Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Increased Interest and Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity Emerge in May 2023

In today’s digital age as more and more people recognize the need to protect their online activities and personal information, interest in cybersecurity has skyrocketed in recent years. May 2023 witnessed a significant surge in this trend, with Google Trends reporting a remarkable increase in both public interest and career opportunities in the field. According to the data, since 2022, the search term Cybersecurity has remained popular. Starting from ninety-seven in September till seventy in December. In 2023, the term boosted up till ninety and by May 2023, it was at it’s all time high as it reached one hundred.

One of the key factors contributing to this surge is the growing number of cyber threats and attacks. From high-profile data breaches to ransomware attacks on businesses and individuals, cybersecurity incidents have become commonplace. These incidents not only compromise personal privacy but also have severe financial and reputational consequences. As a result, people have become increasingly concerned about protecting themselves and their digital assets, which has fuelled the interest in cybersecurity.

Another driving force behind this surge is the recognition of the cybersecurity field as a promising career choice. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals, job opportunities in cybersecurity have expanded exponentially. Organizations across industries are actively seeking individuals with expertise in areas such as network security, ethical hacking, and data protection. The potential for career growth and attractive salary packages have charmed many individuals to explore a career in this field.

Moreover, the emergence of new technologies and trends has further fuelled the interest in cybersecurity. Professionals in this field are tasked with safeguarding sensitive data, securing networks, and developing innovative solutions to combat emerging threats. The ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity keeps the field dynamic and appealing to individuals seeking challenges.

To meet the rising demand, educational institutions and training centres have responded by offering comprehensive cybersecurity programs. These programs equip aspiring professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the field. Additionally, online courses and certifications have made cybersecurity education more accessible than ever before.

In conclusion, the surge in interest in cybersecurity and the abundance of career opportunities in May 2023 demonstrate the growing recognition of the importance of protecting the digital lives. The increasing number of cyber threats, coupled with the allure of a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career, has sparked a surge of interest in the field. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals will only continue to grow.




Read next: Podcast Ad Spending Expected to Reach $4 Billion by 2025


by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Top AI Pioneer Says He Regrets Not Prioritizing Safety Over Usefulness In His AI Work

Another day is passing by and we’re hearing more and more news about the world of AI and how the huge threats that it comes with cannot be denied.

One of the top pioneers in the world of AI is not staying silent on the emerging threats that it possesses. Moreover, he claims that he definitely regrets not putting safety at the top of the list when developing his work as it mostly focused on the usefulness of the ordeal.

Professor Yoshua Bengio spoke to the BBC today and how he was feeling really lost regarding his work in this life. His comments are coming at a time when experts in the industry are claiming AI is causing an extinction of humanity and it would not be long before we see that take center stage.

He similarly called for greater regulation and hoped for some militaries to be given extra regulatory powers so they could keep AI in check and balance. For those that don’t know, he is deemed to be the second of three godfathers in this domain and has been hailed as a true pioneer in the AI forefront.

Now, he feels it’s his responsibility to voice his message on the matter to the world before it gets too late. After all, AI continues to develop at an alarming pace and it’s not fair to stay silent and watch destruction taking place in front of your eyes.

A recently held interview was aired on the BBC where Bengio added how he had no clear direction on where such a project was going and it was, therefore, best to avoid overthinking and make the most of the situation now.

He added how this new type of work was giving him a lot of direction and providing a great identity on a lot of things that aren’t clear. In the same way, he says that it’s a challenge and the AI sector is one that can never be easy to deal with.

The idea and goal right now is to keep on engaging, encouraging, and even discussing with so many people that you find the right solution. And if you remember, such a warning was also set out by another AI pioneer by the name of Dr. Geoffrey Hinton. He spoke about how more regulation was required for AI.


Read next: World’s Top AI Experts Sound The Alarm On Growing Risks And Threats Of Their Own Work
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

World’s Top AI Experts Sound The Alarm On Growing Risks And Threats Of Their Own Work

The world of AI has been a controversial debate and one that has sprung into a more prominent existence recently.

A group of the world’s top AI leaders have sat down and issued a joint statement that clearly speaks about the growing risks and threats that their own work possesses. They say the alarm bells were sounding for quite some time now and it’s important that officials take notice before it's too late.

The warning was called out as a huge risk for extinction and in situations where it’s not managed properly, it’s going to be worse than others.

This particular statement got hundreds of signatories including those belonging to the leaders of Anthropic, OpenAI, and even DeepMind. See, the goal was to let go of the challenges that discuss the huge risks involved by those that have been involved in the ordeal for a while now.

And the fact that terms like catastrophic are being utilized means things are definitely being dealt with seriously. The move comes after a moment of huge concern regarding the intense impacts AI can have on society as so many firms try to get bigger breakthroughs in their sectors with the revolutionizing technology.

Most experts, media personnel, and those in charge of making policies mentioned how the risks are urgent and need to be dealt with right now. It can be a very hard matter to discuss and there are plenty of concerns being raised on the subject too.

This paves the way for more discussion and when you think about it, it’s not something really new. Remember, we’ve had influential figures from the past like CEOs of Google, Antrhopic, and Sam Altman sign the document and call for radical change and a pause to training more models because they strongly feel the risks are plenty.

So many researchers in this world have ended up signing statements on this matter and they hope they can speak more in detail about this subject so more awareness is created along the way.

The news comes months after we saw dozens of other influential personalities and researchers sign another open letter that called for a pause in generative AI lasting six months. So as you can see, the general consensus across the whole matter is that the threat is there and something needs to be done quickly.


Read next: Creators Weigh In on the State of the Industry
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

The State of Social Media in 2023 Revealed

Social media has gone through drastic changes these past few years, and a new report released by Sprout Social and The Harris Poll just revealed the state of the modern industry with all things having been considered and taken into account. This report surveyed 778 professionals working in the industry, ranging from marketing managers, customer support representatives as well as communications experts.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that social media budgets are expected to increase dramatically over the next few years. 80% of the people that responded to this survey said that their organizations plan to increase the budgets for social media marketing and the like. 15% expect a 71% to 100% increase, 26% indicated that a 51% to 70% increase was on the cards, 23% cited a 31% to 50% uptick and 33% said that up to 30% increases were upcoming.

