U.S. Elections-Linked Bitcoin Options Draw Nearly $350M in Open Interest

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Distribution of open interest shows bullish sentiment, according to Wintermute.

Crypto traders speculating on how the impending U.S. elections might affect the digital assets industry have locked millions in bitcoin (BTC) options tied to the event.

The so-called election expiry options, due for settlement four days after the Nov. 4 elections, began trading on Deribit a month ago. As of writing, the notional open interest or the dollar value of the number of active options contracts was $345.83 million, according to data source Amberdata.

Call options, which offer an unlimited upside payoff potential at the expense of limited loss, accounted for 67% of the total open interest. The rest came from put options, which offer protection against price drops, amounting to a put-call ratio of less than 0.50.

In other words, twice as many calls were open as puts, reflecting bullish expectations from the outcome of the elections.

“These election-dedicated contracts allow investors to capitalize on the increased interest by speculating on how the election might affect the crypto markets in a targeted way. The current put-call ratio of 0.50 indicates a bullish sentiment, with twice as many calls traded as puts,” algorithmic trading firm Wintermute said in a note shared with CoinDesk.

The call option at the strike price of $80,000 is the most popular, boasting an open interest of over $39 million. Broadly speaking, open interest is mainly concentrated in higher strike calls, starting from $70,000 to $140,000. That’s a sign of traders positioning for new record highs around the election time.

Meanwhile, $39 million is locked in the $45,000 put option.

“The concentration of call options’ open interest at strikes around $80K and $100K suggests that market participants are positioning for potential upside in bitcoin, while the presence of puts at lower strike price of $45,000 indicates some level of hedging or downside protection,” Wintermute noted.

TON Leads Crypto Majors as BTC, ETH Remain Flat

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GameFi heavy TON outperformed the CoinDesk 20 during the Monday trading day in Asia.

Bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH) and most other crypto majors were flat in Asia as the region’s business week began, with the CoinDesk 20 (CD20), a measure of the largest digital assets, down 0.43%.

One of the highlights of the Monday session was TON, the digital asset associated with Telegram. The token was up 5.6% as HashKey announced a partnership with the project.

HashKey will offer regulatory guidance, technical support for Catizen’s blockchain infrastructure operations, and collaborate on initiatives within the Ton ecosystem to enhance Catizen’s gaming experiences, a press release reads. Catizen is a Telegram-based, gaming platform with multiple cat themed mini games.

“[We’ll] focus on the TON ecosystem to offer unique Web3 gaming experiences, fostering the prosperity and development of the TON ecosystem,” Ben El-Baz, Managing Director of HashKey Global said in an e-mail. “Leveraging Telegram’s advantage to attract more developers represents a significant opportunity for TON.”

Tim Wong, Chairman of the Catizen Foundation, also added in an emailed statement that Catizen seeks to transcend the short lifecycles of typical games by leveraging Web3’s untapped potential, aiming to create a lasting impact through a strong community and the fusion of experienced game developers with skilled Web3 designers.

“In many projects with incomplete product models, crypto accelerates their decline. However, in a project with a comprehensive business model, crypto can be the core support that sustains upward development,” Wong wrote. “This is because the user base and the Catizen ecosystem are continually reinforced by robust token incentives.”

Elsewhere, DYDX is up 5.6% as the decentralized exchange continues to post gains in its weekly trading volume.

Shaquille O’Neal Will Have to Defend Some of the Allegations Against Him in the Astrals NFT Lawsuit

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The court did not dismiss the allegation that Astrals sold tokens which were unregistered “securities.”

A U.S. court has granted one part and dismissed another part of a class action lawsuit against legendary basketball player Shaquille O’Neal for his role in the NFT project Astrals, according to court documents filed on Friday.

Astrals was a project involving a collection of 10,000 non-fungible tokens (NFTs) 3D avatars and a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) for “incubating innovative projects.” Astral NFTs could be used as virtual avatars and the Galaxy token was the governance token of the DAO.

The case alleged that O’Neal acted as the face of Astrals urging investors to “[h]op on the wave before its too late.” Even when cryptocurrency exchange FTX collapsed in November 2022, O’Neal sent out a graphics interchange format (GIF) on the community message board Discord, from The Wolf of Wall Street that read, “I’m not F***ing Leaving,” the court document said. The lawsuit alleged that O’Neal fled the project after that and “the value of Astrals financial products plummeted.”

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, dismissed the allegation that O’Neal was a “control person,” meaning someone who exercised actual power or control.

However, the court found that O’Neal’s involvement in the project falls under the definition of a “seller” because he successfully solicited the purchase of the products, despite O’Neals argument that he was not an officer or director of the company.

