Mon. 05/05 – Why Clone A Messaging App?

May 5, 2025 16m

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The whole Telegram use by government officials story gets weirder as a Telegram clone has been hacked. Apple is thinking about REALLY shaking up its iPhone release schedule. Who put AI in my crypto? Deepfakes are being chased from the Internet. And the maker of Cursor closes its big round.

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Links:

TeleMessage, a modified Signal clone used by US govt. officials, has been hacked (TechCrunch)
Apple Plans iPhone Release Schedule Shakeup, New Styles (The Information)
Tether CEO says the firm's AI product will enable peer-to-peer network of AI agents (The Block)
Senate Democrats' reversal on US stablecoin bill throws future of legislation into doubt (The Block)
Leading deepfake porn site is shut down for good (Engadget)
Maker of AI ‘vibe coding’ app Cursor hits $9bn valuation (Financial Times)
Reports: US losing edge in AI talent pool (Semafor)

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AI-Generated Summary

Hacked Messaging App Raises Security Concerns

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the hack of TeleMessage, a modified version of Signal used by government officials. Brian details how crucial data, including messages and contact information of users, has been exposed, raising questions about the security of government communications. The vulnerabilities that allowed the hacker access to archived messages highlight significant risks introduced by customized messaging solutions. Though the intention behind these mods is compliance with archiving regulations, the lack of end-to-end encryption poses serious privacy concerns.

Apple's Potential iPhone Shakeup

Next up, Brian shares insights on Apple’s rumored plans to revamp its iPhone release strategy with the iPhone 18 series. The discussion centers on the introduction of a thin iPhone and a foldable model both anticipated for release in the fall of 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 will debut in spring 2027. Brian emphasizes the trade-offs associated with the thin model's sleek design which compromises on features like battery life and camera capability, raising questions about consumer response to these changes.

Tether's AI Innovations in Crypto Payments

The spotlight then shifts to Tether's recent announcement of Tether AI, an open-source AI runtime that incorporates USDT and Bitcoin payments. Brian summarizes Paulo Arterino's insights on Tether AI’s potential to disrupt the crypto industry by eliminating centralized points of failure and enabling a network of AI agents. This move underlines the growing intersection between cryptocurrencies and AI technologies, demonstrating Tether's ambition to cement its position in both fields.

Political Turmoil Over Stablecoin Legislation

In a concerning turn of events, Brian reports that several Senate Democrats have withdrawn their support for the Genius Act, a landmark stablecoin legislation aimed at regulating the sector. He discusses the implications of these withdrawals on the bill's future, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation. Brian elaborates on the provisions disputed by the Democrats, highlighting the complexities of crafting effective financial regulations in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Internet Ban on Deepfake Porn Sites

A significant cultural shift is illustrated by the closure of Mr. Deepfakes, a leading deepfake porn site. Brian provides an overview of the challenges posed by non-consensual deepfake content and the growing legislative movements to make such sites illegal. This discussion showcases the ongoing battles between technology and ethics in the digital age, reflecting broader societal concerns around privacy and consent.

Explosive Growth in AI Coding Solutions

Brian wraps up the episode with pivotal news on the funding success of Annie Sphere, the maker of Cursor—an AI coding tool that has skyrocketed to a multi-billion dollar valuation. He highlights how Cursor's technology is revolutionizing software development for programmers, reflecting a robust growth in the demand for AI-driven tools in tech.