TLDR
- John McAfee’s X account made a surprise announcement on Jan. 23, 2024, introducing an AI token project called “AIntiviris”
- Initial hack concerns were retracted by PeckShield, confirming the account was not compromised
- McAfee, who died in 2021, was known for charging $105,000 per crypto promotional tweet during the ICO boom
- The new AI token project claims to represent “freedom, privacy and sticking it to the establishment”
- McAfee’s widow, Janice, stated in November 2023 that she wasn’t allowed to see his autopsy report and his wealth disappeared after death
John McAfee’s presence in the cryptocurrency world continues even after his death, as demonstrated by a surprising announcement from his X (formerly Twitter) account on January 23, 2024. The post introduced “AIntiviris,” an artificial intelligence token project that initially raised concerns about account security.
The announcement caused immediate speculation about a potential hack of McAfee’s social media account. However, blockchain security service PeckShield, after initially warning of a compromise, revised their assessment and confirmed the account remained secure.
Correction: The account has not been compromised pic.twitter.com/dbvhubddni
— PeckShieldAlert (@PeckShieldAlert) January 23, 2025
McAfee’s journey in technology began long before cryptocurrency existed. Starting as a computer programmer, he worked at major organizations including NASA, Lockheed, and Xerox. In 1987, he created his first antivirus software, leading to the foundation of McAfee Associates, which he sold his stake in by 1994 for millions.
The tech entrepreneur’s entry into cryptocurrency came through his role as chairman of MGT Capital Investments in 2016. Under his leadership, the company shifted its focus to blockchain technology, which McAfee believed was crucial for cybersecurity’s future.
During the Initial Coin Offering (ICO) boom, McAfee became known for his promotional activities in the crypto space. He openly charged $105,000 per tweet to promote cryptocurrency projects, with some reports suggesting he requested up to 20% of the tokens from projects he endorsed.
His involvement in cryptocurrency included bold predictions. In 2017, McAfee famously declared Bitcoin would reach $500,000 within three years, making a rather unusual personal promise if wrong. He later withdrew this promise when the prediction failed to materialize.
When I predicted Bitcoin at $500,000 by the end of 2020, it used a model that predicted $5,000 at the end of 2017. BTC has accelerated much faster than my model assumptions. I now predict Bircoin at $1 million by the end of 2020. I will still eat my dick if wrong. pic.twitter.com/WVx3E71nyD
— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) November 29, 2017
McAfee’s crypto ventures expanded in 2019 with the launch of McAfee DEX, a decentralized exchange. The platform introduced the WHACKD token, which promoted conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein’s death.
Legal troubles followed McAfee throughout his life. In 2012, he faced questioning in Belize regarding the death of American immigrant Michael Faull. After fleeing to Guatemala and being extradited to the United States, he was ordered to pay $25 million to Faull’s estate in a wrongful death suit.
Despite these legal challenges, McAfee announced a presidential campaign in 2018. He openly admitted he didn’t want to win, instead using the platform to promote cryptocurrency and personal freedom. During this period, he lived on a yacht to avoid U.S. authorities, continuing his campaign while dealing with various legal issues.
Spanish authorities arrested McAfee in October 2020 for tax evasion. The following day, the SEC filed complaints about his ICO promotions and alleged involvement in crypto pump-and-dump schemes. He spent nearly a year in prison, maintaining an active social media presence through his lawyer.
McAfee was found dead in his prison cell in 2021, the same day a Spanish judge approved his extradition to the United States. Officials ruled the death a suicide, though his wife Janice McAfee stated in November 2023 that she hasn’t been allowed to see the autopsy report.
The new AI token project, launched posthumously through his account, describes itself as “a string of defiance wrapped in cryptographic brilliance.” The project’s website employs language reminiscent of McAfee’s known writing style, emphasizing themes of freedom and anti-establishment sentiment.
Industry leaders shared mixed reactions to McAfee’s impact. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson acknowledged his contributions to computing, while others remembered his complex personality and influence on the cryptocurrency space.
The January 2024 announcement of the AIntiviris token adds another chapter to McAfee’s cryptocurrency legacy, continuing his involvement in the industry even after his death.
