Tema je primjena kriptovaluta u turizmu i ugostiteljstvu, s naglaskom na stavove i iskustva turista. Kriptovalute se sve više spominju kao potencijalno sredstvo plaćanja koje može donijeti brojne prednosti poput bržih i jeftinijih transakcija, smanjenja troškova konverzije valuta i većeg stupnja sigurnosti. Unatoč tome, njihova je upotreba u praksi još uvijek ograničena, ponajviše zbog volatilnosti cijena, sigurnosnih rizika, nedostatka regulative i nedovoljne razine informiranosti korisnika. Predmet istraživanja odnosi se na motivaciju turista za korištenje kriptovaluta, prepreke koje ih u tome sprječavaju, kao i na procjenu utjecaja mogućnosti plaćanja digitalnim valutama na izbor destinacija, hotela i restorana. Posebna pažnja posvećuje se i procjeni dugoročne održivosti kriptovaluta u turističkoj ponudi. Istraživanje je provedeno metodom anketiranja na uzorku od 72 ispitanika, a podaci su obrađeni primjenom deskriptivne statistike. Rezultati su pokazali da većina ispitanika poznaje kriptovalute samo pov
Elham Albaroudi, Moustafa Elbehairy, Mohammad Nour Eddin Al Hinnawi, Mohammad Hatamleh · 6 authors
As smart energy systems become central to national sustainability strategies, the issue of data sovereignty—the right of nations to govern data generated within their borders—has gained critical importance in the broader context of global digital governance and energy security. However, most existing AI systems lack built-in mechanisms for jurisdictional compliance and local control. This paper investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support data sovereignty in smart grid environments. Using a comparative multiple-case study approach—including Gaia-X, Microsoft EU Data Boundary, a decentralized energy pilot in India, and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, which represents a sovereignty-by-design model aligned with Vision 2030—the study examines AI-enabled compliance mechanisms, federated learning, and sovereign cloud infrastructures. Expert interviews with stakeholders in policy, energy, and AI provide further context. Findings show that AI offers strong potential for enforcing sovereignty when supported by aligned legal frameworks and sovereignty-by-design architecture. For example, in India’s pilot project, federated AI reduced cross-border data transfers by more than 70% while maintaining forecasting accuracy. Beyond the energy sector, the proposed conceptual framework has applications in finance, healthcare, and smart cities. In particular, the NEOM case highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in embedding ethical and cultural governance into AI-enabled sovereignty. Practical recommendations are made to guide sustainable and ethical AI deployment in digital energy infrastructure. These results support global digital sovereignty goals and align with SDGs related to clean energy, innovation, and governance.
Forecasting the price of bitcoin assets is a difficult task, especially as bitcoins are highly volatile and speculative. In this paper we leverage the non linear capability of deep and machine learning models to enhance bitcoin forecasts. We propose a systematic comparison of different deep learning and machine learning models, based on their Accuracy, Security and Explainability characteristics. The empirical findings reveal that, while CNN-GRU, GRU and LSTM are the most accurate models, for maximum cumulative return and risk adjusted performance GRU and CNN are preferred. Whereas, for transparent and stable decision-making, Random Forest and XGboost are a good choice and, for robustness, CNN and LSTM are the best choice. Ultimately, the choice of a model depends on the objectives of the analysis.
Real-World Assets (RWAs) serve as a bridge between traditional financial instruments and decentralized infrastructures. By representing assets such as bonds, commodities, and real estate on blockchains, RWAs can extend the scope of decentralized finance. Industry forecasts further indicate rapid growth in tokenized RWAs after 2025, underscoring their potential role in the evolution of digital financial markets. However, in the current multi-chain environment, RWAs face challenges such as repeated authentication across multiple chains and inefficiencies arising from multi-step settlement protocols. To address these issues, we present a cross-chain framework for RWAs that emphasizes identity management, authentication, and cross-chain interaction. The framework integrates Decentralized Identifiers and Verifiable Credentials with customized attributes to support decentralized identification, and incorporates an authentication protocol based on Simplified Payment Verification to avoid redundant verification across chains. Furthermore, this paper adopts a cross-chain channel that supports efficient RWA settlements, and we refine its design so that the channel does not need to be closed immediately after each settlement, thereby reducing on-chain cost. We implement the framework and evaluate its performance via simulations, which confirm its feasibility and demonstrate improvements in efficiency for RWAs in cross-chain settings.
