Meta Spark will shut down on January 14, 2025, ending its platform for third-party AR creation and removal of user-generated AR content from Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Meta is shifting its focus to AI and the metaverse, leaving AR developers to find new platforms like Snapchat's Lens Studio or Unity.
WeatherlyTelegram CEO Pavel Durov is under investigation in Switzerland for alleged child abuse, following a complaint by his former partner, Irina Bolgar. These accusations, involving unpaid child support and custody issues, surfaced after his recent arrest in France. Durov is out on $5.5 million bail but remains under judicial supervision.
CatherineThe SEC issued a Wells notice to OpenSea, claiming certain NFTs on its platform may qualify as securities, marking a significant regulatory shift towards the NFT sector. OpenSea’s CEO, Devin Finzer, responded by defending the creative freedom of artists and announcing a $5 million legal fund to support NFT creators.
WeatherlyChinese hackers are suspected to have exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Versa Director, software used by ISPs to secure networks, compromising several internet companies in the US and abroad.
KikyoJapanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced plans for Japan to lead in Web3 innovation, highlighting supportive tax reforms and regulatory measures to foster blockchain startups. He also proposed a legal framework for DAOs and emphasised using Web3 technologies to address societal challenges and enhance economic growth.
AnaisHamster Kombat, Telegram's top tap-to-earn game, will launch its HMSTR token on The Open Network (TON) on 26 September, with an airdrop for players the same day. Experts predict it could surpass Notcoin's success.
CatherineHugo Hyungsoo Lee, CEO of Haru Invest, was stabbed in court by a man upset over the company's alleged fraud, which led to a suspension of $1.05 billion in customer deposits. The attack highlights the severe personal and financial repercussions of financial misconduct in the cryptocurrency sector.
AnaisMeta is reportedly developing sleek, mixed-reality glasses, codenamed "Puffin," set for a 2027 release, offering a more streamlined alternative to the heavy headsets that have yet to gain widespread traction.
KikyoFrench football star Kylian Mbappé's X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked on August 29, 2024, to promote a scam cryptocurrency, $MBAPPE, which skyrocketed in value before crashing, leading to significant financial losses for unsuspecting investors.
JoyHan, CEO of virtual currency exchange Gate.io, officially announced his decision to enter the Japanese market at WebX2024.
Miyuki