The court did not dismiss the allegation that Astrals sold tokens which were unregistered “securities.”

The attorney for the investors in the lawsuit, Adam Moskowitz, who also represents investors in the FTX, Voyager and Binance lawsuits, suggested that this ruling could bring clarity in other pending crypto class action litigations.

“We are extremely fortunate that District Judge Moreno authored the first extensive ruling on cryptocurrency and celebrity promotions … bringing clarity and understanding in all of the other crypto class actions litigation, many are pending in this District.

O’Neal and the Astral project are supposed to reply to the allegations by September 12, 2024.

Asia Tightens Entry Quarantine to Combat Monkeypox Spread

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In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on August 17 the implementation of stricter monitoring and quarantine procedures at airports, ports, and borders to control the disease’s spread.

China has also intensified its efforts to prevent the entry of monkeypox amid a global rise in cases. As of August 15, travelers entering China from regions with confirmed monkeypox cases must declare any exposure to the virus or symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes. This regulation will remain in place for six months.

China’s General Administration of Customs will perform medical checks and conduct testing on travelers who meet the criteria. Additionally, vehicles and goods arriving from affected areas will be disinfected if there is a risk of exposure to the virus.

On August 14, the WHO declared monkeypox a global public health emergency, with outbreaks primarily affecting Africa. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that experts are now considering the use of a monkeypox vaccine to combat the spread of the virus.

U.S. Boosts Chip Production with Major Investment in Texas Instruments

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Under the agreement, the U.S. will provide $1.6 billion to help Texas Instruments construct three semiconductor factories—two in Texas and one in Utah. This funding will support the company’s investment plan, which aims to inject up to $18 billion into these facilities by 2029.

These factories are expected to produce over 100 million chips per day and create around 2,000 engineering jobs, as well as thousands of construction jobs.

In addition to the financial support, Texas Instruments is projected to receive $6 to $8 billion in tax incentives and $10 million for workforce development.

This $1.6 billion contribution is part of the $52 billion budget under the Chips and Science Act of 2022. To date, the U.S. has spent over $30 billion from this budget to help companies like Intel, Samsung, and TSMC build and expand semiconductor factories across the U.S.

Top 10 Office Chairs for Long Hours: Comfort and Support

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While this may seem like an aesthetic choice, much attention is real on securing comfort and support for those long hours of work. Long periods spent at a desk require both comfort and support in a chair.The proper workplace chair can prevent lower back ache, enhance posture, and boom productiveness. Here are the pinnacle top 10 office chairs designed for individuals who spend extended intervals seated:


1. Herman Miller Aeron Chair


It’s ergonomically designed, with adjustable features and breathable mesh upholstery. The Herman Miller Aeron chair is simply timeless for any conformist conventional setting. Also, it has lumbar assist and highly adjustable armrests—good for sitting time. The Herman Miller Aeron Chair is a conventional preference, celebrated for its ergonomic design. It capabilities adjustable features and breathable mesh upholstery, making it best for all-day use. Its lumbar guide is completely adjustable, and the armrests may be customized for most reliable consolation.


2. Steelcase Leap Chair

The Steelcase Leap Chair is well known for its Live Back technology, which mimics the herbal shape of the spine for finest aid. It offers adjustable lumbar support, seat intensity adjustment, and a flexible backrest to deal with numerous sitting positions. The Steelcase Leap Chair is renowned for its Live Back era, which adapts to the herbal curve of your spine for first-rate support. It offers adjustable lumbar support, seat intensity adjustment, and a bendy backrest, accommodating diverse sitting positions and actions.

3. Humanscale Freedom Chair


The Humanscale Opportunity Seat has a self-changing lean back instrument that will tailor itself in light of an individual’s movement.It gives magnificent lumbar help and energizes dynamic sitting, selling dissemination and diminishing weariness. The Humanscale Opportunity Seat has a self-changing lean back instrument that changes with one’s development. This chair encourages dynamic sitting, which is doing movement and reduces fatigue.It presents fantastic lumbar support and is designed to beautify consolation and productivity.

4. Haworth Zody Chair

The Haworth Zody Chair combines sustainability with ergonomic consolation. It capabilities an asymmetrical lumbar help device, pelvic support, and a mesh backrest for improved breathability. The Haworth Zody Chair merges sustainability with ergonomic consolation. It consists of an asymmetrical lumbar support device, pelvic aid, and a mesh backrest for stepped forward breathability. The chair is designed to provide focused assist whilst being environmentally pleasant.

