SAN FRANCISCO — A California man used Anthropic’s Claude AI to recover access to a Bitcoin wallet containing roughly five BTC — currently worth more than $400,000 — that had been locked for over 11 years after he forgot the password he changed while intoxicated, in a story that quickly went viral on social media and highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in personal finance and digital asset recovery.
The man, known on X as @cprkrn, posted a screenshot Wednesday showing his long-forgotten wallet address and the successful recovery, sparking widespread celebration and discussion across the crypto community. The wallet, 14VJySbsKraEJbtwk9ivnr1fXs6QuofuE6, had been dormant since around 2015 after he altered the password following a night of heavy cannabis use, leaving him unable to access the funds despite repeated attempts over the years.
In a detailed thread that has now been viewed more than 13 million times, @cprkrn explained how he tried approximately 3.5 trillion password combinations manually and through various tools without success. He eventually found an old mnemonic seed phrase in a college notebook but still could not locate the corresponding wallet file. In a last-ditch effort, he uploaded the entire contents of his old college computer to Claude, Anthropic’s flagship AI model.
Claude identified an ancient wallet file buried in the backup data and successfully used the mnemonic to decrypt it, revealing the long-lost Bitcoin. The user immediately transferred the funds to a new, secure wallet after confirming access. “HOLY FUCKING SHIT OMG CLAUDE JUST CRACKED THIS SHIT,” he wrote in the initial post. “THANK YOU @AnthropicAI THANK YOU @DarioAmodei NAMING MY KID AFTER YOU.”
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The password itself added to the story’s viral appeal: “lol420fuckthePOLICE!*:)”. The user later shared that Claude summarized the entire recovery process in a concise overview, confirming the AI had located the critical file after the user provided his full computer archive.
The story quickly drew reactions from prominent figures in the crypto space. Nic Carter, a well-known Bitcoin analyst, replied “wait that’s insane.” Laura Shin, host of the Unchained podcast, posted “Omg! Amazing!!! 🤯 I love Claude 😍.” Binance.US jokingly replied “you should forget your password again for the plot,” prompting the user to fire back with a reference to the exchange’s past controversies.
MetaMask, Bitkey and other crypto projects offered congratulations and even promotional giveaways. Deadmau5, the electronic music artist, was tagged in a humorous reply asking him to perform at the user’s future wedding now that he could afford it. The thread also sparked serious discussion about AI’s role in crypto security and recovery.
Several replies raised legitimate security concerns. One user asked whether Anthropic now possessed the private keys, noting that uploading sensitive files to an AI model could theoretically expose them. The original poster confirmed he immediately moved the Bitcoin to a new wallet and expressed confidence that Anthropic’s security practices prevented any misuse. “I’m sure they have the key but I’m sure they have a lot else going on,” he replied.
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Experts in digital asset recovery noted that this case was not an example of cracking a seed phrase or breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography. Instead, Claude performed advanced file analysis on the user’s old computer backup, locating a wallet file that still contained the necessary decryption data. “Claude did NOT crack a seed phrase,” one commenter clarified. “It decrypted a local file on a device he had the phrase on. Still a huge win for the owner, and zero security concerns for people with bitcoin.”
The incident underscores both the promise and the risks of using powerful AI models for personal data analysis. While Claude helped recover significant value in this instance, uploading old hard drive images raises privacy considerations. Anthropic has not commented publicly on the specific case, but the company’s models are designed with strict data handling policies and are not trained on individual user uploads in a way that retains permanent access to sensitive information.
Bitcoin enthusiasts celebrated the story as proof of the cryptocurrency’s enduring value. One user noted that five BTC purchased around 2015 for a few hundred dollars had appreciated dramatically, turning a forgotten asset into life-changing money. Others shared their own stories of lost or recovered crypto wallets, highlighting the importance of proper seed phrase management and secure backups.
The viral thread also reignited broader conversations about Bitcoin’s security model in an era of advanced AI. While the underlying cryptography remains unbroken, human error — such as forgetting passwords or losing seed phrases — continues to result in permanent loss of funds estimated in the billions of dollars across the ecosystem. Tools like Claude demonstrate how AI can help mitigate some of those losses by analyzing personal archives for forgotten files.
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For the original poster, the recovery represents more than financial gain. He described spending $250 on specialized recovery tools over the years and feeling defeated until this final attempt succeeded. The moment has been described by many in the replies as “life-changing” and a “miracle enabled by AI.”
As the story continues to spread, it serves as a powerful case study in the practical applications of large language models for personal problem-solving. Anthropic’s Claude, already known for its strong reasoning capabilities, has now added a dramatic real-world success story to its growing reputation.
Whether this event encourages more people to use AI for digital asset recovery or raises new privacy concerns about sharing sensitive data with AI systems, one thing is clear: the intersection of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency continues to produce unexpected and headline-grabbing moments that capture the public imagination.
