Meta Confirms Bug in Threads' Trends Test, Acknowledges Global User Access Error

Tech giant Meta may have said no to political content on Threads but we’ve got some more news on this front.

The platform is rolling out a new Trends feature which is designated as a key endeavor at one of the top rivals for Twitter/X. Now, we’re hearing more on this front including how users would be saying hello to greater political theme content on the Threads platform than ever.

As indicated by the search trends, people simply cannot get enough of politics as it is trending forever. And now that the upcoming US elections are all set to take center stage, it makes sense as to what’s going on here.

The platform started to experiment with this endeavor recently with a small group of users in what many described as an exclusive trial. It was for both those on the web and on mobile phones.

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Instagram is still busy with that particular test and thanks to this new expansion, it now appears that what’s trending on Threads is a theme that many had not anticipated.

But the masses have spoken and there’s not a lot that can be done on this front.

To give you a better idea of what sort of content people are falling in love with, it’s linked to Biden’s speech at the State of the Union which featured the audience’s reactions to everything he was blurting out of his mouth.

Then the response was generated by the Republicans in regards to the heckling of Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Seeing the State of the Union address this matter in detail obviously has a lot of people shocked as to how keen they are in what went on that evening. People love engaging with posts like this and plenty of reactions are generated quickly to recap everything in minutes.

There’s also plenty of debate and discussion as to what’s trending next on the app such as taxes, rights to carry out abortion, and even gun control amongst so many others.

The tech giant has opted to keep a distance from the world of politics across platforms for so long after it received so much criticism for loving one side of the picture and not the other. We saw how the firm’s head opted to alter how the Facebook Feed works.

The goal is to keep such posts as a top priority from loved ones over matters such as the news. Then in the year 2022, we saw it get a rebranding face that got outlined as Feed. Previously, we saw the tech giant even admit how there were plenty of disinformation campaigns running at large on the Facebook platform by Russians whose main objective was to impact the American Election race.

And now, as we draw closer to the elections phase, we’re seeing apps like Instagram roll out more proactive content from the world of politics on both Instagram as well as Threads. This is making so many individuals super upset as they did not expect to see their welcome on the app.

Creators generating posts regarding the law including the election phase and more political-themed context weren’t excited about the matter either.

If there happens to be one area where the app is yet to suppress the world of politics, it’s the new Trends rollout. Now we do hope the platform does something about it because not everyone happens to be enjoying this type of content that is already seen in places like X/Twitter.

Update: In an update, the company confirms the ongoing test in the U.S., acknowledging a bug that briefly extended the feature globally (for a short period of tome).

Image: DIW-Aige

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Low AI Trust Drives High Employment Demand for Risk Researchers

Everybody has some kind of an opinion regarding the manner in which AI might end up impacting our lives in the near to distant future. Suffice it to say that most of these opinions are thoroughly on the negative end of the spectrum, and companies are no different.

While there are many benefits to the rise of AI, it bears mentioning that it also brings its fair share of risk to the table. As a result of the fact that this is the case, many companies are looking to employ specialists who can understand these risks and potentially mitigate them at the end of the day.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that these roles aren’t exactly the same as Chief AI Ethics Officers. C-Suite roles are just of the tip of the iceberg, with ethics researchers, compliance officers, and analysts for technology policy all seeing a rise in demand as well.

Based on a recent survey conducted by Deloitte, 49% of companies have created guidelines focusing on the ethical use of AI. 37% are planning to roll these guidelines out in the near future, and the board of directors is involved in 52% of the decisions surrounding the ethical use of AI.

What's more is that 45% of the companies that responded to this survey stated that they’re retraining their employees so that they are better able to contend with this ever shifting landscape than might have been the case otherwise. On top of all of that, 44% are looking for new employees to fill AI related roles because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up keeping them in lockstep with competitors.

This is an extremely specialized field, one that will likely see tremendous growth in the coming years. Government regulations are right around the corner, and many of these new jobs will have something or the other to do with the creation of new and better processes that can keep these regulations at the forefront of the company’s business dealings and operations pertaining to AI.

Take a look at the charts below for more insights:

Read next: How to Accept Bitcoin Payments: Your Complete Guide
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

How to Accept Bitcoin Payments: Your Complete Guide

Figuring out how to accept Bitcoin payments? Our practical guide outlines the key actions necessary for businesses ready to embrace Bitcoin. From pinpointing the proper payment processor to grasping the legal aspects, we provide the insights you need to start accepting Bitcoin payments seamlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Accepting Bitcoin payments can save businesses on transaction fees, attract a global customer base, enhance brand image, and speed up operations due to faster transaction times.
• Businesses should use reputable Bitcoin payment processors for secure transaction facilitation, and they must be prepared to navigate different aspects such as settlement, integration with e-commerce platforms, and volatility management.
• Businesses must handle Bitcoin responsibly by setting up secure wallets, training staff, managing tax and regulatory compliance, and implementing security and refund policies to accommodate the unique nature of cryptocurrency transactions.

