China Tightens App Leash: New Rules Aim to Rein in Digital Wild West

Hold onto your virtual hats, folks, because China is bringing the hammer down on mobile apps! The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has ruled that all app providers in China must provide information about their businesses to the government, which might make even a cowboy weep. Yes, it's a digital equivalent of "Show me your papers!"

But there is a catch. Apps that don't spill the beans will be given a severe talking to - and by that, we mean penalized. And it's not just a smack on the wrist; there's also a deadline. The grace period will last until March of next year, after which it will be judgment day for all those sly, unregistered apps.

So, what's the big deal, you may wonder? This law may sound like the stuff of nightmare government paperwork, but it's set to revolutionize the app scene in China. It's as if they're installing a bouncer at the digital nightclub; only applications with valid invites (read: filings) are allowed in. Experts are scratching their heads, thinking about all the indie software developers who may be left out in the cold.

You Yunting, a seasoned legal practitioner, spilled the beans - excuse the pun - on the actual thing. What is this new rule? It's like a permission slip, and guess who's distributing them? The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, of course! And it's not only about cracking down on online swindlers; this law applies to every app in China.

The drama, however, does not end there. Rich Bishop, co-founder of AppInChina, provided some inside information. Foreign software creators, you are not exempt either! Remember how you could slide your apps into China's digital pockets without raising an eyebrow via Apple's App Store? Those days, however, are disappearing like yesterday's memes. To play by the new rules, you'll need a Chinese corporation or a local friend to guide you through the maze.

What's more, guess what? Even Apple, the iPhone guru, had to perform some housekeeping to keep the digital cops away. They tossed over a hundred AI apps from their App Store because China waved its licensing wand for generative AI apps. It's like a digital makeover but way less glamorous.

But wait, there's more! This restriction isn't just targeting normal applications; it's also casting a critical eye on particular app categories. News, publishing, education, cinema, television, and even religion are all invited to this filing party.

And what about the big finale? So, prominent social media stars like X, Facebook, and Instagram may no longer be strutting their stuff in China. Although they are not permitted to be shown on Chinese television, people may be able to obtain them when they go throughout the world.

So, app fans, brace up! China has taken out its magnifying glass and is ready to examine every nook and corner of the app industry. Will this new regulation rescue the day or toss the app party on its head? Only time will tell, my digital compadres. Only time will tell.

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by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Ad Traffic Showdown: Facebook and X Struggle, Snapchat and TikTok Shine

Buckle up, social media thrill-seekers! The ad traffic rollercoaster has taken us on a wild ride, with some big names feeling the G-force while others soar to new heights. Keep your likes and shares handy as we ride through this social media amusement park.

Facebook and X (previously Twitter) are like those buddies who simply can't seem to get a break in the realm of digital fantasies and kitten videos. According to the web analytics wizards, traffic to Similarweb's ad-buying portals, where advertisers work their magic, declined by roughly 10.5% for Facebook and 10.6% for X. Ouch! Their advertising appears to be caught in gridlock as Snapchat, TikTok, and Pinterest cruise along the digital highway.

But don't start crying for Facebook and X just yet. They both accelerated month-over-month traffic, with Facebook increasing by 4.2% and X increasing by 17.6%. Compared to their competitors' increases, it's like watching a turtle try to outrun a hare. Pinterest grew wings by 55.3%, TikTok danced its way up by 46%, and Snapchat flashed its pearly filters by 12.7%.

Zooming out for a broader perspective, we find that the cool kids - Snapchat and TikTok - are partying like it's 1999 (well, not really, but you get the idea). X's ad gateway has lost 14.9% of its groove over the last year, while Facebook has lost 7.6%. Meanwhile, Snapchat is living its best life with a 100% boost, TikTok is high-fiving with 40% growth, and Pinterest is sipping on a success smoothie, up by 17.9%.

You may be wondering why there is such a commotion over these ad-buying platforms. Consider them a marketplace where advertisers can express their creative muscles in order to entice potential consumers. It's like a product or service trailer, and the more people visit these portals, the more popcorn - well, income - these platforms may earn.

