Akdem Kangal on Instagram: "Destek olalım @akdemkangal . . . #kangal #anadoluçobanköpeği #trkangal #pitbull #rottweiler #golden #doberman #pejdar #iran #türkiye #abd #rusia #almanya #hollanda #england #puppy #dog #köpek #cat #horse #snake #lion #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #dogslife"

Focusing solely on the potential misuse of emerging technology can lead to costly mistakes and hinder our ability to seize opportunities for advancement.

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 Glow keyhole abstract futuristic technology background with light and shiny, key of success ... [+] solution, business concept, vector illustration eps10getty
In the wake of the recently released Economic Report of the President, addressing misconceptions about cryptocurrencies has become more critical than ever. The report presents a negative perspective on digital assets, highlighting illicit finance risks and potential threats to consumers and the financial system, suggesting a shift in the Biden administration's approach to the sector—from neutrality to a more adversarial stance. While recognizing the potential risks and challenges inherent in any emerging technology is essential for government, they must not overlook the myriad benefits and opportunities that cryptocurrencies offer in today's rapidly advancing digital landscape.
Embracing the transformative power of emerging technologies paves the way for unprecedented progress and innovation. By recognizing the potential for positive change, we can foster a forward-thinking mindset that transcends barriers and encourages solutions. Such an approach invites us to collaboratively shape a future where technology serves as a driving force for growth and prosperity.
Focusing solely on the potential misuse of emerging technology can lead to costly mistakes and hinder our ability to seize opportunities for advancement. Cryptocurrencies, in particular, have faced resistance and skepticism due to their occasional association with illicit activity. But, according to Chainalysis in its 2023 Crypto Crime Report, the share of all cryptocurrency activity associated with illicit activity was a scant 0.24% of transactions in 2022. That’s right, less than a quarter of 1%.
The positive benefits of blockchain technology far outweigh its negative aspects, including the growing prevalence of nonprofit crypto donations and humanitarian aid distribution. And, privacy-focused cryptocurrency features, such as those used for shielded transactions, can actually reduce risks associated with criminal activity by making it more difficult for bad actors to access sensitive info.
 Addressing Privacy Concerns And Misconceptions 
With regards to crypto privacy tech, in particular, shielded transactions offer an end-to-end encrypted system. This ensures that only the sender and the intended recipient(s) have access to transaction data, and no one else can read it, including hackers or unwelcome third parties. The encrypted data is not accessible on the blockchain, providing a crucial layer of security. There is nothing inherently illicit about transactions that offer as little data as possible. To the contrary, it reduces participants’ vulnerability to illicit actors.
That’s not even mentioning the business advantages of crypto privacy technologies. Businesses can conduct confidential transactions and protect sensitive information from competitors and malicious actors. Privacy-focused crypto protocols increasingly utilize advanced cryptography techniques, such as zero-knowledge proofs, to further protect sensitive information. Such techniques can make it impossible for illicit actors to intercept and read the data, even if they were to gain access.
I have a particular affinity for zero-knowledge technology, as I hold the position of Head of Global Regulatory Relations for Electric Coin Co. (inventor of Zcash, and one of several organizations that support the protocol and Zcash user experience today). Nevertheless, developers focused on many other networks, including Ethereum, are working to implement the zero-knowledge technology developed by Electric Coin Co., and they too can further develop and benefit from their own applications of this technology.
In short, the positive benefits far outweigh any perceived negative aspects. Such is the case with people avoiding stalkers and trying to leave abusive relationships. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported that 98% of domestic violence cases involve financial abuse, which can include monitoring bank and credit card transactions or limiting the victim’s access to money.
Hand of touching network connecting the human dots icon in business project management. Teamwork ... [+] organization and brainstorm conceptgetty
 The Role of Cryptocurrency In Financial Inclusion And Empowerment 
Cryptocurrencies have the potential to increase financial inclusion by providing access to financial services for individuals otherwise excluded from the traditional financial system, such as people in remote or underserved regions who rely on remittances.
For yet another example, Cuban YouTuber Erich García Cruz told CoinDesk in 2021 that he relies on cryptocurrency payments for income because he is unable to access global payment rails.
Cryptocurrencies support impressively fast cross-border transactions, provide access to alternative financial services, and increase financial independence by removing the multiple high fees, delays, and barriers often associated with the traditional financial system.
 Understanding The Broader Context Of Technology Misuse 
Cybercrime and other illegal activities are not limited to cryptocurrencies, as evidenced by the widespread use of the internet and mobile phones for criminal purposes. Automobiles, too, have been utilized for illicit activities such as theft and drug trafficking.
Even though cash has been utilized for money laundering and other illegal activities, it remains a widely accepted form of payment. The positive benefits of these technologies, such as revolutionizing communication, improving connectivity, enhancing mobility, and providing convenient payment options, vastly outweigh any negative aspects.
The same is true for cryptocurrencies. While some individuals use cryptocurrencies for illicit activities, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, the vast majority of usage is for legitimate purposes (such as financial transactions, investment, and even fundraising for startups). Furthermore, traditional banking is often inaccessible or too costly for many people worldwide, particularly women and marginalized communities in developing countries.
 The Importance Of Privacy And Security In The Digital Age 
With the proliferation of digital technology and online activity, personal and financial data has become an increasingly valuable commodity frequently bought and sold. While this information can be used for positive purposes, it can also be misused. This raises concerns about privacy and security, as individuals may not be fully aware of who is collecting their financial data and how it is being used, misused, or even weaponized.
The case of Nebraska teenager Celeste Burgess, prosecuted in 2022 for having an abortion, highlights the potential dangers of failing to encrypt personal data. In this case, Facebook provided her private messages to the police, which ultimately led to her arrest. This incident illustrates how the failure to encrypt private data can jeopardize anyone’s liberty, regardless of whether their actions align with the law or not.
Transactions with shielded digital assets, which provide extra security and privacy by encrypting transaction data (including the sender, receiver, and transaction amount), offer an additional layer of security, ensuring that financial transaction data is kept secure and private. Similar to HTTPS, a protocol that encrypts and authenticates data transmitted over the internet to prevent unauthorized access, shielded transactions protect sensitive financial information from interception and weaponization.
 Striking A Balance Between Regulation, Privacy, And Innovation 
As concerns over privacy and security of financial transaction data continue to grow, shielded transactions offer individuals the ability to conduct financial transactions without exposing their identity or sensitive financial information.
Even Microsoft, a traditional technology giant, has been developing a new zero-knowledge proof framework to enhance user privacy and security for digital credential systems within decentralized identity ecosystems. Since it’s clear there is a wide range of lawful, business use cases for this privacy technology, it is crucial for lawmakers to implement technology-neutral laws. Fraud and theft are already illegal, regardless of whether the perpetrators use cash or crypto. The solution involves enhancing law enforcement strategies for a digitally-advanced world, rather than prohibiting or limiting the technology itself.
All things considered, the vast majority of blockchain technology usage is for legitimate purposes, and cryptocurrencies have the potential to offer many benefits, including increased financial accessibility. By focusing on the positive aspects of cryptocurrencies – and reframing the narrative in not judging a technology by its misuse – we can work to overcome the challenges and harness its full potential for the benefit of all.
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Redefining The Crypto Narrative To Secure Technology Innovation by Gary Weinstein - Head of Global Regulatory Relations for Electric Coin Co.

