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This article discusses a project launched by UNESCO and the Dutch government to study AI supervision across Europe, aiming to develop guidelines from best practices. It also highlights the contrast of some nations focusing heavily on AI regulations, while cryptocurrency protocols, such as for stablecoin transactions, are being neglected. The importance is stressed of striking a balance between embracing technological advances and ensuring proper regulation for consumer protection.

“Yield Protocol’s decision to cease operations, impacted by decreased demand and strict regulations, juxtaposes with Wirex’s launch of W-Pay, a bridge for decentralized applications and traditional payment infrastructures. The future of blockchain remains uncertain amid these contrasting developments.”

The eighth iteration of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC8), which introduces mandatory tax reporting for cryptocurrency transactions, has received overwhelming support from members of the European Parliament. DAC8 is expected to aid tax authorities in monitoring and assessing cryptocurrency transactions to improve transparency and counter tax fraud.

The EU financial services chief, Mairead McGuinness, emphasizes a cautious approach to the digitization of the euro, advocating strategic decision-making post the 2024 EU elections. Amid declining cash usage and rising e-commerce, the need for a digital currency alternative is expressed. Nevertheless, the transition could necessitate compromises some might resist, thereby requiring careful planning to not disrupt our financial foundations.

“Margarita Delgado, the deputy governor of the Spanish central bank, addressed the potential of the digital euro in enhancing cross-border payments, reducing business costs, and filling the absence of private payment service providers (PSPs) in Europe. She believes there can be a co-existence of the digital euro and private payment solutions, creating new opportunities for financial services by the private sector.”

“The European Union recently ratified the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework into law, presenting a comprehensive legislative standard for the evolving cryptoverse. Future plans include leading developments in the metaverse, with a focus on creating an open, secure and inclusive digital environment, as well as upholding EU values and fundamental rights.”

The EU’s new Data Act draft has stirred up concerns in the blockchain sector, as it appears to ignore industry-specific issues and could potentially deem most smart contracts invalid. The legislation emphasizes on the “vendors” of these automated programs, causing fear among lobbyists as it could imply endless accountability in decentralized frameworks with no single seller.

China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) plans to enforce licensing requirements for local firms before releasing AI systems. This tighter regulation aims to ensure AI-generated content aligns with central governance philosophy and embodies socialist values. Companies like Baidu and Alibaba are already working to stay compliant. Critics express concerns about AI’s potential to generate disinformation.

“The recent exclusion of decentralized finance (DeFi) and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) from the upcoming Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations has raised concern in the blockchain industry. MiCA, a comprehensive crypto legislation, has notably omitted DeFi and NFTs, alarming industry participants.”

The European Union has reached a political agreement on updating the Capital Requirements Regulation and Directive, introducing new regulations for crypto assets to address concerns over “unbacked cryptocurrencies” entering the traditional financial system. The updated regulations aim to boost the strength and resilience of banks, with a “transitional prudential regime for crypto assets” included.

The European Union reaches a political agreement on new bank-capital laws aimed at keeping unbacked cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum out of the traditional financial system. Critics claim these rules may stifle the crypto market’s growth, while supporters argue they’re necessary for maintaining financial system integrity and stability.

The digital euro project faces a setback as its draft bill publication gets delayed due to undisclosed reasons. The EU finance ministers emphasize the need for a clear narrative on the digital currency’s added value and potential impact. Meanwhile, concerns about privacy, security, and potential illicit activities loom large among skeptics.

A consortium of investors raises concerns about Astra Protocol’s ASTRA token suspicious movements, lack of engagement with them, and unfulfilled announcements, demanding a meeting with management to address these issues. The consortium includes reputable firms like Shima Capital, Huobi, Moonlight Capital, and Republic.

The Luxembourg competition authority plans to conduct a first-of-its-kind market study into blockchain technology, aiming to evaluate competition between emerging blockchain-based companies and established Web2 businesses while examining potential anti-competitive practices against Web3 projects. This pioneering probe signifies a changing attitude towards the technology’s role in digital and environmental landscapes.

AI experts sign an open statement highlighting the need for mitigating extinction risks from AI, as global regulatory efforts increase. Binance restricts privacy tokens trading in four European countries, while the MiCA cryptocurrency regulatory framework is signed into law.

French lawmakers unanimously agreed to impose new regulations on social media influencers promoting cryptocurrencies, potentially making France the first European nation to regulate paid marketing efforts in various industries. This development raises debates on whether regulating influencers helps maintain market integrity and safety or stifles innovation and growth potential in the emerging crypto sector.

The European Systemic Risk Board report states that the current economic impact of the crypto industry is minimal, but recommends EU bodies to actively monitor and mitigate potential risks, particularly in leveraged trading, as the sector is growing and highly volatile. Cooperation between countries is essential for maintaining low economic impact due to cryptocurrencies’ cross-border nature.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hints at potentially withdrawing ChatGPT services from Europe if compliance with upcoming EU AI regulations is unattainable. Altman calls for revising proposed regulations, with concerns over revealing copyrighted materials used in AI tools.

MEPs have voted for facial recognition banning and predictive policing tools in the AI Act, signifying progress in balancing innovation and privacy. As AI technologies grow, transparency measures and risk classification are proposed to navigate worldwide regulations, addressing legal, ethical, and safety concerns.

“Cyprus proposes to penalize Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) operating without licenses, with penalties up to €350,000 or five years imprisonment. This rule aims at uniformity in the European Union and protecting investors from financial hazards associated with illicit activities and money laundering.”

Crypto expert Peter Eberle shares that while inevitable, crypto ETFs’ arrival won’t be imminent. Eberle highlights disparities in crypto financial products that impose limitations such as high fees and insufficient liquidity. He also points towards the need for clearer digital asset regulations. Despite inherent challenges, strategic developments like the EU’s MiCA consultations are charting a better regulatory path for cryptocurrencies.