Finally, the plot twist! While Facebook and X fight for attention, Snapchat and TikTok dominate the spotlight. If this were a movie, the underdogs would take the starring roles and run with them. Even if Facebook is still the biggest kid on the block, it's as if they're caught in traffic as Snapchat and TikTok sail by with wind in their virtual hair.

But wait, it's not all bad news for X. Despite Elon Musk's unexpected and controversial move to rename Twitter X, it appears that the rebranding fireworks did garner some notice. From June to July, ad portal visits increased, leading us to question if Elon's unusual maneuvers are covertly fueled by internet magic.

So there you have it, everyone! In the ever-changing social media world, Facebook and X may be feeling the fire, but Snapchat and TikTok are riding the crests of ad traffic glory.

It's like a digital dance-off where the hippest moves win the clicks. Will Facebook and X make a return, or will Snapchat and TikTok keep winning? Only time will tell - and a lot of clicks.

Read next: Is Google Still the Best Source of Information?
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

A.I. Warriors Wanted: Hackers Chase $20 Million to Safeguard U.S. Systems

Attention tech-savvy warriors: the ultimate hacking battle has begun, and the stakes are incredibly high! The Biden administration has officially blown the virtual trumpets, announcing the A.I. Cyber Challenge, a hacking competition in which artificial intelligence is the weapon of choice. Consider a digital battlefield where hackers don code armor to safeguard crucial U.S. infrastructure from annoying cybersecurity threats.

Keep your code snippets handy since this is where things get interesting. What about the main prize pool? Twenty million dollars! You read it correctly: we're talking about actual money, not digital currency. And who is joining this tremendous technological crusade? Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are among A.I.'s heavyweights. They're bringing advanced artillery to the battlefield.

Imagine the scene: The big news was delivered at the Black Hat USA hacking conference in glitzy Las Vegas. They look like the Avengers, but instead of capes, they wear hoodies and hold computers.

But hold on, there's more! Hackers must compete in a qualifying event to get to the big leagues. The crème de la crème of coding - up to 20 top-scoring teams - will be chosen to compete in the semifinals of DEF CON 2024, a cybersecurity extravaganza. What's more, guess what? The top five teams will each walk away with a whopping $2 million and a golden ticket to the finals of DEF CON 2025.

It's not just about the money, though. The top three teams will compete for further rewards, including a stunning $4 million for the team that can "best secure vital software." It's like the Academy Awards, except for digital defenders.

• Also read: A Growing Threat: How AI Poses Risks to Cybersecurity in 2023

The twist that makes this competition even more interesting is that contestants must open-source their answers. It's the equivalent of disclosing your secret weapon designs to the world. The Linux Foundation's Open Source Security Foundation has joined the party as an advisor, ensuring everything remains legal.

Oh, and it's not only the big names that get a chance to shine. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) offers up to $1 million in funding to seven small enterprises that wish to compete. Inviting the neighborhood kids to play in the big-league game is like asking them.

And, hey, this isn't the government's first foray into the world of hacking. They started the Cyber Grand Challenge in 2014 to develop an open-source security system capable of repelling cyberattacks. Consider it a tech cook-off but with more ones and zeroes.

So, what's the big deal about A.I.? The administration hopes that A.I.'s abilities will aid with securing crucial U.S. infrastructure. "We have to keep defence one step ahead," said Perri Adams, program manager at DARPA's Information Innovation Office. And A.I. provides an up-and-coming technique in this regard." It's like having a superhero team that can anticipate the future.

So, tech warriors, let the hacking games begin! Who knows what type of digital magic will be conjured when cybersecurity and A.I. professionals join forces. It's a classic I.T. story in which invention meets protection, and the result is nothing short of $20 million in glory.

Illustration: FreePik

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by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

AI Content Detection by Search Engines: Google’s Plan and Long-Term Strategy

The advent of AI has heavily impacted individuals in Digital Marketers working for SEO, offering them time-saving and affordable ways to craft original content for their work.

