Mastercard has started testing its Crypto Credential network, aiming to simplify and secure cross-border digital asset transactions between Latin America and Europe.

Launched last year, Mastercard Crypto Credential ensures verified interactions among consumers and businesses using blockchain networks.

During these pilots, users from various countries on the Bit2Me, Lirium, and Mercado Bitcoin exchanges can send both cross-border and domestic transfers across multiple currencies and blockchains.

Instead of using the typically long and complex blockchain addresses, users can now send and receive crypto using their Mastercard Crypto Credential aliases.

For payments, exchanges will first verify users according to Mastercard Crypto Credential standards. Once verified, users receive an alias to facilitate sending and receiving funds across all supported exchanges.

When a user initiates a transfer, Mastercard Crypto Credential checks that the recipient’s alias is valid and that their wallet supports the digital asset and associated blockchain. If the receiving wallet doesn’t support the asset or blockchain, the sender is notified, and the transaction is halted to prevent potential loss of funds.

Mastercard believes this system could greatly benefit the remittance market and plans to extend support to NFTs, ticketing, and other payment options.

Walter Pimenta, EVP, product and engineering, Latin America and the Caribbean, Mastercard, states, “As interest in blockchain and digital assets continues to surge in Latin America and around the world, it is essential to keep delivering trusted and verifiable interactions across public blockchain networks.”

Source: finextra.com

Apple has taken action against three apps on its App Store after they were found to be advertising capabilities to create AI-generated pornographic images. These apps, which were misleadingly described as “art generators,” actually offered features that could simulate nude images of individuals without their consent. This function has the potential to be misused for harassment or blackmail.

The issue was highlighted by 404 Media, which reported to Apple about these apps advertising on Instagram and adult websites with promises to “Undress any girl for free.” Despite the capabilities being hidden, some apps also featured face swap technology for adult content. Apple struggled initially to locate these problematic apps until specific links and advertisements were provided by 404 Media.

These apps had been available on the App Store since as early as 2022, and appeared innocent enough to both Apple and Google, escaping scrutiny by being listed on their respective platforms. Even after the discovery, there was a delay in their removal; the apps were allowed to remain available as long as they ceased their inappropriate advertising. However, the oversight continued until Google eventually removed one from the Play Store earlier this year for failing to comply with these conditions.

This incident comes at a sensitive time for Apple as it prepares to announce significant AI enhancements to iOS 18 and Siri at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. The company is making efforts to maintain a clean corporate image, which includes licensing content legally for AI training amidst growing concerns over copyright issues in the industry. This situation poses a challenge to Apple’s efforts to keep its reputation untarnished in the evolving AI landscape.

Source: phonearena.com, 404 Media

Alabama has strengthened its child pornography laws by including AI-generated deepfake images, a response to a distressing cyberbullying incident involving deepfakes at a local middle school. Governor Kay Ivey emphasized the importance of adapting legislation to safeguard children against emerging digital threats.

In a significant legislative move, Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama signed a new bill on Tuesday that broadens the state’s child pornography laws to prohibit the creation of deepfake images using artificial intelligence. This bill, known as HB168, was prompted by a cyberbullying case at Demopolis Middle School where deepfake technology was maliciously used.

During a speech, Governor Ivey expressed her commitment to ensuring that technological advancements do not compromise public safety, particularly the safety of young individuals. “As we navigate this rapidly changing world, safeguarding our children becomes paramount, and this legislation is a step in that direction,” she remarked.

The Alabama Child Protection Act of 2024 was crafted by State Senator April Weaver and Representative Matt Woods in response to an incident where images of six female students were digitally manipulated to appear in inappropriate contexts, causing considerable distress. This incident came to light at a school board meeting in December and has since been under investigation by local law enforcement and federal agents.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall lauded the new law as a critical measure in combating child exploitation. “Alabama is setting a precedent with this strict stance against AI-generated child exploitation material. Our state demonstrates unequivocal intolerance towards such abuses,” Marshall stated. He also noted that the real challenge lies ahead in effectively implementing this law to deter future violations and support ongoing enforcement efforts.