Google Promotes Credible Reporting: Highlighting 'Topic Authority' for News Searches

In an effort to enhance the search experience for users seeking credible news information, Google is shedding some light on its search system known as "topic authority." The primary objective of this system is to boost the prominence of relevant and authoritative content within both Google Search and Google News. By concentrating on specialized areas like health, politics, and finance, Google intends to furnish users with reliable and expert sources for their news-related searches.

The unveiling of the topic authority system garnered considerable attention, prompting Google's Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, to clarify that the system is not entirely new, but rather an existing ranking system that Google is now shedding light on. Sullivan emphasized that the announcement was part of Google's ongoing commitment to transparency in explaining how its ranking algorithms function.

Providing further details on the functionality of the topic authority system, Google highlighted a range of essential factors that it takes into account when evaluating a publication's proficiency in a particular domain. These factors encompass an assessment of the source's prominence within a given topic or location, an examination of the originality and impact of the publication's reporting through the analysis of links and citations, and a thorough consideration of the source's overall reputation, which includes recommendations from credible entities. By scrutinizing these elements, Google aims to ascertain the level of expertise and reliability associated with each publication in order to present users with the most relevant and trustworthy content.

To illustrate the effectiveness of the topic authority system, Google offered a practical example. Imagine a situation where a specific area experiences a flood. In such a case, the system would give priority to content from local publications known for their consistent coverage of topics related to that location. This approach guarantees that reliable local sources, despite the presence of national media outlets reporting on the event, are prominently featured in the search results.

The practical value of the topic authority system lies in its capability to highlight content from news teams that engage in original reporting and have in-depth knowledge of specific subjects or locations. As a result, local news publications are poised to gain enhanced visibility for queries pertaining to their respective regions. Likewise, publishers who specialize in specific domains can anticipate their content being prominently featured in relevant searches within their areas of expertise.

Google emphasized that publishers need not make significant changes to their current practices to optimize for topic authority. The company advised publishers to continue delivering exceptional coverage in their areas of expertise, as they have been doing. By consistently providing high-quality, insightful content, publishers stand to gain increased visibility and drive more traffic from both Google Search and Google News.

This latest development underscores Google's commitment to rewarding publishers that produce valuable content while aligning with the company's broader mission of delivering reliable and helpful information to users worldwide.

As the topic authority system is implemented, publishers can anticipate improved visibility for their content, leading to increased traffic and engagement on Google Search and Google News. By highlighting trustworthy sources, Google aims to enhance the search experience for users, ensuring they can access accurate and authoritative news content.

Google's topic authority system marks a significant step forward in surfacing reliable news information and empowering users to make informed decisions. The system's focus on promoting expert sources underscores Google's dedication to curating high-quality news content and providing users with the most relevant and trustworthy information available.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

New Report Reveals Top Security Threats for 2023

Cyberattacks have been a pain for regular internet users since the inception of the world wide web, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, not all that much headway has been made in terms of mitigating them. Whenever an advancement makes cyber threats less of an issue, malicious actors are able to take things up a notch to circumvent the new security protocols and make their own attacks more dangerous than might have been the case otherwise.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 74% of cybersecurity experts admitted that their organizations had been breached in the past year. A report released by Forrester dives a bit deeper into this trend, and its findings are concerning to say the least.

Out of the security experts whose organizations were compromised, 24% said that their security protocols had been breached twice, and a further 24% stated that this had happened between 3-5 times. Only 14% said that just a single attack occurred, with 9% mentioning six to ten breaches, 2% citing 11-25 cyberattacks and 1% having faced more than two breaches a month or twenty five in total to be precise.

A major hurdle for cybersecurity experts is the growing complexity of cloud computing. 75% of organizations are worried about the security of their cloud stored data, and it is estimated that around 66% of application software spending will go towards cloud storage by 2025.

This is up from the 58% that can be seen in 2023, and it suggests that cloud security will become far more essential over the next few years. In light of these threats, 83% of organizations are adopting private cloud hosting. 83% are also using internal private clouds, with 84% using public cloud access.

A major consideration for cybersecurity experts this year will be rising geopolitical tensions around the world. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine involved an endless series of cyberattacks because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up destabilizing the nation while it was being invaded.

Similarly, North Korea stole over $741 million worth of cryptocurrency from Japan, which reveals the potential financial destabilization that can occur in the aftermath of these attacks. Private companies will continue to face attacks from geopolitical rivals to their host nations, and that makes cybersecurity a prime concern for anyone that is operating within a country that has strong rivalries with other nations.

Ransomware is a popular choice for these international bad actors. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of ransomware attacks doubled with all things having been considered and taken into account. This tactic also gets used to disrupt supply chains since the high stakes can allow malicious actors to extract sizable ransoms.

