Shifting Trends in Illicit Crypto Transactions and Data Privacy at Meta

OpenAI has launched GPT-4.5, but they want you to know, this is not a frontier model, it’s a stepping stone. Skype enters the Deadpool. Memecoins are ok by the SEC. Most criminality in crypto is now done with stablecoins. And in the Weekend Longreads Suggestions, how the MTA is using Pixel phones to do subway maintenance.

Links:

• OpenAI announces GPT-4.5, warns it’s not a frontier AI model (The Verge)
• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says the company is ‘out of GPUs’ (TechCrunch)
• Microsoft hangs up on Skype: service to shut down May 5, 2025 (TechCrunch)
• Microsoft is killing Skype after 14 years of neglect (Windows Central)
• Meta plans to release standalone Meta AI app in effort to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT (CNBC)
• SEC says most meme coins are not securities (CNBC)
• Illicit Crypto Volume in 2024 Hit a Record $40B in 2024 (CoinDesk)
• Meta is firing about 20 employees for leaking information (The Verge)

Weekend Longreads Suggestrions:

• The New York City Subway Is Using Google Pixels to Listen for Track Defects (Wired)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices