Great question @thejohalfiles, the VICE whitepaper still highlights Steem as a basis for utilizing the rep-scores. However, we've heard conflicting reports and are also seeking more information about this.
Comment EDIT - it looks as if VICE will be forking the Steem code to provide this functionality. See their tweet below:
From what I understand the Steem blockchain is not fully open source... I think the dude will get sued if he forks the Steem blockchain without permission from Steemit Inc.so basically @viceindustry won't be using the same Steem blockchain we're using, and won't be an SMT.
The Steem code is open source, the license was changed quite some time ago:
https://steemit.com/steemit/@steemitblog/steemd-is-now-completely-free-to-use-with-an-mit-license
It kind of seems like a bad move to me. Like divided we fall. Would make Steem and Vice stronger to just join forces.
Not everyone wants porn. Steemit added the 18+ content block to deal with it temporarily. I like this, it will allow VICE to be Steem porn and Steemit to be quality proof of brain.
That's why they'll air drop their tokens to steem holders. Like compensation.