The relevance of the topic is due to the need to specify the circle of participants in the virtual asset market, since participants are an important element of legal relations in the virtual asset market. However, a clear circle of them has not yet been formed. With the development of the virtual asset market, new participants emerged, which explains the need to specify their circle at the current stage of market formation. The need for such specification is also due to the fact that the role and importance of the virtual asset market for the economy of Ukraine, including for its post-war recovery, require urgent certainty regarding the legal framework for the market functioning, which, in particular, should concern participants, which will allow to solve a problem of regulation of other legal aspects of the market functioning. The purpose of the article is to specify the circle of the virtual assets marker participants and to substantiate their place and role in this market by means of classification. Based on the provided study, author specifies the circle of virtual assets marker participants, which are proposed to be divided into the following functional groups: 1) the main participants – virtual assets service providers, which, depending on the activities carried out, may be business entities, the range of which is presented in Article 55 of the Commercial Code of Ukraine, business entities established under the laws of foreign states, as well as decentralized autonomous organizations functioning as virtual assets service providers; issuers (including miners); offerors; consumers; and individuals conducting transactions with virtual assets in their own interests; 2) participants with auxiliary functions that provide the necessary conditions for the functioning of the virtual asset market by providing services (banking, insurance, legal, consulting, etc.); 3) participants with special functions related to state regulation of the virtual asset market and self-regulatory organizations. The author suggests that the concept of “virtual asset market participant” should be properly enshrined in national legislation.
Introduction: The interplay between digital culture and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represents a major paradigm shift in the creative industries, especially in the European context. This article examines the relevance of this issue, highlighting the transformative impact of NFTs on artistic practices and the art market in general. The study addresses the dual nature of NFT as a source of opportunities and challenges for artists, including issues of authenticity, intellectual property rights and environmental sustainability. The study aims to understand the implications of NFTs for European artists, focusing on their potential to enhance economic opportunities while recognizing the associated risks. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach is employed, including a comprehensive review of the academic literature, as well as a survey of artists, collectors and entrepreneurs to gather information on their experiences and perceptions of NFTs. Findings: These reveal that while NFTs offer innovative avenues for monetization and audience engagement, they also raise critical concerns about market volatility, regulatory frameworks and ethical implications. As artists grapple with the complexities of market volatility and ethical dilemmas, there is an imperative need for clear regulations and frameworks, as well as fostering knowledge and collaboration. Conclusions and discussion: This article contributes to the discourse on the future of digital culture in Lithuania, suggesting that a balanced approach is essential to harness the benefits of NFT while mitigating its challenges
O.O.O. Law firm, Upper Marlboro, USA, Oluwafunmibi Grace Ajakaye, Adeyinka Lawal, Independent Researcher, Texas, USA;
The emergence of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has fundamentally transformed the digital landscape, creating unprecedented challenges for intellectual property protection and copyright enforcement across transatlantic jurisdictions. This comprehensive study examines the evolving regulatory frameworks governing digital assets, blockchain-based intellectual property rights, and copyright infringement in the context of NFTs within both European Union and United States legal systems. The research investigates how traditional intellectual property laws are being adapted to address the unique characteristics of blockchain technology, including immutability, decentralization, and cross-border transactions that often transcend conventional jurisdictional boundaries. The study employs a comparative legal analysis methodology, examining recent legislative developments, judicial precedents, and regulatory guidance from key transatlantic jurisdictions including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the European Union as a collective entity. Through systematic analysis of case law, regulatory frameworks, and emerging legal doctrines, this research identifies critical gaps in current legal protections and proposes innovative solutions for harmonizing intellectual property enforcement in the digital age. The analysis reveals significant disparities between European and American approaches to blockchain governance, with European jurisdictions typically favoring more prescriptive regulatory frameworks while American systems rely heavily on existing intellectual property doctrines adapted for digital contexts.
This paper proposes a hybrid access control system that integrates the usability of Web2 authentication (Google Login) with the transparency and integrity of Web3 technologies (blockchain and smart contracts). The system enables users to authenticate via their existing Google accounts without managing crypto wallets or private keys, while access permissions are securely recorded on-chain through smart contracts. To ensure cryptographic key security without relying on a centralized authority, the design incorporates Distributed Key Management (DKM). This approach addresses the challenge of balancing usability with verifiability in data access control. By embedding decentralized guarantees within a centralized web service interface, the system enables practical and transparent access control. The proposed architecture demonstrates the potential for a general-purpose, auditable module that facilitates user-consented data sharing with third parties.