Why Accept Bitcoin Payments?

Integrating Bitcoin as a payment option can seem like a challenging endeavor, yet the rewards are substantial. Transactions conducted using Bitcoin typically come with reduced fees, offering businesses considerable savings on payment processing costs when contrasted with those from credit card payments. To cost savings, adopting cryptocurrency positions a business as modern and progressive—an entity that’s prepared for evolving economic conditions.

Setting Up Your Bitcoin Wallet

Establishing a Bitcoin wallet is an essential procedure for processing Bitcoin payments. This kind of digital wallet is solely dedicated to managing Bitcoin transactions and safeguarding your currency with advanced electronic measures, standing in contrast to traditional wallets that handle physical money.

When selecting a Bitcoin wallet for commercial use, it’s vital to consider the level of cybersecurity provided—particularly since online ‘hot’ wallets are more vulnerable to cyber attacks than ‘cold’ storage options like hardware wallets.

The handling of the private key—a cryptographic credential confirming ownership—is critical when accessing funds within your Bitcoin account. Each wallet comes equipped with distinctive Bitcoin addresses that are integral in receiving crypto payments, serving as necessary tools during business-related exchanges. It’s equally important for businesses accepting bitcoin payments that their chosen solution complies with existing financial regulations.

Incorporating either a specialized crypto payment gateway or configuring a specific cryptocurrency wallet facilitates not only the security but also enables one’s business operations capability to accept crypto transactions effortlessly. Payment gateways often offer enhanced features such as automatic conversion between different currencies, which adds versatility in dealing with various forms of cryptocurrency beyond just bitcoins themselves.

Integrating Bitcoin Payments on Your Website

After setting up your Bitcoin wallet, the following step is to incorporate Bitcoin payment capabilities on your site. You can do this through several approaches.

• Implementing dedicated plugins and extensions for various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and WHMCS
• Opting for a decentralized wallet to manage incoming funds
• Choosing which types of cryptocurrencies you will accept

Once a wallet has been chosen by businesses, they should then:

• Enlist the services of a crypto payment processor
• Link their website with said wallet using a cryptographic payment API that facilitates smooth transactions without any need for redirecting customers away from their page.
• Employ customizable white-label solutions or utilize ready-to-use gateway integrations designed to refine user experience during checkouts.

Handling Taxes and Accounting for Bitcoin Transactions

Businesses involved in Bitcoin transactions must be mindful of the tax consequences that arise when they dispose of the cryptocurrency, either through trading it on an exchange or using it as a medium for transactions. It is crucial to maintain meticulous records of all Bitcoin transactions to ascertain precise tax obligations.

For taxation purposes, businesses should adhere to these guidelines.

• Cryptocurrencies held longer than one year and then sold may qualify for lower long-term capital gains taxes.
• Short-term gains from cryptocurrencies are subject to regular income taxes.
• Income derived from non-trading activities like mining or staking rewards has reporting requirements too.

It’s critical for companies handling Bitcoin transactions to select wallets with capabilities for financial reporting. These features aid in accounting procedures, facilitate compliance with AML standards and support adherence with tax filing directives. Businesses need seamless integration between their chosen Bitcoin wallet and existing accounting software systems so that crypto transactions can be consolidated alongside traditional business finances within the same platform while upholding required legalities in financial documentation.

Navigating Regulatory Compliance

Adhering to regulatory compliance is critical in handling Bitcoin payments, much like any other financial dealings. While it is permissible to accept cryptocurrency as a payment method across many nations, there exists variability in its legal recognition depending on the region. It’s vital for businesses that transact with crypto and hold accounts to comply with these regulations which can widely vary from one state or locale to another within the U.S.

Businesses must refer to resources such as Bloomberg Law that detail out cryptographic regulations by each state which aids them in understanding their obligations under the law and ensures adherence thereto. To ensure the legality of operations within their jurisdiction, companies need to validate both the legitimacy of the cryptocurrency platforms they engage with and be cognizant of geographic constraints regarding those operations. Educating staff members on keeping abreast of local bitcoin laws also becomes an integral part of maintaining company-wide compliance.

It’s mandatory under anti-money laundering standards that firms engaging in cryptocurrencies transactions not only keep detailed records but also maintain comprehensive customer identification data. Due largely because legislation around digital currencies is constantly evolving, it behooves organizations who conduct crypto-related business practices seek guidance from specialized professionals – ensuring transaction documentation meets current requirements without adversely affecting enterprise operations.

Training Your Staff and Educating Customers

Merchants should be aware that accommodating bitcoin transactions necessitates a higher level of responsibility than processing traditional credit card payments. This underscores the importance of providing comprehensive training for employees on how to navigate Bitcoin and Crypto Point-of-Sale (PoS) systems to adeptly manage face-to-face transactions.