96% of business leaders agreed that increasing social media budgets was important because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up keeping them in line with competitors. 94% cited the positive impact on brand recognition as a prime reason for investing more in social media, 92% said that it would make them more competitive, 91% use social media to better understand customers and 89% said that it helped them to predict future trends.

91% went so far as to say that the success of their company is largely contingent on how they would go about using social media to derive important data that can help them create a sufficient strategy. In spite of the fact that this is the case, 69% also mentioned that these insights are currently being under utilized by their organizations.

This raises the question: how can businesses extract the maximum amount of value from this data by leveraging the latest tools and tech? 71% of business leaders said that they are already using Customer Relationship Management software, or CRM for short. Social Media Management programs, or SMM, are also being used by 69% of survey respondents since this can make it easier to plan their social media outreach than might have been the case otherwise.

However, there are also some challenges that must be addressed. 42% of the people that answered questions contained within this survey said that they don’t have access to as many social media tools as they would prefer. A similar proportion, 42%, stated that their tech solutions are not properly integrated with the overall framework that they are working with, and that is something that will most definitely need to change.

A lot of variance can be seen in terms of how easy people find it to demonstrate the benefits of the data they have on hand. While 70% claimed that it was at least somewhat easy, 11% stated that it was somewhat difficult.

However, most survey respondents agreed that things are about to get a lot easier over the next few years. Of the people surveyed, only 5% said that it will get harder to show the impact of these analytics on the bottom line. 81% said that it will become simpler, and 15% are expecting no major changes either way.

58% of professionals in the industry want improved integration to make their lives easier in the long run. 56% called for a greater level of collaboration between the disparate departments of their organization, and 54% are eager to see upcoming advancements in the tech so that they can use these sophisticated programs to get to the next stage.

With 97% of business leaders acknowledging that social data usage will become more relevant in the next three years, it will be interesting to see what further changes come to this industry.




Read next: Ease of Use Reigns: Consumers Prefer Apps Based on User-Friendliness
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

New Features Coming to WhatsApp: Screen Sharing For All Users and Status Archive for Businesses

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging app, is famous for constantly evolving to bring its users new and exciting features. In recent news, WaBetaInfo reported on two upcoming features that will make WhatsApp experience even better.

Starting off with the first update, users will soon be able to share their screen while being on a video call. According to WBI, WhatsApp is working on a screen sharing feature for video calls. This means users can share their screen with the person they are talking to, allowing them to see whatever they are doing on their phone in real-time. Whether it’s showing a presentation, walking through an app, or simply sharing a funny meme, screen sharing will make video calls more interactive and engaging. It’s a fantastic tool for both personal and professional use, enabling people to collaborate, assist, and connect with others like never before.


Moving on to the second update, WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool for companies around the world, and WAbetainfo has revealed an upcoming update tailored specifically for them. The latest status update will allow businesses to archive their status Android version of the app. Currently, when a business posts a status, it disappears after twenty-four hours. However, with this new feature, businesses will have the option to save their status updates, creating an archive of important information, announcements, or promotions. This will enable businesses to have a more permanent record of their status updates, making it easier to refer back to previous posts and maintain a comprehensive history of their communications. The pilot version has already been released and will soon be available to more users.


Both of these features showcase WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing user experiences and providing valuable tools for businesses. Whether an individual is looking to share their screen during a video call or a business seeking to archive their status updates, WhatsApp has it covered. These features will undoubtedly elevate WhatsApp usage to new heights, making it an even more versatile and powerful platform for communication.

As with all new features, it’s important to note that they might not be available immediately for all users. WhatsApp typically rolls out updates gradually.

In conclusion, WhatsApp’s upcoming screen sharing and status archive features demonstrate the app’s dedication to innovation and meeting the diverse needs of its users. With screen sharing on video calls, users can now share their phone’s screen in real-time, fostering better communication and collaboration. Meanwhile, the status archive feature empowers businesses to maintain a record of their important updates, ensuring efficient and effective communication with their customers.

Read next: WhatsApp users will soon be allowed to set up their own unique usernames to hide their phone numbers


by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Here’s What Creators Need to Know About the YouTube Algorithm in 2023

Creators based on YouTube are often left baffled by the algorithm because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up seeming impossible to understand. The Creator Insider channel recently put out a new video that tried to make the algorithm easier to parse than might have been the case otherwise.

Firstly, the video touches on the question of timing videos. Many creators wonder what the ideal time frame is to post their videos in order to get a more favorable boost from the algorithm. In spite of the fact that this is the case, the video suggests that this is the wrong approach. Creators need to replace the term algorithm in this question with the term audience.

Simply put, if your audience tends to prefer videos that are posted at a precise time, the algorithm will follow suit. That means that you should time your videos based on your own audience rather than attempting to base it arbitrarily on what you feel like the algorithm will reward.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that thinking long term is also incredibly useful. A lot of creators tend to put out sensationalized content in the hopes that this would drive higher view counts and engagement.

Here’s What Creators Need to Know About the YouTube Algorithm in 2023

While this might work in the short term, it can ruin your channel in the short term. You need to thinking about what viewers will return to your channel for six months from now rather than content that would get a short term boost before fading into obscurity.

It is also useful to address the question of multi-format content posting. You can now post regular long form content along with shorts, and podcasts are also seeing a rapid rise in popularity with all things having been considered and taken into account.

According to this video, you should put all of the content on the same channel as long as it appeals to the same audience. Creating separate channels is only useful in cases where the alternate formats would be targeting a different set of viewers.

Another thing that might make you want to create multiple channels is if you post content in multiple languages. This video reveals that you can now consider adding multi-track audio which can give your content an international appeal. Such practices are far better than making multiple channels since all of your content will be found in one place rather than spread across YouTube.