Despite ethical concerns, people wonder if search engines can identify AI-generated content. The question is significant in case it cannot since it undermines several questions regarding the appropriate and ethical usage and implementation of AI.

Using machine generation for content creation is not a novel tech and may not be as unethical as it appears to be.

For example, being the first to break through with important headlines is a competition amongst news sites. They have been using seismometers and stock markets to gather their authentic sources to amplify the speed of their content. Moreover, it is genuine to use accurate information that a robot has generated in their articles, such as the magnitude, date, time, and location of the place where an earthquake is detected.

Such updates are less time-consuming and easy for readers to absorb information quickly.

But on the other hand, there have been several instances of malicious and unethical generation of machine-generated content, commonly referred to as “blackhat” implementations. Google has repeatedly disapproved of practices that use Markov chains to generate low-effort content or text as they fall under the category of automatically generated pages that offer no added value.

The interpretation of “no added value” intrigues many yet stirs confusion in others.

GPTx LLMs and ChatGPT have altered machine-generated content by making the interactions more conversational. LLMs are a glorified version of a phone’s predictive text feature. ChatGPT is a version of generative AI where the outcome is a randomized element that generates different responses to the same prompts.

ChatGPT doesn’t have traditional information after comparing the two. Such drawbacks are called hallucinations and are the reason for the errors. In many instances, ChatGPT tends to contradict itself.

Such instances raise genuine concern when it comes to adding value to content created by AI. The fundamental issue stems from text generation by LLMs. Finding a solution wouldn’t be easy without taking a fresh approach. This is crucial when it comes to topics related to money as such inaccurate content may contribute to adverse effects on people's finances and well-being. CNET and Men’s Health published unauthentic and inaccurate AI-generated content this year.

Although Google claimed to be cautious with generating responses, such as an example of it refusing to show an answer to a medical question about giving a child Tylenol, the SGE would directly contradict this by readily producing an answer to the same question when asked.

Google believes machine-generated content has a venue for answering people’s questions. In May 2021, Google hinted that when they revealed their Multitask Unified Model, based on the fact that people prompt eight questions on average.

And in that process, the searcher would learn more information and ask questions related to that. That way searchers would view more webpages.

Google initiated the idea to take users’ first and expected follow-up questions to generate a solved answer through their index knowledge. If the plan succeeds, SEOs that depend on SERPs may get scrapped, and it would benefit only the user.

But this raises the question regarding Google’s intention to display the searcher a webpage with a pre-generated answer when they have the capabilities to keep them within their search ecosystem as it has the financial incentive to generate it on their own. Examples are Google’s featured snippets and allowing users to look up flights in their SERPs.

If Google views users' generated text as invaluable, it may become a case of pros and cons.

That way, will the search engine achieve a higher revenue in the future by stopping generation costs and making searchers wait for responses or by quickly and inexpensively directing users to sites they are familiar with?

With the rapid usage of ChatGPT came AI Content detectors that display the percentage of artificially-generated content. Those percentages vary with each of them, but all give the same response: indicating AI-generated text. The issue is that people may misinterpret when those detectors claim the content to be 60% written by AI and 40% by humans when in reality the detectors mean that they are 60% sure that 100% of the text is AI-generated.

Tricking the AI detector is simple. Users can use a double exclamation mark to make the detector report that the text is 99% written by a human.

Some website owners may bear such insecurities by believing that Google may not detect AI content.

This year, Google Search Central claims its focus was on the quality of the content and not the way it generated it. This reveals that Google only cares about the output more than the means of content generation.

The answer to whether Google can spot AI-generated content lies in a different question. LLMs have been producing premium quality content in terms of authenticity and meeting Google’s E-E-A-T criteria nonstop. AI is approaching ahead in giving answers that lack content.

However, according to predictions, Google will shift its focus to long-form expert content, providing specific questions rather than directing searchers to multiple small websites.