Free2z is a tool for anonymous content and private donations

New experiment: Zeal Center ( Mastodon instance for the Zcash community)

Optimism Takes Airdrops to the Next Level with Phase 2 - 5 Million $OP Tokens on Offer!

Zcash LATAM is excited to invite the Zcash community to the inaugural day of the Zcash LATAM server on Discord. 
— Enjoy this great day with us and earn an amazing POAP — 
We’ll be rewarding the first 150 members who joi&hellip;

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 <pre><code> &lt;p&gt;Zcash LATAM is excited to invite the Zcash community to the inaugural day of the Zcash LATAM server on Discord.&lt;/p&gt;
</code></pre>

— Enjoy this great day with us and earn an amazing POAP —

We’ll be rewarding the first 150 members who join the server with POAPS.

If you don’t know what’s POAP (Proof Of Attendance Protocol) is the platform and infrastructure that enables the creation and storage of memories by POAP issuers and POAP Collectors

This is a set of smart contracts which, for practical reasons, is currently governed by POAP inc.

POAPs, the collectibles, are NFTs minted under the Proof of Attendance Protocol smart contract. Each POAP is a digital record held by collectors as digital proof that they attended, or participated in, a physical, virtual, or spiritual event; the POAP can double as a token qualifying its collector for potential future utility.

 Here is your Discord invite: Zcash Latam 

 How to claim your POAP 
 

Step 1: Download the POAP app available for iOS &amp; Android OR go to https://app.poap.xyz/ and connect your Metamask / Coinbase Wallet, etc.
Step 2: Ask for a link via DM on Discord for the Zcash Brazil team that describes you, we will have Zcash Foundation, Zcash Grants, and ECC teams.
Step 3: Enter your ETH address on the POAP app or website using Metamask at no cost.
Step 4: Done, minted POAP

OBS: Each individual will receive a special link with a code, the max supply will be 150.

