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Spending the Day with British Tech Enthusiasts and Nigel Farage: One of the Rare Politicians Embracing Cryptocurrencies

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A gray morning greets Shadwell in east London. Yet, within the historical confines of Tobacco Dock, the gloom is transformed into vibrant neon lights, sleek vehicles, and buzzing conversations about cryptocurrency.

Over two days, advocates of Web3, the envisioned future of the Internet, gathered at the venue of its former exchanges. For many attendees, the highlight is a singular figure: Nigel Farage.

“I don’t care if you like me or not, I’m a champion of this space,” declared the Reform UK leader to an audience predominantly composed of male crypto enthusiasts at the Zebu Live conference.

“Either I’m here to bolster your community, or your community is here to bolster me. Regardless, this partnership benefits us both.”

Farage is aiming to forge a business relationship, emulating Donald Trump’s strategy, with hopes it will evolve into a financial backing for his forthcoming campaign. This year, the Reform Party became the inaugural major UK political party to accept contributions via Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Attendees noted Farage’s active presence on the circuit, having recently visited a digital asset summit just a mile away in Old Billingsgate.


Zebu Live conference at Tobacco Dock. Photo: George on the boat

“I aim to bring digital assets and cryptocurrencies from chilly London,” he stated at the Zev event.

“I recognized this after my bank account was depleted. [Cryptocurrency] represents ultimate freedom. It’s about managing your finances independently, making your own choices, and escaping authoritarian governments. Cryptocurrency embodies the ultimate 21st-century freedom, a lesson I’ve learned throughout my life.”

This sentiment resonates with the liberal leanings of crypto aficionados, who prize the anonymity and self-determination offered by digital currencies.


Conference panel speaker. Photo: George on the boat

Many attendees became increasingly anti-establishment after Farage’s conflict with NatWest, following the bank’s closure of his accounts. They showed their support for the reformist leader by tweeting selfies during his presentations.

Farage’s hustler-like personality aligns with the cryptocurrency world. He asserts he would have been a crypto trader in the 1980s and expresses a keen interest in dabbling.

His narrative resonates with numerous young entrepreneurs present, who advocate for an internet that ensures anonymity, infiltrating every facet of life while allowing for rapid wealth accumulation.

The flashier, the better appears to be the mantra. At the conference entrance, a black Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible showcases CryptoAutos, a platform enabling purchases or rentals of cars using cryptocurrencies.


The conference featured advanced technology, swag, and gadgets. In a designated area, Sam Altman’s startup WorldCoin showcased a silver sphere inviting participants to scan their eyes as part of a project utilizing biometrics to differentiate between humans and AI entities.

It began rather quietly. The HMRC and the Secret Ledger panel on managing crypto taxation attracted fewer than 40 participants in a space that comfortably accommodated 200. The energy only escalated in the afternoon as Farage’s keynote approached.

“I don’t particularly like him,” mentioned one attendee. “But if he can ease complexities for people in this sector, they will be willing to listen, even if they don’t align with his political viewpoints.”


Zebu Live conference at Tobacco Dock. Photo: George on the boat

Farage stands out as the only prominent British political figure to clearly express his stance on cryptocurrencies. In a move likely to win over many audience members in east London, he proposed legislation to cut capital gains tax on crypto assets from 24% to 10%.

Keir Starmer’s administration aims for the UK to lead in securities tokenization, but the Prime Minister has remained largely silent on the matter. Similarly, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has not voiced strong opinions. For Farage, this relatively small yet well-resourced group of crypto enthusiasts presents a significant opportunity.

However, some have expressed concerns about his approach to engaging with the sector. Simon Jones, an investor in open finance startup Burnx, walked out after news of Farage’s participation, labeling the event a “political extravaganza.”

“I believe he shouldn’t have been invited,” Jones commented. “He operates solely on a campaign platform, despite it being an industry event lacking proper oversight.”

“He’s emulating Donald Trump’s tactics here, and Trump has mastered this area, accruing substantial funds.”

