Hey there, PoI readers! 💫

It's your favorite tech and web3 insider, Mochi, back with another delectable digest of digital dynamics! 🔍In this Newsletter, we're diving deep into the most electrifying stories that are shaping our technological landscape. From government hackers to blockchain innovations, we've got a newsletter packed with insights that'll make your brain do backflips. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and prepare for a knowledge feast that'll leave you hungry for more! 🌐

INTEL BRIEF

🟧 Three major Abu Dhabi institutions plan to launch a dirham-pegged stablecoin regulated by the UAE's central bank.

🟧 Google reveals government-backed hackers led zero-day exploits in 2024, with a decline in total exploits but persistent cyber threats.

🟧 MetaMask launches a Mastercard-backed self-custody crypto card, offering users a new way to spend digital assets securely.

🟧 DeFi Education Fund petitions Trump to halt prosecution of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, arguing it threatens open-source software development.

Abu Dhabi Sparks a Digital Currency Revolution

Abu Dhabi is stepping into the digital currency spotlight with a groundbreaking stablecoin that's got the tech world buzzing. In a power move that screams innovation, three heavyweight institutions - ADQ (the sovereign wealth fund), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and International Holding Company - are joining forces to create a dirham-backed digital currency that could reshape the financial landscape.

The proposed stablecoin comes with serious street cred, set to be fully regulated by the UAE's central bank and operating on the ADI blockchain. What makes this particularly exciting is its ambitious scope - we're talking about supporting cutting-edge use cases like machine-to-machine transactions and artificial intelligence integration.

The strategic timing is impeccable. As global financial powers continue to explore blockchain technologies, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a key player in the digital finance revolution. ADQ's goal is crystal clear: place the UAE at the forefront of global blockchain innovation. With backing from some of the region's most powerful financial entities, this stablecoin could be a game-changer.

Speaking of game-changers, the timing coincides with an interesting global trend. While US dollar-denominated stablecoins continue to dominate (crossing a whopping $230 billion market cap in April), countries worldwide are exploring their own digital currency alternatives. Russia, for instance, has been eyeing similar initiatives, signaling a potential shift in the global digital currency ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi institutions collaborate on a dirham-backed stablecoin

Stablecoin will be central bank-regulated and operate on ADI blockchain

Aims to support advanced tech like AI and machine-to-machine transactions

Government Hackers Rule the Zero Day Playground

Google's latest cybersecurity report is dropping some mind-blowing revelations about the wild world of zero-day exploits that'll make your cybersecurity sensors tingle.

Government-backed hackers are the new rockstars of cyber intrusions. The numbers are eye-popping: out of 75 zero-day exploits tracked in 2024, a staggering 23 could be directly attributed to state-sponsored digital desperados. China and North Korea are leading the pack, each responsible for five jaw-dropping exploits that slipped past software defenses.

The cyber espionage plot thickens with spyware makers entering the scene. Eight additional exploits were linked to surveillance tech companies like NSO Group, who conveniently claim they only sell to governments (wink, wink). It's like a digital arms race where new vendors pop up faster than you can say "cybersecurity".

Total zero-day exploits have actually decreased from 98 in 2023 to 75 in 2024. Software defenders are getting smarter, with innovative security features like Apple's Lockdown Mode and Google Pixel's Memory Tagging Extension making life harder for would-be hackers.

James Sadowski from Google's Threat Intelligence Group dropped a chilling truth bomb: "As long as government customers continue to request and pay for these services, the industry will continue to grow."

Most intriguingly, these digital intruders are primarily targeting consumer platforms - think phones, browsers, and everyday tech that you probably use right now. Cybercriminals aren't just targeting big corporations; they're coming for your personal devices!

Government-backed hackers led 23 zero-day exploits in 2024

China and North Korea each responsible for 5 major exploits

Total zero-day exploits decreased, but cyber threats remain persistent

MetaMask Wants to Turn Your Crypto into Everyday Cash

MetaMask is about to turn your digital coins into real-world spending power with a game-changing self-custody crypto card that's going to make your wallet do a happy dance. Backed by Mastercard and developed with CompoSecure and Baanx, this isn't just another payment card - it's a financial revolution in your pocket!

Lightning-fast smart contract transactions that process in under five seconds on the Linea network (Ethereum's cool layer-2 solution). But here's the real kicker - this isn't just about spending crypto. It's about giving the middle finger to centralized exchange risks. Remember the Bybit hack that sent shockwaves through the crypto world? MetaMask heard your fear and said, "We've got you covered."

MetaMask is diving into a shark-infested competitive pool. Giants like Binance, Coinbase, and Crypto.com are already serving up crypto debit cards with tempting "crypto-back" rewards.

The timing is suspiciously perfect. With crypto payments becoming the hottest trend in 2025, we're seeing luxury brands like caccepting cryptocurrencies, Signal exploring Bitcoin transactions, and even New York considering crypto for state payments. It's not just a payment method anymore - it's a financial lifestyle.

MetaMask isn't exactly riding a wave of success. Their fee collection has plummeted from $1.3 million last year to a measly $289,312 recently. Talk about a financial rollercoaster! This card might just be their comeback strategy in the ever-evolving crypto ecosystem.

MetaMask launches Mastercard-backed self-custody crypto card

Transactions process in under 5 seconds using smart contracts

Enters competitive market amid growing crypto payment adoption

SaudCrypto Developers Fight Back Against Legal Prosecution

The digital world is witnessing an epic showdown between crypto developers and the Department of Justice that's got the entire blockchain community on the edge of their seats. The DeFi Education Fund has just dropped a bombshell petition targeting none other than President Trump himself!

At the center of this digital drama is Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, who's facing charges for allegedly helping launder over $1 billion in crypto. But this isn't just about one developer - it's a full-blown battle for the soul of open-source software development.

The crypto lobby is pulling out all the stops, calling the prosecution a "lawless campaign" that could freeze innovation in its tracks. Their message to Trump is crystal clear: protect American software developers or kiss the dream of making America the "crypto capital of the planet" goodbye.

The plot thickens with some heavy-hitting support. The petition has already gathered 232 signatures from industry titans like Coinbase co-founder Fred Ehrsam and Ethereum core developer Tim Beiko. Jake Chervinsky from Variant Fund pulled no punches, calling the case an "outdated remnant of the Biden administration's war on crypto".

Interestingly, this isn't just about Storm. It's a broader fight against criminalizing software development. The group argues that holding developers legally responsible for how others use their code is not just absurd - it's downright dangerous. They're pointing to a previous Treasury Department guidance from Trump's first term that suggested self-custodial protocol developers aren't money transmitters.

A federal court in Texas has already ruled that the Treasury overstepped its authority in sanctioning Tornado Cash, adding more fuel to the fire. The stakes? Protecting the future of crypto innovation in the United States.

DeFi Education Fund petitions Trump to stop Roman Storm's prosecution

232 crypto industry leaders sign petition against DOJ's approach

Argues prosecution threatens open-source software development

And that's a wrap, my lovely PoI readers! 🌟 I hope this edition illuminated the digital horizon and sparked your curiosity about the ever-evolving world of tech and crypto. Remember to stay curious, stay informed, and keep your digital mind sharp! Until next time, this is Mochi, signing off with a virtual knowledge high-five! 🙌

P.S. Don't forget to share your thoughts, questions, and favorite crypto puns with us. very voice matters in the PoI community! 📣❤️ Share the newsletter

🍨📰 Catch you in the next issue! 📰🍨