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defi.com CEO Neil May Challenges Industry: “Most DeFi Projects Are Building Privacy for Anonymity, Not Privacy for People”

London, EnglandAs the DeFi sector rushes to integrate zero-knowledge proofs and privacy pools, defi.com CEO Neil May has issued a sharp rebuke to the industry: the vast majority of privacy solutions are solving the wrong problem. “Privacy without identity is just hiding,” said May. “The industry has become obsessed with making transactions invisible, but it has […]

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As the DeFi sector rushes to integrate zero-knowledge proofs and privacy pools, defi.com CEO Neil May has issued a sharp rebuke to the industry: the vast majority of privacy solutions are solving the wrong problem.

Dfi defi.com CEO Neil May Challenges Industry: "Most DeFi Projects Are Building Privacy for Anonymity, Not Privacy for People"

“Privacy without identity is just hiding,” said May. “The industry has become obsessed with making transactions invisible, but it has completely ignored the user’s need for a portable, trustworthy identity. You can’t build a financial system where people are anonymous ghosts; you can’t lend to them, you can’t build relationships with them, and they can’t prove they’re not criminals without dumping their entire transaction history.”

May’s comments challenge a wave of privacy-focused protocols that have raised significant capital and attention. While acknowledging the technical achievements of projects like Tornado Cash successors and ZK-based L2s, May argues that privacy in a vacuum is incomplete; and often counterproductive.

“Anonymity pools are great for whistleblowers and political dissidents. But for everyday users and institutions, they create more problems than they solve,” May said. “How do you know you’re not receiving funds from a sanctioned wallet? How do you build a credit history if every transaction is erased? The industry has confused privacy with anonymity. Real privacy means you control what you reveal; not that you reveal nothing to everyone.”

A Missing Layer: Portable Identity

defi.com, which has held the category-defining domain since 2018, is taking a different approach. The company is building what it calls “identity-first finance”; a system where users have a portable, human-readable DeFi ID that sits atop privacy infrastructure, enabling selective disclosure rather than blanket secrecy.

“When you have a DeFi ID, you’re not anonymous. But you’re also not exposed,” said Sam Newman, Chief Product Officer at defi.com, who joined the company after previous roles at WalletConnect and Summer.Fi. “We use stealth addresses underneath the hood so your positions and spending are private. No one can trace them back to you. But we also use verifiable credentials and ZK proofs to selectively disclose exactly what a regulator or counterparty needs; and nothing more.”

Newman drew a sharp contrast with existing privacy solutions. “The problem with pure anonymity pools is they don’t give you portability. Your reputation, your trust score, your history of good behavior; none of that travels with you. You start from zero every time you interact with a new protocol. That’s not a financial system. That’s a casino.”

A Call to Build Privacy with Accountability

May argued that the industry’s current trajectory risks repeating the failures of earlier crypto cycles, where hype outpaced structural integrity.

“We’re seeing the same pattern we saw in 2021: projects rushing to market with ‘privacy’ as a marketing term, not an architectural discipline,” May said. “If your solution doesn’t include a way for users to prove their compliance, build reputation, and selectively disclose information, you’re not building finance. You’re building a glorified anonymizer.”

Alpha Launch in May

defi.com is now entering its next phase of development. The company is launching a private alpha in summer 2026, opening the platform to a select group of early users by application only. The alpha will introduce the first components of its identity-first financial system, with features rolled out in stages throughout the year.

“Privacy is essential. But it’s not enough,” May said. “The next generation of DeFi needs to give users dignity: the ability to be known when they want to be, private when they need to be, and trusted because they’ve earned it. That’s what we’re building.”

About defi.com

defi.com is building an identity-first financial system centered around user-owned, privacy-preserving identities. The platform aims to replace fragmented wallet-based systems with a unified, cross-chain experience. Founded by technology veterans with backgrounds spanning telecom infrastructure, enterprise software, and financial systems, defi.com is focused on making crypto usable for the next generation of users. Applications for the private alpha are now open at defi.com.

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Global Kratom Coalition Applauds DEA for Finalizing Temporary Scheduling Order Targeting First Wave of Novel Synthetic Alkaloid Products

WASHINGTON, D.C.New Order Places Synthetic Derivatives Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I — Unaltered Natural Kratom Leaf Is Not Affected

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New Order Places Synthetic Derivatives Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I — Unaltered Natural Kratom Leaf Is Not Affected

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today applauded the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for finalizing its temporary order placing synthetic derivatives mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The order will be published in the Federal Register on Aug. 26, 2026 and will take effect immediately and remains in place through Aug. 26, 2028.

