In this insight, we look at what blockchain identifiers are, their roles, users, and relevance to businesses, plus how they could work with the domain name system.

What Are Blockchain Identifiers? 

Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies, is the decentralised, secure, incorruptible ledger system that enables transparent and tamper-proof transactions. Its value is in providing enhanced security, efficiency, and trust in digital operations

Blockchain identifiers are the unique codes used within blockchain technology to securely identify and authenticate transactions, assets, or participants.

What Do They Look Like? 

Since blockchain identifiers are generated using cryptographic algorithms and each is designed to be unique, they look like long strings of code. For example:

Bitcoin addresses, which serve as blockchain identifiers for wallet locations look like ‘1BoatSLRHtKNngkdXEeobR76b53LETtpyT’.

Ethereum addresses which also act as blockchain identifiers, look like ‘0x323b5d4c32345ced77393b3530b1eed0f346429d’.

Who Uses Them? 

Blockchain identifiers are employed by a wide range of users, including cryptocurrency holders (as shown in the examples above), businesses leveraging blockchain for supply chain management, and developers creating decentralised applications (dApps). These identifiers are essential for anyone involved in the blockchain ecosystem because they ensure the integrity and traceability of transactions.

Blockchain Identifiers And Domains? 

Domain names (part of the DNS system) are, of course, designed to be human-readable addresses that map to the strings of IP address numbers underneath, thereby allowing users to easily find websites without needing to memorise complex strings of numbers. As shown in the examples above, however, blockchain identifiers are long stings of code and not designed to be human-readable, but both domain names and blockchain identifiers broadly serve as tools to navigate and secure the digital world (although they operate in different layers for different purposes).

Since they have this similar purpose, the convergence of blockchain identifiers and domain names is an idea that’s beginning to take shape, offering enhanced security and user control over online identities.

DNS 

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a foundational technology that has shaped how we interact with the internet, making it accessible and navigable through human-readable domain names. This system is crucial for the digital identities of entities worldwide, enabling a seamless connection across diverse devices and platforms, from computers and smartphones to the Internet of Things (IoT). The universality and uniqueness provided by DNS are vital for keeping the internet’s vast network of devices connected and functioning.

An Evolution With Blockchain? 

However, the emergence of blockchain technology introduces a potential evolution for digital identification and transactions. Blockchain, for example, offers a secure, decentralised ledger system, enhancing transparency, integrity, and resistance to tampering. Its application has extended beyond cryptocurrencies to address some of the limitations of traditional DNS, particularly in terms of security and memorability of identifiers.

Examples

Startups like Ethereum Name Services (ENS) and Unstoppable Domains, for example, are bridging the gap between blockchain’s secure, decentralised nature and the user-friendly accessibility of DNS. They create “blockchain identifiers,” effectively linking memorable, human-readable names with the complex, cryptographic addresses of blockchain wallets. This integration retains the DNS’s ease of use while significantly improving security, reducing the risk of fraud, and enhancing user control over digital identities.

Could Be More Secure 

Replacing the centralised control of DNS with blockchain’s decentralised model could mitigate vulnerabilities in the current system, e.g. DNS spoofing and attacks on central registries. Blockchain-based domain names could also resist censorship and provide a more secure, user-owned online identity that is less susceptible to fraud and downtime.

Also, using blockchain could remove the need for management by entities like ICANN and registrars, and remove the need for renewal fees, expirations, or deletions.

Challenges 

Despite blockchain technology’s benefits, it’s important to note that blockchain identifiers have many challenges and potential shortcomings in comparison with the DNS system, including:

– Scalability issues, i.e. blockchain networks can struggle with high transaction volumes, leading to slower confirmation times and increased costs.

– Integrating blockchain identifiers with existing web infrastructure could be very complex, requiring significant technical effort and adaptation of current systems.

– The current user experience of managing blockchain identifiers can be complex and unfriendly, especially for non-technical users.

– Despite the security of blockchain, high-profile hacks and thefts in the cryptocurrency space have led to concerns over the security of blockchain-based systems.

– The association of blockchain with volatile cryptocurrencies may have eroded confidence in blockchain identifiers as a stable and reliable system for domain management.

– The lack of widespread understanding of blockchain technology among the public could hinder trust and adoption.

– Blockchain-based domain names could conflict with existing DNS names, leading to confusion and potential security risks.

– The decentralised nature of blockchain could make it challenging to resolve disputes over name ownership or to enforce naming conventions, increasing the risk of name collisions.