Evaluating Security Measures for Bitcoin Payments

Securing Bitcoin transactions is a critical priority. To bolster the safety of these payments, employing safeguards like multi-signature wallets that mandate several confirmations for each transaction can be utilized. The use of robust and distinct passwords paired with two-factor authentication also strengthens the protection around Bitcoin transactions. Adding encryption measures and monitoring for any irregular activities are additional steps to ensure the safeguarding of Bitcoin funds.

Monitoring Market Volatility and Converting Bitcoin to Fiat Currency

Integrating Bitcoin into your business operations offers potential benefits, yet it brings the challenge of dealing with its market volatility. The lack of government-controlled inflation for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is attractive. Businesses that accept bitcoin must be ready to cope with significant swings in its value and should consider converting bitcoin payments immediately into cash during payment processing to decrease risk exposure.

To address these price fluctuations effectively, businesses might:

• Instantly exchange received Bitcoin payments for cash, which protects against sudden shifts in market prices.
• Train employees thoroughly on how to swiftly convert Bitcoin into cash, averting financial losses from rapid decreases in value and thus preserving the company’s fiscal health.
• Implement technical indicators such as Bollinger Bands or Average True Range to better comprehend market movements and make more informed decisions about when to trade their Bitcoin for conventional currency.

A prevalent way for companies to exchange cryptocurrency for traditional money involves utilizing cryptocurrency exchanges. There they can sell their bitcoins at a determined rate before withdrawing the converted funds directly into a bank account. When handling larger amounts of money derived from Bitcoin transactions, OTC trading desks offer bespoke services designed specifically for high-value trades.

By diversifying investment portfolios through acquiring various assets types including stablecoins - known explicitly for minimal fluctuation rates - organizations may minimize risks linked up with uncertainties seen within Bitcoins marketplace dynamics.

Summary

In the world of financial transactions, incorporating Bitcoin into your business operations offers a cutting-edge and possibly lucrative venture. It’s imperative for businesses to grasp the reasons for accepting bitcoin as payment, navigate through an array of payment processors available, establish a Bitcoin wallet for handling payments, adhere to legal regulations, educate employees about bitcoin transactions and manage the inherent fluctuations in market value – all integral parts when embracing Bitcoin in their transactional framework. Comprehensive research and an acute awareness of procedural intricacies are critical components when considering such technological integration within commerce. By allowing customers to pay with bitcoin, not only does it extend your market reach but also marks your enterprise as progressive in today’s digital marketplace.

by Asim BN via Digital Information World

Social Media Outages Highlights Need for Offsite Business Communication

A lot of businesses rely on social media for marketing and advertising and when social media outages like Meta’s outage on 5 March 2024 happen, this can create a lot of problems for those businesses. Whenever social media and other platforms' outages happen, businesses, especially small firms need to make sure that they aren’t relying on only one platform. Cheyenne Smith, who owns an ecommerce company that sells children's shoes, said that when the Meta outage happened, she lost a lot of sales and she cannot even count how many customers she lost. This is because she was slowly relying on Meta’s Instagram for dealings and advertising.

She said that when the outage happened, the flow of customers from her e-commerce website stopped completely. Upon asking if she is planning to switch to another platform, she answered that she has no plans of moving to another platform because no other social media gives her sales as much as Instagram. She added that she has tried other platforms too but haven’t found out how to attract more customers from that platform.

Even with this, experts say that you should not rely on only one website or social media platform especially when you are growing in numbers of customers. A small business consultant, Ramon Ray, says that Meta’s outage was alarming for a lot of businesses. He says that businesses would at least take their customers’ emails from them so there can be at least one option for communication. They should ask their customers to fill forms and ask them to provide their information such as names, emails and phone numbers.

Laura Levitan, who is owner of Mod L Photography, was in the middle of posting and replying to customers on Facebook when the outage happened. She said that she lost a lot of her valuable time that she could use to create posts and reels on Instagram and Facebook. But, unlike Cheyenne Smith, she already had her customer emails, so she was able to reply to them. She is also not ready to move out of Meta platforms but promises herself to make her offsite communications strong.

David Lewis, CEO of HR firm Operations, Inc. says that everyone is independent on the internet for their businesses and these types of outages are going to be more common now. So, it is best if businesses work on communication with the customers other than on platforms that are more likely to get disrupted.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

The Challenge of Spotting AI-Generated Faces

A study from the University of Waterloo in Canada has shown that many people can't tell the difference between real human faces and those created by artificial intelligence (AI). Almost 40% of people get fooled by AI-generated images. This is worrying because AI images are getting better and could be used wrongly, like in spreading false information.