For now, the original poster has gone quiet after thanking the community and confirming the successful transfer. His final message in the thread was a simple expression of disbelief and gratitude: “Still in disbelief myself.”
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The crypto community, meanwhile, continues to celebrate what many are calling one of the most heartwarming and technically impressive recovery stories in Bitcoin’s history — made possible by a combination of persistent human effort and cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has sold its Cwm Ifor Solar Farm to one of UK’s fastest-growing energy suppliers Fuse Energy.
The 20 megawatt consented solar farm, which at capacity will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 6,000 homes annually, is expected to be connected to the National Grid in December. Work started last month.
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Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA advised the local authority of the disposal of the scheme near Caerphilly. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
Amanda McConnell, Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for climate change, said:, “This agreement is an important step in tackling the climate emergency and increasing renewable energy in Caerphilly. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm could power around 6,000 homes with clean electricity, while supporting a more flexible and resilient energy system. We’re pleased to be working with Fuse Energy to bring this project forward and deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits for our communities.”
Henry Grant, director, Savills Earth Capital Advisory, said; “We’re pleased to have supported the local authority with this transaction. Investor appetite for solar remains strong as these projects continue to play a critical role in accelerating the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy system.”
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The acquisition expands Fuse Energy’s growing renewable portfolio with a current 1GW pipeline across solar and wind projects. It plans to develop Cwm Ifor using in-house engineering, procurement and construction. A previous solar project was recently completed by the company at a 30% lower cost per MW peak than industry average.
I’m a Portfolio manager (flexible equity funds and private clients), fundamental equity research, macro and geopolitical strategy.Over 10 years across global markets, managing multi-asset strategies and equity portfolios at a European asset manager.I combine top-down macro, bottom-up stock selection and real-time positioning (Bloomberg, models, data).I focus on earnings, tech disruption, policy shifts and capital flows — to identify mispriced opportunities before the market.On Seeking Alpha I share high-conviction ideas, contrarian views and deep breakdowns of both growth and value names.For more insights: follow me on X @AgarCapital
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NEW YORK — World oil prices remained elevated above $105 per barrel on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, continued to support the market even as investors awaited outcomes from the high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Brent crude, the global benchmark, traded near $105.50 per barrel in early European trading, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. benchmark, hovered around $101 per barrel. Both contracts have stayed in elevated territory throughout 2026, reflecting persistent supply concerns and strong global demand despite economic uncertainties in some regions.
The primary driver remains the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which nearly 20% of global oil supply flows. Since military actions began in late February, shipping traffic has been severely restricted, leading to significant supply disruptions and a sharp drawdown in global inventories. Analysts at S&P Global estimate that inventories have fallen by an average of 8.5 million barrels per day in the second quarter, pushing prices higher and creating a risk premium in the market.
The Trump-Xi summit has added another layer of uncertainty and potential relief. Trump is pressing China, Iran’s largest oil customer, to use its influence to help stabilize energy flows. Any positive developments from Beijing could ease pressure on prices, but analysts caution that a quick resolution to the Hormuz situation remains unlikely. “The market is pricing in prolonged disruption,” said one senior energy trader. “Even optimistic scenarios suggest it will take time for flows to normalize.”
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U.S. production has provided some buffer. Domestic output remains near record levels, helping to offset some global tightness. However, OPEC+ members have maintained disciplined production cuts, limiting additional supply to the market. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf producers continue to prioritize price stability over volume in the current environment.
Demand remains robust despite higher prices. Strong economic activity in Asia, particularly in India and parts of Southeast Asia, has supported consumption. China’s stimulus measures have helped stabilize industrial activity, though the country’s overall economic recovery remains uneven. Global oil demand is projected to average around 103 million barrels per day in 2026, according to the International Energy Agency, with transportation fuels and petrochemicals driving growth.
For American consumers, the impact is noticeable at the pump. National average gasoline prices have climbed above $4.00 per gallon in many regions, adding pressure on household budgets ahead of the summer driving season. Refiners have warned that prolonged high crude costs could lead to further increases if inventory levels tighten further.
Energy companies have benefited from the elevated price environment. Major producers have reported strong earnings, with many using the windfall to pay down debt, increase dividends and invest in low-carbon technologies. Oilfield service companies have also seen renewed demand, though the focus remains on efficiency and capital discipline rather than aggressive expansion.
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The Trump administration has used the situation to push for increased domestic production and streamlined permitting for energy projects. Officials argue that boosting U.S. output can help stabilize global markets and reduce reliance on foreign supplies. However, environmental groups and some Democrats in Congress have criticized the approach, calling for faster transition to renewable energy sources.
Longer-term forecasts suggest prices could remain elevated through the remainder of 2026. Standard Chartered and other banks project Brent averaging between $100 and $110 per barrel for the year, assuming the Hormuz situation persists into the third quarter. A full resolution could bring prices back toward $80-$90, but most analysts see limited downside risk in the near term.