The U.S. president has amassed millions in political donations from cryptocurrency billionaires and other tech giants, witnessing a rise in the value of his family’s crypto ventures, thereby enhancing the Trumps’ wealth.


In the UK, however, crypto donations face intense scrutiny due to fears they could disguise the origins of party funding and pave the way for hostile foreign influence.

Liam Byrne, the Labour MP for Birmingham and Hodge Hill, as well as chair of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, contends that crypto donations pose a significant risk to corrupt British politics.

Meanwhile, researchers at the Center for Financial Security (CFS) and the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) have begun examining the potential threats these donations may pose to democracy, security, and transparency.

As the crowd headed to the afterparty across the road, many seemed unconcerned that they could hold the key to Farage’s political ascent.

“Nigel Farage is one of the rare politicians supportive of cryptocurrencies,” remarked a conference attendee. “He’s shrewd to be here. If the crypto community rallies behind him, he stands to gain significantly.”

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Celebrating Queer Black Joy: TikTok Creators Quiz Pop Stars and Politicians on LGBTQ+ Culture

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ANania Williams is Genress, known to some for their comedic TikTok videos and to others as the host of Gader, a viral show focusing on queer culture, history, and current events. Their interview with New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani gained significant attention, and Williams has also made an impact through performance art, including open icons like Chapel Lawn and Bob the Drug Queen, and various roles in musical theatre such as Laura in Kinky Boots and Dominique in Lucky Stiff.

For years, Williams has crafted a creative universe all their own. At just 25, this gender non-conforming Black artist employs their/her pronouns and has cultivated a strong social media presence with over 2.8 million followers. They are carving a niche for themselves outside the traditional binary. In their upcoming project, Williams will star in the new musical Saturday Church at the New York Theatre Workshop, debuting on August 27th. The production explores the sanctuary for LGBTQ+ youth. “It’s a musical that captures a unique atmosphere,” Williams remarked. “It embodies a strange, black joy and conveys a beautiful message.”

Williams embraces another role in their burgeoning theatre career as a trans woman. “The more I embraced my transition, the more positive I felt,” they shared. “It was empowering to inhabit spaces where I could truly be myself.” Their talent and charisma make their ascent seem almost predestined. As they juggle various projects, navigating their extensive future and the complexities of being an online presence remains an ongoing challenge.

Growing Up

Growing up in Davenport, Iowa, a town of about 100,000 in the industrial Midwest, posed its own challenges for Williams. They faced bullying at school for “having a girl’s name,” and their family life was marked by turbulence, including abuse and neglect. However, life in the Midwest also planted the seeds for their artistic aspirations. As a child, they sang in the church choir and later joined the show choir, inspired by their sister.

Williams pursued a Musical Theatre Program at Emerson College in Boston. This period became pivotal, allowing them to reflect on their identity and desires. Still, the world of musical theatre presented its own binaries and constraints. As someone who identifies outside traditional gender norms and as a Black individual, Williams felt restricted. “I thought, ‘It feels forbidden to exist beyond the gender binary,’ and simultaneously to be Black,” Williams recalled.


Even as Williams sought to carve their path, they encountered resistance from professors. “They kept questioning why I gravitated toward ‘girl’s songs.’ I tried to explain, but it fell flat,” Williams shared.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Williams returned to their hometown and, like many, awaited a return to normalcy. The quarantine period prompted significant reflection and helped them fully acknowledge their gender identity. “I had to confront some truths, like, ‘Yes, I’m different. Yes, I might be gender non-conforming.’ It spiraled from there,” they recounted.

Around the same time, they began creating content on TikTok, quickly gaining recognition for their humorous rants during late-night walks. Much of their content served as spontaneous commentary on topics including religion and personal relationships. In 2022, they began discussing their gender identity more openly, sharing videos about their makeup and drag routines.

Reflecting on that time evokes mixed emotions for Williams. On one hand, they cherish the growth they experienced alongside a loyal audience. “My audience has been with me through my evolution,” they expressed. “They watched me put on makeup for the first time or try on my first wig. Those supporters motivate me to continue, even as I sometimes wish to revert to the earlier version of myself.”

