Twitter boss Jack Dorsey is selling his first tweet at auction, with bidding Saturday reaching $2 million in a sign of the appetite for virtual objects authenticated through blockchain technology.
"just setting up my twttr," Dorsey tweeted on March 21, 2006.
On Friday he posted a link to "Valuables @Cent," an online marketplace for tweets where, the site says, investors or collectors can "buy and sell tweets autographed by their creators."
The top bid Saturday for Dorsey's tweet -- $2 million -- came from Justin Sun, the founder of TRON, a platform for blockchain, the technology underlying cryptocurrencies. He also heads the BitTorrent streaming platform.
"The creator of a tweet decides if they would like to mint it on the blockchain, creating a 1-of-1 autographed version," Valuables explains.
Buying a tweet means purchasing "a digital certificate of the tweet, unique because it has been signed and verified by the creator," according to Valuables.
In Dorsey's case, the tweet itself remains visible to all, so long as he and Twitter leave it online.
The approach is much like the online sales of dramatic digital "moments" from National Basketball Association games; the short video sequences remain visible for free on the internet but a blockchain-backed "Non-Fungible Token" (NFT) is generated to guarantee the identity, authenticity and traceability of the video, confirming its value.
Thus, a 10-second clip showing a spectacular sequence by basketball superstar LeBron James fetched $208,000 on the NBA Top Shot site late last month.
Top Shot has generated more than $200 million in transactions this year, according to Dapper Labs, which partnered with the NBA to create Top Shot.
In 2019, Sun paid $4.6 million in a winning bid to lunch with iconic billionaire Warren Buffett. Sun reportedly tried but failed to convince the elderly investor of the value of bitcoins.
NFTs have soared in popularity, to the point that prestigious auction house Christie's last month sold an entirely digital artwork.
AFP
Sun Mar 07 2021
Twitter boss Jack Dorsey is selling his first tweet at auction, with bidding Saturday reaching $2 million - AFP
Lebanon's only burn unit treats toddlers after Israeli strikes
The hospital hallways echo with the screams of children as anxious parents await news from doctors.
AI revolutionising sports to develop world-class athletes
Can a young Orang Asli child from Gua Musang, Kelantan be turned into an Olympic champion in 2036?
Selangor records 1,354 out-of-wedlock teen pregnancies from 2023 to Sept 2024
Anfaal Saari emphasises the seriousness of the issue, especially involving children and teenagers under 18 years old.
ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Elon Musk's Neuralink receives Canadian approval for brain chip trial
The study aims to assess the safety and initial functionality of its implant which enables people with quadriplegia.
Guitar bought by Beatles' teenage Harrison for GBP58 sells for more than GBP1 million
A guitar bought by George Harrison for about GBP58 has sold at auction for more than GBP1 million (US$1.27 million), the PA Media news agenc
Duct-taped banana goes for $6.2 mln in Sotheby's art auction
A piece of art that is little more than a banana duct-taped to a wall sold at auction to cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
Australian teen dies from tainted liquor in Laos; fourth suspected victim
Spurious liquor is a problem in Laos, with the govts of Australia and Britain warning citizens to be cautious when taking drinks there.
Woman found in freezer died from chest injuries - Police
Preliminary post-mortem report reveals that the victim died from chest injuries caused by blunt trauma.
Malaysia, Vietnam to further cooperate in multiple sectors - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the collaboration will also leverage the ASEAN Energy Grid to foster regional growth.
Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16
Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or govt identification to enforce social media age cut-off.
Court orders PDRM to complete investigations into Beng Hock's death within six months
Judge says the claims and reliefs sought by the applicants are within the domain of public law both in pith and substance.
Zii Jia secures spot in BWF World Tour Finals
This will be Lee Zii Jia's third appearance at the season-ending tournament, following the 2020 and 2021 editions.
PM: Media freedom recognition needs improvement but 3Rs limit action
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says this stems from a request by the Malay rulers for the government to take a stricter stance on these matters.
Malaysian man to be publicly caned at mosque for Islamic crime of close proximity
This punishment involves caning, but what makes it unusual this time is the judge's decision for it to be conducted publicly.
Son of Norway crown princess detained for one week in rape probe
Marius Borg Hoiby is suspected of having sexual encounters with two women who were either unconscious or incapacitated.
Hamas: No hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless Gaza war ends
Gaza truce talks stall as the US vetoes a UN resolution calling for an unconditional, permanent ceasefire.
As 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will prioritise climate change as key regional agenda - Nik Nazmi
As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia will prioritise climate change as a key regional agenda, aligned with the theme of 'inclusivity and sustainability,' said Minister of Natural Resources and Environmen
Malaysia to host ASEAN round table meeting in 2025 focusing on online service licensing
Datuk Mohamad Fauzi says the roundtable will share perspectives, experiences, and challenges on online service licensing in ASEAN.
Macron’s X post in Malay sparks admiration among netizens
The post, though brief, was written entirely in Malay, sparking admiration and curiosity among netizens.