through staking pools, where smaller stakeholders combine their resources to increase their chances of being chosen as validators, unintentionally leading to a concentration of validation power. These issues underscore the importance of systems like DVT, which aim to distribute the validation process more evenly across the network, reinforcing the decentralized nature of PoS. Addressing these obstacles, PoS systems aim to more closely adhere to the fundamental tenets of blockchain technology, striving towards an authentically decentralized and secure network. The Basics of Distributed Validator Technology ) is an innovative method that transforms how blockchain networks validate transactions, especially in Ethereum's Proof-of-Stake system. DVT's main goal is to boost security and promote decentralization by spreading the tasks and powers of a single validator among many nodes. Distributed Validator Technology (DVT It does this by dividing the validator's private key into parts, each handled by different nodes in the network. These nodes work together to do the jobs of a single validator, like proposing and checking blocks, without ever having the full private key in one place. This greatly lowers the risk of someone getting unauthorized access to the key. DVT relies on several critical cryptographic techniques. First is , which splits the private key into multiple pieces. Each piece is given to different nodes, and only a certain number of these pieces can put the original key back together. This setup means no single node has total control or knowledge of the private key, making the system more secure. Shamir's Secret Sharing Another key part is the Threshold Signature Scheme. This scheme decides how many key pieces are needed to perform a task, like making a signature. For example, in a 3-out-of-5 setup, three of the five pieces can create a valid signature. This ensures the system keeps working even if some nodes are down or compromised, as long as enough nodes are active and working together. Distributed Key Generation (DKG) is used to create these key pieces. It's a complex method that makes sure each participant gets a part of the key, without any single participant seeing the whole key. This step is crucial when first setting up a DVT system. Multiparty Computation (MPC) is also important in DVT. It allows multiple parties to jointly calculate something while keeping their inputs secret. In DVT, MPC helps nodes work together to make signatures, without sharing their key pieces. Lastly, the consensus protocol in DVT is essential for making decisions in the network. It determines how nodes, each with a part of the validator's key, agree on actions like confirming blocks or approving transactions. This protocol ensures that even though the validation duties are spread out, the network runs smoothly and in sync, with all nodes aiming for the same goal. This protocol handles the usual blockchain operations and adapts to DVT's unique features, ensuring the system's distributed nature strengthens security without losing efficiency or unity. A Closer Look at Distributed Validator Technology in Ethereum's SSV Network The SSV Network, employing Secret Shared Validator (SSV) or Distributed Validator Technology (DVT), introduces a novel method for Ethereum staking. This technology facilitates establishing a decentralized and open-source network for staking ETH. The SSV Ethereum staking network, recently rolled out its unrestricted mainnet. The primary function of SSV is to , allowing the operation of an Ethereum validator across various non-trusting nodes. This division aims to improve the security and redundancy of validator keys, potentially impacting individual stakers, the Ethereum network, and staking services. divide a validator key into multiple KeyShares SSV operates similarly to a multi-signature wallet with an additional consensus layer. It interfaces between a beacon node and a validator client to streamline the staking process. Its operation involves Distributed Key Generation, where operators collaboratively create a shared public and private key set. Each operator controls a private key segment, preventing total control by a single party. The network uses the Shamir Secret Sharing method for reassembling validator keys, based on a specific threshold of KeyShares. Notably, each KeyShare alone cannot sign duties, yet the entire set is unnecessary if some are faulty, as indicated by the formula n≥3f+1. The flexibility is enhanced through BLS signatures, enabling the combination of multiple signatures to form a validator key signature. This integration aids in the distribution and assembly of keys as required. SSV incorporates Multi-Party Computation (MPC) to secure KeyShares distribution among operators and decentralized computation of validator duties. This process ensures that the validator key is not reconstructed on a single device. To reach a network-wide consensus, even when certain operators are offline or malfunctioning, the Istanbul Byzantine Fault Tolerance (IBFT) Consensus process is employed. The SSV Network ecosystem consists of stakers, operators, and DAO