Read next: Is Google Still the Best Source of Information?
by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World

YouTube's Magical Quest for the Perfect Video Playlist

Once upon a time, in YouTube's digital realm, where videos of beautiful kittens and colossal blunders roamed free, the platform's wizards embarked on a journey to make the user experience even more delightful. They saw two pathways to investigate as they looked into their crystal displays, each leading to a new feature that may revolutionize how people roamed around virtual environments.

The Tale of "For You" Enchantment:

Consider yourself wandering the vast forest of YouTube channels, searching for that elusive video that will tickle your funny bone or pique your curiosity. But the options are dizzying, like a monster collecting too many jewels! Not to worry, the YouTube magicians are concocting a potion called "For You." This magical elixir will generate a customized route packed with films that fit your interests and watch history just for you. It's as if you're holding a mystical scroll that unfolds in front of your eyes, exposing the most captivating films from your favorite channels.

Some wizards have raised their wands in alarm, fearing that this new spell may rob them of their capacity to manage their channels. But don't worry, courageous inventors, for the wizards guarantee you can use the "For You" magic as you see fit. This spell guides visitors around your digital environment, introducing them to hidden jewels they may have missed amidst the sea of movies. And who knows, with this new enchantment, you might win more admirers and summon more subscribers to join your quest.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Recommendations:

A strange development was taking place in another part of the YouTube universe. Imagine a world where video suggestions vanish like ghosts at daybreak - that's the world YouTube is experimenting with. The wizards, you see, are on a mission to discover the enigmatic mysteries of video recommendations.

Previously, YouTube users could turn off their viewing history and still receive suggestions, similar to obtaining a blueprint to buried treasure without exposing prior excursions. However, a new law has been issued: if you opt to conceal your viewing history, the land of suggestions will be removed from your homepage. A neater, more immaculate environment awaits, with only the search bar and the navigation menu visible.

Why, you ask? According to YouTube seers, this modification will help viewers comprehend the power of watching history, similar to learning to use your magic wand in the wizarding world. But fear not, keeper of secrets, for you can still toggle this switch in the mystical settings known as My Google Activity. Though some believe this will result in a calmer, less hectic world, others take comfort in simplicity.

So, dear digital explorers, while YouTube continues its marvelous experimenting, remember that every twist and turn contributes to the big narrative of online discovery. YouTube's wizards are on a quest to make your virtual experiences even more unique, whether it's tailored routes or the disappearance of suggestions. So, my fellow digital explorers, buckle up – your journey through the kingdom of YouTube is about to get even more spellbinding!

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by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Google's Text Chats Get a Shield: End-to-End Encryption!

Google has draped end-to-end encryption over your group conversations in a move right out of a science fiction film. Imagine you and your friends formulating schemes for global dominance that are not only super-secret, but also encrypted! For Android users, rejoice: your group text chats have become much safer.

Consider the following scenario: you and your team have been utilizing Google's RCS messaging service to discuss anything from memes to top-secret combat plans (well, maybe not the latter). But until recently, only your one-on-one conversations were as secure as Fort Knox. Group conversations, on the other hand, were like those weak locks found at the dollar store: anybody with a bit of bravado could twist them.

But wait, what exactly is RCS? It stands for "Rich Communications Services," a fancier version of conventional text messaging. RCS is more than just a messenger; it's similar to traditional messages but after a trip to the superhero costume shop. It has cool features like notifying you when your friend has read your notice or when they're composing a reply quicker than a cheetah on roller skates.

Now comes the magic: Google has extended its "E2E" encryption to group chats in all its brilliant splendor. That's end-to-end encryption - your messages are locked like a treasure chest, and only the proper owners can access them. This fantastic announcement came complete with all the bells and whistles, direct from Google support.

Remember when you had to jump through hoops to unlock certain features? Those days are long gone! Google has made RCS the default option for all Android users, meaning your conversations are encrypted without you having to do anything. It's as if a fairy godmother waved her wand and - poof! - your discussions have been transformed into hidden magic.