Who is contributing to this:

Zcash Team is composed of five members: @michae2xl, @Iogy, @Minevg, @vito, and @yoditar.

The Zcash team in Brazil is building nice networking, creating an official identity, and participating in presential conferences such as Bitconf and now NFT Rio. So the team is pleased to announce a professional server on Discord called Zcash LATAM, and we would like to invite you to join us for feedback and activities.

@Michae2xl
 

is the current Zcash Brazil ambassador since May/2022 - Software Engineer &amp; Product Owner, known as Michae2xl on social media, have been 6+ years in the crypto space, worked for a DAO as Community Manager Brazil &amp; Canada for almost 4 years, and built an NFT index.

@Vito
 

Victor is a Community/Community Manager in which he started his journey in 2019, being one of the main ones responsible for the creation and the growth of Odysee in Brazil, the biggest video share platform with built-in blockchain in the world. He has also worked on projects for other companies like ShapeShift DAO, Giveth.io, Hive, LBRY Nomics, and many others. He recently joined the Zcash Brasil team, as one of those responsible for Growth Latam and the creation of the Zcash server on Discord.

@Iogy
 

is a 30-year-old, tattooer, designer, and artist, who studied Advertising at college until the seventh period, his hobbies are technology, skateboarding, blockchain, and urban art.
He is working to create a visual identity for Zcash Brazil, helping to develop the server banners and logo for social media.
Actions focusing on engagement inside and outside discord such as creating POAPS for events and rewards, memes, emojis, giveaways, marketing actions, and event monitoring aimed at opportunities in general. Looking for good narratives and the best ways of positioning to promote Zcash in Brazil, creating a good image, and generating trust in the project.

@Minevg
 

Graduated in graphic design in 2006. Created graphic pieces for companies such as Exxon Mobile, BG, Flamengo, and Abbott, where she worked in the package development department. Her interest in blockchain, NFTs, and cryptocurrency began just two years ago. To Zcash have already created discord Brasil-Latam- International banners, image compositions to Instagram, POAPs, translated to Portuguese and Spanish a few Zcash English material to post on social media, gifts to NFT Rio event, and banner to post on Twitter.

@yoditar
 

is the current Zcash Spanish ambassador - Passionate about blockchain culture and digital privacy, who pursues the vision of a world of decentralized networks, without intermediaries, with opportunities to amplify our creative potential to horizons never imagined.

Below are the @Iogy &amp; @Minevg work done:

Victor was responsible for managing and the setup all configurations of the Zcash Server.

Below are the @Vito work done:
 

Menu Category

Our server has 3 communities at the moment. These communities are dedicated to native English, Portuguese and Spanish speakers.
 

obs: This format is valid for all communities around the world and all of them are welcome if you want to join, just let the Zcash Team know.

Zcash Internacional Category 
Each community has a different room, using English Community as an example:

Informations Category

Server-Info

This room was made to help new members to understand how Discord works.
 

FAQ

Like server-info, we created the FAQ room to help new users to understand how Zcash works with the main information about Zcash.
 

Roles Selection

In this server, you can choose your roles according to your interests/skills.
 

English Rooms

MISC

We also have a random category dedicated to funny rooms to have fun with the community.
 

Bots that the community can use.

John Dobbertin - Mee6 (Paid)
Ticket Tool - Support (Paid)
Sesh (Polls and Events)
Loritta (Fun)
PokeDex (Fun)
Aki (Fun)

Rewards

We have a leveling system based on how many messages you send on the server, provided by @John Dobbertin. Roles are automatically assigned as you level up and range from levels 1 to 50.

@Level 5- 0,50$ in ZEC
@Level 10 - 1$ in ZEC
@Level 20 - 2$ in ZEC
@Level 30 - 10$ in ZEC
@Level 40 - 15$ in ZEC + Gifts
@Level 50 - 20$ in Zec + Zcash T-shirt + Gifts
Feel free to join the server and talk to us and the community!
</div>

Zcash Global server is able to be discovered by Discord global users

Hi all, I decided to create a new thread, to separate the main ZSA Proposal from the actual work done. 
We promised the community and the MGRC to post monthly updates. This is the first update, after a month of work! Exp&hellip;

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 <pre><code> &lt;p&gt;Dear Zcash Community,&lt;/p&gt;
</code></pre>

Best wishes for the new year to you all! We have been working hard on advancing the milestones, and we are excited to share our updates with you.

We have mostly been working on the transfer functionality implementation (milestone #3), and getting feedback on the ZIPs - we encourage heading over to the pull requests we link below and letting us know what you think!
 

