The Daily: Nasdaq Eyes Security Tokens, Blockstack Tackles Social Media

2018. Oct. 13. 09:55

Today’s installment of The Daily is about building more than bickering, though we’ll squeeze in a little of the latter before we sign off. First though, let’s start by considering the latest projects being proposed within the crypto space: a tokenized security platform and a social media network that doesn’t leak data.

Also read: South Korea’s Largest Crypto Exchange Sold to Singapore-Based Consortium

Nasdaq Plots Tokenized Security Platform

It’s being reported that Nasdaq, the giant U.S. exchange operator, is plotting a new platform dedicated to tokenized securities. The move would enable projects to offer STOs in a regulated environment so as to accord to U.S. law. As popularity for ICOs has waned, exacerbated by fears that so-called utility tokens may in fact be unregistered securities, U.S. projects eyeing tokenization have been left with no choice but to go down the STO route. It’s believed that Nasdaq is in talks with blockchain firm Symbiont to create its own platform that would enable tokenized securities to be listed and traded.

Social Media Backlash Intensifies

There’s been a storm brewing all year on social media, with wave after wave of censorship and data leaks hastening the exodus from Facebook and its ilk. Users intent on jumping ship have been left with a quandary though: where to go? We’ve reported on some of the Bitcoin Cash-based initiatives, as well as Twitter alternatives such as Gab and Mastodon. Blockstack has now launched a $1 million challenge to build decentralized social networks, writing: “Your data and privacy are being exploited and monetized by today’s social networks. It’s time for a change. We deserve the right to control our data.” They add:

It’s time for a new breed of social networks – where power is taken back from a single authority and control is returned to you, to me, to all of us. It’s time to decentralize social networks.

10 teams will be encouraged to devise social networks that don’t leak data. A similar venture was also launched recently by web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee. While these initiatives aren’t going to topple the social media giants any time soon, greater choice for pro-privacy consumers can only be a good thing.

Vitalik Buterin Sets the Record Straight

Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin generally avoids wading into Twitter spats, but felt obliged to correct several of the inaccurate claims Nouriel Roubini made in the week of his similarly inaccurate U.S. Senate testimony. “Vitalik Buterin was the ringleader – together with Joe Lubin – of the criminal pre-mining sale/scam that created ether. They stole 75% of the ether supply and became instant ‘billionaires’ of fake wealth,” tweeted Roubini, whose timeline has become increasingly manic as the week’s progressed.

“I never personally held more than ~0.9% of all ETH, and my net worth never came close to $1b,” responded Buterin. “Also, I’m pretty sure there are no criminal laws against pre-mining.” Then, on Friday, as Roubini doubled down on his bug-eyed crypto rambling, Buterin again stepped in to dispel the notion that bitcoin and ethereum maximalists are at war, while giving a shout out to bitcoin cash proponents.

Have you learned about BCH yet?

The space is actually great fun once you get to know it.

— Vitalik Non-giver of Ether (@VitalikButerin) October 13, 2018