– Without a centralised authority to enforce trademark rights, blockchain identifiers could lead to increased incidents of squatting and trademark infringement.

Not Replacing DNS, But Bridging A Gap

Therefore, some commentators have pointed out that instead of replacing DNS, blockchain technology and crypto wallets can be supported by DNS, e.g. users registering .eth domain names with ENS, while .art DNS domains provide the platform to integrate crypto technology. Blockchain technology could, therefore, be used by domain registries and registrars to bridge a gap, thereby improving the security and integration of the Internet.

What Does This Mean For Your Businesses? 

UK businesses are familiar with domain names and perhaps, to extent to the fact that there’s an underlying DNS system to the Internet. Blockchain technology, however, is still relatively new to many, and its image may have been tarnished by association with volatile cryptocurrencies. That said, businesses leveraging blockchain for supply chain management, and developers creating decentralised applications (dApps), as well as any businesses who’ve dabbled in/are involved with cryptocurrency may already be familiar with blockchain identifiers. Broadly speaking, blockchain identifiers offer the benefits of enhanced security, decentralisation, and transparency in managing digital identities and transactions.

Some think they promise a more secure and user-controlled alternative to traditional DNS, potentially mitigating vulnerabilities like spoofing and centralised control. However, currently, due to their challenges, they are more of a bridge to gaps in the DNS system than a viable replacement. For example, the challenges to blockchain identifiers replacing the current DNS/domain system include problems with technical scalability, integration complexities, and the need for broader user understanding and confidence. Also, the decentralised nature of blockchain could lead to name collisions and trademark issues.

That said, although blockchain technology is still evolving and has its challenges, it does have important benefits that have meant it has been adopted in many different industries and fields, and blockchain identifiers have proved to be vital to the integrity and traceability of transactions.

The US The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that robocalls using AI-generated voices are now illegal.

What Are Robocalls And Why Make Them Illegal?

A robocall is a call made using voice cloning technology with an AI-generated voice, i.e. it is a telemarketing call that uses an automatic telephone-dialling system and an artificial or prerecorded voice message.

This type of call is now common practice in scams targeting consumers, hence the move by the FCC to make such calls illegal.

Escalation As Voice Cloning Technology More Available

These types of calls have escalated in recent years as this technology has improved and become widely available. The FCC says it’s reached the point where the calls now have the potential to effectively confuse consumers with misinformation by imitating the voices of celebrities, political candidates, and close family members.

How Changing The Law Will Help

The FCC’s Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, has explained how making such calls illegal will help saying: “Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters. We’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice.” She also said the move will mean that: “State Attorneys General will now have new tools to crack down on these scams and ensure the public is protected from fraud and misinformation.”

What Will It Mean For Telemarketers?

The law used by the FCC to make these robocalls illegal is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act which is broadly used to restrict the making of telemarketing calls and the use of automatic telephone dialling systems and artificial or prerecorded voice messages. The updated FCC rules, as part of this act, will mean:

– Telemarketers need to obtain prior express written consent from consumers before robocalling them using AI-generated voices.

– The FCC civil enforcement authority can fine robocallers and take steps to block calls from telephone carriers facilitating illegal robocalls.

– Individual consumers or an organisation can bring a lawsuit against robocallers in court.

– State Attorneys General have their own enforcement tools which may be tied to robocall definitions under the TCPA.

Countrywide

The fact that a coalition of 26 State Attorneys General (more than half of the nation’s AGs) recently wrote to the FCC supporting this approach means that the FCC will have partnerships with law enforcement agencies in states across the country to identify and eliminate illegal robocalls.

Worry In An Election Year

The move by the FFC is timely in terms of closing avenues for the spread of political misinformation. For example, in January, an estimated 5,000 to 25,000 deepfake robocalls impersonating President Joe Biden were made to New Hampshire voters urging them not to vote in the Primary.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Advances in AI voice cloning technology and its wide availability have given phone scammers and deep-fakers a powerful tool that can be used to spread misinformation and scam consumers. In light of what happened in New Hampshire, the FCC wants to clamp down on any possible routes for the use of deepfakes to spread political misinformation as well as protecting consumers from scams.

The prevalence of these types of calls makes it more difficult for legitimate telemarketers (who are likely to be pleased by the action taken by the FCC). The fact that 26 State Attorneys General covering half the country support the FCC’s law change gives the move power and reach, but whether it will be an effective deterrent for determined scammers in what may become a very messy election remains to be seen. Also, the telephone is just one route as voters and consumers can be targeted with misinformation in many other ways, perhaps more widely and effectively, e.g. through social media and shared deepfake videos. That said, the law change is at least a step in the right direction.

