Researchers Discover Piles of Explicit Images Displaying Child Abuse On Twitter Despite Elon Musk Vowing To Remove Such Content

Twitter chief Elon Musk has long been mentioning how the app’s top priority remains the safety of young audiences on the platform.

But recently, an array of shocking images displaying child abuse and explicit material was located online from the app, moments after he took on the firm. Moreover, such content of this kind was being posted over the last couple of months and it was located by researchers through various platforms.

Many find the news really hard to believe, especially when the firm’s head vowed to delete and even restrict such graphic material from appearing on the app, just days after he acquired the organization.

Clearly, Musk has failed at staying true to his promise and ridding the app of explicit material. The report shows how a staggering 40 different pictures were found on the app between the period of March 12 toward the end of May. This type of content was flagged as per reports from researchers at Standford University but it was appealing how it was never removed, confirmed a recent report by the Wall Street Journal.

The team of researchers spoke about spotting such pictures on the app and proved how it was a major deal and lacked the right kind of enforcement. Remember, Elon Musk has already gotten rid of nearly 90% of his company’s staff and the app has witnessed plenty of outages and major issues too. This entails a whole array of technical glitches that included Flordia’s Governor Ron DeSantis unveiling officially that he was running for President in the upcoming elections.

The news led to outrage and after the matter was publicized, we saw Twitter sent out a response to researchers in the past week. He indicated that it was making great advancements to the whole CASM system and that researchers were noting how the app resolved the matter in the past month.

Then in February, the app revealed how it was moving at a fast pace and even in an aggressive manner to overcome things like child exploitation within the app. It also took great pride in getting rid of evidence in the form of images by restricting so many accounts which published and communicated with such explicit content.

During the start of this year, the app says that it ended up suspending nearly 40,000 accounts that it produced, engaged with, and even passed on featuring this content. And as you can imagine, it’s a massive 112% rise in suspensions for CSE since the start of November.

Twitter on the other hand seems to be staying the same when it comes down to transparency. And that might affect researchers in terms of finding more breaches of a similar kind.

Remember, Twitter’s chief has spoken about raised pricing tiers for API so why would anyone wish to pay extra to attain access, right? We’re talking about a staggering rise in costs where researchers might need to spend $42k or more to attain Twitter’s access and make it a wildly affordable ordeal.

Read next: |Elon Musk’s Post Acquisition Honeymoon is Over as Twitter Usage Starts to Decline
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Trust vs. Convenience Battle for Data Privacy Divides Social Media Users

In today's digital age, a significant number of social media users express their lack of trust in social media companies' ability to protect their personal data. However, despite concerns over data privacy, a mere one in five users claim to have quit a social media platform in the past year, highlighting the convenience and challenges associated with preserving personal privacy.

The ubiquitous phrase "if you're not paying for the product, you are the product" aptly captures the trade-off social media platforms demand from their users. In exchange for free access to services, these platforms collect and sell user data for various purposes, including targeted advertising.

Unfortunately, this exchange appears to be losing its appeal among social media users. According to a recent Morning Consult survey, only 38% of users trust social media platforms with their personal information. Many individuals believe that the online experience would be enhanced if data collection were eliminated, but the majority continues to use these platforms due to their convenience and the formidable challenges associated with safeguarding personal privacy.

Major social media companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat face a common challenge: their business models rely on monetizing user data to sustain operations. Consequently, they resort to advertising and information collection to offset the costs of providing their services. Jon Callas, Director of Public Interest Technology at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, explains that social media has become an essential part of many people's lives, and users unknowingly pay for these services with their personal information because there are no viable alternatives.

Sara Collins, Senior Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge, believes that data collection, when reasonably necessary to provide a service, is not inherently harmful. However, companies have been incentivized to collect as much data as possible to maximize profit. This approach has dominated the social media landscape, with paid subscription models primarily targeting power users and content creators rather than the average person.

The survey reveals that over half of social media users distrust platforms' ability to protect their online data—the highest level of distrust among all industries covered in the study. Senator Michael Bennet proposes the Data Care Act, which would require online services to safeguard personal information and prevent the misuse of user data. He points out that Americans face an unequal negotiation when using digital platforms, where they must choose between staying connected in a digital world or preserving their privacy. This paradox is absent in other sectors such as healthcare or aviation, where consumer safety is not left to individual responsibility.

