Latest news with #Paradigm
Business Insider
13-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Cryptoprivacy on trial: jury to decide if Tornado Cash's Roman Storm is a $1B money launderer or a free speech hero
A federal jury in Manhattan is about to get an education in cryptocurrency mixing, the future of "DeFi," and how North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un pays for his nukes. Jury selection begins Monday, and cyberprivacy advocates say the verdict will shape the very future of decentralized finance, or DeFi. That's the blockchain-based system where users can lend, borrow, and earn interest on cryptocurrencies person to person, bypassing banks, exchanges, or the stock market. According to an online resource for currency traders, the DeFi market has a market value of about $121 billion. Opening statements may begin as early as Tuesday. "If I lose my case, DeFi dies with me," the trial's lone defendant, Seattle-based software developer Roman Storm, rather dramatically pronounced in a podcast a week ago. Storm is one of the creators of Tornado Cash, a software tool that digitally "mixes" cryptocurrency, scrambling transactions to make them even more anonymous. It lets users deposit and withdraw crypto from a shared pool, obscuring their identities. Federal prosecutors say that between 2019 and 2022, the 35-year-old Russian expat knowingly let hackers and fraudsters use Tornado Cash to scramble and launder more than $1 billion — and made millions himself in the process. "The Tornado Cash service was used to launder large volumes of criminal proceeds with the knowledge and participation of the defendant," Assistant US Attorney Thane Rehn told the judge in 2023, when Storm pleaded not guilty at his first Manhattan court appearance. Prosecutors are particularly concerned over the hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto they say Storm laundered for the Lazarus Group, the notorious North Korea-sponsored cybercrime organization credited with the 2014 Sony Pictures hack, an $81 million Bangladeshi bank heist in 2016, and the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attacks. Federal and UN officials say Kim uses the Lazarus Group to fund his nuclear missile program. In 2022, the Biden Treasury Department barred US citizens from using Tornado Cash, saying that Lazarus Group and other cybercrooks used it to launder more than $7 billion in criminal proceeds. The Trump Treasury Department lifted these sanctions without explanation in March. A DeFi cause célèbre Storm is now a cause célèbre among DeFi and blockchain privacy advocates. Amicus briefs on his behalf have been filed by the Blockchain Association, Coin Center, the DeFi Education Fund, Paradigm, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. He has received significant financial support as well. According to more than $2.5 million in the Ethereum network-backed cryptocurrency Ether has been donated for Storm's and fellow Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev's legal defense, thanks to fundraising by the Ethereum Foundation, Paradigm, and others. Pertsev was convicted of money laundering in a Dutch court last year. A third Tornado Cash cofounder, Roman Semenov, was charged with Storm but remains a fugitive. The defense contends in court filings that Storm never had control over or custody of the money that passed through his cryptocurrency mixing tool and never knowingly helped cybercriminals. "I did not have any contact whatsoever with any criminals, any criminal organizations, any illicit actors, any North Koreans," Storm said on the podcast Crypto in America. Prosecutors say communications show otherwise, including one in which Storm told his cofounders, "Guys, we're fucked" as the bits, so to speak, hit the fan. Privacy advocates and Storm himself complain that his prosecution persists despite a DOJ memo in April announcing the office "will no longer target virtual currency exchanges, mixing and tumbling services, and offline wallets for the acts of their end uses." "The Department of Justice is not a digital assets regulator," said the memo. Signed by Trump lawyer-turned-Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche, it criticized the Biden administration for "pursuing a reckless strategy of regulation by prosecution." Attorneys for Storm did not respond to requests for comment on Friday. A spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan declined to comment on the ongoing case. Tornado Cash keeps spinning Tornado Cash, meanwhile, keeps spinning along. Storm told the Crypto in America podcast last week that all he did was write code. "I did not feel I'm responsible for managing how somebody's using the software," he said. And once the code for Tornado Cash was let loose into the DeFi world, it basically ran automatically, he told the podcast. He couldn't flip the off switch if he tried, he said, because no such switch exists. "Correct," Storm answered when the podcasters asked if Tornado Cash is still up and running. "It's always been running. Just like the Ethereum network, or the bitcoin network, or the internet," he said. "It's immutable and decentralized," he said. "It's unstoppable." Storm remains free on $2 million bail and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. "I don't have a 100% answer right now," he said when the podcasters asked if he intends to take the stand. "I may, or may not." The trial is expected to last at least three weeks.