The Rise of Gader

The nature of their content has continually evolved. In 2024, Williams became the host of Gader, a show created by Amelia Montooth on the company’s mutual media platform. The show quizzes various guests on queer culture to determine if they exhibit “straight, homophobic” tendencies, with questions about “lipstick lesbians” that assess guest knowledge of gay icons. In many instances, Williams learns alongside participants in real time. “I didn’t even know who Sue Bird was, and I was being schooled by the lesbians on the street.”

The show creates a comedic environment intended to educate audiences. “We weave fascinating histories and cultures into accessible questions and snippets, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere for learning,” Williams explained. “We provide facts and context, urging viewers to care about these narratives.”

Initially, early versions of the show featured Williams interacting with strangers on the street, but it has since hosted many public figures and celebrities, including Vivienne Jenna Wilson, the daughter of singer Lucy Dux, Rene Rapp, and billionaire Elon Musk. A highlight was having progressive NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani as one of their guests, who generated buzz as one of the first politicians to appear on the show. Mamdani surprised attendees by succeeding in a challenge at a popular lesbian bar in Manhattan.

“He was so open and engaging throughout,” Williams noted. “We educated the younger audience about who he is, and he spoke about his vision,” they added. “It feels rewarding to contribute to the contemporary discourse in this way, knowing we’re making an impact.”

Williams’ journey hasn’t been without challenges, facing harsh criticism as they have become more vocal about their transition. “People are trying to categorize aspects like fashion, makeup, and hair, as if I must adhere to certain stereotypes,” Williams said, referring to online trolls. “While I hope society is becoming more accustomed to the presence of trans individuals, I feel there’s still a narrow, stereotypical vision of what trans identities should look like.”

Yet, Williams has managed to maintain genuine connections, alongside the trials of their journey. They are supported by family and childhood friends, a partner, and acquaintances from TikTok. Outside content creation, they indulge in hobbies like baking and gaming, steering clear of the pressures to monetize their life. “I was working on a birthday cake for a friend later that night,” Williams laughed. “I can recall the color but not the flavor—either red velvet or strawberry!”

Source: www.theguardian.com

British Security Service alerts about Chinese hackers targeting UK Electoral Commission and politicians

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Security officials have determined that Chinese state-backed hackers orchestrated two “malicious” digital campaigns targeting democratic institutions and politicians in the UK.

The UK holds China accountable for a cyberattack on its electoral commission, where the Chinese government allegedly accessed personal information of approximately 40 million voters.

The National Cyber Security Center, part of GCHQ, revealed that four British MPs critical of the Chinese government were targeted in a separate attack but were able to identify and prevent any compromise before it occurred.

The UK has imposed sanctions on two individuals and a front company associated with the Chinese state-backed cyber group APT31, believed to be behind the hack. “Beijing’s attempts to interfere in Britain’s democracy and politics have not succeeded,” noted Oliver Dowden.

Dowden emphasized that protecting democratic institutions is a top priority for the UK government and vowed to continue calling out and holding the Chinese government accountable for such activities.

The Foreign Office will summon the Chinese ambassador to answer for these actions, with Dowden stating that strong action will be taken if UK interests are threatened.

Since the cyberattacks in 2021 and 2022, the UK has bolstered its cyber defenses, established a Democracy Defense Task Force, and enacted the National Security Act of 2023 to empower security agencies to thwart hostile activities.

Members of Congress targeted by the cyberattacks are expected to be named by the government as victims of a Chinese state-sponsored cyber attack.

Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith called for a new approach to the UK’s relationship with China, recognizing the modern Chinese Communist Party for what it is.

China denied the accusations, stating that the cyberattack claims are fabricated and defamatory, and that they do not condone cyberattacks.

Prime Minister David Cameron addressed the cyberattacks directly with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, condemning the targeting of UK democratic institutions.

The UK remains vigilant in protecting its values and democracy from threats, and emphasizes the importance of awareness of such threats for all countries.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Andreessen Horowitz is willing to provide funding to politicians in support of technology deregulation.