Despite concerns about data privacy, most social media users trust themselves more than social media companies when it comes to protecting their personal data. However, this self-trust seems contradictory as individuals willingly surrender their information to untrusted entities. People often underestimate the extent of data collection and usage, leading to unexpected consequences. For instance, sensitive information from online therapy services has been sold for targeted advertising, compromising user privacy.

In conclusion, while many social media users express concerns about data privacy, only a small portion have actually quit a platform due to trust issues. Transparency and clear information about data abuse is crucial for building trust. Users' decisions to leave platforms over privacy concerns can drive market improvements. However, privacy-focused alternatives in social media are scarce, making it challenging for individuals to resist data-driven business models. Meaningful systemic changes and innovative solutions are needed to empower users in their pursuit of data privacy.

Read next: Your Devices May Have Hacker Protection, but Loved Ones Are Snooping Too
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Microsoft Introduces Third-Party Browser Support for Bing Chat and Expands their User Base

Microsoft has shared an intriguing update about its AI chatbot service, Bing Chat. In the past, Bing Chat could only be accessed through the Edge web browser, but Microsoft has recently disclosed its intentions to test the waters by introducing support for third-party browsers. This experimental integration is set to begin in the current month, allowing users to access Bing Chat through browsers other than Edge.

A user of Reddit has shared his experiences of using Bing Chat on well-known browsers such as Safari and Chrome, leading to a surge of interest and questions. Recognizing the excitement surrounding this development, Mikhail Parakhin, Microsoft's head of Advertising and Web Services, took to Twitter to validate the news. He acknowledged that Microsoft is actively testing third-party browser support for Bing Chat and intends to introduce it gradually. While the company has not revealed the specific browsers that will be compatible with Bing Chat, it is clear that Microsoft is committed to expanding its reach across various platforms.

Microsoft intends to broaden the reach of Bing Chat by offering compatibility with additional web browsers. The goal is to attract a larger user base for the chat service. As per StatCounter's data, Edge currently occupies the third spot among the most popular browsers, holding a market share of 9.91%. In contrast, Google Chrome dominates the market with an impressive 66.02%, followed by Apple Safari in second place with 12.79%.

In order to ensure a seamless transition, Microsoft is expected to initially restrict access to Bing Chat through Safari and Chrome browsers while they assess user feedback and evaluate performance. Once the testing phase concludes successfully, Microsoft will then contemplate expanding the availability of Bing Chat to a wider audience.

Microsoft has introduced several improvements to Bing Chat that go beyond extending browser support. Users now have the benefit of an increased limit for daily chat turns, with the number raised to 300 compared to the previous cap of 200. Moreover, the per session turns have been elevated from 20 to 30, allowing for more extended and productive conversations. Another enhancement involves the expansion of the Bing Image Creator functionality within Bing Chat, which now includes Precise and Balanced modes alongside the existing Creative mode. These updates have been implemented to offer users a more diverse and interactive experience when utilizing Bing Chat.

• Also read: The GPTZero vs. Turnitin Battle for Academic AI Supremacy

Furthermore, Bing recently commemorated its 14th anniversary, signifying the date of its official release on June 3, 2009. Microsoft remains committed to pushing boundaries and improving its services, aiming to deliver a chatbot experience that is smooth, effortless, and highly efficient through Bing Chat.

In conclusion, Microsoft's decision to introduce third-party browser support for Bing Chat marks an exciting development in expanding its accessibility and user base. By allowing users to access Bing Chat through popular browsers like Safari and Chrome, Microsoft aims to provide a seamless and versatile chatbot experience. These advancements, coupled with increased daily chat turns and expanded functionality, demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to refining Bing Chat and delivering an enhanced user experience. As Bing celebrates its 14th anniversary, this expansion paves the way for further innovation and growth in Microsoft's chatbot services.