This study investigates three blockchain-based initiatives empowering entrepreneurial communities in Africa, focusing on Cape Verde, Angola, and Nigeria. Utilizing a multiple case study approach, it explores the implementation of decentralized public Blockchain Technology (BT) and cryptocurrency platforms. These platforms, which operate on a proof-of-stake mechanism and are fully open source, aim to identify the characteristics of successful BT system implementation and the pivotal role of blockchain-aligned entrepreneurship. The findings underscore BT's precision and effectiveness in managing entrepreneurship programs, facilitating real-time adaptation, and decision-making to address social and economic disparities. The study highlights BT's capacity to enhance operational efficiency and align business models with strategic goals, necessitating diverse skill sets for effective implementation. This innovative research offers valuable insights into how blockchain can rapidly integrate management, leadership, and execution capabilities into actionable strategies, ultimately empowering African entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive community development.
Escrow trust is a foundational requirement for high-value campaign execution in Web3 marketing marketplaces. When campaign budgets exceed USD 50,000 and settlement is enforced on-chain, the security properties of the escrow contract and its surrounding settlement architecture determine whether the platform can be trusted by enterprise brands. Naive escrow designs — single-key deployment, monolithic contract logic, and implicit state transitions — expose platforms to fund loss through key compromise, smart contract exploit, and fraudulent dispute resolution. This paper presents SESA (Secure Escrow and Settlement Architecture), a formal engineering framework for Web3 campaign escrow that integrates multi-signature approval policies, strict role segregation between campaign management and fund release authority, control-plane and data-plane separation with hardware-backed signing, and explicit finite-state machine governance of all escrow lifecycle transitions including dispute resolution. SESA is grounded in a formal threat model that enumerates eleven attack vectors specific to Web3 escrow systems and maps each to a corresponding architectural control. A formal verification of the escrow state machine using the TLA+ specification language demonstrates the absence of deadlock, fund loss, and unauthorised release under all reachable states. A gas cost analysis of the reference Solidity implementation demonstrates that SESA's security controls add a mean overhead of 23% in gas cost relative to a naive single-key escrow — a trade-off that enterprise buyers consistently accept in exchange for verifiable security assurances. SESA enables campaign budgets that would be commercially unviable under insecure escrow designs to flow safely through the platform, directly expanding the addressable market for high-value brand partnerships.
Alex Fernando Erazo-Luzuriaga, James Alberto Morales-Chincha
The expansion of digital financial systems in Latin America has increased the need for traceable, verifiable, reliable, and timely information to support managerial and financial decision-making. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between blockchain use, information transparency, and the quality of such decisions. A qualitative, documentary, non-experimental, and cross-sectional study was conducted through thematic analysis of scientific articles, technical reports, regulatory documents, and institutional reports published between 2021 and 2025. The results identified six application categories and more than 100 regional use cases across 23 countries, involving digital identity, payments, verifiable credentials, traceability, and digital assets. The findings also showed that traceability supported control, verifiability strengthened validation, information integrity enhanced consistency, and timeliness improved information availability for decision-making. The results indicated that these benefits depended on technological architecture, governance, interoperability, and data protection. It was concluded that blockchain can strengthen financial information transparency; however, it does not independently guarantee improvements in efficiency, profitability, or decision-making accuracy.
Weihao Zhu, Long Shi, Kang Wei, Zhen Mei · 7 authors
As an enabling architecture of Large Models (LMs), Mixture of Experts (MoE) has become prevalent thanks to its sparsely-gated mechanism, which lowers computational overhead while maintaining learning performance comparable to dense LMs. The essence of MoE lies in utilizing a group of neural networks (called experts) with each specializing in different types of tasks, along with a trainable gating network that selectively activates a subset of these experts to handle specific tasks. Traditional cloud-based MoE encounters challenges such as prolonged response latency, high bandwidth consumption, and data privacy leakage. To address these issues, researchers have proposed to deploy MoE over distributed edge networks. However, a key concern of distributed MoE frameworks is the lack of trust in data interactions among distributed experts without the surveillance of any trusted authority, and thereby prone to potential attacks such as data manipulation. In response to the security issues of traditional distributed MoE, we propose a blockchain-aided trustworthy MoE (B-MoE) framework that consists of three layers: the edge layer, the blockchain layer, and the storage layer. In this framework, the edge layer employs the activated experts downloaded from the storage layer to process the learning tasks, while the blockchain layer functions as a decentralized trustworthy network to trace, verify, and record the computational results of the experts from the edge layer. The experimental results demonstrate that B-MoE is more robust to data manipulation attacks than traditional distributed MoE during both the training and inference processes.