The final topic discussed in this video is the evolution of search and discovery. Large Language Models will factor into the equation by creating more nuanced recommendations for viewers. YouTube is clearly going for a quality over quantity approach, which indicates that fewer recommendations might make it to the home page.

This is being done to prevent something called decision fatigue. Viewers might get overwhelmed if they have too many options to choose from, so YouTube is attempting to dial it back a notch which would give niche creators the chance to shine. These recommendations can be vital tools for new creators who are trying to get ahead in the industry.



Read next: Search Marketing is Experiencing a Massive Change, With 20% of CMOs Decreasing Investments in SEO
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Podcast Ad Spending Expected to Reach $4 Billion by 2025

Podcasts have become a unique new avenue for advertisers who are looking to target certain consumers that are harder to reach. This has lead to a massive increase in ad spends on podcasts, going from $842 million in 2020 to over $2.2 billion by 2023. The rate of growth is showing no signs of going into the negatives, with the increase for the rest of the year expected to be somewhere in the region of 43% or so.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the growth rate of advertising dollars that are spent on podcasts is slowing down to an extent. 2020 saw a 72% growth in podcast ad spendings, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, the growth rate has remained more or less consistent ever since then.

Apart from a sudden uptick in 2023 when the growth in ad spends reached 43%, each year has seen increases that are somewhere in the mid twenties. 2021 saw ad spends on podcasts increasing by 26%, followed by 25% in 2022. Projected growth for 2024 also hovers at around 23%, although it remains to be seen if this comes to past.

Based on these figures, the Interactive Advertising Bureau estimates that ad spends on podcasts will touch a whopping $4 billion by 2025. One thing that might make this data somewhat less accurate than might have been the case otherwise is that it is based on self reported statistics. There has been no transparency on how the data was used to compile these percentage increases, so it will be interesting to see if growth matches these predictions.
The podcast ad industry received a brief scare in the final quarter of 2022, becoming the worst performing fourth quarter in recent years in terms of growth percentage. However, 2023 proved that this was just a short term dip, and future numbers are looking stronger than ever. Podcasts are fast becoming a mainstay of the ad industry, and an increase in output looks like it will be right around the corner.


Read next: Ease of Use Reigns: Consumers Prefer Apps Based on User-Friendliness
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Internet Use rising in the Middle East and Africa: A Digital Revolution in the Making

Insiders Intelligence’s latest report highlights that the Middle East and Africa are on the brink of a remarkable increase in internet usage, with an estimated additional eighty million individuals projected to join the online community on a monthly basis between 2023 and 2027.

By 2023, an estimated sixty percent of the global community will be regular internet users. While North America currently boasts a high internet penetration rate, with 89.7% of the population already online in the ongoing year, it is the Asia-Pacific region that will lead the way in terms of overall internet usage, with 61.1% of its population regularly connecting to the internet.

However, on the basis of online shopping, the tables flipped dramatically. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for an astonishing 61.0% in the global digital shoppers, whereas North America will have a modest 8.5% share. This disparity helps explain the jaw-dropping difference in ecommerce sales between Alibaba in China and Amazon in the United States. Alibaba’s ecommerce sales in China nearly triple those of Amazon in the America.

The speedy growth of internet adoption in the Middle East and Africa is likely attributed to various factors. Increasing accessibility to inexpensive smartphones and modified digital infrastructure has played a crucial role in driving connectivity in these regions. Additionally, government support for digital transformation initiatives have contributed to the digital revolution taking place.

This surge in internet adoption is not only changing the way people communicate and access information but also opening up new opportunities for businesses. The rise of ecommerce platforms, online marketplaces, and digital start-ups in these regions is transforming traditional business models and enabling entrepreneurs to reach a wider customer base.

As internet penetration continues to expand in these areas, the gap in digital access is gradually being bridged. This has the possibility to empower individuals, boost economic growth and encourage innovation in these regions. It is an exciting time for both regions as they embrace the technological revolution and join the global online community.

Hence, it can be said that the 2 regions are witnessing an impressive surge in internet consumption, with approximately 80 million more people expected to come online regularly between 2023 and 2027. While North America is leading in overall internet accessibility, the Asia-Pacific area dominates in terms of digital shoppers. The growing internet adoption in the region is not only transforming societies but also creating exciting opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.


Read next: 34% of App Developers Are Now Using AI


by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

ChatGPT Takes Over the AI World: The Leading AI Tool for Text Generation

Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT has garnered significant attention as the leading AI tool in the market. While previous AI-powered tools existed, none have resonated with the public quite like ChatGPT. Its remarkable capabilities have spread rapidly across online platforms, resulting in over a million users registering to experience its potential within a matter of days.

ChatGPT has emerged as a groundbreaking AI tool for generating content, capturing the attention of a global audience, and providing users with unprecedented access to the potential of large language models. While other AI tools, such as DALL-E or Midjourney have garnered interest, they have not reached the same level of widespread adoption and face that ChatGPT has acquired.

In a recent survey carried out by Statista Consumer Insights, findings revealed that during the months of March and April 2023, approximately 20% of respondents in the United States had already experienced ChatGPT. This places ChatGPT significantly ahead of the rest of the AI tools, for example: Simplified, Jasper Chat, and others, which primarily focus on aiding users in text generation and other tasks such as copywriting. Notably, ChatGPT has made a lasting positive impact on its users, with an impressive 89% of prior users expressing their intention to utilize the tool again. In contrast, Midjourney, a powerful text-to-image generator, garnered the lowest score, with only 65% of previous users willing to return to the platform.

ChatGPT's success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, versatility, and exceptional accuracy. It finds applications in various fields, including customer service, content creation, and creative writing. Moreover, ChatGPT's language capabilities continue to improve, making it an indispensable tool for both businesses and individuals.

As the demand for AI-powered tools continues to surge, ChatGPT remains the go-to choice for numerous users. Its reliability, accuracy, and ease of use have solidified its position as the benchmark for large language models, and its momentum shows no signs of waning. With ongoing advancements and updates on the horizon, ChatGPT is poised to maintain its prominent position within the AI tool industry.