members. Stakers, including individual ETH holders or services, utilize SSV/DVT technology to enhance the security and decentralization of their validators, compensating operators with SSV tokens. Operators provide hardware support and manage the SSV protocol, ensuring the network remains robust and functional. The DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) plays a significant role in governing the SSV Network protocol and managing its treasury, with decisions made through governance functions and token holder votes. The native token of the SSV Network, $SSV, is primarily used for payments and governance. Stakers pay operators $SSV; the token also enables participation in network decision-making. As more ETH is staked, operators and the DAO's treasury receive higher fees, potentially creating a cycle promoting network growth. Muroch said, "Such an important public good like DVT needs to have the right governance to ensure it's aligned with the greater ethereum ethos. An active and prominent DAO empowers the ssv community to make decisions and drive innovation." "The ssv DAO decides everything that happens within the ssv protocol: protocol params, contract upgrades, resource allocation and more. We believe that a powerful DAO must be the driving force for ssv to serve ethereum and help make it more secure and decentralized." Diva's Approach to Distributed Validator Technology Diva, an Ethereum Liquid Staking protocol, utilizes Distributed Validator Technology to enhance Ethereum's Proof of Stake system. It introduces novel features for two types of participants: Liquid Stakers and Operators. Liquid Stakers interact with Diva by depositing Ethereum (ETH). , a unique Liquid Staking Token. This token represents the initial ETH stake and accumulates Ethereum Staking Rewards over time. The distinct aspect of divETH is its liquidity; unlike traditional staking where assets are locked, divETH can be freely transferred or traded, maintaining its value and rewards. In return, they receive divETH Additionally, divETH is dynamic, with its balance regularly updating to reflect accrued rewards or penalties. This token also has versatility in the DeFi ecosystem, as it's an ERC20 token and can be used for various purposes like lending or bridging. For those who prefer a stable balance, divETH can be converted into wdivETH. Operators in the Diva ecosystem have a different role. They run nodes that are essential for the network's validation process, staking their divETH as collateral. This collateral secures the network and entitles them to Operator Rewards, supplementing the standard Staking Rewards that divETH generates. The system incentivizes Operators to perform their duties correctly; because if they fail to do so, it can lead to penalties on their collateral. The more divETH an Operator stakes, the greater their potential rewards, as they can receive more Key Shares, which are crucial for the validation process. What sets Diva apart, particularly for Operators, is its non-custodial approach. Operators never handle the actual funds or private keys. Instead, the Diva Smart Contract acts as a mediator, handling ETH deposits and setting up validators within Ethereum's Consensus Layer. A unique feature of Diva is its use of Distributed Key Generation and Boneh–Lynn–Shacham (BLS) threshold signatures, ensuring secure and decentralized validation. Each Ethereum validator in this system is controlled by multiple Key Shares, distributed among various Operators. A consensus of two-thirds of these Key Shares is necessary for any validator action, ensuring reliability and security. Diva's architecture offers a more accessible and flexible staking option than traditional Ethereum staking. While Ethereum requires a significant commitment of 32 ETH and the operation of a node, Diva allows Liquid Stakers to stake any amount of ETH without running a node. Operators, on the other hand, can lock smaller amounts of divETH and still participate in node operation, often finding it more advantageous than operating a solo Ethereum validator. This approach simplifies the staking process and aggregates rewards from the entire network, leading to smoother and more predictable returns for all participants. How Lido Utilized DVT Lido's project involving Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) is a bit like a big experiment in teamwork for computers that handle cryptocurrency transactions, specifically Ethereum. They worked with a group called the SSV Network from April to July to test this out. The involvement to include solo stakers, community stakers, and various professional organizations. This diversity of participants is crucial for a robust test of the DVT system. extended beyond Lido's existing Node Operators Imagine a group of people (or in this case, computers) who need to agree on something before taking action. In Lido's test, they created teams, or "clusters," each with a different number of members. Some teams needed most members to agree before acting, while others required nearly all members to agree. Each team had a leader responsible for organizing things and ensuring