Prediction markets have gained adoption as on-chain mechanisms for aggregating information, with platforms such as Polymarket demonstrating demand for stablecoin-denominated markets. However, denominating in non-interest-bearing stablecoins introduces inefficiencies: participants face opportunity costs relative to the fiat risk-free rate, and Bitcoin holders in particular lose exposure to BTC appreciation when converting into stablecoins. This paper explores the case for prediction markets denominated in Bitcoin, treating BTC as a deflationary settlement asset analogous to gold under the classical gold standard. We analyse three methods of supplying liquidity to a newly created BTC-denominated prediction market: cross-market making against existing stablecoin venues, automated market making, and DeFi-based redirection of user trades. For each approach we evaluate execution mechanics, risks (slippage, exchange-rate risk, and liquidation risk), and capital efficiency. Our analysis shows that cross-market making provides the most user-friendly risk profile, though it requires active professional makers or platform-subsidised liquidity. DeFi redirection offers rapid bootstrapping and reuse of existing USDC liquidity, but exposes users to liquidation thresholds and exchange-rate volatility, reducing capital efficiency. Automated market making is simple to deploy but capital-inefficient and exposes liquidity providers to permanent loss. The results suggest that BTC-denominated prediction markets are feasible, but their success depends critically on the choice of liquidity provisioning mechanism and the trade-off between user safety and deployment convenience.
Namrata Marium Chacko, V G Narendra, Mamatha Balachandra, T Manoj
Blockchain technology has seen a rapid pace of development and expanded application domains swiftly due to the rising demand for decentralized trust, transparency, and integrity. The consensus algorithm plays a critical role in ensuring trust, immutability and governance of the decentralized network. However, traditional consensus face challenges such as high energy consumption, low scalability, security, and fault tolerance. Researchers have been investigating Lightweight Consensus to overcome these challenges. Lightweight Consensus is a mechanism that enables a more efficient and scalable blockchain system while ensuring security and immutability. This work uses the Systematic Literature Review method to comprehend Lightweight Consensus. 127 studies were grouped based on application specific network, and an in-depth analysis was done on the characteristics of the consensus. A novel taxonomy of Lightweight Consensus based on the agreement method and round propagation is proposed. Various parameters that needed consideration for a Lightweight Consensus are also analyzed. Finally, the study makes recommendations for future research on Lightweight Consensus in blockchain, emphasizing the importance of more empirical investigations and real-world implementations. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape on lightweight consensus in blockchain, shedding light on its potential impact on the evolution of blockchain technology. It also serves as a valuable guide for researchers, helping them identify the most suitable consensus features for specific application domains with unique requirements.
This study examines the philosophical-legal foundations of smart contracts through the lens of transforming concepts of autonomy and determinism. The semantic gap between the natural language of law and the formal language of programming is investigated. The ontological status of smart contracts as hybrid sociotechnical phenomena is analyzed. A conceptual vision of "executable law" is proposed for understanding new forms of algorithmic normativity in the digital era.
Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology
The insurance sector is being transformed through the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies. This study proposes the AI-Blockchain Hybrid Smart Contract Model (AIBSCM), which combines AI-based fraud detection with blockchain-based smart contracts to allow for automated insurance claim processing. A synthetic dataset of 1,000 insurance claims was used to train a random forest model, which achieved 92% accuracy on training data; however, real-world testing revealed difficulty in detecting fraudulent claims from under-represented categories. A blockchain simulation was conducted to demonstrate the secure storage and automated execution of claims, with smart contracts giving transparency and immutability. The architecture integrates decentralised oracles, zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), federated learning, and a DAO governance mechanism to provide a privacy-conscious, decentralised, and robust solution for the insurance business. Subsequent study will look at real-world deployment and integration with regulations. The integration of these technologies seeks to address traditional insurance systems' issues, such as data privacy concerns and a lack of transparency. By investigating real-world deployment and regulatory compliance, this model has the potential to transform the insurance business by delivering a safe and efficient method for dealing with false claims. This innovative method has the potential to boost client trust while also streamlining insurance company operations. Overall, the combination of blockchain and privacy-conscious technology might result in increased reliability and a transparent insurance sector.