5. Steelcase Gesture Chair


The Motion Seat by Steelcase is intended to help many stances, so it’s best for cutting edge dynamic work environmental elements. It gives 360-diploma armrest movement and adjustable seat intensity to deal with extraordinary frame shapes. The Gesture Chair through Steelcase is crafted to support a huge range of postures, making it ideal for dynamic paintings environments. It functions 360-degree armrest motion and adjustable seat depth, accommodating numerous body shapes and sitting alternatives.

6. Herman Miller Embody Chair

The Herman Miller Embody Chair is designed to promote healthy circulation and aid herbal backbone alignment. It features a pixelated guide system and breathable cloth to hold you cool and comfortable. The Herman Miller Embody Chair is designed to promote healthful circulate and maintain herbal backbone alignment. It functions a pixelated assist gadget and breathable material to preserve you cool and cushty at some point of the day.

7. Autonomous ErgoChair 2

 Although the Autonomous ErgoChair 2 is at the budget end, with adjustable lumbar support, reclining backrest, and breathable mesh seating for a long sitter, this product brings a fee-powerful option that doesn’t compromise on features.It includes adjustable lumbar assist, a reclining backrest, and a breathable mesh seat, making it a exceptional desire for extended durations of sitting.

8. Knoll ReGeneration Chair

The Knoll ReGeneration Chair is made from sustainable materials and capabilities a bendy backrest that responds in your actions. It gives lumbar assist, a contoured seat cushion, and armrests that circulate with you. The Knoll ReGeneration Chair is made from sustainable materials and capabilities a bendy backrest that responds for your movements. It gives lumbar assist, a contoured seat cushion, and armrests that circulate with you, making sure consolation and adaptability.

9. Serta Big and Tall Executive Chair

For those desiring greater assist, the Serta Big and Tall Executive Chair offers enough cushioning and ergonomic functions. It helps up to 350 pounds and consists of layered body pillows for delivered comfort. Designed for the ones requiring extra help, the Serta Big and Tall Executive Chair gives adequate cushioning and ergonomic functions. It supports up to 350 kilos and consists of layered body pillows for added consolation.

10. Secretlab Titan Chair

Gamers and professionals, this is the model of the Secretlab Titan Chair: ergonomic aid merged with sleek design. It features lumbar support, memory foam padding for comfort, adjustable armrests for providing customized consolation. The Secretlab Titan Seat is well known among game aficionados and specialists for its ergonomic plan and smooth appearance. It highlights lumbar help, adaptive padding cushioning, and flexible armrests for tweaked solace, making it fitting for extended periods of time of purpose. 

Choosing the Right Chair

When choosing an office chair for long hours, don’t forget factors inclusive of adjustability, lumbar guide, material high-quality, and user evaluations. Investing in a chair that promotes healthy posture and comfort can save you lower back pain and improve typical productiveness.

When selecting an office chair for long hours, recall elements which include adjustability, lumbar guide, material satisfactory, and user reviews. Ensure the chair supports your particular needs, including adjustability for various frame sizes and sitting options, and the ability to keep proper posture throughout the day. Additionally, recall the chair’s sturdiness, warranty, and customer service reputation to make an knowledgeable decision.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the proper office furnitureis vital for retaining comfort and productiveness at some point of long work hours. The chairs listed above offer a range of functions to healthy special needs and possibilities. Whether you prioritize adjustability, material, or layout, there may be a chair on this list that can help you work greater readily and efficiently. Investing in a top notch workplace chair isn’t always only useful on your comfort however additionally on your normal health and well-being.Take your time choosing wisely to enjoy the new benefits in advanced comfort and support through your working day.Your frame will thanks for it!

South Korea’s Pension Fund Snaps Up Nearly $34M MicroStrategy Shares

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NPS also holds over $45 million worth of Coinbase shares.

South Korean pension fund, National Pension Service (NPS), bought MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares worth nearly $34 million in the second quarter of this year, according to a filing made public earlier this week.

The fund disclosed that it purchased 24,500 shares at an average price of $1,377.48, before MicroStrategy announced a 10-for-1 stock split in the beginning of this months. This brings the total number of shares to 245,000, valued at $32.32 million, based on MicroStrategy’s last close of $131.93.

The purchase by NPS can be seen as an indirect investment in bitcoin (BTC) as MicroStrategy is the largest corporate holder of the token.

Earlier this month, Wall Street broker Benchmark raised its price target on the Michael Saylor-led firm to $2,150 from $1,875. Benchmark raised the price target despite MicroStrategy missing its revenue target for Q2.

NPS also holds 229,807 shares of Coinbase (COIN), worth over $45 million, based on Coinbase’s last close of $197.12. The fund started buying shares in the crypto exchange in 2023, snapping up 282,673 shares at an average price of $70.5.