ZSA Transfer Functionality Implementation 

Burn mechanism 
We have completed the implementation of the Burn mechanism for ZSAs and it can be found in the pull request QED-it/orchard#35. Note that this PR also includes E2E tests for the burning of Assets.

Note encryption 
We have been working on updating the encryption of notes for ZSA notes — the presence of an additional AssetId field in the note means that new notes will be 32 bytes longer than current Orchard protocol notes. To encrypt these new notes while maintaining backward compatibility for decryption of the current notes, we have made updates in two parts:

zcash_note_encryption changes 
We have generalized the zcash_note_encryption package in the librustzcash crate to allow for the encryption of note plaintexts of different lengths.
The draft PR for this change is available for review at zcash/librustzcash#746.

orchard crate changes 
The changes that have been made to the librustzcash crate need to be propagated in the orchard crate to allow it to support new (V3) note encryption as well as current (V2) encryption.
This is still in progress, along with tests, for V2 and V3 encryption. We should be able to submit a PR to the orchard repo very soon, but the current state can be looked at in QED-it/orchard#38.

Orchard circuit 
Circuit changes are in progress, currently working on couple of potential ways of implementing the split_flag and split_note logic inside the circuit.

Zcashd 
Work on the client (zcashd) code is in progress. Currently working on adding support for asset identifiers and reading them from the orchard protocol.

ZIP changes and review 
We have rearranged the ZIPs so that ZIP 226 and ZIP 227 are in one pull request, viz. zcash/zips#649, and we have another pull request for the Fees ZIP, viz. QED-it/zips#2.
We have addressed almost all comments from the old PR (aka zcash/zips#628), and we have a few points to iron out while ensuring the implementation matches the changes.
Similarly, we have begun addressing the comments in the initial review of PR#649, but that is still a work in progress.
We are also working on addressing the comments in the Fees ZIP that were present in PR#649, after which we will proceed to merge it with the existing draft of ZIP 317.

Preview of next ZSA features on the radar 
With the start of a brand new year, it also seems a good time to think about what a future with Zcash Shielded Assets would look like. We’ve been gathering initial feedback on these features, and would be happy to hear more from the community:

Transaction Reject 
This would introduce the ability to reject incoming Zcash Shielded Assets that you didn’t expect or don’t want.
Some considerations are:

Rationale and use-cases, such as refusing a payment that was sent by mistake, refusing assets from unknown origin, politely decline a friend picking up the tab
What is the on-chain status of assets that could be rejected, have been rejected, have been accepted etc.
A discussion on fees

Asset Swaps 
We should support the ability to simultaneously send and receive assets in the same transaction, so that either both transfers happened or none happened. This allows for trustless settlement of asset exchanges, and sets the stage for Decentralized Exchange capabilities.
Here we will consider:

This feature could work for ZSA &lt;&gt; ZSA but also for ZSA &lt;&gt; ZEC.
The fees structure could be an extension of the ZSA fees.
Can we also have open-ended swaps, and allowing for combining these one-sided transactions together.
What are privacy considerations of such a capability.

Looking forward to hearing from all of you soon!

Best,

The ZSA team.
</div>

#	Name	Price	Change (24h)	Change (7d)	Volume (24h)	Market Cap
1	BTC	$28,229.08	2.99%	9.53%	$23.75B	$545.57B
2	ETH	$1,812.83	3.94%	5.87%	$10.97B	$221.84B
3	USDT	$1.00	‑0.01%	‑0.15%	$39.30B	$78.58B
4	BNB	$327.73	2.10%	‑1.21%	$527.68M	$51.75B
5	USDC	$0.99936	0.04%	‑0.08%	$6.17B	$34.41B
6	XRP	$0.43445	3.54%	17.69%	$2.10B	$22.14B
7	ADA	$0.36706	2.56%	10.91%	$411.07M	$12.74B
8	DOGE	$0.07688	3.92%	4.60%	$622.67M	$10.20B
9	MATIC	$1.14	2.26%	‑2.79%	$414.02M	$9.93B
10	SOL	$22.13	3.22%	10.58%	$527.60M	$8.49B

#	Name	Price	Change (24h)	Change (7d)	Volume (24h)	Market Cap
433	QOM	$0.000000075	2.28%	‑25.09%	$936.46K	$44.92M
413	CBG	$1.50	‑0.63%	‑28.02%	$17.96K	$49.51M
174	HNT	$1.22	‑1.40%	‑36.99%	$3.69M	$172.24M
313	SOLO	$0.20285	‑3.43%	12.81%	$1.85M	$81.13M
82	HT	$3.41	‑5.71%	‑17.16%	$16.35M	$553.75M

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