The goal of this research is to analyze political uncertainty's short- and long-term impact on the volatility of Bitcoin throughout the US presidential election period (2023-2024), and test its value as a hedge asset in the face of rising political tensions. The GARCH-MIDAS model used here selects high-frequency daily returns on Bitcoin and low-frequency macroeconomic and political data, such as the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index (EPU), the Volatility Implied Index (VIX), and an irregular dummy variable for political events (POL_EVT). The empirical evidence depicts how Bitcoin is highly sensitive to political shocks, both sudden (short-run) and institutional (long-run), with its volatility speeding up as uncertainty increases. In contrast to traditional safe-haven securities such as gold or government bonds, Bitcoin does not exhibit hedging behavior during times of political turmoil. Instead, it is a high-risk speculation asset, responding in real-time but destabilizing to evolving political events. Moreover, the GARCH-MIDAS model proved to be outstanding in capturing the time and non-linear impacts of uncertainty compared to standard models, buttressing the importance of including political factors when studying the volatility dynamics of cryptocurrencies.
Gabriel Babatunde Iwasokun, Oluwaseyi Segun, Samuel Oluwatayo Ogunlana, Michael Adegoke · 6 authors
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices into modern payment systems has introduced innovative functionalities, but also significant security and performance challenges. IoT devices, such as smart sensors, wearables, and automated vending machines, are typically resource-constrained yet handle sensitive financial transactions that demand robust security mechanisms. Conventional cryptographic solutions are often unsuitable for these environments due to their high computational and memory requirements. This paper presents the design of a lightweight blockchain-based model to secure IoT payment systems by leveraging the Ethereum blockchain and AES-128 encryption. The blockchain token is encrypted with AES-128 to add layer of security before being stored in a database. The model is designed to employ a decentralised digital ledger to record and validate transactions without a central authority, and the transaction is grouped into a block and linked to the preceding block through cryptographic hashes. The chain of blocks forms an immutable record that enhances transparency and security, and the distributed nature of blockchain networks, wherein multiple participants validate each transaction, minimises the risk of fraudulent activities while ensuring consensus is achieved through predefined protocols. Analysis of results from the implementation established the minimization of computational overhead and robust security measures, and was particularly beneficial where the scalability of decentralized systems is required alongside heightened security protocols.
Meeting global forest restoration targets by 2030 requires a transition from labor-intensive and opaque practices to scalable, intelligent, and verifiable systems. This paper introduces a cyber–physical digital twin architecture for forest restoration, structured across four layers: (i) a Physical Layer with drones and IoT-enabled sensors for in situ environmental monitoring; (ii) a Data Layer for secure and structured transmission of spatiotemporal data; (iii) an Intelligence Layer applying AI-driven modeling, simulation, and predictive analytics to forecast biomass, biodiversity, and risk; and (iv) an Application Layer providing stakeholder dashboards, milestone-based smart contracts, and automated climate finance flows. Evidence from Dronecoria, Flash Forest, and AirSeed Technologies shows that digital twins can reduce per-tree planting costs from USD 2.00–3.75 to USD 0.11–1.08, while enhancing accuracy, scalability, and community participation. The paper further outlines policy directions for integrating digital MRV systems into the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) and Article 5 of the Paris Agreement. By embedding simulation, automation, and participatory finance into a unified ecosystem, digital twins offer a resilient, interoperable, and climate-aligned pathway for next-generation forest restoration.
Purpose: This study explores the transformative impact of financial technology (fintech) on the global financial services industry, focusing on innovations, regulatory implications, and challenges. The research aims to identify key technological disruptions, examine the regulatory landscape, and highlight opportunities and risks introduced by fintech. Methodology/approach: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted using SCOPUS, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect. Following a structured protocol, 153 peer-reviewed articles (2014–2019) were analysed through thematic and meta-analytical approaches. The study adopted an interpretative philosophy and used the PICOC framework to refine search precision and synthesis. Results/findings: The analysis reveals fintech’s disruptive innovations in financing and payment systems, such as peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, crowdfunding, blockchain-enabled transactions, and mobile payments. These services have enhanced financial inclusion, operational efficiency, and customer accessibility. Regulatory frameworks have evolved in parallel, though challenges remain in addressing moral hazard, cybersecurity, and compliance. Geographically, Asia, particularly China and Indonesia, leads fintech research and implementation. Conclusion: Fintech has significantly reshaped financial ecosystems by enabling decentralized financial services, accelerating digital transactions, and fostering inclusivity. However, cybersecurity risks, limited regulatory clarity, and uneven global adoption continue to impede its sustainable integration. Limitations: The study is limited to English-language literature from 2014–2019 and may not capture recent post-pandemic developments or region-specific innovations in Islamic or informal economies. Contribution: This paper contributes a comprehensive synthesis of fintech’s evolution, identifies existing gaps, and offers insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and researchers to foster a balanced, secure, and innovative financial environment.