ChatGPT Takes Over the AI World: The Leading AI Tool for Text Generation
Read next: Can AI Automation Make Work More Fulfilling and Less Tedious?
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Search Marketing is Experiencing a Massive Change, With 20% of CMOs Decreasing Investments in SEO

Online marketing can take a number of different shapes, and a report that was recently compiled by Gartner revealed that search ads and SEO are about to become less relevant than might have been the case otherwise. 26% of Chief Marketing Officers said that they plan to reduce their investments into paid search, and 20% also stated that they are going to be spending less on SEO in the long run.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the number of CMOs that are planning to boost investments in these sectors is still surpassing the proportion planning a decrease. 46% of CMOs are going against the grain by upping their SEO investments, with 40% saying the same about their budgets for paid search.

Social advertising is starting to become the name of the game. 56% of the CMOs that were surveyed indicated that they will be directing more of their budgets towards this niche, with just 14% planning to reduce these investments with all things having been considered and taken into account. 51% have also mentioned digital video advertising as a major short term focus, and 49% also said that influencer marketing will be a greater priority for them in the near future.

In spite of the fact that this is the case, it seems like the majority of CMOs will be facing budget constraints in the upcoming year. 71% said that they lack the funds necessary to boost investments, which could force them to forego one option in favor of another. CMOs can no longer use broad strokes to cover all of their bases because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up making their budgets run dry.

Driving brand awareness through paid search and organic outreach is not going to go out of fashion anytime soon. Brands are simply using fewer options than before, and this might create a level of competition that would lead to other methods of marketing taking precedence over paid search and the like.


Read next: Marketers are swiftly adopting the Power of Generative Artificial Intelligence
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Monday, May 29, 2023

Generative AI to Revolutionize Workplace Efficiency: KPMG Survey

According to a recent report by KPMG, the impact of generative AI on company processes is quickly expanding with significant ramifications for the workforce.

An analysis of the effects of generative AI on company processes was recently done by KPMG, a top global provider of professional services. The findings were clear - an overwhelming majority of respondents believe that GenAI has the potential to revolutionize workplace efficiency and enhance productivity.

72% of participants expressed confidence in GenAI’s ability to significantly improve performance within their organizations, while 66% anticipate a transformation in the future work landscape. Furthermore, 62% recognize the potential for AI to stimulate innovation and facilitate the development of unique products and services.

KPMG also found that 86% of survey respondents are investing in GenAI capabilities to stay competitive in an increasingly digital economy. Modern technologies like machine learning and natural language processing are being used by businesses to create reliable solutions that can handle difficult jobs more quickly and accurately than ever before.

The survey revealed that many businesses are actively pursuing strategies designed to maximize the potential of GenAI within their organizations. These include hiring teams with specialized skill sets for developing innovative applications (63%), investing in data-driven decision making (60%), and implementing continuous improvement measures (59%).

These results suggest that generative AI is quickly becoming an essential part of modern business operations. By leveraging its immense power, companies can unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, productivity, and innovation - all while fostering creativity and progress throughout their organizations.

New study finds that integrating GenAI technology calls for new talent and employee upskilling, as reported by 66% of surveyed professionals. 71% of executives in IT/tech agree that hiring and training is essential for seamless implementation. Skills in AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and speech technology are deemed crucial for success.

Surprisingly, only 12% of respondents believe their workforce is prepared enough to adapt to this new technology. Additionally, 25% of US executives lack a clear strategy for integrating GenAI capabilities into their workforce, and 30% anticipate employee resistance during implementation and adoption.

In the world of business, AI adoption is rapidly transitioning from a competitive advantage to an essential requirement. That's why organizations must cultivate a culture of responsible AI usage, emphasizing the importance of both developing AI safely and adopting it to optimize business objectives.

According to a recent survey, AI will have a significant impact on different job categories, positively affecting IT, software-related, creative, and customer service jobs. However, administrative jobs, including data entry and record keeping, are expected to face the most significant negative impact.

To make the transition as smooth as possible, organizations must develop a compelling value proposition for tech talent to enhance AI practices and consider exploring ways to acknowledge and reward responsible AI usage.

Overall, proactive engagement from the workforce is essential to adopting AI successfully, and leaders must be out in front, inspiring trust in the workforce and helping them to see a vision for the future.


Read next: Marketers are swiftly adopting the Power of Generative Artificial Intelligence
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Creators Weigh In on the State of the Industry

The creator economy has grown at a rapid rate, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Lightricks recently surveyed a thousand creators who are currently operating within this space, and they weighed in on the state of the industry. They also highlighted certain factors that could make future trends seem more apparent than might have been the case otherwise.

First things first, generative AI is changing the creator landscape in ways that are hard to predict. 68% of creators said that they are already using generative AI to one extent or another, and at least 66% said that they have a working knowledge of it. As for those who are aspiring to become creators in the future, 62% admitted to using generative AI, and a whopping 92% said that they are familiar with it.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that there are still some drawbacks to the presence of AI. 74% said that the potential for the creation of deepfakes was an enormous issue, 58% remarked that copyright issues might start to arise and 57% are fearful of a potential decrease in authenticity.

That does not detract from the very real value of AI among creators, however. 84% said that using AI helps them to save time, and the same proportion, 84%, stated that it also helps them to save a lot of money that would have otherwise been spent. 86% also acknowledged that the use of AI has a largely positive impact on their creative processes with all things having been considered and taken into account.



A lot of feedback was also received with respect to who creators are trying to make content for. 14% said that they want to make something that they themselves would enjoy, while 23% stated that they try to keep business interests in mind. 25% said that it is just a hobby for them, and 33% referred to their careers as side gigs to provide supplemental income.

So, where are creators getting all of their income from? Well, 80% said that they rely on ads as their primary source of revenue. However, 49% cited product placements because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up allowing them to boost their profit margins. A further 55% said that they make custom content for brands in order to get a more sustainable source of income from their content creation.

