Holy Cow Post

HOLY COW POST

“ Ethereum's Evolution, Crypto Heists, Exchange Scandals, NFT Equity Shifts, and Disney's Digital Dilemma”

Ethereum's 2024 Roadmap Unveiled

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has outlined the Ethereum roadmap for 2024, highlighting the continued focus on six main components: the Merge, the Surge, the Scourge, the Verge, the Purge, and the Splurge. The roadmap shows only minor adjustments compared to 2023. Key developments include improvements in single-slot finality (SSF) in post-Merge proof-of-stake (PoS) design, aiming to address current weaknesses in the Ethereum PoS structure.

Gamma Protocol's Ether Drain Incident

On January 4, 2024, the Ethereum-based asset management protocol Gamma Strategies experienced a security incident, potentially losing about 211.9 Ether, equivalent to roughly $469,000. The exploit was first detected by blockchain investigator PeckShield. Gamma confirmed the incident and assured users of continued access to fund withdrawals. Amidst this, a fake verified social media account impersonated Gamma, directing users to a phishing site.

Ace Exchange Founder's Fraud Arrest

David Pan, the founder of Taiwanese crypto exchange Ace Exchange, was arrested on January 4, 2024, for alleged fraud involving cryptocurrencies. The Taipei City police apprehended Pan and 14 others, accusing them of making approximately 200 million Taiwanese dollars ($6.4 million) through deceptive crypto claims. The exchange clarified that its operations remain unaffected and plans to delist a trading pair linked to the alleged fraud.

NFT Companies Offer 'Free' Equity to Holders

In a groundbreaking move, two NFT projects announced plans to distribute company equity to NFT holders. The Plague NFT founder declared that holders would receive shares based on their unlisted NFTs. Similarly, Rektguy co-founder announced equity gifts to holders at a snapshot time. These innovative strategies, while raising legal questions, mark a significant shift in the relationship between NFT ownership and corporate equity.

Disney NFTs and Legal Boundaries

In the wake of "Steamboat Willie," featuring Mickey Mouse, entering the public domain, NFTs of this 1928 version of Mickey surged in popularity, with one collection achieving a trading volume of 521 Ether (worth about $1.2 million). Legal expert Oscar Franklin Tan clarified that while the specific 1928 depiction is public domain in the U.S., any use should not imply Disney affiliation. The full-color 1940 version of Mickey and Mickey as a brand remains under Disney's private copyright.