With the rise of cryptocurrencies, illicit activities such as money laundering, fraud, and Ponzi schemes have gained attention. Traditional methods using graph neural networks (GNNs) to detect illicit transactions treat the entire transaction network as input, which works well on small networks but struggles with large-scale blockchain data. To address this limitation, the authors propose a neighborhood subgraph-based method that combines GCN and LSTM. The GCN captures information from neighboring nodes for each transaction, enhancing the understanding of the network structure, while the LSTM tracks the sequence and variations of fund flows. Experimental results show that by using 3-hop neighborhood subgraphs, the method outperforms other baseline models while requiring data from only an average of 80 nodes, thereby significantly improving efficiency compared to methods that process the entire transaction network.
This Research paper attempts to examine and analyse the legal nature and law which govern virtual property, covering the concept of ownership, transfer, and regulatory challenges within the metaverse. This Research paper aims to set-out the struggles of traditional legal framework to adapt to the new digital environment consisting of technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D modelling, and edge computing converge to form the metaverse. The study explains blockchain technology, as it reinforces non-fungible tokens (NFTs) which is the key standard for virtual ownership. It also attempts to analyse how existing legal framework in India for property laws, such as the Transfer of Property Act 1882[1] and the Sale of Goods Act 1930[2], could bring virtual assets under its legal parameters. A comparative analysis of the UK, US, EU, and Indian legal frameworks shows how different legal approaches helps in classification of digital assets. The UK Law Commission’s recommendation demonstrates a progressive shift toward recognising virtual property rights by introducing a new category of “digital objects”.[3] The Research paper highlights the inadequacy of existing property laws for resolving the exclusive cross-jurisdictional and ownership challenges posed by digital environments, concluding that just providing conceptual foundation is not enough. It advocates for a harmonised global governance framework integrating statutory law, soft law principles like the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts[4], and platform-specific regulation to ensure certainty, accountability, and protection of digital ownership.
Jean Baudrillard's (1929–2007) theoretical writings are applied to an examination of today's global virtual economy and society. New advances in virtual culture, which flourished during and after the COVID-19 pandemic—esp., metaverses (immersive virtual worlds), non-fungible tokens, and deepfakes (synthetic media)—are discussed to show the prescience of Baudrillard's theory for how our global consumer society of the image is now defined by the problem of simulation. Baudrillard is shown to have theorized important trends and phenomenon in our contemporary global hyperculture that have hitherto been neglected: non-communication, anti-work, and anti-consumption are, among others, explained as developing phenomena because they are pathologies of a new nihilism, a hatred of capitalism, that is not realized through destruction, but through the simulation and deterrence that now defines contemporary global culture and society.
This systematic review examines how elite athletes are leveraging digital platforms, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain to build autonomous brands, bypass traditional sport gatekeepers, and develop athlete-owned business models. Drawing on 47 peer-reviewed studies (2016-2025), we synthesise evidence across five domains: athlete branding and self-production, disintermediation, platform-enabled empowerment, AI-driven content innovation, and emerging commercial structures. The findings reveal a decisive shift in sport's power balance, with athletes acting as media producers, cultural influencers, and entrepreneurial actors. Digital platforms enable direct-to-fan engagement, while AI tools lower content production costs whilst personalising interactions and extend global reach. Blockchain facilitates decentralised monetisation and data sovereignty, supporting ventures such as athlete-owned leagues and non-fungible tokens. However, these developments embed new dependencies on platform algorithms and volatile digital markets. From a platform capitalism perspective, athlete autonomy is constrained by corporate-controlled infrastructures; from a value co-creation lens, fan relationships become participatory spaces for shared cultural and commercial value creation. The review highlights governance challenges, including ethical implications of synthetic media, data ownership, and the regulation of AI-enabled branding ecosystems. We argue that sport governance must evolve from a control-oriented model to one that positions athletes as co-creators of value and strategic partners in decision-making. Future research should address equity in digital visibility and sustainable athlete-led business ecosystems. Governance mechanisms that reconcile technological opportunity with autonomy protection should be explored as well. Athletes are no longer peripheral actors in sport's commercial order, they are emerging as its architects, with significant implications for the future of sport governance.