In this study, 260 people looked at 20 pictures without knowing where they came from. Half of these pictures were of real people found on Google, and the other half were made by AI programs called Stable Diffusion and DALL-E. These programs are very good at creating images that look like real human faces. The people in the study had to guess which pictures were real and which were made by AI. Only 61% got it right, which was much less than the 85% the researchers thought would.

The study's lead researcher, Andreea Pocol, said that people are not very good at telling real and AI-made images apart. People tried to guess based on small details like how fingers, teeth, and eyes looked. But these clues were not as helpful as they thought. What makes it harder is that most people don't look closely at pictures on the internet. They scroll fast, so it's even easier to get tricked by fake images.

• Also read: Generative AI Continues To Promote Fake Information About US Elections, New Research Proves
  

AI is getting better very fast, and it's hard for research and laws to keep up. AI-made images can look very real, raising fears about their use to make fake images of public figures or to spread lies. Pocol pointed out that spreading misinformation isn't new, but the tools to do it are changing. There might come a time when it's very hard for anyone to spot fake images, no matter how much they know. This leads to a need for new ways to find and fight against fake AI images.

This study shows a big issue with how we see pictures online and trust them. It's making people think again about how much we can believe what we see in the digital world.

Image: DIW-AIgen

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by Mahrukh Shahid via Digital Information World

Decoding the Visual Web: Which Image Format Reigns Supreme Online?

Websites without pictures sound absolutely impossible in today’s visual centric culture, but there is a bit of a debate regarding which image formats end up working out best. According to statistics released by W3Techs (as of 7 March 2024), a few image formats are extremely widely used with all things having been considered and taken into account, whereas some are hardly used at all.

It is important to note that the PNG file format wins out with 82% of websites using it. In spite of the fact that this is the case, it’s by no means the only file format that saw such a wide level of adoption.

Many websites are using JPEGs because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up reducing loading times. JPEGs (or JPG) are smaller and can be compressed more efficiently than might have been the case otherwise, which is they 77.7% of websites are using them at this current point in time (but you know JPG images look too crappy, when overly compressed).

Fun fact: This chart ^ is in the PNG image format, ;)

However, any web developer reading this would know that these are old school file formats. What about those next gen formats that are purported to be the way of the future? These formats are WebP and AVIF, and the surprising thing is that they are not all that widely used! WebP is used in 11.7% of websites, but AVIF is only used in 0.1%.

• Related: Unlock our blazing-fast Image Format Converter for seamless PNG to JPG, PNG to WebP, and vice versa conversions!

GIFs are far more widely used with 21.2%, which makes sense considering that moving images are not something that are going to go away anytime soon. Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) are also popular among 55.3% of sites due to their ability to offer enhanced zooming thanks to the use of points on a mathematical grid instead of pixels.

At the end of the day, these image formats are the most widely used on the internet, and other formats like ICO, BMP, TIFF and APNG were used by 0.2% or fewer. It will be interesting to watch as WebP and AVIF formats potentially become more widespread down the line, since they are supposedly the next step in image format evolution.

Image Format	Percentage of Websites
PNG	82.0%
JPEG	77.7%
SVG	55.4%
GIF	21.2%
WebP	11.7%
ICO	0.2%
BMP	0.2%
AVIF	0.1%
TIFF and APNG	Less than 0.1%
None	3.6%

Data source: W3Techs, 7 March 2024. Note: A website may use more than one image file format.

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Also try our PDF document to PNG file converter to save your time on quick format switching.
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Competition Boss: EU Set to Hold Tech Giants Accountable with Digital Markets Act

The EU is ready to use all its tools to make big tech companies change how they act online. The competition boss of the EU talked about this right before a big new law starts. This new law, called the Digital Markets Act (DMA), begins on Thursday. It targets six major companies: Google's Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, TikTok's ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft. These companies will have to follow new rules, giving European users more options for web browsers and search engines on their devices.

The EU wants these big companies to change their behavior. The new law lets the EU give out bigger fines and even break up companies if needed. The competition commissioner said that not all companies might follow the rules from the start. The EU has been strict with tech companies since 2014, showing they mean business.

For example, the EU recently fined Apple for making it hard for users to find other music streaming options. The goal isn't to break up companies or fine them heavily but to get them to follow the rules. The DMA and other antitrust tools will help make sure companies play fair, giving users more choices.

A big area to watch is app stores. Apple said users could start using other app stores, but some developers find the changes too complicated. Apple, along with ByteDance and Meta, is challenging parts of the DMA in court.

The EU is also looking into deals between big tech firms and AI startups, like Microsoft's investment in a French AI company, Mistral AI. This is part of a bigger investigation into big digital companies working with AI developers.

The competition boss will leave her job after the June European elections. She doesn't know what she'll do next but wants to keep working on European projects. She thinks Europe is a great place with lots of work still to do.

Image: DIW-AIgen

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by Mahrukh Shahid via Digital Information World