Donald Trump Holds Over $1M in Ether, Also Receives NFT Licensing Fees

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Filings show he has over $1 million in Ether.

Donald Trump holds between $1 million -$5 million in Ether (ETH), and has significant income from non-fungible tokens (NFT) licensing fees, according to election disclosures

While the filings list a non-specific amount of Ether, Arkham Intelligence lists the holdings of Trump’s wallet at $3.6 million.

Aside from the Ether holdings filings show that Trump made $7.15 million through a licensing agreement with a firm called NFT INT, and the former first lady, Melania Trump, had $330,609 in income from the sales of NFTs.

OpenSea data shows that the Trump Digital Trading Cards have had over 15,808 ETH in trading volume since their debut. In July, Trump said he plans to release another NFT collection.

Despite Trump’s earlier endorsement of crypto, the former President didn’t mention it during a X space interview with Elon Musk nor did he mention it during a recent press conference where he addressed a variety of other topics related to his campaign.

Recently, the Trump Organization, the holding company for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s business ventures, announced it will unveil a cryptocurrency initiative, CoinDesk reported.

North Korea to Reopen for International Tourism in December

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This move signals that North Korea is preparing to lift its strict COVID-19 border controls and welcome international tourists for the first time since 2020. Local tourism operators KTG and Koryo Tours have confirmed that their partners in North Korea informed them about the government’s plans to allow visits to select locations.

In December, tourists will be able to visit Samjiyon, a city near Mount Paektu, the revered mountain believed by North Korean leaders to be the birthplace of Kim Jong-un’s family. Kim himself has made numerous visits to the area since 2018.

Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel company, expressed excitement on its website, stating: “After more than four years of waiting, Koryo Tours is delighted to announce that North Korea tourism is once again open to international tourists.”

Although North Korea has remained mostly closed to foreign tourists since 2020, limited international flights resumed in 2023, and a small group of Russians reportedly visited the country in February.

North Korea has been investing in tourism development, particularly in Samjiyon, which is located near the Chinese border. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who visited the city in July, praised it as a “model of a highly civilized mountain city,” featuring new hotels, attractions, and a ski resort.

The reopening of tourism could help North Korea economically recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Koryo Tours, introductory trips to North Korea typically range from 600 to 1,500 Euros per person, depending on factors such as departure point, trip duration, group size, and accommodation.

Mitsui Invests in Tasco Auto, Strengthening Foothold in Vietnam’s Expanding Car Market

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Mitsui & Co. has taken a strategic step into Vietnam’s burgeoning automotive market by investing in Tasco Auto, a significant player in the country’s car industry. This move aligns with Mitsui’s broader strategy to capitalize on the growing demand for vehicles in Southeast Asia.

The Japanese trading giant made its initial investment in Tasco Auto on July 31, as confirmed in a joint statement released on Friday. While the details of the transaction, including the value and size of the stake, were not disclosed, the statement emphasized that Mitsui’s involvement positions it as a strategic investor in Tasco Auto, reinforcing the latter’s long-term growth ambitions.

Following the announcement, shares of Mitsui surged by as much as 5.1% on Friday, while Tasco’s stock rose by 3.6%, marking its most significant intraday gain since July 9. Tasco Auto, which operates 90 showrooms across Vietnam and represents 14 major automotive brands such as Ford, Nissan, and Volvo, is gearing up to launch a complete knockdown (CKD) car project later this year. This initiative will see the assembly of passenger cars in partnership with a global automaker, though the specific partner was not named in the statement.

Vietnam’s automotive market has been experiencing robust growth, with passenger car sales reaching 19,126 units in July, an 8.2% increase compared to the same month last year, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association. From January to July 2024, total vehicle deliveries amounted to 102,293 units.

Mitsui’s investment in Tasco Auto is part of its broader engagement with Vietnam, which also includes plans announced in March to invest in a Vietnamese gas field. This move highlights Mitsui’s confidence in Vietnam’s economic potential and its strategic importance within Southeast Asia.

In the broader context of Vietnam’s automotive market, Tasco Auto is part of a competitive landscape that includes other major players such as Thaco, the largest automotive manufacturer in Vietnam, and VinFast, a rapidly growing local automaker that has been making headlines with its electric vehicle ambitions. Thaco, which assembles and distributes vehicles for brands like Kia, Mazda, and Peugeot, dominates the local market, while VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup, has quickly established itself as a key player, with plans to expand its footprint globally. Mitsui’s investment in Tasco Auto could help bolster Tasco’s position in this competitive market, potentially paving the way for future collaborations and innovations in Vietnam’s automotive industry.

