CZ Warns Selfies Risk Misleading Crypto Investors as AI Safety Concerns Rise

Changpeng Zhao, co-founder of Binance, issued a public warning on August 25, 2025, cautioning that the widespread use of selfies with him could be exploited as false endorsements for cryptocurrency projects. Speaking at WebX2025 in Tokyo, CZ emphasized that photos with him are not an indication of approval or due diligence. Given the high volume of selfies—approximately 600 in 30 minutes—he pointed out that such rapid interactions make it impossible to vet each project individually. As a result, investors and users should independently verify claims rather than relying on such images for credibility [1].

CZ recommended that individuals seeking professional contact should opt for business cards or QR codes for Signal or WhatsApp, instead of pursuing photo opportunities as a means of building trust. He urged the community to treat influencer photos as anecdotal and not factual proof of project legitimacy. Verification through on-chain data, official whitepapers, team histories, and registered corporate records remains the most reliable method for due diligence [1].

The warning carries particular relevance for BNB-linked projects, as the misuse of CZ’s image could mislead investors into assuming unwarranted support. Projects that display photos with CZ without verifiable backing risk damaging their credibility and exposing users to potential scams. CZ’s comments highlight a broader concern about the misuse of celebrity endorsements in the crypto space and the need for greater transparency and caution from both investors and project teams [1].

In addition to the selfie issue, CZ also addressed the AI development landscape. He noted the irony in the current AI race, where organizations that claim to prioritize safety are simultaneously striving to create the most advanced systems. While expressing support for technological progress, he advocated for open, public debate on governance and risk mitigation, rather than relying solely on symbolic statements [1].

CZ’s remarks reinforce the need for a more critical and informed approach to project evaluation in the cryptocurrency and AI sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, users must remain vigilant against misleading marketing tactics and ensure that investments are based on documented, verifiable sources rather than social proof alone [1].

Source: [1] CZ Warns Selfies May Be Misused as Endorsements; BNB-Linked Projects Could Be Affected, He Flags AI Race Concerns (https://en.coinotag.com/cz-warns-selfies-may-be-misused-as-endorsements-bnb-linked-projects-could-be-affected-he-flags-ai-race-concerns/)