However, while Android users are now partying in encrypted group conversations, iPhone users are still locked in the messaging dark ages. With its end-to-end encryption and sophisticated features, Apple's iMessage is like the cool kid who only goes out with other cool kids. Android has tried to join the iMessage team for years, but Apple has turned them down.

So, what should an Android user who is concerned about security do? Google proposes gathering your iPhone-wielding pals and staging a texting intervention. Encrypted alternatives, such as Meta's WhatsApp, are your new secret handshake - and who doesn't like secret handshakes?

But wait a minute, Sherlock, before you start deducing too much. Google still has some unfinished business to attend to. Third-party chat applications like WhatsApp and Signal have yet to get the RCS encryption memo. And Google Voice, Google's venerable communications service, is still playing catch-up in terms of encryption.

Ultimately, it's like a classic buddy film, with Android as the brave hero battling for encrypted justice and iOS as the intriguing loner who isn't quite ready to join the squad. Conversely, Google is the crazy scientist, concocting encrypted concoctions and attempting to bring the messaging cosmos into harmony.

So there you have it, folks: a story of encrypted group conversations, mismatched messaging worlds, and a dash of technological intrigue. Your text chats have been updated, and your secrets are now safer than a double agent's hideaway. Keep sending those texts, Android heroes, and may your chats remain secure and exciting!

Read next: Google Play Store Becomes Infiltrated By Popular Android Apps Who Drain Users’ Battery By Loading Ads When Screens Are Off
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Google Play Store Becomes Infiltrated By Popular Android Apps Who Drain Users’ Battery By Loading Ads When Screens Are Off

One of the most annoying things related to smartphone usage is being bombarded with apps that are designed to drain your device’s battery.

Recently, the Google Play Store was bombarded by a whopping 43 different Android apps that had nearly 2.5 million downloads. They were the ones who allowed ad downloading while the user’s screen was turned off and that ultimately led to their device’s battery falling to a new low.

The research team at McAfee was the first to report the alarming behavior and how the malware-filled apps on Android were wreaking havoc as more and more users complained to Google about the behavior.

This was a clear violation of the policies on the Play Store, they added and thankfully, the Android maker was quick to act and get rid of the platforms through the official store that belongs to Android.

These apps were mostly used for media streams and for news purposes. And the respective target audience was outlined as being Korean. But that does not mean such kinds of deceptive behavior couldn’t be applicable to a range of other top domains and reach out to demographics that were more diverse in nature.

While such apps are deemed to be a source of adware, they’re continuing to be a major risk to all kinds of users as they pave the way to a number of profiling risks. Similarly, they drain batteries and make the most of a huge chunk of internet data as well while giving rise to more fraud cases that may be filed against the respective advertisers.

The report by the top security firm claims that adware of this kind was disguised throughout Google Play platforms which ended up impersonating a long list of apps such as Music Downloader, Calendar, TV Player, News, and so many more similar categories.

After it gets downloaded, the adware applications would allow for a delay of a few weeks, right before it further went on to activate more advertising-fraudulent endeavors which are designed to deceive so many users and prevent detection through reviewers on the platform.

McAfee added how the configuration can actually end up getting changed further and updated by Messaging or other means so that operators may adjust the exact time taken for dormancy to occur, alongside the other factors.

The Android software makes use of another feature that helps to prevent the battery from draining and puts apps in sleep or standby mode, whenever you’re not using the device. Hence, no programs run in the background and it won’t be making use of any memory, CPU, and other network features.

When the adware apps get downloaded, you’ll see more users include them as a part of Android’s system for power saving. This would ensure the malicious platforms continue to run well in backgrounds.

With such an exclusion, the platforms would be allowed to get and load ads, even if the screen for a smartphone is switched off. As a result, it produces more revenue and gives users no way to comprehend what’s taking place.

The security firm added how it could be enabled in a manner that gives the phone’s user the chance to look over any loaded ads, whenever the screen’s device switches on, right before it gets shut automatically.

One of the biggest indicators linked to compromise has to do with letting go of your battery as it really does drain it to a severe extent, even when the device isn’t being used.

Read next: Is Google Still the Best Source of Information?
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World