The vast majority of creators, or 74% to be precise, suggested that they feel they are fairly compensated for all of their hard work. 26% reported earning between $1,000 and $2,000 per month, 19% said they make between $2,000 and $5,000 and 13% earn even more than this.

However, 18% of creators still just earn between $500 to $1,000 on a monthly basis, with nearly a quarter, 24%, earning less than $500 per month. All in all, the creator economy is fairly diverse, but despite the disparity, three out of four creators are happy with how much they can make.

Read next: Media Consumption Trends In Focus: How Are Consumer Consumption Patterns Evolving
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Apps Removed from Stores Might Still Compromise User Privacy

Privacy risks have become unfortunately common in the app ecosystem, and most platforms try to tackle this by delisting apps that pose a risk to consumer privacy with all things having been considered and taken into account. In spite of the fact that this is the case, apps that have been removed from the App Store or Play Store may continue to threaten privacy as well as compromise the overall integrity of the app ecosystem.

It is estimated that around 2,000 apps were delisted from the Roku and Amazon app stores in the first quarter of 2023, with the vast majority coming from Roku and just 28 coming from Amazon. This represents a 54% increase year over year, and Pixalate recently conducted an analysis in order to shed some light on the risks that might be posed by these apps in the long run.


With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that delisted apps might still be installed on user devices. That can allow them to continue obtaining data from these users, which just goes to show that delisting is not the one size fits all solution that so many platforms are hoping it will be.

They can also be a huge drain on financial resources because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up redirecting ad revenue towards apps that have a harmful impact on consumer privacy. An estimated $3.3 million in ad dollars were spent on delisted apps, which might end up making these ad budgets less effective than might have been the case otherwise.

Most of these apps were delisted for one reason: they were threatening user privacy. However, this study showed that delisting apps is not going to stop them from compromising a user’s inalienable right to safety as well as privacy. They can also have a wider effect on the ecosystem that would lead to less efficient distribution of ad dollars, and the long term impact of this has not yet been fully analzyed although efforts are currently underway.

Developers who want to avoid getting their apps delisted would need to better understand the rules and regulations that are at play here. Transparency is key, since it can enable developers to communicate with platforms that are trying to remove their apps. As long as there is no real foul play afoot, developers won’t have anything to worry about.

Around 25% of the apps that were delisted by Roku and Amazon were simple apps like screen savers and wallpapers. Apps that are in these niches are notorious for not having enough security protocols in place, and users that downloaded them might end up facing numerous privacy threats down the line.

All in all, consumers need to be better educated about the risks of downloading apps that end up getting delisted. If you notice that an app you recently installed is no longer available on the app store, this should lead to you removing the app before it can do any harm. Platforms only go so far as to delist apps if they notice that they are engaging in underhanded practices.

Read next: 34% of App Developers Are Now Using AI
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Chinese Authorities Crackdown on Social Media Misinformation

The Cyberspace Administration of China oversees internet censorship and has recently begun looking into misleading social media posts. The raid successfully closed 67,000 accounts and got rid of 1.4 million posts. The Chinese government is making significant efforts to stop disseminating false information and news on social media platforms.

The CAC imposed less severe sanctions on close to a million accounts, such as reduced earning potential or lost followers. The CAC also deleted eight thousand accounts for spreading harmful content, rumors, and incorrect information. It continued to focus on "self-media" profiles accessible through popular applications like WeChat, Douyin, and Weibo.

There has been a crackdown since it is becoming increasingly concerning that social media can be used for harmful purposes like propagating false rumors or inciting violence. To ensure the safety and security of its citizens online, China recently put in place a variety of procedures similar to this one.

The Chinese government keeps online users informed of new developments to ensure that they carefully adhere to social media legislation. Users can conduct their online activities without compromising their privacy or running the danger of being prosecuted, provided they are aware of their obligations and use digital networks responsibly.

The CAC believes this action will persuade more individuals to use social media responsibly, refrain from spreading misleading information, and refrain from other activities that might have gravely detrimental impacts.

Authorities allegedly targeted 25,000 accounts professing to be government representatives and another 13,000 reports showing up as military personnel as part of a broad campaign against fake accounts.

In their most recent campaign, the authorities penalized 187,000 accounts for pretending to be news media outlets and another 430,000 accounts for allegedly giving educational or professional advice without the proper credentials.

The Chinese government needs to address the issue of incorrect information on social media platforms. It exhorts internet service providers to do more to stop the dissemination of such content. Social media companies must also follow these rules or risk fines or license suspension.

This dedication to maintaining the security and safety of online usage is a wise move. However, the effectiveness of these steps in reducing the harm brought on by erroneous information will have to wait until after some time has passed.

Stay informed as the authorities work to eliminate false information from the digital realm.


H/T: Reuters

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Shifts in Twitter's Ecosystem: Cutting Off Third-Party Apps Sparks Controversy

The Texas Monthly recently featured a profile that highlighted the consequences of Twitter's choice to remove third-party clients. The article emphasized the important role that apps such as Tweetbot and Twitterrific played within Twitter's ecosystem. Twitter developer platform's former head, Amir Shevat unveiled that these third-party apps had historically contributed a substantial 17 percent of overall user engagement on the platform.

Shevat, who was responsible for ensuring that independent software developers had the necessary tools to create third-party clients, emphasized the importance of these apps in shaping Twitter's identity. The statistic provided by Shevat highlights the potential short-sightedness of Twitter's decision to cut off these apps and underscores the significant impact they had on user engagement.

At the heart of the Texas Monthly profile was Tapbots, a company based in Texas that developed popular apps such as Tweetbot and Ivory for Mastodon. The article included insights from the cofounders at Tapbots, Mark Jardine and Paul Haddad, who shared their experiences and the impact of Twitter's policy changes on both their business and personal lives. When Tweetbot was discontinued, Tapbots quickly shifted its attention to Mastodon and promptly launched Ivory for Mastodon, a client designed for iPad and iPhone users. Demonstrating their commitment to expansion, Tapbots recently extended the availability of Ivory to Mac users, catering to a wider audience.