everyone was ready to work together. These teams comprised different types of participants – some were experienced with Lido's system, while others were new and came from the wider community. The main task for these teams was to handle Ethereum transactions. They had to set up their systems following specific instructions and then work together to process transactions. Despite some initial challenges, most teams did well, showing they could handle transactions reliably and quickly. The results were encouraging. After fixing some early problems, the teams worked better, showing that this method could be reliable in the long run. Lido plans to improve this system and eventually use it in the real world, not just in tests. They want to make the process more secure and efficient and invite more people to join in future tests. This could lead to changes in how Ethereum transactions are handled, making the process more decentralized – not controlled by just one computer or a small group. DVT in the Broader Context of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) offers a notable departure from traditional validator models in blockchain networks, representing a significant advancement in blockchain security and decentralization. In many blockchain systems, especially those using a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism, individual nodes or a small group of nodes often handle validation. While these conventional models are somewhat effective, they tend to concentrate power and responsibility in a few hands, leading to potential centralization issues. This concentration can create security risks and uneven distribution of rewards and governance influence. DVT changes this by spreading the validator's duties across several nodes, diluting the influence of any single validator and leading to a more democratic, decentralized network. This approach improves security by minimizing failure points and creates a fairer system with wider participation. The implementation and success of DVT in Ethereum could profoundly impact other cryptocurrencies and the future of blockchain technology. As blockchain networks grow and need to become more secure, efficient, and decentralized, DVT offers a model for enhancing these aspects. Its adoption might inspire new blockchain innovations, leading to more advanced, secure decentralized systems. The principles and methods of DVT could be adapted in various ways across different blockchain designs, possibly setting a new standard for validator operations in the broader blockchain field. The wider implications of DVT for the cryptocurrency ecosystem and stakeholder trust are significant. In a field where trust is crucial and concerns about centralization and security are common, DVT presents a practical solution to some key issues. By promoting a more decentralized and secure validation process, DVT boosts the overall trustworthiness of the network. This can increase confidence among stakeholders, not just in Ethereum but across the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. Knowing that they are part of a securely and fairly managed system is invaluable for users, investors, and developers. This increased trust and security could lead to broader adoption, more innovation, and a stronger, more resilient cryptocurrency ecosystem. Therefore, DVT is more than a technological advance; it marks a critical step in the growth and development of the blockchain and cryptocurrency world.

Distributed Validator Technology: Decentralizing Ethereum's Proof-of-Stake

IN BRUTON STREET.

Many alternative blockchains that have emerged recently are classified as “EVM” chains, meaning they operate exactly like but have a different execution layer. This helps the cross-compatibility of smart contracts across chains, but it doesn’t solve some of the crucial problems embedded in the EVM system. In particular, it hasn’t improved how user accounts are handled and protected. Ethereum , a layer-1 blockchain, is trying to change that pattern with its account model. In this article, we’ll look in detail at that new account model, how it works, and how it might be able to solve some of the most difficult UX problems in blockchain. Flow How do Accounts on Ethereum Work? One of the best ways to understand how the Flow account model excels is to compare it to Ethereum. There are two types of accounts on Ethereum: externally owned accounts (EOA), which are your typical consumer wallets, and then smart contract accounts. EOAs have a public and private key pair, where the public key is derived from the private key and works as an address for the account, and the private key signs transactions on the blockchain. They can hold a balance and interact with other accounts, primarily smart contract accounts. These smart contract accounts are compiled byte code that runs on the Ethereum Virtual Machine. What’s really interesting is that any data created by the smart contract, such as tokens or NFTs, is stored in that smart contract. Instead of an EOA truly owning the token, the smart contract simply says who owns what and how much. Ethereum’s potential security gaps