 

Untitled design 12 1 1024x597 1 Global Kratom Coalition Applauds DEA for Finalizing Temporary Scheduling Order Targeting First Wave of Novel Synthetic Alkaloid Products

 

The order finalizes the notice of intent DEA published on July 6, 2026. It is narrowly targeted: It applies only to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 — three synthetic compounds that do not occur in the kratom plant. The order does not schedule natural kratom leaf that has not undergone any post-harvest chemical manipulation. DEA’s July 2026 notice also announced its intent to schedule concentrated synthetic 7-OH as part of this same effort; that action is still moving through the regulatory process and has not yet been finalized. GKC expects DEA to finalize that order after the final comment period that ends on September 10th 2026, which will put a stop to this rash of highly concentrated synthetic products that have proliferated across the U.S. over the past 3 years.

This Is Not a Kratom Ban

Importantly, this is not a ban on unaltered natural kratom leaf itself. DEA’s order names three specific substances by chemical structure — it does not name, and does not apply to, unaltered natural kratom leaf, kratom powders, capsules, teas, or other kratom leaf products that have not undergone additional processing that affects the chemical structure of the plant material. DEA’s own order draws this same line, describing traditional kratom use as “chewing raw leaves or steeping the leaves into water decoctions and teas” — a world apart from the flavored chewable tablets and “precision-formulated” products the order is designed to stop.

GKC encourages state and local policymakers nationwide to follow DEA’s lead by clearly distinguishing between natural kratom leaf and concentrated or synthetic kratom-derived compounds.

“DEA is demonstrating bold, science-driven leadership by taking aim at these rogue synthetic opioid products,” said Matthew Lowe, GKC’s Executive Director. “Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and DEA Administrator Terrance Cole deserve credit for finalizing a rule that will bring an end to these dangerous products. This is a win for public health.”

Media Resources

GKC has prepared the following resources to help clarify the differences between natural kratom leaf and concentrated synthetic opioid products:

 

To learn more about the Global Kratom Coalition and its mission, navigate to www.globalkratomcoalition.org.

About the Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of natural kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to natural kratom leaf while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org.

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Rev. Martha Carrasquillo Releases Walking in the Power of the Kingdom of God, a Transformational Guide to Spiritual Authority and Kingdom Living

Corpus Christi, TX  Rev. Martha Carrasquillo announces the release of her new book, Walking in the Power of the Kingdom of God: Awakening the Divine Power Within Every Believer, a faith-based Christian resource designed to help believers understand, activate, and live from the Kingdom of God within them.     Published by City Light Publishers, this inspiring […]

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Rev. Martha Carrasquillo announces the release of her new book, Walking in the Power of the Kingdom of God: Awakening the Divine Power Within Every Believer, a faith-based Christian resource designed to help believers understand, activate, and live from the Kingdom of God within them.

 

rev martha carrasquillo releases walking in the power of the kingdom of god a transformational guide to spiritual authority and kingdom living Rev. Martha Carrasquillo Releases Walking in the Power of the Kingdom of God, a Transformational Guide to Spiritual Authority and Kingdom Living

 

Published by City Light Publishers, this inspiring work delivers a clear and compelling message for Christians seeking deeper spiritual growth, renewed faith, and a stronger understanding of Kingdom authority. Through biblical teaching, practical insights, and uplifting guidance, Rev. Carrasquillo leads readers into a greater awareness of God’s presence, purpose, and power in everyday life.

Walking in the Power of the Kingdom of God emphasizes that the Kingdom is not merely a future promise but a present spiritual reality available to every believer. The book explores key themes such as faith, spiritual authority, divine alignment, supernatural peace, Kingdom manifestation, boldness, perseverance, transformation, and living in dominion. Readers are encouraged to renew their minds, align their words and actions with Heaven, and walk confidently in the authority restored through Christ.

Written in an accessible and encouraging style, the book is ideal for Christians, ministry leaders, new believers, and anyone longing for a more intimate and empowered walk with God. Rev. Carrasquillo reminds readers that they were not created simply to endure life, but to live with purpose, spiritual confidence, and Kingdom power.

The book is now available on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats.

About the Author

Rev. Martha Carrasquillo is a bilingual senior pastor, master trainer, and ministry leader dedicated to equipping believers to walk in their God-given identity and purpose. She serves in multicultural contexts, develops bilingual ministry resources, and trains leaders across North America. Her passion is to help the church live in the fullness, authority, and power of the Kingdom of God.

Author Name: Rev. Martha Carrasquillo  Book Title: Walking in the Power of the Kingdom of God  Published by: City Light Publishers

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RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC Publishes 2026 Comparison of AI Photo-to-Song Lip-Sync Platforms

NEWBURY PARK, Calif.Company-authored comparison examines Freebeat, HeyGen, Hedra, CapCut and Dreamina across photo input, audio support, lip synchronization, longer-form output and editing workflow

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Company-authored comparison examines Freebeat, HeyGen, Hedra, CapCut and Dreamina across photo input, audio support, lip synchronization, longer-form output and editing workflow

RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC, the company behind Freebeat, has published a 2026 comparison examining five AI platforms that can be used to animate still images and synchronize character performances with songs or uploaded audio.