Korea Herald
11-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
ZTE CDO Cui Li Highlights Efficient and Green AI as a Driver of SDGs Progress at AI for Good Global Summit
GENEVA, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation ( / a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, announced that Cui Li, the company's Chief Development Officer (CDO), was invited to attend the workshop themed "Navigating the Intersect of AI, Environment and Energy for a Sustainable Future" at the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 held in Geneva. During the session, she delivered a speech titled "Accelerating Progress Towards SDGs with AI-powered New Paradigm," where she shared ZTE's innovative efforts to drive efficient and green AI, and to deepen the integration of AI with ICT technologies and products, with the goal of accelerating AI accessibility and low-carbon transformation of society. Cui Li observed that the latest AI surge, driven by large language models, is sweeping the world at incredible speed. This rapid advance is accompanied by soaring computing demands and surging energy consumption. Achieving sustainable AI has therefore become an industry-wide imperative, and the key lies in defining a clear and efficient pathway. Framing the issue from two perspectives—"Energy for AI" and "AI for Energy"—she outlined how companies can scale AI in a greener, more efficient manner and, in turn, harness AI to drive an energy transition that cuts costs, improves efficiency, and supports a low-carbon future. In terms of "Energy for AI," Cui Li emphasized that the industry faces an "Inverted Triangle Dilemma" and efficiency holds the key to solving the dilemma. In response, ZTE is tackling the issue on three levels—developing efficient infrastructure, enabling efficient intelligence enhancement, and accelerating impact through efficiency—collectively driving the efficient and green development of AI. With respect to "AI for Energy," she highlighted that under the core strategy of "AI for All," ZTE has deeply integrated AI with its ICT technologies and products to build full-stack intelligent solutions. The company is now deploying AI capabilities across industrial, household and consumer scenarios, enabling cost-efficiency, operational gains and a lower-carbon trajectory for the wider economy.
Cision Canada
11-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
ZTE CDO Cui Li Highlights Efficient and Green AI as a Driver of SDGs Progress at AI for Good Global Summit
GENEVA, July 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- ZTE Corporation ( / a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, announced that Cui Li, the company's Chief Development Officer (CDO), was invited to attend the workshop themed "Navigating the Intersect of AI, Environment and Energy for a Sustainable Future" at the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 held in Geneva. During the session, she delivered a speech titled "Accelerating Progress Towards SDGs with AI-powered New Paradigm," where she shared ZTE's innovative efforts to drive efficient and green AI, and to deepen the integration of AI with ICT technologies and products, with the goal of accelerating AI accessibility and low-carbon transformation of society. Cui Li observed that the latest AI surge, driven by large language models, is sweeping the world at incredible speed. This rapid advance is accompanied by soaring computing demands and surging energy consumption. Achieving sustainable AI has therefore become an industry-wide imperative, and the key lies in defining a clear and efficient pathway. Framing the issue from two perspectives—"Energy for AI" and "AI for Energy"—she outlined how companies can scale AI in a greener, more efficient manner and, in turn, harness AI to drive an energy transition that cuts costs, improves efficiency, and supports a low-carbon future. In terms of "Energy for AI," Cui Li emphasized that the industry faces an "Inverted Triangle Dilemma" and efficiency holds the key to solving the dilemma. In response, ZTE is tackling the issue on three levels—developing efficient infrastructure, enabling efficient intelligence enhancement, and accelerating impact through efficiency—collectively driving the efficient and green development of AI. With respect to "AI for Energy," she highlighted that under the core strategy of "AI for All," ZTE has deeply integrated AI with its ICT technologies and products to build full-stack intelligent solutions. The company is now deploying AI capabilities across industrial, household and consumer scenarios, enabling cost-efficiency, operational gains and a lower-carbon trajectory for the wider economy.
