Mozilla, the company behind the popular Firefox web browser, has announced that it has acquired Fakespot, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to detect and flag fake reviews on e-commerce platforms. The deal, which was not disclosed, will allow Mozilla to integrate Fakespot’s technology into its browser, giving users a way to verify the authenticity and quality of online reviews.
Fakespot was founded in 2016 by Saoud Khalifah, who was frustrated by the prevalence of fake reviews on sites like Amazon, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. He developed an algorithm that analyzes reviews based on various factors, such as the reviewer’s profile, language, sentiment, and history, and assigns them a trustworthiness score. Fakespot claims that it can detect up to 90% of fake reviews on some platforms, and that it has analyzed over 10 billion reviews to date.
Mozilla said that it was impressed by Fakespot’s mission and vision, and that it shares its values of promoting transparency and trust on the internet. “We believe that Fakespot can help us empower our users to make informed decisions online and protect them from malicious actors who seek to manipulate their opinions and behavior,” said Mitchell Baker, CEO of Mozilla. “We are excited to welcome Fakespot to the Mozilla family, and to work together to create a more trustworthy web.”
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According to Mozilla, Fakespot will continue to operate as an independent entity within Mozilla and will retain its brand and team. The integration of Fakespot’s technology into Firefox will be done gradually, starting with a browser extension that will be available in the coming months. The extension will allow users to see Fakespot’s ratings and analysis of reviews on various e-commerce sites, as well as access other features such as price comparisons and coupons.
Fakespot’s founder and CEO Khalifah said that he was thrilled to join Mozilla, and that he believes that the acquisition will help Fakespot reach a wider audience and have a bigger impact. “Mozilla is a pioneer and a leader in the open web, and we share their vision of making the internet a better place for everyone,” he said. “We are confident that by joining forces with Mozilla, we can take Fakespot to the next level, and provide users with the tools they need to shop online with confidence.”
Visa launches global AI advisory practice to empower clients
Visa, the global leader in digital payments, has announced the launch of a new AI advisory practice to help its clients leverage the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning in their business. The practice, which is part of Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA), will provide end-to-end support for clients who want to implement AI solutions, from strategy and design to execution and optimization.
The AI advisory practice will focus on three key areas: customer experience, risk management and operational efficiency. By using AI, clients can enhance their customer interactions, improve their fraud detection and prevention capabilities, and optimize their processes and workflows. The practice will also help clients navigate the ethical and regulatory challenges of using AI, ensuring that their solutions are fair, transparent and accountable.
Visa’s AI advisory practice is led by a team of experts with deep domain knowledge and experience in AI, data science, payments and consulting. The team will leverage Visa’s global network of data, insights and best practices to deliver customized solutions for clients across different regions and industries. The practice will also collaborate with Visa’s innovation centers and studios, where clients can co-create and test new AI applications in a live environment.
“AI is transforming every aspect of the payments industry, from enhancing customer experiences to enabling new business models and driving operational excellence,” said Kevin Phalen, global head of Visa Business Solutions. “With our AI advisory practice, we aim to empower our clients with the tools and guidance they need to harness the potential of AI and accelerate their digital transformation journeys.”
Cardano and Polkadot partnership, Sen. Ted Cruz Accepts Bitcoin Donations to Fund Campaign
Cardano and Polkadot have announced a strategic partnership that will enable interoperability and cross-chain communication between their respective blockchains. This is a major milestone for the decentralized web, as it will allow users and developers to access the best features and services of both platforms.
Cardano is a proof-of-stake blockchain that aims to deliver scalability, security, and sustainability for a variety of applications, such as identity management, governance, and finance. Polkadot is a multi-chain network that connects different blockchains and allows them to exchange data and value. Together, they form a powerful ecosystem that can support the next generation of decentralized applications (DApps).
The partnership will leverage the strengths of both platforms and create new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. For example, Cardano users will be able to access Polkadot’s parachains, which are specialized blockchains that offer specific functionalities, such as decentralized exchanges, gaming, oracles, and more. Polkadot users will be able to benefit from Cardano’s smart contract platform, Plutus, which enables the creation of secure and scalable DApps using functional programming.
The partnership will also enhance the security and resilience of both networks, as they will be able to share validators and relay nodes. Moreover, the partnership will foster cross-chain governance and social coordination, as both communities will be able to participate in decision-making processes and collective actions.
The partnership is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2024, after both platforms complete their respective upgrades and integrations. The partnership will be facilitated by a bridge protocol that will enable the transfer of tokens and data between Cardano and Polkadot. The bridge protocol will be developed by a joint team of researchers and engineers from both projects, as well as external partners.
The announcement of the partnership has been met with enthusiasm and support from both communities, as well as from other stakeholders in the crypto space. The partnership is seen as a positive step towards achieving the vision of a decentralized web, where users have more choice, control, and freedom over their digital lives.
US Senator Ted Cruz starts accepting Bitcoin Donations
In a surprising move, US Senator Ted Cruz announced on Tuesday that he will start accepting campaign donations in Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency. Cruz, who is running for re-election in 2024, said that he wants to embrace innovation and give his supporters more options to contribute to his campaign.
Cruz is not the first politician to accept Bitcoin donations, but he is the most prominent one so far. In 2018, Andrew Yang, a former Democratic presidential candidate, became the first to do so. Since then, several other candidates and organizations have followed suit, including the Libertarian Party and the Chamber of Digital Commerce.
Cruz said that he decided to accept Bitcoin donations after seeing the growing interest and adoption of cryptocurrencies among Americans. He also said that he believes that Bitcoin represents freedom and decentralization, values that he shares and defends.
“I’m proud to be the first US Senator to accept Bitcoin donations for my campaign. Bitcoin is a revolutionary technology that empowers individuals and protects their privacy. It also fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, which are essential for America’s prosperity and leadership,” Cruz said in a press release.
Cruz’s campaign website now features a QR code and a link that allow donors to send Bitcoin directly to his campaign’s wallet. The website also provides instructions on how to obtain and use Bitcoin, as well as information on the legal and tax implications of donating in cryptocurrency.
Cruz’s announcement was met with mixed reactions from the public and the media. Some praised him for being forward-thinking and embracing new technologies, while others criticized him for being opportunistic and pandering to his base. Some also questioned the legality and transparency of accepting Bitcoin donations, which are harder to track and regulate than traditional donations.
Cruz said that he is confident that his campaign is complying with all the relevant laws and regulations regarding campaign finance. He also said that he is willing to disclose his campaign’s Bitcoin transactions and holdings if required by law or requested by the public.
“I have nothing to hide. I’m accepting Bitcoin donations because I believe in its potential and its benefits for America. I’m not doing it to evade any rules or hide any money. I’m doing it to give my supporters more freedom and choice in how they support me,” Cruz said.