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John McAfee’s Legacy Lives On: AI Token Project Emerges from His Account

Writer's picture: Blockonome GnomeBlockonome Gnome

Posthumous crypto launch sparks debate over authenticity and legacy.


John McAfee’s Legacy Lives On: AI Token Project Emerges from His Account

John McAfee’s presence in the cryptocurrency world refuses to fade, as his X (formerly Twitter) account made an unexpected announcement on January 23, 2024. The post introduced “AIntiviris,” an artificial intelligence-based token project, raising immediate speculation and concerns about the authenticity of the announcement.

The revelation triggered initial fears of a hack, with cybersecurity firm PeckShield issuing an alert about a possible compromise. However, the firm later retracted its warning, confirming that the account had not been breached.


McAfee, a name synonymous with cybersecurity, was a maverick figure in the tech world long before the rise of cryptocurrencies. He worked at NASA, Lockheed, and Xerox before founding McAfee Associates in 1987, pioneering antivirus software. By 1994, he had sold his stake in the company for millions, setting the stage for his next ventures.


His crypto journey began in 2016 as chairman of MGT Capital Investments, shifting the firm’s focus toward blockchain technologies. During the ICO boom, McAfee became infamous for charging $105,000 per tweet to promote projects, with reports suggesting he sometimes requested up to 20% of the associated tokens.


His influence extended beyond promotions. In 2017, he boldly predicted Bitcoin would hit $500,000 within three years, later retracting his statement when the forecast proved inaccurate. McAfee’s involvement deepened in 2019 with the launch of McAfee DEX, a decentralized exchange, and WHACKD, a token tied to conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s death.


Legal troubles followed him for years. In 2012, he was linked to the death of American expatriate Michael Faull in Belize, later fleeing to Guatemala. U.S. authorities pursued him for tax evasion, leading to his arrest in Spain in 2020. That same day, the SEC accused him of running ICO pump-and-dump schemes.


While imprisoned, McAfee maintained an active online presence through his lawyer, speaking out against government control and surveillance. His death in 2021, ruled a suicide by Spanish authorities, was met with skepticism, particularly from his wife, Janice McAfee, who in November 2023 stated she had been denied access to his autopsy report.


Now, his digital legacy takes another turn with the AI token project AIntiviris, promoted under his name. The project’s messaging, filled with McAfee-style rhetoric, claims to champion “freedom, privacy, and defiance against the establishment.” Industry reactions have been mixed, with some seeing it as an extension of McAfee’s legacy and others questioning the legitimacy of the initiative.


Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson acknowledged McAfee’s lasting impact on cybersecurity and crypto, while others remain skeptical about whether he would have endorsed this project. Regardless, the launch of AIntiviris ensures that McAfee’s name remains a topic of discussion in the crypto space, continuing his legacy of controversy and innovation even after death.


photo source / Blockonome

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Blockonome's content is meant to be informational in nature and should not be interpreted as investment advice. Trading, buying or selling cryptocurrencies should be considered a high-risk investment and every reader is advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

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