Read next: Prominent Accounts on Alternative Social Media Are More Likely to Ask Followers for Money
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Prominent Accounts on Alternative Social Media Are More Likely to Ask Followers for Money

A major trend that can be seen in social media over the past few years is the rising proportion of alternative sites. Rumble and BitChute are just two examples, and most of these sites tend to be personality driven with all things having been considered and taken into account. The most prominent example of all is perhaps Truth Social, and it relies heavily on its founder, former US president Donald Trump, to drive engagement on the platform.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 23% of the accounts on these platforms appear to be asking their followers for some form of financial support, as per Pew study. That might not seem notable at first, but it is a far higher proportion than can be seen in other social media platforms that are more mainstream.

19% of the prominent accounts are asking for donations or offering paid subscriptions to their content. 7% are trying to sell merch. The combined total comes to around 23%, and it represents a growing trend of influencers who are heading to these platforms to make it easier to obtain revenue than might have been the case otherwise.

It turns out that 36% of the adults who use these alternative media sites have given money to their favorite major accounts. Such a trend is notable because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up suggesting the presence of high demand for alternative social media.

In spite of the fact that this is the case, major sites like Parler have already shut down. The presence of big names on these sites is allowing them to continue their growth, and the cash they can get from their followers is likely a strong factor in that regard.

Rumble may also provide an alternative to YouTube due to its focus on video, with 47% of its users accepting donations as compared to 41% for the Google owned video streaming and social media platform. More political tensions might fuel further exoduses to these alternatives.

Read next: Survey Reveals YouTube Creators Outshine Instagram and TikTok in Earnings
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Survey Reveals YouTube Creators Outshine Instagram and TikTok in Earnings

In the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing, a recent survey has shed light on the most profitable platform for brand partnerships: YouTube. According to the survey conducted by Aspire, an influencer marketing platform, YouTube creators are earning more from their collaborations compared to their counterparts on Instagram and TikTok.

The statistics clearly demonstrate the financial success of YouTube creators. An impressive 6 percent of YouTubers earn over $10,001 per month, significantly higher than the 2 percent and 3 percent of TikTok and Instagram creators respectively who reach that income level. Moreover, a remarkable 50 percent of YouTube creators report monthly earnings surpassing $500, surpassing Instagram's 40 percent and TikTok's 36 percent in terms of financial achievement.

While it may require a higher investment to collaborate with YouTube creators, brands are urged to consider the platform due to its exceptional engagement metrics. On average, YouTube creators achieve an impressive 50 percent engagement rate, surpassing TikTok's 3 percent and Instagram's 2 percent. The survey defines engagement as a combination of likes, views, shares, and comments. The longer video format on YouTube enables creators to delve deeper into product features, making it especially advantageous for brands selling complex items like tech gear or furniture requiring step-by-step tutorials.

The survey drew insights from a diverse group of 1,000 creators, encompassing various audience sizes, preferred platforms, and industries. Combining Aspire's internal data with the survey responses, the study provides valuable insights into the earning potential of creators. It's worth noting that the majority of the creators surveyed were based in the United States.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, YouTube has solidified its position as the go-to platform for creators seeking to maximize their earnings through brand partnerships. Its high engagement rates and the ability to provide in-depth content contribute to its appeal among both creators and audiences alike. For brands aiming to optimize their return on investment in influencer marketing, directing their focus toward YouTube proves to be a wise strategic move.

In conclusion, this survey provides valuable insights for marketers and brands venturing into the ever-changing realm of influencer marketing. By gaining an understanding of the platforms that hold the most promise for collaboration, brands can adapt their strategies and establish fruitful partnerships with YouTube creators who possess the ability to captivate and connect with their desired audience. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying attuned to emerging trends and platforms becomes crucial for brands seeking to harness the immense potential of influencer marketing in today's fiercely competitive marketplace.

Read next: Creators Weigh In on the State of the Industry
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

The GPTZero vs. Turnitin Battle for Academic AI Supremacy

GPTZero has taken the academic world by storm, positioning itself as a frontrunner in transforming how professors identify the incorporation of AI in student assignments. Nevertheless, it encounters fierce competition from well-established players such as Turnitin, which has bolstered its anti-plagiarism tools by integrating AI content detection capabilities. The widespread use of AI-powered text generators has sparked an extensive debate on job applications, sales pitches, and the legitimacy of essays. This has prompted stakeholders in the education and business realms to actively seek methods to differentiate between content crafted by human beings and that generated by AI bots.