Binance Completes Registration With India’s Financial Intelligence Unit Months After Being Fined

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The registration was provisionally approved in May, subject to the crypto exchange paying a fine of about $2.2 million.

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, completed registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) just months after it was fined $2.2 million for providing services in the country without authorization.

The registration, Binance’s 19th worldwide, means its website and app are fully available to users in India, according to an announcement on Thursday.

The road to registration commenced in May, only a few months after Binance was banned under the country’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) along with eight other exchanges. It was granted provision approval, subject to paying a fine for providing services to Indian clients without adhering to the country’s anti-money laundering rules. The size of the fine was determined in June.

“This registration underscores Binance’s commitment to adhering to anti-money laundering (AML) standards and fostering a secure, transparent, and efficient ecosystem,” the company said in the statement.

Among the other banned entities, KuCoin similarly paid a penalty to clear its slate with FIU-IND. KuCoin’s fine amounted to $41,000.

Binance has been settling disputes with financial regulators in the world’s largest economies. It paid $4.3 billion in the U.S. last year to settle criminal charges of breaking sanctions and money-transmitting laws. As part of the settlement, founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao stepped down as CEO and was sentenced to four months in prison in April.

“Our commitment to stringent regulation forms a fundamental part of our business strategy. It’s about fostering a secure, transparent, and efficient environment,” CEO Richard Teng said in the statement.

 

BitGo Reiterates Autonomy From Justin Sun, Tron as MakerDAO Decides to Dump WBTC

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Critics of Sun’s involvement don’t understand the operational mechanics, the crypto custodian’s CEO, Mike Belshe, said during an X Space discussion.

BitGo CEO Mike Belshe took the opportunity of an online discussion to reiterate the safety of the bitcoin (BTC) that underpins its wBTC (WBTC), a token that allows the largest cryptocurrency by market cap to be utilized on blockchains other than the original Bitcoin system.

In an X Spaces discussion, Belshe reiterated that Tron founder Justin Sun does not have access to the cryptocurrency custodian’s asset keys.

Belshe’s assurance came as DAI stablecoin issuer MakerDAO passed a motion to eliminate its exposure to wBTC due to concerns that a proposal to shift custody to be held jointly with BiT Global – an entity partially controlled by Sun – would centralize too much control with BiT Global.

During the online discussion, Belshe said the keys would be split between BitGo’s U.S., and Singapore entities as well as BiT Global.

“There is no single party that has the ability to mint or steal from the underlying treasury,” Belshe said. Community concern mostly came from not understanding the operational mechanics of the keys, he said.

Belshe also highlighted that Sun is not an employee of BiT Global. The company, he said, is structured as a public holding company in Hong Kong with a fiduciary duty to secure customer assets. Under local laws, no individual can own more than 20% of the company.

MakerDAO’s decision, which becomes available for execution after 13:24 UTC on Aug. 15, aims for the organization to stop tapping its wBTC vaults for liquidity. This would prevent further borrowing from these vaults, but existing positions would not be liquidated.

Data from Dune shows that wBTC remains stable and there has been no discernable change in the volume of burns, or redemptions of wBTC for bitcoin as users look for alternatives. On Wednesday, crypto exchange Coinbase (COIN) indicated it might be preparing its own wrapped version of BTC, to be called cbBTC.

New (VN) UNODC campaign set to raise awareness of online child sexual exploitation

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Bangkok (Thái Lan), – Một sáng kiến mới nhằm nâng cao nhận thức về cách đối phó và ngăn chặn việc khai thác và lạm dụng tình dục trẻ em trực tuyến đã được Cơ quan Phòng chống Ma túy và Tội phạm của Liên Hợp Quốc (UNODC) phát động hôm nay. Chiến dịch mang tên Beware the Share (Cẩn Thận Khi Chia Sẻ), nhắm đến trẻ em, cha mẹ, người giám hộ và các cơ quan chính phủ ở Đông Nam Á.

Ước tính cho thấy cứ ba người sử dụng Internet trên thế giới thì có một người là trẻ em. Theo một đánh giá có hệ thống, ở Đông Nam Á, thời gian xem màn hình trung bình của trẻ em trong độ tuổi đi học – từ 6 đến 14 tuổi – là khoảng 2,77 giờ mỗi ngày, vượt quá mức khuyến nghị là hai giờ mỗi ngày1. Chỉ riêng ở Malaysia, hơn 90% số người trong độ tuổi từ 13 đến 17 có tài khoản mạng xã hội.2

Joshua James, Điều phối viên Chống tội phạm mạng Khu vực của UNODC, cho biết: “Việc số hóa quy mô lớn diễn ra sau đại dịch COVID-19 và khả năng truy cập Internet nhiều hơn và dễ dàng hơn đã  khiến việc sử dụng Internet ở trẻ em tăng lên. Nhưng sự gia tăng này đã bộc lộ những xu hướng đáng lo ngại ở Đông Nam Á.”