Google has rebranded its Bard chatbot as Gemini, the name of its new powerful AI model family, and launched a $20 per month ‘Gemini Advanced’ subscription service.

Gemini Advanced 

To compete with the likes of ChatGPT, Google has launched its own monthly Chatbot subscription service for the same price but with some extras thrown in. Google recently launched Gemini, its “newest and most capable” large language model (LLM) family, available as Ultra, Pro, and Nano. The highly advanced and multimodal AI model was designed to be integrated into its existing ‘Bard’ chatbot.

Rebrand and Subscription Plan 

Google has therefore now rebranded Bard as ‘Gemini Advanced’ after the AI Ultra 1.0 model that now powers it, and released a $19.99 per month subscription to the chatbot. The subscription plan which includes Gemini Advanced has been named the ‘Google One AI Premium Plan.’ Google says the plan includes:

– The Gemini Advanced chatbot (based on its Ultra 1.0 model).

– The benefits of the existing Google One Premium plan, such as 2TB of storage (usually $9.99 per month).

– Available soon for AI Premium subscribers – the ability to use Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets and more (formerly known as Duet AI).

– A two-month trial at no cost.

Where And How? 

Gemini Advanced is available today in more than 150 countries and territories (including the UK) in English, and Google says it will expand it to more languages over time. It also makes the point that Gemini Pro is already available in 40 languages and more than 230 countries and territories, so it’s likely that Gemini Advanced will be available to the same geographic degree.

Competition 

Although Google is a little late to the party with Gemini Advanced, it has been a way to tidy up and clarify its offering by re-branding and using Bard at the front end and its latest powerful Gemini at the back end.

Gemini Advanced offers Google a way to monetise the AI that it’s been investing in for years and compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot subscription. However, it has more in common with Copilot in terms of being designed to integrate with an existing suite of products whereas OpenIA’s ChatGPT is a standalone offering. That said, OpenAI has worked closely in partnership with Microsoft to develop its AI and while Google’s AI has been developed by its DeepMind labs, former OpenAI staff members have also worked at DeepMind at certain stages.

Gemini Advanced is, therefore, essentially positioned to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, and Microsoft’s Copilot Pro, all at $20 per month.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

With ChatGPT Plus, Microsoft’s Copilot Pro, and Google’s Gemini Advanced now available at the same subscription price, businesses have a choice in terms of selecting the AI tools that align most closely with their strategic goals and operational needs. With businesses very likely to be already using Microsoft and Google products daily, plus many using ChatGPT it’s likely to be a case of weighing up the features, capabilities, and limitations of each AI service against their specific requirements to get the best fit for enhancing productivity and innovation.

Many small business owners may be asking themselves whether extra value can be obtained from yet another monthly subscription from something that many people perceive to be a similar product that hasn’t been around as long (and perhaps not trained as much) as ChatGPT. That said, some may have used ChatGPT long enough to have noticed its limitations as well as its strengths and may feel ready to try a competing product that promises to have a powerful backend and could help them leverage the power of other Google products. There’s also the temptation/sweetener of the first 2 months free with Gemini Advanced and a large amount storage which would normally cost $9.99 per month anyway.

Whereas just at the end of 2022 there was only ChatGPT, businesses now have a choice between three similarly positioned AI products, giving some idea of the rapid growth and monetisation in this new competitive market. Businesses may, therefore, now start deciding which AI subscription – ChatGPT Plus, Microsoft’s Copilot Pro, or Google’s Gemini Advanced – best aligns with their goals, operational needs, and existing software ecosystems. This choice may hinge on taking a closer look at each platform’s unique features and capabilities, cost-effectiveness, data privacy standards, and compatibility with the company’s values and long-term innovation potential. For big tech companies, the AI competition is hotting up and we can expect more rapid change to come.

Apple iPhone users are being urged to use a new feature called ‘Stolen Device Protection’ which was rolled out in a recent update to iOS.

As the new feature’s name suggests, it can help prevent someone who has stolen your device and knows your passcode from making critical changes to your account or device. It means that certain actions will have additional security requirements when your iPhone is away from familiar locations, such as your home or workplace.

The feature protects by including factors like a security delay and the need to authenticate Face ID or Touch ID before certain actions can be taken on a device.

