Web3 Cybersecurity Firm Zyber 365 Raises $100M in Funding

Mars Program Sees Huobi Venture into SpaceHuobi, the Seychelles-headquartered global crypto exchange platform, has embarked on an extraordinary journey with the launch of Phase I of the Huobi Mars Program, making it the first cryptocurrency exchange to explore the vastness of space.Photo by Ju Guan on UnsplashIntergalactic interestsThe Huobi Mars Program, outlined by the company in a recent blog article, signifies Huobi’s interest in space exploration and an expansion beyond the confines of Earth. With aspirations to venture far into the universe, Huobi is inviting its users to join them on this unique and unprecedented journey, becoming pioneers in the Web3 field to enter space.The first phase of the Huobi Mars Program, scheduled from June 2023 to June 2024, consists of 12 rounds of themed activities. Each round requires participating users to complete specific tasks and mint space-themed non-fungible tokens (NFTs).Throughout each round, one lucky user will be selected as the monthly reward winner and stand a chance to become a potential candidate for space travel. In the subsequent phase, the 12 candidates will undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including assessments of physical fitness, training, preparation, and community contribution. Ultimately, one candidate will be chosen to embark on a space journey alongside Justin Sun, a member of the Huobi Advisory Board. The space flight is anticipated to take place after July 2024.Mars Program commencedThe first round of the Huobi Mars Program opened for participation from June 14 to July 5, 2023. To earn space NFT rewards, users must complete specific tasks in spot trading, peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, futures trading, and Huobi Earn transactions. Each completed task grants users the opportunity to mint a space NFT, with no upper limits.Space NFTs will be issued on the TRON Network and can be traded on various NFT platforms. Users need to link their TRON addresses on the event page to receive the minted NFTs. It is advised to mint the NFTs promptly as there will be a daily cap on NFT minting, and qualification does not carry over to subsequent rounds.The lucky user selected as the monthly reward winner and shortlisted as a candidate space passenger will have their space flight broadcasted worldwide via a live-stream. Huobi will conduct thorough verifications, including checking the winner’s TRON address, UID, and KYC verification, to ensure the authenticity of the winner. The winning space NFTs are non-transferable, and any attempt to transfer them will result in the forfeiture of the reward.Spot trading fee exemptionIn addition to the opportunity of becoming potential space passengers, the lucky users shortlisted during the first round of the Huobi Mars Program will enjoy the privilege of a 180-day exemption from spot trading fees on Huobi.Huobi isn’t the only crypto market participant with an interest in the intergalactic. It emerged last week that Charles Hoskinson, Founder of layer one blockchain Cardano, is funding The Galileo Project, an expedition to recover an interstellar object from the floor of the Pacific Ocean.Crypto memes boast of the likelihood of digital asset prices “going to the moon,” but Huobi’s Mars Program aligns with the pursuit of exploring the unknown and appears to amount to a noble intergalactic endeavor.

Taiwan Crypto Trader Strikes it Lucky in Tax Receipt LotteryA trader on Taiwan’s MaiCoin Max crypto exchange has struck it rich in an unexpected way, winning a grand prize of 10 million NTD (approximately $310,000) in the country’s monthly national tax receipt lottery.Photo by Nick Fewings on UnsplashFrom 6 cents to $300KWhat makes this story, which was reported by CoinDesk on Friday, even more surprising is that the trader had paid a mere 2 NTD (equivalent to $0.06) in fees on the exchange as they engaged in relatively small trades.The lucky individual, who chose to remain anonymous, didn’t earn this windfall through traditional trading profits or by accumulating tokens. Instead, their fortune came from Taiwan’s unique approach to tax compliance.For crypto exchanges like MaiCoin, every trade conducted on their platform technically counts as a taxable event. This means that active traders can amass numerous virtual “lottery tickets” each month through their trading activities and transaction fees.Uniform invoice lotteryTaiwan introduced its tax receipt lottery system, known as the uniform invoice lottery, back in the 1950s as an innovative method to encourage tax compliance among consumers. While tax authorities worldwide struggle to capture revenue from cryptocurrency holders, Taiwan’s approach allows them to indirectly benefit from the earnings generated on crypto exchanges.For every transaction made by an individual, whether that should occur on a crypto exchange or elsewhere, the individual is issued with a tax receipt. An electronic copy is also registered with Taiwan’s tax authority. Essentially, every receipt then becomes a lottery ticket as the tax authority then runs a draw on an ongoing basis where taxpayers can earn cash prizes.This particular win involving a Taiwanese crypto trader has drawn attention from the broader public. Paul Huang, a Research Fellow at the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation, took to X (formerly Twitter) on the subject, stating:”Who says retail users can’t profit from trading cryptos? Taiwan’s largest crypto exchange @MAX_exch announced some user made a tiny trade that paid $2 NTD ($0.06 USD) in fee on platform, the tax receipt ended up winning 10mil ($310k USD) in Taiwan govt’s invoice lottery!”The recent $310,000 jackpot represents the largest prize ever won by a crypto trader through this lottery. Nevertheless, Taiwan’s tax receipt lottery typically produces smaller windfalls, with the country collecting over $7 billion in sales tax revenue in 2021, and a significant proportion paid out in lottery winnings.Critics argue that this system may not be the most efficient way to boost tax compliance, but Taiwan maintains one of the world’s most effective tax regimes, consistently generating impressive revenue relative to its GDP. Additionally, stories of remarkable lottery jackpots serve as excellent public relations for the scheme.There’s little doubt that cryptocurrencies have brought about significant challenges for tax authorities worldwide. In this particular instance, Taiwan’s tax receipt lottery stands as a unique and intriguing approach to fostering compliance while occasionally making crypto traders unexpectedly wealthy.

Lotte Group Leaps into the NFT Market to Boost Customer EngagementThe Lotte Group, a prominent industrial conglomerate in South Korea, has embraced the realm of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in its efforts to boost customer engagement.Building the brand’s metaverseIn a collaborative endeavor, Lotte’s affiliates, Daehong Communications and Lotte Hotels and Resorts, have come together to introduce Magic Ride NFTs. These NFTs enable their owners to contribute to the development of LOLO:VERSE, Lotte’s metaverse where virtual meets reality. As community members, holders of Magic Ride NFTs will have the opportunity to engage in decision-making processes and contribute to the design of project roadmaps for LOLO:VERSE.Photo by Markus Winkler on PexelsCooperation with NFT marketplaceMagic Ride NFTs will be made available in three different types through Korea’s largest NFT trading platform, Pala, starting from June 30. Type A NFTs will feature tickets to Lotte World, the group’s renowned amusement park. Type B will offer 60,000 KRW ($46) worth of points for use at Lotte Duty Free. Type C will include an electronic voucher worth $50, redeemable at Lotte Hotels. The price of each of these NFTs is set at 50,000 KRW ($38) or an equivalent value in MATIC tokens.Daehong Communications, the advertising agency affiliate of the Lotte Group, has been actively establishing its presence in the Web3 landscape by fostering partnerships with various blockchain enterprises. The collaboration between Daehong and Pala on the Magic Ride NFTs marks the first joint project between the two entities. Pala’s launchpad offers a user-friendly experience, particularly catering to individuals who are new to purchasing and utilizing NFTs.