Từ năm 2019 đến năm 2022, Malaysia đã báo cáo 850,000 vụ lạm dụng, trong đó riêng năm 2022 có gần 200,000 vụ. Lào ghi nhận 25,000 báo cáo trong cùng năm. Việt Nam ghi nhận gần 3 triệu báo cáo trong suốt thời kỳ 2019 đến 2022, với khoảng 950,000 báo cáo trong năm 2022. Trong khi đó, Thái Lan báo cáo gần 2 triệu vụ trong giai đoạn này và 525,000 vụ trong năm 2022.3 

Khi truy cập trang web chiến dịch, người dùng từ khắp Đông Nam Á có thể chơi các câu đố và xem các câu chuyện theo phong cách trò chơi điện tử.

Từ năm 2019 đến năm 2022, gần tám triệu vụ đã được báo cáo ở Philippines – hai triệu rưỡi trong số này được báo cáo chỉ riêng trong năm 2022. Nhưng đây chỉ là phần nổi của tảng băng chìm. Những con số này chỉ dựa trên các báo cáo được đăng ký thông qua CyberTipline, một nền tảng có trụ sở tại Hoa Kỳ, nơi việc khai thác tình dục trẻ em có thể được báo cáo từ khắp nơi trên thế giới. Hàng triệu người khác hiện đang bị lạm dụng tình dục và tống tiền trực tuyến, dù là trẻ em hay người lớn, khi mà những phim ảnh của họ vẫn bị sử dụng nhiều năm sau khi họ bị khai thác trong thời thơ ấu.

“Những số liệu thống kê đáng sợ này nêu bật sự bùng phát mạnh các vụ khai thác tình dục trẻ em trực tuyến, một sự bùng phát đòi hỏi các biện pháp nhanh chóng và quyết đoán để bảo vệ trẻ em trong không gian kỹ thuật số”, James nói thêm.

Khai thác và lạm dụng tình dục trẻ em trực tuyến rất có tác hại đối với trẻ em, những người thường không biết ứng xử trên mạng như thế nào để bảo vệ mình khỏi bị lạm dụng. Thông qua chiến dịch Beware the Share mới, UNODC muốn nâng cao nhận thức của trẻ em và cha mẹ về hậu quả ngắn hạn và dài hạn của việc tham gia vào các hành vi trực tuyến rủi ro và đôi khi nguy hiểm, có thể dẫn đến những hậu quả tiêu cực về mặt tinh thần, pháp lý và xã hội cho chính họ và người khác.

Thông điệp cốt lõi của chiến dịch? Trẻ em: hãy suy nghĩ trước khi bấm vào nút ‘chia sẻ’ đó.

Chiến dịch có mục đích thông báo cho những người có khả năng bị ảnh hưởng rằng:

  • Việc sản xuất, chia sẻ và phân phối nội dung khiêu dâm của trẻ vị thành niên, bao gồm cả nội dung tự sản xuất, là một tội ác ở Đông Nam Á và gây hậu quả nghiêm trọng cho những người liên quan.
  • Những kẻ săn mồi và “kẻ chăn dắt” có thể lợi dụng và thao túng trẻ em để chia sẻ nội dung khiêu dâm, moi thêm hình ảnh và thậm chí đòi trả tiền nếu các em không tuân theo.
  • Có một hệ thống báo cáo cho chính quyền đã được thiết lập. Có sẵn các giải pháp dành cho những người đang gặp phải một số hình thức lạm dụng trực tuyến. Có cách để các em thoát khỏi tình trạng khó khăn của mình; có sẵn sự hỗ trợ về mặt tinh thần và thực tế mà các em cần.

Chiến dịch tập trung vào trang chính (www.unodc.org/bewaretheshare), nơi người dùng từ khắp Đông Nam Á có thể chơi các trò chơi và câu đố về chủ đề này, và xem các video bằng ngôn ngữ địa phương của mình. Các video có các nhân vật và cách truyền đạt theo phong cách trò chơi điện tử để làm cho câu chuyện trở nên dễ hiểu và hấp dẫn đối với khán giả nhỏ tuổi. Trang web này cũng chứa các thông tin liên lạc trực tiếp mà nạn nhân có thể liên hệ một cách kín đáo nếu họ tin rằng họ, hoặc ai đó họ biết, đang bị lạm dụng trực tuyến.