Associated Press
08-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Woodgrain Selects Paradigm Omni™ as Enterprise CPQ Solution
FRUITLAND, Idaho and Middleton, Wis., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodgrain, a leading manufacturer and distributor of millwork and building materials, today announced it has selected Paradigm Omni as its enterprise-wide configuration, pricing, and quoting (CPQ) solution for the door and window business. 'The expanded partnership with Paradigm supports our commitment to being easy to do business with,' said Todd Dame, Incoming Woodgrain CEO. 'This strategic investment will unify the sales experience across Woodgrain, leveraging Paradigm's industry-leading platform and delivering a seamless customer journey.' Gayatri Narayan, President of Paradigm stated, 'We are thrilled to welcome the entire Woodgrain family to the Paradigm ecosystem. With Paradigm Omni, Woodgrain is poised to set a new standard for elevated experience across all channels, delivering exceptional customer service and sales growth.' 'The Paradigm Omni CPQ platform is built specifically for our industry, empowering configuration, pricing and quoting on-line, in-home, in-store and through dealer networks,' said Eric Halbur, Woodgrain CIO. 'This agreement is just one-step in implementing our customer channel technology strategy, which is central to the company's growth and will provide a best-in-class customer experience.' Woodgrain has entered a long-term enterprise agreement with Paradigm, covering all CPQ needs across the company. This partnership underscores Woodgrain's confidence in Paradigm's technology ecosystem. The Woodgrain Distribution Division will migrate from multiple legacy platforms to Paradigm's purpose-built solution, streamlining operations. The Woodgrain Doors Division and Windsor Windows & Doors will upgrade to the Paradigm Omni platform. Woodgrain is a family-owned business and a leader in the millwork and building products industry, operating over 60 manufacturing and warehouse facilities across the United States and South America. With over 70 years of quality craftsmanship and service, Woodgrain is a leading producer of moulding, doors, windows, and lumber, as well as a premier distributor of specialty building products. Woodgrain, Inc. is headquartered in Fruitland, Idaho. For more information, visit Paradigm, Founded in 1999, serves hundreds of customers and 150,000+ end users with the world's largest technology platform for window and door manufacturers. Paradigm Omni is a cloud-hosted, web-based CPQ solution that simplifies configuring and quoting doors and windows. Its intuitive interface enables dealers and sales professionals to generate accurate quotes quickly, reducing complexity and maximizing convenience. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Paradigm
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘After Typhoon' Star & UFC Champion Zhang Weili Signs With Paradigm
EXCLUSIVE: Paradigm has signed actor and UFC champion Zhang Weili for representation in all areas. Weili is a two-time UFC Women's Strawweight Champion who became the first fighter born in China to win a UFC title in 2019 when she defeated Jessica Andrade in 42 seconds. She earned the title a second time in 2022 after defeating Carla Esparza. Advertisement More from Deadline She has headlined some of the UFC's most celebrated events, including UFC 300 and her five-round battle with Joanna Jędrzejczyk. As a fighter, she is notable for her relentless pace, elite precision, and toughness. Weili may next face Valentina Shevchenko in a champion vs. champion superfight, officially in negotiations by UFC leadership. The bout stands to bring together two of the most accomplished fighters in MMA with a win that would give Weili a second UFC title. Beyond the octagon, Weili continues to expand her presence in global media and entertainment. She starred in After Typhoon, a dramatic feature directed by Yu Li and produced by Laurel Films, which premiered at the Beijing International Film Festival earlier this year. Advertisement A couple of projects based on her life are now in production. iQIYI, China's leading streaming platform, has just greenlit a scripted drama series based on her life, with acclaimed director and producer Peter Ho Sun Chan attached. For the big screen, China's SUNAC Films is working on a biopic based on Weili's life story. The documentary feature Unstoppable, which follows Weili's journey from losing her belt to reclaiming it, is currently on the festival circuit and recently won the top prize at the FIRST Film Festival. The title is set for theatrical release across China later this year. 'Weili is not just a champion. She is a generational symbol of strength, excellence, and possibility. Weili has the presence to lead in film, fashion, and media, and we are curating a strategy that reflects the scale of her ambition,' shared Nick LoPiccolo, Head of the Sports Group at Paradigm. In the beauty and brand space, she became the face of Estée Lauder's first China-specific campaign featuring an athlete in 2021, starring in a bold Double Wear spot reframing strength and femininity. It marked the first time a major global beauty brand partnered with an MMA fighter, and that Estée Lauder aligned with a professional MMA athlete in China. Under Armour and Monster Energy currently feature Weili as a brand ambassador in China. She has also led brand partnerships for Carlsberg, Budweiser, Pepsi, Audi, Honor, and IQOO. Advertisement Weili signs with Paradigm to expand her global career across sport, film, fashion, and branded storytelling. She continues to work with longtime agent Li Meng and now collaborates with Paradigm to build a strategy that matches her platform. The multihyphenate joins a sports roster at Paradigm that includes top global athletes, including Mike Tyson, Ray Lewis, Amanda Serrano, Reggie Bush, CM Punk, Aaron Donald, Liv Morgan, and Savannah Bananas. The Sports Group works across film, TV, media, and brand partnerships to shape careers that resonate far beyond competition. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
