Indonesia Opens Crypto Exchange; OpenAI Trust Chief Stands Down

by Grace Dillon on 24th Jul 2023 in News

In today's ExchangeWire news digest: Indonesia's commodities regulator announces the launch of a new crypto exchange; OpenAI's head of trust and safety steps down; and Apple may pull FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if changes to surveillance laws proceed.

Indonesia crypto exchange opens

Indonesia’s Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency, Bappebti, has announced a new crypto currency exchange and clearinghouse. The platform, which debuted last Monday (17th July), was intended for launch in 2021, but had met with delays.

The country’s Financial Services Authority, central bank, and Ministry of Finance will run the new exchange alongside Bappebti. The move reflects the Indonesian government’s interest in exploring crypto’s potential.

OpenAI trust and safety chief stands down

OpenAI’s head of trust and safety has announced that he is stepping down from the role. Dave Willner revealed that he will take up an advisory position within the start up, with the company announcing that chief technology officer Mira Murati will lead the trust and safety team until a replacement is found.

Willner’s departure comes as scrutiny around the safety and ethics of new AI models continues to grow. OpenAI president Greg Brockman was among leading figures from a number of technology firms who committed to implementing safeguards during a meeting with the US government last week.

Apple may pull some services in the UK

Apple has stated that it may make its FaceTime and iMessage services unavailable in the UK if planned changes to surveillance laws go ahead. The iPhone maker claims that it would be forced to withdraw certain security features if the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 is adjusted to enable the UK government to access encrypted messages, an outcome which could see them shutter the services completely.

The iPhone maker also took issue with proposals for the UK Home Office to oblige tech providers to inform the home secretary of any service changes that might have a “negative impact on investigatory powers,” as well as with a proposal to permit the government to suspend new security features. Apple said that the suggested changes would “result in an impossible choice” between obeying the new law and ensuring users’ privacy.