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Venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz has announced its intention to begin lobbying the U.S. government, but their plan is as tone-deaf and insensitive as this summer’s dreaded “Techno-Optimist Manifesto.” Essentially, they would give anyone — literally anyone — Someone who “supports an optimistic technology-enabled future.”

These are called single-issue voters, and co-founder Ben Horowitz (who wrote the blog post) believes that publicizing themselves that way lends a childlike innocence to lobbying. It seems like it is, but it is quite the opposite.

The fact is that they are rich ideologues who have expressed a willingness to pay politicians who promote their agenda, regardless of what that politician’s other opinions may be. It’s really easy!

Fundamental to their approach is that technology is more important than people. They claim to be pro-human in the sense that they are pro-technology, e.g., writing, “Artificial intelligence has the potential to lift all humanity to an unprecedented quality of life.” right.

Therefore, being more AI-oriented means being more human-oriented.And actually, if you think about it, if you have AI. did it It justifies taking actions that lead to a 100-fold improvement in the human condition in the long term but have worse outcomes in the short term. For example, supporting politicians who oppose basic civil rights simply because they propose more liberal technology regulations.

For example, if a politician proposing a national abortion ban or a widespread ban on “Wake Agenda” books said he trusts AI companies to do what’s best for everyone, Andreessen and Would Horowitz support it? Now, according to A16Z’s statement of purpose here, abortion is not their business. They are “nonpartisan, one-issue voters.”

But that’s just bullshit, right?

To begin with, the idea that this one issue is bipartisan is at risk. Supporters of forced birth will likely describe themselves as independent, one-issue voters. After all, it’s not about politics, it’s about the right to life. It is irrelevant that a single political party has cynically linked this and other “traditional values” to all other policy proposals for decades.

No, no, you can’t just do that declare Nonpartisanship in blog posts. Technology regulation, like everything else, is a partisan issue. Net neutrality, Section 230, TikTok, social media disinformation, A16Z’s pet tech Debate about AI, cryptocurrencies, and biotech are all partisan. That’s just the nature of politics today.flat do not have Participating in lobbying is, in a sense, a partisan decision because it shows that you are not taking sides.

But that partisan language is just the usual pretense for this kind of announcement. Everyone claims it because it is a meaningless property and cannot be proven or disproved. The problem with A16Z’s philosophy here is that it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing: an overtly deregulatory and pro-capitalist agenda masked superficially in the language of empowerment.

You have to imagine some tobacco industry executive wrote a similar blog post in the 60’s. We are nonpartisan, single issue voters on a faulty regulatory system that unfairly prevents Americans from enjoying the great taste and health benefits of our natural tobacco products.

The same goes for plastics, food additives, leaded gas, and everything else. All they were interested in, and all Andreessen Horowitz was interested in, was removing onerous obstacles to increasing wealth from the boardroom.

If they actually cared at all about people and how politics and lobbying affect them, then perhaps “the people” would theoretically mean “exalted” in some imagined future. It would have been referred to as more than an abstract concept that could be ” or hurt.

It’s unrealistic to think that by donating to politicians who support a vision of deregulation, A16Z won’t also support other policies that people are actually voting for right now. voting rights, reproductive care, education, etc. This obvious conflict of interest is conveniently avoided. Are any positions or proposals so despicable that they will withdraw their support, or will they stand by their principles, if it can be described as such?

They cannot expect us to believe that their understanding of lobbying and politics is this simple. There are smart people in that company. We have to take at face value their statements that they really don’t care about anything other than growing the areas they’re investing in. But what they are proclaiming is not an idealistic pro-humanity position as they suggest, but cynical selfishness. Basically an anti-people attitude.

But A16Z doesn’t care. people — I’m curious about that. Human race.

And as we enter this golden age of technology and enter a dark age of social policy, humanity will no doubt be grateful, right? Women like Kate Cox may not have physical independencebut at least they will have blockchain.

Source: techcrunch.com