 

First PR Draft Image RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC Publishes 2026 Comparison of AI Photo-to-Song Lip-Sync Platforms

 

The comparison covers Freebeat, HeyGen, Hedra, CapCut and Dreamina, with a focus on how each platform approaches photo animation, audio-driven facial movement, lip synchronization and music-oriented video creation.

The analysis is intended to help creators distinguish between tools designed primarily for short animated portraits and platforms built to support broader music-video workflows.

This comparison was prepared by RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC, the company behind Freebeat, based on its assessment of the tools featured in this article.

Comparison Focuses on Five Workflow Considerations

The 2026 comparison evaluates the platforms around five practical questions:

  • Whether the platform can begin with a single photo
  • Whether users can provide an existing song or uploaded audio
  • Whether mouth movement is synchronized to vocals
  • Whether the workflow can support content beyond a short talking-head clip
  • How much additional editing may be required before the output can function as music content

 

The comparison does not present the five platforms as identical products. Instead, it identifies differences in workflow and intended use.

Freebeat Focuses on Photo-to-Song Music Video Creation

Freebeat AI is positioned within the comparison as an option for creators seeking to combine a still character image with a completed song and develop the material into a broader music-video performance.

Its dedicated photo-to-song lip-sync workflow combines photo animation, vocal synchronization, music analysis, character consistency and music-video generation.

The workflow is designed for musicians, virtual artists and creators who may already have a finished track but do not have recorded performance footage.

Rather than limiting the output to a single animated portrait, Freebeat is designed to incorporate the source character into a wider sequence built around the song.

According to RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC, this makes the platform particularly relevant for creators seeking an end-to-end photo-and-song workflow rather than a short standalone singing-avatar clip.

HeyGen Emphasizes Polished Avatar Performance

The comparison identifies HeyGen as a strong option for creators whose priority is a polished, close-up character or singing portrait.

Its broader avatar workflow is oriented toward realistic digital presenters and character performances, making it relevant for short social videos and single-character content.

Within the comparison, HeyGen is differentiated from music-first platforms by its stronger focus on the individual avatar performance rather than automatically building a complete music-video structure around a song.

Hedra Focuses on Expressive Audio-Driven Characters

Hedra is highlighted for its character-focused approach.

Users can combine a still character with audio and generate facial movement and expressions that react to the source material.

The workflow can be particularly useful for stylized characters, mascots, illustrated figures and virtual personalities where facial expression is an important part of the output.

The comparison notes that Hedra is primarily centered on individual character performance rather than automated full-song music-video production.

CapCut Supports Fast Social and Mobile Workflows

CapCut is included as an option for creators seeking a comparatively direct route from a photo and music to short-form social content.

Its singing-photo functionality can be used with people, pets, cartoons and other characters, while the resulting material can continue into CapCut’s broader editing environment.

The comparison identifies use cases including:

  • TikTok and Reels content
  • Memes
  • Birthday videos
  • Animated cover art
  • Short artist teasers
  • Casual singing-photo content

 

For creators already using CapCut for mobile editing, this can provide a streamlined workflow for short-form projects.

Dreamina Provides Flexible Avatar and Scene Direction

Dreamina is included for creators interested in experimenting with lip-synced characters while retaining more control over visual direction.

Its workflow allows users to combine an image with audio and develop variations involving character movement, expression, framing and scene treatment.

The comparison positions Dreamina as particularly relevant for short artist promos, directed avatar clips and individual music-video concepts that may later be incorporated into a larger production.

Different Tools Address Different Creator Needs

RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC said the comparison is intended to show that the appropriate platform depends on the type of output a creator is trying to produce.

For example:

  • Freebeat is positioned for creators seeking an integrated photo-to-song and broader music-video workflow.
  • HeyGen is highlighted for polished singing portraits and avatar performances.
  • Hedra is suited to expressive audio-driven character animation.
  • CapCut provides a convenient workflow for short-form and mobile social content.
  • Dreamina offers flexibility for directed avatar and scene experimentation.

 

The company said the distinction is important because accurate lip synchronization alone does not necessarily provide the scene development, pacing, character continuity or broader editing structure required for a complete music video.

Methodology and Disclosure

The comparison considers publicly presented workflow capabilities and evaluates the platforms using the five criteria outlined above.

It is not presented as an independent laboratory benchmark, and no claim is made that one platform will be the most appropriate choice for every creator or use case.

RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC operates Freebeat and therefore has a commercial interest in the Freebeat platform. References to Freebeat’s advantages within the comparison should be understood in that context.

Creators are encouraged to evaluate individual platform capabilities, output requirements and workflow preferences when selecting an AI photo-animation or lip-sync service.

About RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC and Freebeat

RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC operates Freebeat, an AI-powered creative platform focused on music-oriented video generation.

Freebeat provides tools that allow creators to combine music, images and AI-generated visual content, including a dedicated Lip Sync Photo to Song workflow for turning a source image and finished audio track into an animated music-video performance.

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RANDOM MOTION TECHNOLOGY INC
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Website: freebeat.ai

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