Twitter's decision to discontinue support for third-party apps came without any explanation, leaving small, independent developers like Jardine and Haddad in a state of uncertainty overnight. This move marked the end of a do-it-yourself tech ecosystem outside of Silicon Valley. Haddad expressed his initial anxiety, but also a sense of relief from the unpredictable nature of Twitter's changes under Elon Musk's ownership.
Mark Jardine, discussing the positive feedback received for Ivory's initial release, admitted that the app was launched without all the desired features. While user excitement is uplifting, Jardine acknowledged that the success of Ivory is crucial for their business, adding that the pressure is immense.

A representative of the company responsible for Twitterrific, The Iconfactory, Craig Hockenberry strongly denounced Twitter's decision, labeling it as a cowardly maneuver. Hockenberry expressed his deep disappointment with the lack of regard shown toward developers who contribute to the ecosystem.

The revelation that third-party apps like Tweetbot contributed to nearly 20 percent of user engagement on Twitter underscores the shortsightedness of cutting them off. These apps were primarily used by power users who generated substantial content for the platform. This content was then consumed and engaged with, including through advertisements, by users on Twitter's official app.
While it may not be expected for Twitter to allow free access to its API for third-party apps like Twitterrific and Tweetbot, this whole ordeal could've been approached in a better way. The abrupt cutoff without any prior warning left developers feeling burned by Elon Musk's decisions. As a result, there is little likelihood that most developers would take Twitter up on any future offer to reinstate third-party apps. Alternatives such as Mastodon and Bluesky are gaining momentum, providing users with viable options beyond Twitter's official app.

In conclusion, the Texas Monthly profile sheds light on the significant role third-party apps played in Twitter's ecosystem and the detrimental impact of cutting them off. The 17 percent engagement figure provided by Amir Shevat emphasizes the importance of these apps and raises questions about the decision-making process at Twitter. The repercussions of this move are felt not only by developers but also by power users who contributed valuable content to the platform. Whether Twitter will reconsider its stance in the future remains uncertain, but the consequences of this decision may have already driven developers and users toward alternative platforms.


Read next: 34% of App Developers Are Now Using AI
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Marketers are swiftly adopting the Power of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Marketing pros are rapidly incorporating generative AI into their strategy. A BotcoAI study reveals that, following a brief introductory phase, AI tools are now employed by over 70 percent of businesses. Among the remaining resistant individuals, 31 percent anticipate adopting such tools within a year, while 46 percent foresee their integration within a two-year timeframe.

Among the AI users surveyed, substantial three-quarters employ this technology for ideas discussion, initial drafts, and outlining purposes. Furthermore, nearly half, or 49% to be exact, utilize AI to generate polished and final drafts.

The Botco study, conducted in March, drew insights from a comprehensive survey encompassing one thousand business experts engaged in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer sectors. Notably, three-quarters of the participants represented companies boasting a workforce of over 100 employees. Demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of generative AI, prominent industry players like Microsoft have joined the ranks, currently while integrating its search capabilities with ChatGPT. Such advancements signify the growing adoption of AI technologies within the marketing landscape.



In a recent article, Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Cheif Marketing Officer, highlighted the significant enhancement to ChatGPT's functionality. He announced the integration of a cutting-edge search engine into ChatGPT, enabling users to obtain even more timely and current responses, leveraging the vast resources available on the web. This innovative update allows ChatGPT's answers to be firmly grounded in authoritative search results and web data, further augmented by the inclusion of citations, facilitating a seamless learning experience within the chat interface.

The introduction of search functionality within ChatGPT marks an approaching shift that poses a difficult challenge to Google's established supremacy in established search methods. While Google employs generative AI in its operations, including a chatbot that aids advertisers in optimizing their ads, the integration of search capabilities directly within ChatGPTcreates a new landscape for information recovery. This development disrupts the traditional dynamics, opening up a fresh avenue for users to explore and obtain relevant insights, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the search industry.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

New Data Reveals Twitter’s Diminishing Role as a Source of News

When Elon Musk first took control of Twitter, he claimed that he was going to make it the number one source of news in the world. In spite of the fact that this is the case, it seems like his actions after acquiring the company have had the exact opposite effect. According to data that was recently published by Chartbeat, the traffic that Twitter sends to news publishers has seen a startling decline which does not bode well for the company’s future.

Back in 2018, 1.9% of all of the traffic to went to news publishing sites came from Twitter. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that this now sits at just 1.3%. While the proportion was not all that high in 2018, Twitter’s goal was to improve the metric rather than to send it into a downward spiral.

Medium sized publishers saw referrals fall from just under 7 million in 2018 to around 3.7 million in 2023. This represents a 40% decline, which can be disastrous to publishers who may have been relying on these views to keep themselves afloat.

Smaller publishers have it even worse, with hardly any traffic coming in from Twitter. In 2018, small news publishers saw 10 million referrals from Twitter, but this number saw a drastic decline of a whopping 98% over the next five years.

However, in 2023, just 186,930 referrals went to these smaller scale sites from Twitter, thereby suggesting that it is no longer a viable place for them to get more eyes on their content. This is a huge difference from five years earlier, when small publishers got far more referrals than publishers that were larger in size.

Conversely, larger publishers appear to be doing just as well as ever, since they have only seen referrals dip by 4%. The preference for larger publishers may be a sign that Twitter is no longer a hospitable environment for smaller organizations to grow in with all things having been considered and taken into account.

While it can be easy to attribute this negative trajectory to Elon Musk, it bears mentioning that things were going in the wrong direction long before he took the helm. However, it would be fair to state that he has not done much to make things better, but has rather made things worse.

The continued decline in referrals following his acquisition is a clear sign that he is alienating new sites. This is potentially even contributing to the spread of fake news and misinformation on the platform.

This trend is fairly similar to what is being seen on Meta, with the Facebook owning company eschewing sending traffic to publishers in favor of keeping users on its own platform. Twitter might be using this approach since referrals could lead to decreased ad revenue down the line, although it remains to be seen if it is according to Musk’s plans or an unfortunate accident.