Out of all the insurance claims that were noted, BEC social engineering tended to incur the most losses for businesses. Around $2.4 billion was lost to these attacks in 2021, and in 2022, these attacks surpassed even ransomware in terms of the losses that they could force businesses to endure. The threat landscape is ever changing, and businesses need to stay on their toes to keep up with them and keep them at bay.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Outsourced Smartwatch Manufacturing Now Accounts for 69% of Global Shipments

Smartwatches are starting to take the world by storm, and they are providing excellent opportunities for outsourced manufacturing concerns. Around 69% of the total global shipments for smartwatches now come from outsourced manufacturers as of the second half of 2022, and this represents a 15% increase year over year with all things having been considered and taken into account. Just a year ago, 63% of smartwatch shipments came from ODMs, so there has been a 6 point uptick so far.

Much of this growth can be contributed to Indian brands such as boAt, Noise as well as Fire-Bolt. In spite of the fact that this is the case, the biggest players in the industry continue to be Chinese, with Luxshare in particular seeing a tremendous amount of growth. This ODM now manufactures around 40% of Apples smartwatches, and accounts for 21% of total shipments. However, its sales in the second half of 2022 were flat when compared to last year, which means that the company failed to grow.

Coming in second is Foxconn with 16%, and Compal follows in third place with a 12% share. These are the only companies that have double digit shares of the overall industry. Foxconn has been growing at a faster rate than some of its competitors, which allowed it to obtain the coveted second place ranking in this list.

The growth trend is expected to continue, with outsourced manufacturing predicted to surpass the 70% share mark in 2023. Such changes might be concerning because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up upsetting the balance of the industry, but Apple’s emphasis on outsourcing means that these companies still have a lot of room for growth.

Indian companies are making a lot of headway, but they are still falling short of their Chinese counterparts. As competition becomes ever greater, Chinese companies will want to maintain their edge. However, with the Chinese labor force becoming more expensive, Indian companies may be able to see some tremendous growth in the next decade which could put them ahead of China for the very first time.

H/T: CounterPointResearch

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Predators Are Using AI to Generate Image of Graphic Content Depicting Children

The possibilities of AI image generation are considerable, but not all of its uses can be considered wholesome. A report from Bloomberg revealed that pedophiles and predators are starting to use AI tools to create images of child sexual abuse, and the first four months of 2023 have already seen these images get shared fairly widely.

Forums that promote and disseminate CSA content have already begun to feature such images, with all of that having been said and now out of the way it is important to note that around 68 different threads have already been analyzed. Companies like Stability AI are taking steps to mitigate these forms of usage, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, predators are still managing to circumvent them for their malicious ends.

What makes this content all the more dangerous is that it can manipulate images of real children and make it seem like they are involved in graphic acts. The purpose of this content is not always sexual in nature because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up being used in blackmail as well.

Filtering out NSFW content is being suggested as a way to keep these actions at bay, but only time will tell whether or not these moves are enough to protect children. This just goes to show that any technology can be used for malicious activities if it falls into the wrong hands, and it is up to the companies creating this tech to establish safety protocols and guard rails as and when possible.

According to a content moderation startup by the name of ActiveFence, this problem is likely going to get much worse in the future. Most countries lack the legal protections necessary to ban AI generated CSA media, since they tend to focus on content that was made by harming actual children. Such content created by AI is nonetheless harmful, and the numerous forums that have it readily available are proof of that. New AI tech is being developed that might serve as a permanent solution to the issue.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Meta Wants To Maximize Connectivity Across Regions By Open Sourcing Its MMS Models

Tech giant Meta says it’s on the verge of enhancing connectivity across different regions by making its MMS models open-sourced.

For those who may not be aware, these models are designed to translate various languages and today, the figure stands at a whopping 1100 different types.

Facebook’s parent firm mentioned how so many languages from all over the globe could disappear soon and such limitations could enhance recognition of speech and provide a better means for technology. Therefore, we’re seeing this cause the trend to expand further, it adds.

The tech giant wants to make it so much simpler for people to gain data and make use of devices in the dialect of their preference and that’s why they’re putting out a new series of AI models that may assist in doing just that.

The company adds how such MMS models may end up identifying nearly 4000 types of languages and provide a great means for connectivity and integration of different places in the near future.

The tech giant’s models will similarly help others in this part of the community to develop the translation further and that would enable more languages to be included and allow others to live across different forms.

This would not only put out integral archival values but enable room for more connectivity. More and more technologies would reach various regions and it would force people to use such tools to carry out communication.

We can see why this is an integral step for things like speech recognition and also enables the preservation of tools that provide a huge window for history. Today, so many of us are moving toward a new era, and here is where people are trying to speak or type new things. Moreover, inclusion would be critical in assisting things on such a huge level.

Remember, if the world of generative AI does turn out to be like that promised and forecasted by experts, things like these will be crucial. And that’s why Meta would put out more announcements for open-sourcing of its models.

The world of technology keeps expanding and providing us with all kinds of surprises. And so as the old saying goes, it’s time to expect the unexpected and wait and watch.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

From Amazon's Throne to Gen Z's Surprising Shopping Habits; Online Shopping Spree Insight

In the realm of online shopping, Amazon remains the go-to platform for the majority of consumers, except for one group - Generation Z, as per a recent survey conducted by PowerReviews.