Since its introduction in January, GPTZero, created by a skilled undergraduate from Princeton University, has rapidly gained popularity. The platform experienced an astounding 5.5 M visits in April alone, and projections from Similarweb suggest that this number will surpass 5.9 M in May. These remarkable figures firmly establish GPTZero as the top contender in the realm of AI content detection, focusing solely on this specialized field.

In recent developments, Turnitin, a reputable academic tool, has expanded its offerings by incorporating AI detection tools for content alongside its existing anti-plagiarism features. The platform has experienced a notable surge in popularity, with an estimated visit count of more than 17 M in May, representing an 11.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Furthermore, educational institutions are embracing AI content detection by integrating it into their learning management systems, underscoring the increasing significance of this technology in academia.

OpenAI, the mastermind behind the development of ChatGPT, has recently launched its own text classifier designed to distinguish between content generated by ChatGPT and other sources. Although it may not enjoy the same widespread adoption as certain commercial alternatives, OpenAI's solution garnered considerable attention in April and attracted a total of 861,700 visits predominantly from desktop web traffic.

Numerous online platforms provide AI content detection tools with the intention of supporting copywriters and content creators in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. Interestingly, a significant portion of the traffic these websites receive is predominantly focused on their AI content detection pages. Noteworthy statistics reveal that approximately 61 percent to copyleaks.com, 80 percent of the traffic to writer.com, and 85 percent to contentatscale.ai is specifically driven by users seeking AI content detection capabilities.

In order to offer a comprehensive perspective, we analyze the top websites that provide AI content detection tools free of charge or on a trial basis, excluding Turnitin. One notable contender is GPTZero, a platform born out of the limited resources of a 22-year-old named Edward Tian. Initially, GPTZero's primary goal was to assist professors in detecting the use of AI in students' work. Over time, the company has expanded its team by recruiting AI Ph.Ds and has recently secured an impressive $3.5 million in funding.

While many of the domains listed are multi-service companies, GPTZero stands out as the exception, ranking highest among these emerging platforms focused solely on AI content detection. By examining desktop web traffic related to AI content detection, Writer emerges as the second most popular tool, garnering around 3 M visits in April, trailing closely behind GPTZero's estimated 5 M visits.

Turnitin, a widely recognized and long-standing academic tool, maintains a significantly higher level of user engagement compared to GPTZero, emphasizing its continued relevance and importance within the academic community.

AI text generators like ChatGPT have presented challenges in academic and professional contexts. Institutions are grappling with usage guidelines as students and professionals use AI to enhance their work, sometimes blurring ethical boundaries. However, these tools may mistakenly identify student work as AI-generated, especially for non-native English speakers.

Read next: OpenAI Website Sees Traffic Soar to Billion Mark
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

New Report Reveals 3.3 Billion Interconnected Devices Will Start Trading Money and Data by 2030

The Internet of Things refers to the various smart devices that are connected to each other to facilitate ease of use. There are a lot of benefits to this, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, many downsides can also be noted with all things having been considered and taken into account.

A new study that was just published by STL Partners suggests that nearly 3.3 billion devices will be connected through the Internet of Things by 2030. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that these devices will regularly trade money as well as data with each other by the end of the decade.

This new phenomenon is being dubbed the Economy of Things, and experts are predicting that it will be worth somewhere in the region of 10% of the total IoT economy. What’s more, this subset of the IoT will reportedly witness a CAGR of about 68%, which could lead to it possessing enormous influence across a wide array of product classes.

Current predictions estimate that around 88 million devices will be connected via the so called Economy of Things as of next year. Hence, in order to reach the 3.3 billion mark by 2030, this industry will require a whopping 3,750% growth rate in just six years. This astronomical growth rate might seem like it is far too high, but experts clearly feel like it is a likely outcome.

40% of these devices will likely be grid enabled smart devices. A further 700 million will have to do with supply chain related devices with the rest being distributed across various sectors.

The high CAGR will likely help it reach the 3.3 billion mark because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up compounding over time. It will be interesting to see how this impacts consumer welfare, since the privacy violations of the Internet of Things have become rather notorious and the Economy of Things could be orders of magnitude more harmful in that respect.

Read next: AI Searches on Google Soar to All-Time High
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World