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Censorship on the Rise Amid AI Adoption

HodlX Guest Post Submit Your Post AI (artificial intelligence) creates an ethical crisis of algorithmic censorship. By glossing over this problem, we risk allowing governments and corporations to control the global conversation. Both AI technology and industry have gone parabolic. Its censorship potential becomes greater every day. Every one to two years since 2010, the computational power of training AI systems has increased by a factor of 10, making the threat of censorship and control of public discourse more real than ever. Corporations worldwide ranked privacy and data governance as their top AI risks, while censorship didn’t register on their radar. AI – which can process millions of data points in seconds – can censor through various means, including content moderation and control of information. LLMs (large language models) and content recommendations can filter, suppress or mass share information at scale. In 2023, Freedom House highlighted that AI is enhancing state-led censorship. In China, the CAC (Cyberspace Administration) has incorporated censorship strategy into generative AI tools, requiring chatbots to support “core socialist values” and block content the communist party wants to censor. Chinese AI models, such as DeepSeek’s R1, already censor topics like the Tiananmen Square massacre, in order to spread state narratives. “To protect the free and open internet, democratic policymakers – working side by side with civil society experts from around the world – should establish strong human rights–based standards for both state and non-state actors that develop or deploy AI tools,” concludes Freedom House. In 2021, UC San Diego found that AI algorithms trained on censored datasets, such as China’s Baidu Baike, which associates the keyword ‘democracy’ with ‘chaos.’ Models trained on uncensored sources associated ‘democracy’ with ‘stability.’ In 2023, Freedom House’s ‘Freedom on the Net’ report found that global internet freedom fell for the 13th consecutive year. It attributed a large part of the decline to AI. Twenty-two countries have laws in place requiring social media companies to employ automated systems for content moderation, which could be used to suppress debate and demonstrations. Myanmar’s military junta, for instance, used AI to monitor Telegram groups and detain dissidents and carry out death sentences based on their posts. The same happened in Iran. Additionally, in Belarus and Nicaragua, governments sentenced individuals to draconian prison terms for their online speech. Freedom House found that no fewer than 47 governments used comments to sway online conversations towards their preferred narratives. It found that in the past year, new technology was used in at least 16 countries to sow the seeds of doubt, smear opponents or influence public debate. At least 21 countries require digital platforms to use machine learning to delete political, social and religious speech. A 2023 Reuters report warned that AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation could “undermine public trust in democratic processes,” empowering regimes that seek to tighten control over information. In the 2024 US presidential elections, AI-generated images falsely implying Taylor Swift endorsed Donald Trump demonstrated that AI is already manipulating public opinion. China offers the most prominent example of AI-driven censorship. A leaked dataset analyzed by TechCrunch in 2025 revealed a sophisticated AI system designed to censor topics like pollution scandals, labor disputes and Taiwan political issues. Unlike traditional keyword-based filtering, this system uses LLMs to evaluate context and flag political satire. Researcher Xiao Qiang noted that such systems “significantly improve the efficiency and granularity of state-led information control.” A 2024 House Judiciary Committee report accused the NSF (National Science Foundation) of funding AI tools to combat ‘misinformation’ on Covid-19 and the 2020 election. The report found that the NSF funded AI-based censorship and propaganda tools. “In the name of combating alleged misinformation regarding Covid-19 and the 2020 election, NSF has been issuing multi-million-dollar grants to university and non-profit research teams,” reads the report. “The purpose of these taxpayer-funded projects is to develop AI-powered censorship and propaganda tools that can be used by governments and Big Tech to shape public opinion by restricting certain viewpoints or promoting others.” A 2025 WIRED report discovered that DeepSeek’s R1 model includes censorship filters at both the application and training levels, resulting in blocks on sensitive topics. In 2025, a Pew Research Center survey found that 83% of US adults were concerned about AI-driven misinformation, with many showing concerns about its free speech implications. Pew interviewed AI