The survey emphasizes the significance of brand websites, reviews and ratings, and search engines in the online shopping journey. These factors play a pivotal role in influencing consumer behavior and their decision-making process when researching and purchasing products.

The survey findings reveal that Amazon is the top choice, serving as the starting point for 50 percent of product searches. Google follows closely behind with 31.5 percent of consumers initiating their online purchasing journey through the search engine. Brand websites or Retail capture 14 percent of the market share, while social media platforms and website reviews each account for 2 percent of the initial search destinations.

However, when it comes to Generation Z, their preferences differ from other age groups. Google surpasses Amazon as the preferred starting point for their product searches, with 38 percent of Gen Z choosing Google, compared to 36 percent opting for Amazon. Additionally, Gen Z demonstrates a higher inclination towards social media, with 5 percent of them whose shopping sprees begin on various social media platforms.

Undoubtedly, reviews and ratings hold immense power in influencing consumer decisions. They often carry more weight than factors such as return policies, free shipping, and product price. The survey indicates that 77 percent of participants actively seek out websites that feature reviews. This percentage increases even further for Gen Z, with 87 percent of them relying on reviews, and 81 percent for millennials.

The survey also highlights the significance of comprehensive feedback. Ratings without accompanying reviews are considered untrustworthy by 56 percent of the participants. This highlights the importance of reliable and detailed information to aid consumers in their decision-making process.

When it comes to accessing the ratings or the reviews, Amazon emerges as the primary source for consumers, with a staggering 94 percent of participants referring to reviews on the platform. Retail websites closely follow with 91 percent of consumers relying on them. Search engines, serving as crucial sources of information, capture the attention of 70 percent of consumers. Brand websites, representing the manufacturers, account for 68 percent of consumers seeking reviews. Independent review sites play a smaller role, with 40 percent of consumers referring to them.

Additionally, user-generated photos and videos also carry significant influence. Approximately 60 percent of consumers actively engage with user-generated visual content when exploring new products. The survey reveals that 77 percent of participants place trust in customer-generated visuals, while 53 percent state that videos and photos generated by users impact their purchasing decisions.

Search engines, particularly Google, play a vital role in shaping consumer purchasing decisions. Approximately consumers who consider results present on search engines when making spending choices, come up to 56 percent. Moreover, 63 percent of participants rely on results on search engines to gather information on the items and products they have not bought before, and 50 percent reply and place their trust in these results to make a decision when purchasing.

In conclusion, Amazon continues to dominate as the preferred platform for consumers initiating product searches. reviews and ratings remain paramount in influencing consumer behavior. The survey conducted in March 2023 by PowerReviews involved 8,153 United States consumers, with the majority of participants belonging to the millennial generation at 53 percent, Generation X at 29 percent, Baby Boomers at 10 percent, and Generation Z at 8 percent.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Google’s AI-Powered Flood Hub Service Is Now Available In 80 Different Countries

Tech giant Google is taking great pride in announcing an expansion of its Hub Service.

The much talked about AI-powered Flood Hub Service will be up for grabs in 80 different countries, the Android maker revealed today. Moreover, it was mentioned how there were pins in so many different locations around the globe where pressing on each would put forward forecasts of a week.

And that’s when it is believed that the levels of water were believed to be at a new high.

With this new expansion, we’re seeing a long list of nations joins the pack from places like Africa, Europe, as well as the Asia-Pacific region. Other than that, it has gone up expanding to locations in both the Southern and Central parts of America too.

Today. Flood Hub entails a whopping 460 million users from all over the globe and it would assist them in dealing with the earth’s evolving climate change scenario. As we speak, the sea level continues to increase and there’s a huge chance of flooding taking place as well.

Other than these types of coverage, we’re seeing this service provide forecasts that are a week long and go up to two days. Moreover, such information may be utilized by the likes of people and governments as well as firms who might be busy taking major steps like evacuations.

Flood Hub makes use of AI-powered technology to attain the best types of data sources from all over the globe like weather changes and alterations in pictures drawn up by satellites.

This form of technology then brings together two kinds of models. One of them would predict the level so water going into a river and the other predicts which places would be affected and the depth of water levels.

The Flood Hub is quite a handy service and it only makes sense as to why we’re expecting to see it turn waves around the globe with Google’s latest decision for an expansion on this front.

The search engine giant says it would alter in the near future as it continues to work at making huge forecast alerts through features such as Maps and its Search Engine.

You can see this as a huge expansion of the firm’s flagship products and the search engine giant would be making flood forecasts to so many individuals who might not be aware of the research project called Flood Hub.

We only wish the tech giant provided us with more details on this front including an exact timeframe for when it hopes to bring such forecasts toward both Search and its Maps.

This particular project is one of the many parts of the entire Crisis Response that Google is working toward. It is making the decision to give out more details regarding both wildfires as well as earthquakes that would provide protection for areas that were impacted the greatest due to this reason. This includes the long list of emergency workers that have turned into an integral part of things like this.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World