Indeed, referral traffic seems to be down across the board, with everyone from Meta to Google trying to keep users on their own sites because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up increasing their revenue.




H/T: Pressgazette

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

34% of App Developers Are Now Using AI

AI has the potential to change the landscape of virtually every industry in the world, and that goes for app development as well with all things having been considered and taken into account. Back in 2020, just 3% of companies that were involved in the development of apps stated that they used AI in their day to day practices, but this jumped to as much as 34% by the first quarter of 2023.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that AI powered apps saw a massive uptick in downloads as well as revenues due to this increase usage. Apps that leveraged AI in their designs managed to earn $20 million in total across the first quarter of 2023. This suggests a revenue increase of 396% quarter over quarter which is impressive to say the least.

App downloads in general were also on the rise, seeing a similar uptick of 375%. They totalled over 45 million installs in the first quarter of 2023, thereby indicating that AI powered apps can become more successful than might have been the case otherwise.

Unsurprisingly, the leading market for these apps turned out to be US. With revenues of over 8.3 million, over 40% of the total, apps that targeted American consumers found an enormous amount of success. They also received ten million downloads from the US alone, which comes up to a whopping increase of 550%.

India came in second, with around 6% of the total number of downloads for AI powered apps, followed by Brazil in second place. In spite of the fact that this is the case, these countries did not top the rankings in terms of revenue, since this list was mostly dominated by the US as well as the UK.

In the UK, a 5% increase in revenue led to the numbers reaching $958,000, and it won’t be long before they cross the coveted one million dollar mark. China came in third with $882,000, followed by Japan with $836,000, and Canada rounded off the top five list with $702,000. China and the UK both registered 5% increases in gross revenue, with Japan and Canada seeing a growth rate of 4%.

One thing that became clear is that AI chatbots are leading the charge because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up helping users get tasks completed more efficiently. An app simply named AI Chatbot which was released by Vulcan Labs performed exceptionally well, generating 9.5 million downloads and receiving over $3.3 million in gross revenue.

Microsoft is also doing quite well in this space, with its Bing chatbot getting installed 7.3 million times to secure its second place ranking. However, most of the other chatbots that saw a lot of downloads came from smaller companies like AppNation in third place, Social Media Apps in fourth place and finally ELSA in fifth place.

All in all, the presence of AI among app developers is hard to deny. It will be interesting to see how things go from here on out as more and more developers begin to utilize AI in their design and development phases.




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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Global drug-resistant infections threaten millions: UN Report

A sobering report released by the United Nations (UN) warns of an impending global crisis as deaths from drug-resistant infections are projected to high from the sky. The report, "Bracing for Superbugs: Strengthening environmental action in the One Health response to antimicrobial resistance," highlights the urgent need for strong action to combat this growing threat.

According to the reports, the UN research estimates that 1.27 million fatalities globally in 2019 alone were directly attributable to drug-resistant infections, surpassing the mortality toll from major illnesses like HIV/AIDS and malaria. Sadly, 4.95 million dead were associated with bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR), giving a bleak picture of the current state of circumstances.

Antibiotic-resistant illnesses might kill up to 10 million people within three decades if they are not controlled; emulate the death toll from cancer in 2020. Although the crisis will have an impact everywhere, it is anticipated that Low-Income Countries (LICs) and Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) would be most hit in 2050 , with Asia (4,730,000) and Africa (4,150,000)estimated to have the greatest rate of AMR-related fatalities per population.

However, the paper also emphasizes the possible economic repercussions, thus the effects go beyond the loss of human life. Within the next ten years, failure to solve this problem could lead to a startling $3.4 trillion yearly GDP gap. Additionally, an extra 24 million people may fall into extreme poverty, escalating social disparities.

Hence, Women, children, migrants, and refugees, those working in the health department or farming industries, and people living in poverty are all vulnerable populations that will be more likely to contract diseases that are resistant to treatment. The study emphasizes the urgent need for all-encompassing action on several fronts, including bolstering environmental regulations and putting into practice a One Health strategy that takes into account human, animal, and environmental health.

Experts from UN, highlight that in order to solve this international health concern, rapid action is essential. The improvement and implementation of successful antimicrobial resistance management programs need cooperation between governments, international organizations, and the corporate sector.


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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Privacy Matters: WhatsApp users will soon be allowed to set up their own unique usernames to hide their phone numbers

According to the latest article posted by WABetainfo, the popular texting application, WhatsApp is planning to introduce on a new update that will allow users to set up a unique WhatsApp username. This latest addition is believed to roll out in a future update of the app, making communication even more private and convenient.

Right now, the platform identifies anyone based on their phone numbers. While this has been the norm for years, the upcoming feature will allow the people create a distinctive username that reflects their personality or identity. It’s like having their own digital signature!

Imagine having a simple and memorable username that users can easily share with their friends, family, and colleagues. No more struggling to remember or exchange long phone numbers! With this update, Audience can simplify the process of connecting with others on WhatsApp.

Moreover, having a WhatsApp username also adds an extra layer of privacy. Instead of revealing the phone number to everyone, people can now provide their username, keeping the personal information more secure. It’s a great way to protect one’s privacy while still staying connected.

Setting up the WhatsApp username is a simple procedure. Users can go to their account settings, navigate to the “Profile” section, and there they will find the option to create their own unique username. Choose wisely, as this will be the name by which people can search and identify others on WhatsApp.

Once users set up their username, they can share it with other contacts either via text, email, or even in person. It’s a simple way to ensure that people can easily find and connect with others on the platform.

With this upcoming feature, WhatsApp is taking an other initiative in the direction to ensure a safe experience for the audience. The introduction of feature will make it easier to find and stay connected with friends, family, and even new acquaintances.

So far no official release date has been given by the officials, however it can be expected that the feature will be available soon. It’s an exciting change that will add a personal touch to the messaging experience.


