- Janice McAfee launched AIntivirus (AINTI), a memecoin inspired by John McAfee’s legacy, reaching a $100M market cap before stabilizing.
- The token claims to integrate AI for cybersecurity, but technical details remain vague, raising skepticism in the crypto community.
- Community reactions are mixed, with some questioning if the project is legitimate or fueled by a hacked account.
The Twitter/X account of Janice McAfee, wife of the late cybersecurity pioneer John McAfee, announced the launch of AIntivirus (AINTI), a memecoin tied to an AI-driven project inspired by her husband’s legacy. The token went live on Jan. 23 at 1 A.M. GMT, hitting a $100 million market cap within five hours before stabilizing around $27 million. Its price saw wild fluctuations, trading between $0.27 and $1 during the first 11 hours.
A Memecoin Rooted in John McAfee’s Legacy
According to Janice McAfee, the project draws on John McAfee’s passion for privacy, crypto, and decentralized technology, while incorporating AI tools for cybersecurity. She shared the token’s smart contract address in her X post and warned users about fraudulent tokens attempting to piggyback on the launch.
Janice also described the token as part of her effort to “expand John’s legacy” in the current crypto market. In her words, McAfee is “John McAfee AI incarnated.”
Early Hype and Market Reactions
AIntivirus has exhibited the same volatility seen with other celebrity-linked tokens, where hype often drives a rapid rise followed by sharp declines. The token has already dropped 70% from its short-lived all-time high, mirroring broader memecoin trends fueled by Bitcoin’s ongoing push past $100,000.
The token claims to leverage AI for cybersecurity, echoing the legacy of John McAfee’s antivirus software. However, technical details about the project remain vague, with little revealed beyond promotional materials on its website.
Cryptic Promises and Skepticism
The project’s website paints a defiant picture:
“In a world overrun by surveillance states, corporate greed and digital enslavement, the AIntivirus is the ultimate disrupter. A string of defiance wrapped in cryptographic brilliance. If $AIntivirus represents freedom, privacy, and sticking it to the establishment, then consider it endorsed.”
Despite the bold claims, many community members are questioning the legitimacy of the project. Observers have flagged unusual details, including inconsistencies in the use of US vs. UK English, which has led to speculation about whether the launch was orchestrated through a hacked account.
A Mixed Community Response
The launch follows the success of the TRUMP and MELANIA memecoins ahead of the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, fueling interest in meme-driven projects. Still, the AIntivirus token has left the crypto community divided, with some embracing its vision and others wary of potential pump-and-dump tactics.
With its high-risk, high-reward nature, AIntivirus reflects the volatile, speculative nature of memecoins. Whether it’s a legitimate nod to McAfee’s legacy or a cleverly executed scam remains unclear.