Investors have responded with caution. Energy stocks have outperformed broader markets in 2026 but remain sensitive to any diplomatic breakthroughs or sudden supply increases. Volatility in oil futures has increased, with traders positioning for potential swings around the Trump-Xi meetings and other geopolitical developments.
The situation also highlights the interconnected nature of global energy markets. Europe, still recovering from earlier energy shocks, has increased imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas and other alternatives. Asia’s reliance on Middle Eastern crude makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the region.
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As the Trump-Xi summit continues, any signals regarding Iran or energy cooperation could move markets significantly. For now, the combination of tight supply, strong demand and geopolitical risk keeps oil prices firmly in elevated territory, affecting everything from gasoline prices to inflation expectations worldwide.
The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether current levels prove sustainable or if new developments bring relief to consumers and businesses. Until then, the world remains on edge, watching both the oil markets and the diplomatic efforts in Beijing for clues about the path ahead.
A Scottish court has granted a “sist” – pausing the liquidation of the company
08:14, 14 May 2026Updated 10:11, 14 May 2026
A Wootzano robot(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
The founder of award-winning North East robotics firm Wootzano has said the company is “back” after previously being wound up.
Scientist Atif Syed founded the Tyneside-based maker of automated food packing systems in 2018 and has gone on to quickly grow it, winning work around the world with multimillion-pound orders from as far afield as the US and Japan.
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But The Journal reported last year that the firm – which has developed its own sensor technology that is ideal for the delicate handling of fresh food – was facing winding up following a petition from Government-owned agency, Innovate UK.
Companies House records show that the firm received a winding up order last November. Wootzano took a £838,000 Innovate UK Innovation Loan in 2022 for a specific vision-based subsystem of its Avarai robots, a piece of technology it hoped could provide another source of revenue for the business.
But when the subsystem was not commercialised within an allotted time frame, it resulted in a winding up petition.
In a social media post, Mr Syed has said that the firm has been battling for its survival over the last six months but has now recruited a new chief financial officer and chief commercial officer. He is stepping away from his CEO role to focus on technology and engineering, describing that part of his job as “what I have always loved most”.
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He said: “The belief shown in Wootzano, by the Court, by our customers, and by everyone who refused to give up on us, is something I carry with me. Our responsibility now is to honour that belief through our delivery, our technology, and our results.
“The robots are being built again. The deliveries are going out again. And the technology that earned global recognition and put Britain on the map for true robotics is now back to work.”
Wootzano was named North East Business of the Year in 2024 after winning a series of multimillion-pound contracts around the world.
The company developed specialised robots for fruit and food picking, starting out at the NETPark science and business park in County Durham before moving to a new base at the Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the RideNow Group, Inc. First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] This call is being recorded on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
I would now like to turn the conference over to Jerene Makia, Vice President of Finance. Please go ahead, sir.
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Jerene Makia
Thank you, operator. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us for RideNow’s First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. Joining me on the call today are Michael Quartieri, RideNow’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President; and Josh Barsetti, RideNow’s Chief Financial Officer. Our first quarter results are detailed in the press release issued this afternoon, and supplemental information will be available in our Form 10-Q once filed.
Before we begin, I would like to remind you that comments made by management during this conference call may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, RideNow’s market opportunities and future financial results. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could affect RideNow’s actual results and cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of RideNow.
A discussion of material risks and important factors that could affect our results can be found in our filings with the SEC, which are available on our Investor Relations website and at sec.gov. This conference call also contains time-sensitive information that is accurate only as of the date of this live broadcast, Thursday, May 14, 2026. RideNow assumes no obligation to revise or
More than 125,000 children’s tower stools sold on Amazon are being recalled because they can tip over or collapse, creating a “risk of serious injury and death.”
The recall covers Cosyland-branded children’s tower stools, models CS0003 and CS0092-4. The stools, sold in natural bamboo and gray finishes, stand about 35 inches tall and were sold on Amazon.com from April 2021 through November 2025 for about $70, according to a notice issued Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
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“The recalled tower stools can collapse or tip over while in use, and a child’s torso can fit through the openings on the front and back sides, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to tip over, fall and entrapment hazards,” CPSC said.
The products were sold in the colors natural bamboo and gray and measure about 35 inches tall. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
“Contact Cosyland Official for repair parts, which include protective nets, stabilizing feet, and installation instructions. The firm will mail the repair parts directly to consumers free of charge,” CPSC said.
Consumers are urged to stop using the stools immediately and keep them away from children until they are repaired. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
The recall follows a similar action last month when nearly 13,000 toddler towers across three other brands were recalled after dozens of incidents and 21 injurieswere reported due to the stools collapsing or tipping, according to CPSC.
Cosyland did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
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FOX Business’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.
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