Với kinh phí từ Chính phủ Canada và Hà Lan, chiến dịch sẽ diễn ra trên 5 quốc gia trong khu vực là: Lào, Malaysia, Philippines, Thái Lan, và Việt Nam, và sẽ được khuếch đại thông qua những người có ảnh hưởng.

Hãy xem chiến dịch tại đây và sử dụng hashtag #bewaretheshare khi đề cập đến nó.www.unodc.org/bewaretheshare

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1 https://ghrp.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41256-023-00297-z

2https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/media/1506/file/Accessible_version_-_Our_Lives_Online_Executive_Summary.pdf

3https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/2019%20CyberTipline%20Reports%20by%20Country.pdf

https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/2020-reports-by-country.pdf

https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/2021-reports-by-country.pdf

https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/2022-reports-by-country.pdf

Contact:

Joshua James, UNODC Regional Counter-Cybercrime Coordinator

Technology and Regulation Becoming More Prominent in Gambling Industry

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The gaming industry has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the last decade, driven largely by the advent and incorporation of digital and blockchain technologies. This evolution has particularly impacted how online gambling platforms operate, opening new avenues for users around the globe, including regions with strict gambling regulations like Vietnam. 

The introduction of blockchain technology, in particular, has brought about a more secure and transparent framework for online transactions, making it easier for users to trust the operations of online casinos. This trust is crucial in countries where gambling is tightly regulated by the government because it ensures that the transactions are not only safe but also private.

In Vietnam, the landscape of online gambling presents a complex scenario. While officially, engaging in online gambling activities is illegal under Vietnamese law, this hasn’t fully stopped the public from participating. Casino expert Loc Nguyen points out that many Vietnamese citizens continue to access offshore online casinos that welcome players from anywhere. 

For players who want to play online casino on Casino Truc Tuyen Online, these specialized platforms operate beyond the reach of Vietnamese jurisdiction. Acting as a gray area, they enable locals to legally engage in online gambling activities despite Vietnamese law, which technically allows citizens to participate in online gambling. 

Loc Nguyen advises that while accessing these platforms, players should ensure they only engage with sites that have been thoroughly reviewed and vetted by gambling experts to ensure fairness and protect against scams. 

The allure of online casinos lies in their convenience and the breadth of games they offer, from classic table games like poker and blackjack to a vast array of slots and live dealer games. This accessibility has made online gambling a popular pastime for many around the world. In addition to entertainment, these platforms often offer sophisticated security measures that ensure the safety of player data and financial transactions, which is crucial for players everywhere, including those in Vietnam.

These technological advancements not only protect players but also streamline the gaming process, making online gambling a highly efficient and enjoyable experience. The integration of advanced data encryption and fraud prevention systems further ensures that players can engage in gaming activities with minimal risk.

Moreover, the integration of cryptocurrencies in online gambling has revolutionized the industry, offering anonymity and reduced transaction fees. This is particularly appealing in countries with stringent regulations since cryptocurrencies allow players to bypass traditional banking channels that might be monitored or restricted by local governments.

The use of blockchain technology also enhances the transparency and fairness of games, which has been a longstanding issue in online gambling. Cryptocurrencies facilitate a level of autonomy and control for users, which is particularly appealing in regions where financial freedoms might be restricted. This digital approach not only empowers players but also paves the way for a more inclusive global gaming environment.

Despite these advantages, the legal ambiguity surrounding online gambling in Vietnam poses significant risks. Players might face legal repercussions, and there’s always the risk of encountering fraudulent sites. This is why expert advice is invaluable. He emphasizes the importance of choosing platforms that not only accept players from restrictive jurisdictions but also adhere to international standards of fairness and security.

The growing popularity of online gambling also underscores the need for more comprehensive regulations that address both the opportunities and challenges presented by this industry. Clear guidelines and robust monitoring could help mitigate the risks while maximizing the potential benefits of online gambling.

The global perspective on online gambling is varied, with some countries embracing it with regulated frameworks and others completely outlawing it. This has led to a complex international patchwork where players often navigate through a murky legal landscape to access gambling services. The existence of offshore casinos offers a workaround to these restrictions, providing a gateway to unrestricted gambling entertainment.

This global diversity in regulation also reflects differing cultural attitudes towards gambling, which can range from seeing it as a harmless diversion to viewing it as a morally questionable activity. As such, the international gambling scene provides a fascinating study in how global norms and values influence economic and technological practices.