Not only is true digital ownership conceded, but smart contracts on Ethereum are hard to read and audit for security. A great number of scams and “rug pulls” have occurred on EVM chains because of this power imbalance. Such a scam would usually look like this: A website, which looks very similar to a popular NFT project, touts a new collection at a reasonable mint price. People visit the site, connect their wallet, and when they click that mint button, they will likely get a screen with a bunch of blockchain byte code that tells them nothing about what will happen if they sign. It could just mint an NFT, or it could completely deplete their wallet. Without the ability to read the transactions well, wallets are not able to give the end user much info as to what will happen when they sign. (Note that Flow, covered in more detail below, has a better transaction format that allows wallets to clearly tell the end user what will happen when they sign, giving more balance and control to the user.) How do Accounts on Flow work? The Flow account model combines the concepts of the EOA and smart contract accounts from Ethereum into a single standard. In this model, the account and the public keys are decoupled. As stated earlier, Ethereum accounts only have a public and private key, and they are tied to the account itself. This is important as it enables better control and reduces potential mistakes made by the end user, ultimately helping protect their assets. With the , you can have a single account with multiple public and private keys. Having multiple keys is a huge advantage because you can revoke or rotate keys that might be compromised, again giving the user better control and security. Not only that, but these keys are weighted keys, giving them the ability to do more complex transactions such as multiple signatures.These signatures are used frequently in blockchain to let multiple users sign one transaction, similar to how you might need two keys to open a bank vault. In the EVM model this has to be built out manually, but with Flow it is readily available. Flow account model Since there can be multiple keys for one account, the way Flow creates addresses is also unique. Unlike Ethereum—where addresses are derived from the public key—Flow account addresses are created with an internal on-chain checksum at the protocol level. This ensures addresses are unique. In addition, Flow gives developers and users the option of different signature and hash algorithm curves, such as secp256k1 (used primarily by Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies) or the more flexible P-256 (which is adopted by most cell phones and computers). These options provide better flexibility and compatibility with other protocols and ultimately give users top-notch security, all on devices they already use daily. And since encryption and cryptography are always evolving, it’s critical and necessary to adopt the latest standards. Storage with Flow Another thing unique to Flow’s account model is its storage capabilities. On Ethereum, only smart contract accounts have the ability to store data and thus truly own assets. You can think of it like leasing a car: if you lease one, you do get to drive it and park it at your house, but it's not truly yours. There’s a contract saying you own the car under certain terms, and the ultimate power is in that contract— and its terms may not always favor the lessee. On the other hand, Flow accounts allow for asset storage and for accounts to deploy their own smart contracts. The account storage used is calculated by the byte size of data currently stored in the account, and it is directly tied to the balance of Flow tokens on the account. True digital ownership: buy, don’t lease This is truly special as it gives users the ability to truly own the digital items they purchase, rather than a smart contract putting their name on it. Flow manages this storage by the number of Flow tokens the account has, including a minimum storage feed of 0.001 $FLOW, which equates to 100Kb of data. (This is to make sure it can handle any incoming assets.) If, for any reason, the account attempts a transaction that would exceed its storage capacity, then the transaction will fail. In the Flow account model, that car is in your garage with no contracts tied to it! Paid in full. Conclusion Flow is trying to diverge from the normal EVM path. In the Ethereum world, there are many cases of users losing funds partly due to the account model on EVM chains, which makes it difficult for users to read and interpret what will happen when they press a button on a website. Flow aims to empower users to own their digital assets and ensure funds will only leave their accounts with their permission. Flow also gives developers flexibility, making things like multi-signature weighted keys native to the platform, as well as multiple signature and hashing algorithms to choose from for the best compatibility among devices and networks. It’s early, but these kinds of features are needed in Web3 UX and could be a potential game-changer.

Stories, News & Mentions about SIGNIT

Signit’s Stories on HackerNoon