experts, who said that AI training data can unintentionally reinforce existing power structures. Addressing AI-driven censorship A 2025 HKS Misinformation Review called for better reporting to reduce fear-driven calls for censorship. The survey found that 38.8% of Americans are somewhat concerned, and 44.6% are highly concerned, about AI’s role in spreading misinformation during the 2024 US presidential election, while 9.5% held no concerns, and 7.1% were unaware of the issue altogether. Creating an open-source AI ecosystem is of the utmost importance. This means companies disclose training dataset sources and biases. Governments should create AI regulatory frameworks prioritizing free expression. If we want a human future, instead of an AI-managed technocratic dystopia, the AI industry and consumers need to build up the courage to tackle censorship. Manouk Termaaten is an entrepreneur, an AI export and the founder and CEO of Vertical Studio AI . H e’s aiming to make AI accessible to everyone. With a background in engineering and finance, he seeks to disrupt the AI sector with accessible customization tools and affordable computers. Check Latest Headlines on HodlX Follow Us on Twitter Facebook Telegram Check out the Latest Industry Announcements Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any loses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: DALLE3 The post Censorship on the Rise Amid AI Adoption appeared first on The Daily Hodl . nft.news

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Tesla Bitcoin Holdings Surge to $1.24 Billion

BitcoinWorld Tesla Bitcoin Holdings Surge to $1.24 Billion Hey there, crypto enthusiasts and curious minds! We’ve got some interesting news coming out of the corporate world, specifically from the electric vehicle giant, Tesla. Their dive into the world of digital assets continues to be a hot topic, and the latest data gives us a fresh look at their position. Tesla Bitcoin Holdings: What’s the Latest? Let’s get straight to the numbers that everyone’s talking about. According to recent data compiled by Arkham, Tesla’s Bitcoin (BTC) holdings currently stand at a significant amount. We’re talking about a figure that solidifies their position as a major corporate player in the crypto space. Here’s a quick snapshot: Amount Held: 11,509 BTC Current Estimated Value: Approximately $1.24 billion This valuation, based on current market prices, highlights the fluctuating nature of cryptocurrency investments but also the substantial value Tesla holds in its digital treasury. A Look Back: Tesla’s Bitcoin Journey Remember when Tesla first announced its massive Bitcoin purchase? It sent shockwaves through both the financial and cryptocurrency markets. In early 2021, Tesla revealed it had purchased $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin, citing a change in its investment policy to provide more flexibility and maximize returns on cash. This move was groundbreaking for several reasons: It was one of the largest single Bitcoin purchases by a publicly traded company at the time. It signaled a major endorsement of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class from a globally recognized brand led by Elon Musk. It paved the way for other companies to consider adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets. Later in 2021, Tesla did sell a portion of its holdings, which Elon Musk stated was to test the liquidity of Bitcoin as an alternative to holding cash on the balance sheet. Despite this sale, the company retained a significant portion, which constitutes the BTC holdings we see today. Understanding the Tesla BTC Value The reported Tesla BTC value of $1.24 billion isn’t a fixed number. Like any asset, the value of Bitcoin is constantly changing based on market supply and demand. This means Tesla’s reported holding value will fluctuate daily, if not hourly, with the price of BTC. For investors and market watchers, tracking the Tesla BTC value provides insight into: The performance of a major corporate crypto investment. The impact of market movements on large-scale holdings. Tesla’s potential unrealized gains or losses from their initial investment (though their average purchase price isn’t publicly detailed for the current holdings, the initial large buy was near a different price point than today). This $1.24 billion valuation underscores the significant appreciation Bitcoin has experienced since Tesla’s initial entry into the market, despite the volatility along the way. Why Are Corporate Bitcoin Holdings a Big Deal? Tesla isn’t the only company holding Bitcoin, but their high profile makes their investment particularly impactful. The trend of Corporate Bitcoin holdings represents a significant shift in how companies view treasury management and asset allocation. Here are some reasons why companies are considering or already holding Bitcoin: Potential Benefits: Inflation Hedge: Many see Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation due to its capped supply (21 million coins). Store of Value: Analogous to digital gold, companies view it as a long-term store of value. Balance Sheet Diversification: Adding a non-correlated asset (though correlation varies) to traditional holdings like cash and bonds. Attracting Talent/Innovation: Signaling forward-thinking and tech-savviness can appeal to certain employees and investors. Potential Appreciation: Hopes for significant returns on investment if Bitcoin’s price continues to rise over time. Potential Challenges: Volatility: Bitcoin’s price can experience dramatic swings, leading to significant paper losses. Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is still evolving globally. Accounting Treatment: Current accounting rules often require companies to mark down Bitcoin holdings if the price drops, even if they don’t sell, impacting reported earnings. Security Risks: Holding digital assets requires robust security measures to prevent hacking or loss. Public Perception: Some stakeholders may view crypto investments as risky or speculative. Companies like MicroStrategy have made acquiring Bitcoin a central part of their corporate strategy, accumulating far more BTC than Tesla. However, Tesla’s move was arguably the catalyst that brought mainstream attention to the possibility of holding crypto on a corporate balance sheet. The Rise of Institutional Bitcoin Adoption Tesla’s initial purchase, and their continued holding of Institutional Bitcoin , is part of a larger narrative: the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency by institutions. This includes not just corporations, but also asset managers, hedge funds, and even some governments. The entry of institutional players is significant because: Adds Capital: Brings substantial capital into the market, potentially increasing liquidity and stability. Increases Legitimacy: Lends credibility to Bitcoin and the broader crypto market in the eyes of traditional finance and the public. Develops Infrastructure: Drives the creation of regulated products and services (like Bitcoin ETFs) catering to institutional needs. Influences Market Dynamics: Large trades by institutions can have a notable impact on price movements. Tesla’s $1.24 billion valuation for its Institutional Bitcoin stash serves as a prominent example of this trend in action, showcasing the scale at which major companies are now involved. What Can We Learn From Tesla’s Holding? Tesla’s journey with Bitcoin offers several insights: Volatility is Real: Their holding value has gone up and down significantly since their purchase. This is a core characteristic of crypto. Long-Term View: Despite selling some, they retained a core holding, suggesting a belief in its long-term potential as an asset. Pioneer Effect: Being one of the first major companies to publicly hold significant BTC created a blueprint and encouraged others. Influence: Corporate actions and CEO statements can significantly impact market sentiment. For individual investors, this highlights the importance of understanding volatility, having a long-term perspective if investing in volatile assets like Bitcoin, and recognizing the growing presence of large players in the market. Looking Ahead: The Future of Corporate Crypto Holdings Will more companies follow Tesla’s lead? The trend towards Corporate Bitcoin holdings seems to be gaining momentum, especially with easier access through regulated products like spot Bitcoin ETFs in various regions. However, challenges like regulatory clarity and accounting standards still need to be fully addressed. Tesla’s decision to hold onto its 11,509 BTC, valued now at a substantial $1.24 billion, indicates a continued, albeit perhaps quieter, conviction in Bitcoin’s role as a balance sheet asset. Their actions remain a key indicator for how mainstream corporations might engage with cryptocurrencies in the future. Summary: Tesla’s Enduring Bitcoin Bet In conclusion, Tesla’s reported BTC holdings of 11,509 coins, currently valued at approximately $1.24 billion, underscore the continued presence of major corporations in the cryptocurrency market. This valuation is a testament to Bitcoin’s market performance and highlights the significant scale of Corporate Bitcoin holdings . Tesla’s initial bold move paved the way for increased Institutional Bitcoin adoption and continues to serve as a high-profile example of a company integrating digital assets into its financial strategy. While the value fluctuates with market dynamics, Tesla’s substantial holding remains a key data point for anyone tracking the convergence of traditional corporate finance and the evolving world of cryptocurrency. To learn more about the latest Bitcoin trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin institutional adoption . This post Tesla Bitcoin Holdings Surge to $1.24 Billion first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team nft.news