World announced a significant upgrade to its World ID protocol on April 18, expanding its reach to approximately 18 million users verified by Orb across more than 160 countries. According to BlockBeats, this update is considered the most important iteration to date, introducing several practical applications. The upgrade integrates with Tinder to provide 'real person certification' for enhancing authenticity in dating, incorporates a deepfake verification feature with Zoom to confirm call participants as real humans, and launches the Concert Kit ticketing tool for identity verification and anti-scalping measures. Additionally, World has released a standalone World ID app (beta version) as a cross-platform identity authentication tool and has open-sourced its SDK, allowing third-party applications to build their own authentication systems. On the technical front, the upgrade introduces multi-key management, key rotation, account recovery, and session management mechanisms. It also proposes the concept of 'Human Continuity,' emphasizing continuous verification of the same real individual across multiple interactions, rather than just verifying devices or accounts. In terms of ecosystem development, Reddit is exploring the use of World ID for identifying automated accounts, while Razer and Mythical Games have already adopted the standard in gaming scenarios. Regarding the business model, World ID will charge fees to applications based on active users, while the user side remains free. Fees can be settled through on-chain wallets or third-party services, with support for automatic protocol-level distribution.

Figure has responded to claims made by Morpheus Research, which suggested that Figure-related entities control over 65% of the HASH token on the Provenance Blockchain and that the company exaggerates its blockchain usage. According to NS3.AI, Figure clarified that funded loans, ownership transfers, and pledges are indeed recorded and executed on-chain. The company highlighted a 0.80% weighted-average delinquency rate across approximately $4.6 billion in securitized assets. Additionally, Figure reported executing over $1.15 billion in whole loan sales on its marketplace in March 2026.

Goldman Sachs has submitted an application for a Bitcoin income ETF, marking a significant move in the digital asset space. According to NS3.AI, this development comes as Morgan Stanley's recently launched Bitcoin ETF achieved a milestone, reaching $100 million in its first week. Additionally, Charles Schwab has announced that its clients can now trade Bitcoin and Ether within their accounts. These actions highlight the growing interest and involvement of major Wall Street firms in expanding access to digital assets.

صرح الرئيس الأمريكي ترامب بأن من المتوقع عقد محادثات أمريكية إيرانية خلال عطلة نهاية الأسبوع، مضيفًا أن الجانبين "قد يتوصلان إلى اتفاق في غضون يوم أو يومين". وفي مقابلة هاتفية، أعرب ترامب عن تفاؤله بشأن سير المفاوضات، قائلاً إن إيران "ترغب في الاجتماع والتوصل إلى اتفاق". كما أكد أن الحصار البحري المفروض على إيران لن يُرفع إلا بعد التوصل إلى اتفاق رسمي، لكنه أعرب عن أمله في فتح مضيق هرمز أمام جميع الدول. ومن المعلوم أنه على الرغم من إحراز تقدم ملحوظ في المفاوضات، لا تزال هناك خلافات حول قضايا رئيسية، بما في ذلك فترة تعليق برنامج إيران النووي وإدارة مخزونها من اليورانيوم المخصب. ويتضمن الاتفاق أيضًا إمكانية قيام الولايات المتحدة بالإفراج عن أصول إيرانية مجمدة بقيمة 20 مليار دولار تقريبًا مقابل تخلي إيران عن احتياطياتها من اليورانيوم عالي التخصيب. علاوة على ذلك، صرح ترامب بأن الاتفاق "سيجعل إسرائيل أكثر أمانًا" وطالب إسرائيل بوقف ضرباتها العسكرية على لبنان. ولم ترد إيران بعد على هذه التصريحات. (سي سي تي في نيوز)

Alcoa is reportedly in advanced discussions to sell a former smelter site located in upper New York state to the bitcoin mining company NYDIG. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting Alcoa's strategy to divest its dormant assets as part of its broader business plan. The potential sale underscores the growing interest in repurposing industrial sites for cryptocurrency mining operations. This move aligns with Alcoa's efforts to streamline its operations and focus on its core business areas. Details of the transaction, including the financial terms, have not been disclosed.

Representative Sheri Biggs has disclosed a substantial investment in Bitcoin, with exposure of up to $250,000 through the iShares Bitcoin Trust. According to NS3.AI, the House Periodic Transaction Report indicates that the transaction, valued between $100,001 and $250,000, was executed on March 4, 2026. This report was filed in mid-April, adhering to the STOCK Act deadlines. Biggs joins Senator David McCormick and Representative Brandon Gill as lawmakers who have reported significant Bitcoin ETF purchases over the past year.

أصدر الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة، أنطونيو غوتيريش، عبر المتحدث باسمه، بياناً رحب فيه بإعلان إيران فتح مضيق هرمز بالكامل أمام السفن التجارية خلال فترة وقف إطلاق النار، ودعا جميع الأطراف إلى استعادة واحترام حقوق وحريات الملاحة الدولية في المضيق بشكل كامل. وأوضح البيان أن غوتيريش رحب بإعلان إيران في ذلك اليوم عن فتح مضيق هرمز بالكامل أمام جميع السفن التجارية طوال الفترة المتبقية من وقف إطلاق النار، معتبراً هذه الخطوة "خطوة في الاتجاه الصحيح". وأكد غوتيريش مجدداً أن الأمم المتحدة ستواصل دعمها الكامل لإيجاد حل سلمي للنزاع الحالي في الشرق الأوسط عبر القنوات الدبلوماسية. وأعرب عن أمله في أن تسهم هذه الخطوة، استناداً إلى اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار، في تعزيز الثقة المتبادلة بين جميع الأطراف ودعم التقدم في عملية الحوار التي تتوسط فيها باكستان. (سي سي تي في نيوز)

The head of HSBC's newly established banking division for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey has departed, according to sources familiar with the situation. Bloomberg posted on X that this departure is part of a series of recent exits at the bank. The reasons behind these departures have not been disclosed, and HSBC has yet to comment on the situation. The bank's Middle East division has been undergoing significant changes as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the region. The departure of key personnel could impact the bank's strategic plans and operations in these markets.

A European-led coalition has proposed military assistance to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Bloomberg posted on X that this offer comes shortly after Iran announced its intention to open the vital waterway. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned NATO members to maintain their distance from the situation.

A significant transfer of 290 million USDT was made from an unidentified wallet to Aave, valued at approximately $290 million. According to NS3.AI, this transaction has captured the attention of market participants, sparking discussions about potential impacts on liquidity and market dynamics. The movement of such a substantial amount of USDT into Aave could influence lending rates and borrowing activities within the platform, as well as broader market sentiment. Observers are closely monitoring the situation to assess any further developments or shifts in investor behavior.

ارتبطت شركة Huione Guarantee، وهي منصة مقرها كمبوديا، بأكثر من 24 مليار دولار من المعاملات الاحتيالية وتورطت في غسيل الأموال والاحتيال والجرائم الإلكترونية. لقد سهلت عمليات مثل عمليات الاحتيال "بذبح الخنازير" وتعمل كمركز للأنشطة غير المشروعة، بما في ذلك مراكز الاحتيال والبيانات المسروقة.