The scholarly environs of the New Media research lab at Stellenbosch University in South Africa gave rise to a diabolically clever plan to deal with video piracy in 2015: Lure pirates with bitcoin to find out the source of the contraband material. That project has become the basis for a startup called Custos. Its Privateer product helps movie studios and book publishers detect the source of leaked copies of upcoming movies or ebooks using a
A South African startup is using bitcoin to turn digital pirates against each other
More of Today's Solutions
Yale will offer free tuition to families earning under $200,000 starting in 2026
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The prestigious Yale University is opening its doors even wider. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, families earning ...
Read More5 smart ways to prep your garden now for a stunning spring bloom
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Spring might feel like a distant dream, but a few mild winter days offer the perfect window to ...
Read MoreForget plastic: Here are some greener ways to freeze food
While Ziploc bags and plastic wrap can be useful for sealing up food that’s going into the freezer, there are better alternatives—ones that are ...
Read MoreIntroducing “True American”— a mini-series
Last month on Independence Day, The New Yorker published an issue featuring cover art by graphic illustrator Christ Ware. The narrative piece, called “House ...
Read More