Read next: WhatsApp Unveils Updates to Enhance User Experience and Functionality; New Message Draft Feature, Password Reminders And More


by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Media Consumption Trends In Focus: How Are Consumer Consumption Patterns Evolving

Today’s media industry is clearly not what it used to be, years ago. As we speak, it continues to evolve and that’s all thanks to the way we witness a change in the pattern of consumers taking on different trends.

This includes the way different models alter with time and how some practices in the world of business go from classic to elevated in no time. Today, media leaders are at the top of their game and they’re trying to cater to the needs of the masses in the best way possible.

Therefore, to ensure leaders in the entertainment industry are at the top of their game, here’s a new survey by Morning Consult that’s tracking some key trends as far as media consumption is concerned.

All responses came from American adults who took part in online interviews where data had been approximated against samples of others depending on education, region, gender, age, as well as race. And below, we’ve listed down some key findings worth your while.

For starters, video streaming does not appear to be affected by things like pressure from the macroenvironment. Moreover, shares of American adults spending at least $15 on this had declined when compared to figures from the previous year.

Next, the survey questioned respondents about theaters and if they would prefer a newly launched film in the cinema or not. And it’s interesting to note how the figure for this year and the previous one stood flat at 33%. This just goes to show how those that own theaters need to promote wide releases as that could really bring in more profit.

Last but not least, we saw how there was constant resilience seen in terms of cable news platforms. The trust factor remained and in fact grew, despite seeing negativity in terms of headlines. So many leading networks were involved in this and we saw a huge proportion of adults claiming cable is their go-to and reliable source for news. The figures for this stood flat between this year and that observed in the past.

For news, most Americans felt broadcast did it for them in terms of trustworthiness. This was followed up by cable, social media, and then news posts seen across websites too. After that, it was news from print, radio, and podcasts that started to take the lead.


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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Google Will Look Very Different In 2033 As Search Would Be Replaced By Conversation, DeepMind Co-Founder Claims

The rise of AI has seen a lot of new developments take center stage in the tech world. And while some may have been appreciated, others are raising eyebrows.

Today, another shocking prediction was seen coming forward from the co-founder of DeepMind. He claims that the classic search box that Google is famous for would cease to exist, in a decade’s time. Instead, the focus would be on engaging in conversations.

The statement came from Mustafa Suleyman today who says the world needs to brace itself for some major change. But the question is why do we care so much or why should we care so much?

Well, the answer is simple. Google’s AI search is a major signal to us all that big things are coming soon and the shift is one that cannot be avoided. Yes, things will take time but it’s happening and it would really alter the way we’re seeing the search engine shape the online world and several byproducts like PPC and SEO.

There is a very clear cup search dialogue in store here and it’s so painful how chats are taking place at this moment in time. Google mentioned how it keeps on learning through the responses that people click on and how much time they’re spending on websites. This would include details on whether or not it would be coming back toward search to refine things or not.

Remember, the search engine giant is known for rewarding the likes of engagement and not just answers. Moreover, Google continues to alter content production in a manner that provides ad optimization and gives out benefits to content creators that continue to ensure users stay on a page for a longer time duration.

Google is able to give its users exactly what they need in the shortest time span. They’re trying to make the world of Search simpler with snippets that feature the solution of their query. However, most occasions prove to us that it’s all just high-quality things on Google that are getting the right engagement.

The co-founder of DeepMind says the point time is near when we will not be thinking about how to alter a particular query. It’s all going to be about talking to computers directly as that’s a new type of interface. And it’s worrisome that we won’t be having the same Google ten years from now that we have at this point in time.

The change won’t be something we see taking place overnight but it would happen in its due time. Now the topic of discussion is one that we’ve seen Google’s CEO engage in the past too. When asked about his thoughts on a search that’s based on links coming to an end, he failed to agree. He said the entire experience would alter with time in the next ten years but it’s important to meet the needs of users and get them what they’re in search of or else they’ll be leaving the platform soon.



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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Elon Musk Makes A Series Of Striking Changes On Twitter And Here’s What Users Can Expect

It’s never a boring day at Twitter with Elon Musk in charge and now, we’re seeing the tech billionaire make a series of changes on the platform.

The company has first opted to enhance the utility section for stock watchers through a new collaboration initiative with eToro. This would end up feeding more contextual data alongside a series of cashtag listings for the app.


As can be seen in this particular example whenever users click on cashtags that have the hashtag replaced with a dollar sign, they’ll be seeing stock movements on display and some more alerts by the system.

This particular movement of stock was up for grabs for a small number of firms since the month of December began last year but we can see how it’s opting to grow more.

In the past, a small fraction of users witnessed pricing charts that entailed several financial assets when it was searched through cashtags. Today, the app takes immense pride in supporting a staggering number of cashtag searches and we’re talking nearly 4.6 million.

A lot of users are informed about what’s going on in the industry and how that may affect any portfolio’s value. And that’s great news for Twitter as even youngsters are relying on this website to get the latest details on this front.

Next up. Elon Musk has stayed true to his promise of including two more video updates on the app. And they’re rolling out today.

The first feature is very unique and much needed, called PIP Playback. So that means users of the platform can keep on viewing clips while scrolling through the app. As you can imagine, it’s going to be a breeze now to multitask for users as they can continue to read tweets on the app while a video is being played in the background.

It might be the first variation of its kind that introduces this platform as a single source for both entertainments as well as information. And Twitter has been working hard to try and make its mark in that regard for a while now.

You can better understand it as an offering that’s called second screening and it’s a key trend that many users cannot get enough of. But over the years, we’ve seen Twitter struggle with this endeavor and not make the most of such behaviour where several inputs are involved.

The second experiment that Twitter is doing is related to a new native feature for video downloads on the app. It’s all very new but a feature that many users have been requesting for quite some time now.

We are certainly seeing this as some kind of value addition in terms of display and production.

Last but not least, Musk is putting out the idea that he may not be interested in carrying forward Twitter Circles. A possible shutdown might be on the cards soon as he agreed with one user that it was the epitome of bad chat groups.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World