The opt-in Stolen Device Protection feature can be turned on in Settings but requires the use of two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and setting up or enabling the following on your iPhone: a device passcode; Face ID or Touch ID; Find My; and Significant Locations.

UK Consumer champion Which? has reported that a scam mobile advert linked to a site mimicking the legitimate Lyca Mobile site was able to bypass the Google Ads verification check to reach the top of Google’s search listing.

Which? reported that scammers got around Google’s ad verification check by claiming to be “Vodafone Finance Management”, a subsidiary of Vodafone on Companies.

The scam ads, which appeared at the top of Google for three days in late January linked to a copycat website designed to steal card details (a phishing website).

A spokesperson for Vodafone told Which? they had “reported the issue to Google for immediate resolution and to stop it happening again.” Also, a spokesperson for Lyca Mobile told Which? that they “welcome moves by Google and others to crack down on this type of activity to protect both consumers and brands from malicious actors.” 

Stanford researchers have discovered a simple way to boost the range of lithium metal batteries to twice the range of conventional lithium-ion batteries which could provide a massive boost to the EV market.

Lithium-Ion Batteries 

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently used in a wide array of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, power tools, portable speakers, drones and (importantly) electronic vehicles. Although they have a high energy-density and longer lifespan compared to many other types of rechargeable batteries, scientists have been testing a variety of new materials and techniques to improve the lifecycle of the kind of batteries needed to push forward with electric vehicle (EV) ambitions.

Lithium Metal Batteries 

Lithium metal is thought the be a serious next-generation contender for EV batteries and they are different from lithium-ion batteries in that (as the name suggests) they contain lithium in its metallic form. One of the key advantages is that lithium metal batteries can go 500 to 700 miles on a single charge, which is twice the range of conventional lithium-ion batteries in EVs today.

Issue 

However, one major issue (until now) of lithium metal batteries is that they lose their capacity to store energy after just a few cycles of charging and discharging. This would obviously be impractical for drivers who expect rechargeable electric cars to operate for years.

The Stanford Research Breakthrough 

Researchers from Stanford University have announced a lithium metal battery breakthrough that is both low-cost and simple and could double the range of electric vehicles. During their research, they discovered that by simply resting the battery in the discharged state, lost capacity can be recovered and cycle life increased. The researchers say that this improvement can be made just by reprogramming the battery management software, with no additional cost or changes needed for equipment, materials, or production flow.

Discharge And Rest 

The researchers highlighted how repeated charging and discharging of a lithium metal battery results in the build-up of additional dead lithium with solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) around it. This causes the battery to rapidly lose capacity.

Using lessons learned in previous research they found that completely discharging the battery so there is zero current running through it, and resting it in the discharged state (for just one hour) strips the metallic lithium from the anode and dissolves away some of the SEI matrix (surrounding the dead lithium). This means that once the battery is recharged, the dead lithium can reconnect with the anode (the solid SEI matric mass is no longer in the way).

The result is that the dead lithium comes back to life, thereby enabling the battery to recover lost capacity, generate more energy, and extend its cycle life.

Given that the average (American) driver spends about an hour behind the wheel each day, the researchers say the idea of resting a car battery for several hours is, therefore, feasible.

Guide For Future Studies 

The research report’s senior author Yi Cui, a professor of energy and engineering in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability said of the findings:

“Lithium metal batteries have been the subject of a lot of research,” and “our findings can help guide future studies that will aid in the advancement of lithium metal batteries towards widespread commercial adaptation.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

This latest rechargeable EV battery research combined lessons learned from previous research and this new research to reveal a low-cost, simple way to potentially double the range of an EV battery. The range anxiety of EV drivers has been one of several factors that has limited the growth of the EV market, so this simple solution could have a major positive influence on EV sales and use. This, in turn, has positive implications for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, thereby helping to tackle global warming and meet emissions targets.

That said, as acknowledged by the Stanford researchers, more research needs to be done. Also, there’s also the matter of the environmental damage created by lithium mining to consider, and research is currently being carried out into many different non-lithium-based battery technologies such as sodium-ion batteries, and calcium-ion batteries. Also, organic rechargeable batteries, which are transition-metal-free (other metals used in LIBs), eco-friendly, and cost-effective could potentially address the environmental and economic concerns associated with the widespread use of transition metals in batteries.

Although the recent Stanford breakthrough is promising, there’s still some way to go in terms of finding cost-effective and sustainable EV batteries that provide the required performance levels.