However, the convenience of offshore casinos comes with the need for increased responsibility among players. The lack of direct regulatory oversight means that players must be more vigilant about the integrity and reliability of the platforms they choose to use. It is recommended that players look for online reviews, regulatory licenses, and any third-party certifications that attest to a casino’s fairness and security measures. By taking these steps, players can safeguard themselves against potential scams and ensure that they enjoy a fair gaming experience. This proactive approach to online gambling fosters a safer gambling environment and promotes a more responsible gaming culture.

In terms of technological impact, online gambling platforms are at the forefront of adopting innovative tech to enhance user experience. Features like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are starting to permeate the online gambling scene, creating more immersive and realistic experiences that attract a broader audience.

These technologies not only revolutionize how games are played but also how they are perceived by players, potentially attracting a demographic that values immersive and interactive experiences. The integration of VR and AR into online gambling could redefine the boundaries of gaming, blurring the lines between virtual and real-world gambling experiences.

Additionally, AI and machine learning are being employed to personalize gaming experiences and improve customer service, from personalized game recommendations to automated customer interactions. This not only enhances the user experience but also aids in identifying and optimizing the gaming environment.

AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real time allows for a responsive and adaptive gaming environment, where players’ needs and preferences are continuously catered to. This level of personalization is becoming a key differentiator in the competitive online gambling market.

The integration of AI extends further into the realm of security, where predictive algorithms are used to detect and prevent fraud, ensuring a safer gaming experience for all users. These systems can identify unusual patterns of behavior that may indicate fraudulent activity, triggering alerts and interventions as needed. By proactively addressing these issues, online platforms can maintain a high level of trust with their user base, which is crucial for retaining players in a highly competitive market.

Furthermore, AI and machine learning facilitate the creation of more dynamic and interactive games. Developers are now able to craft games that adapt to the skill level and playing style of individual users, enhancing engagement and satisfaction. This adaptive gaming technology not only keeps games challenging and fun but also more fair, as it can adjust to provide a balanced experience for all players, regardless of their skill level.

The interaction between technology, law, and social norms is continually reshaping the landscape of online activities, including gambling. As digital innovations become seamlessly integrated into daily life, the convenience and enhanced experience they offer could prompt more countries to reevaluate their stance on gambling regulations. For nations like Vietnam, this could pave the way for the establishment of a regulated online gambling environment. Such a progression would not only be in line with global trends but also provide a structured framework to manage the sector effectively.

Advancing this idea further, if Vietnam were to create a regulated online gambling sector, it would involve adopting cutting-edge technological solutions and legal frameworks aligned with international standards. This would ensure that the online gambling environment is both secure and capable of offering diverse gaming experiences. A well-regulated system could boost economic growth by attracting international players and investors, fostering a new market that leverages technology for growth while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

In conclusion, while the digital age has brought unprecedented access to online gambling through platforms like offshore casinos, it also necessitates a balanced approach to regulation and personal responsibility. As the landscape continues to evolve, the priority remains on ensuring safety and fairness for all players, fostering a secure environment where gambling can be enjoyed as a fun and safe activity. The future of online gambling looks promising, with technological advancements paving the way for more secure, engaging, and responsible gambling opportunities.

Vietjet Adds 25,000 Seats for National Day on September 2nd

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During the National Day holiday (spanning four days from August 31 to September 3), Vietjet is set to add 25,000 seats, equivalent to 120 flights, to meet the travel demands of both locals and tourists.

Vietjet has opened ticket sales for additional flights on various domestic routes to and from major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Hue. Passengers can book their tickets early on the airline’s website, vietjetair.com, or via the Vietjet Air mobile app, making it easy to select affordable travel options for a holiday with family and friends.

Vietjet opens additional ticket sales for many domestic routes on the occasion of September 2.

Vietjet currently offers promotional tickets starting from 0 VND (terms and conditions apply) during the daily “golden hours” from 12:00 to 14:00. Additionally, the airline is offering complimentary checked baggage for Eco passengers and a 30% discount on tickets for Business and SkyBoss class passengers (terms and conditions apply) on all domestic and international routes to Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and more.

Passengers flying with Vietjet during National Day enjoy many attractive incentives.

Having recently welcomed its 200 millionth passenger, Vietjet plans to introduce 10 new aircraft from August through the end of this year. The majority of these additions will be the modern A321neo ACF aircraft, aimed at meeting the growing demand for air travel and serving customers on both domestic and international routes.

Vietjet continues to add aircraft in the coming time.

During the peak National Day holiday, airports are expected to see a significant increase in passenger traffic. Vietjet is focusing its resources on operations and adding staff at airports to assist travelers with check-in procedures, ensuring a smooth and eco-friendly flying experience. Furthermore, Vietjet has implemented an automatic flight information notification service via the popular messaging apps Zalo and WhatsApp for its customers.

@Znews
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