#Content Management Systems Localization Services

[mostlysignssomeportents]

When the app tries to make you robo-scab

When we talk about the abusive nature of gig work, there’s some obvious targets, like algorithmic wage discrimination, where two workers are paid different rates for the same job, in order to trick occasional gig-workers to give up their other sources of income and become entirely dependent on the app:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/12/algorithmic-wage-discrimination/#fishers-of-men

Then there’s the opacity — imagine if your boss refused to tell you how much you’ll get paid for a job until after you’ve completed it, claimed that this was done in order to “protect privacy” — and then threatened anyone who helped you figure out the true wage on offer:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/07/hr-4193/#boss-app

Opacity is wage theft’s handmaiden: every gig worker producing content for a social media algorithm is subject to having their reach — and hence their pay — cut based on the unaccountable, inscrutable decisions of a content moderation system:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/10/e2e/#the-censors-pen

Making content for an algorithm is like having a boss that docks every paycheck because you broke rules that you are not allowed to know, because if you knew the rules, you’d figure out how to cheat without your boss catching you. Content moderation is the last place where security through obscurity is considered good practice:

https://doctorow.medium.com/como-is-infosec-307f87004563

When workers seize the means of computation, amazing things happen. In Indonesia, gig workers create and trade tuyul apps that let them unilaterally modify the way that their bosses’ systems see them — everything from GPS spoofing to accessibility mods:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/07/08/tuyul-apps/#gojek

So the tech and labor story isn’t wholly grim: there are lots of ways that tech can enhance labor struggles, letting workers collaborate and coordinate. Without digital systems, we wouldn’t have the Hot Strike Summer:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/02/not-what-it-does/#who-it-does-it-to

As the historic writer/actor strike shows us, the resurgent labor movement and the senescent forces of crapulent capitalism are locked in a death-struggle over not just what digital tools do, but who they do it for and who they do it to:

https://locusmag.com/2022/01/cory-doctorow-science-fiction-is-a-luddite-literature/

When it comes to the epic fight over who technology acts for and against, we need a diversity of tactics, backstopped by tech operated by and for its users — and by laws that protect workers and the public. That dynamic is in sharp focus in UNITE Here Local 11’s strike against Orange County’s Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa.

The UNITE Here strike turns on the usual issues like a living wage (hotel staff are paid so little they have to rent rooming-house beds by the shift, paying for the right to sleep in a room for a few hours at a time, without any permanent accommodation). They’re also seeking health-care and pensions, so they can be healthy at work and retire after long service. Finally, they’re seeking their employer’s support for LA’s Responsible Hotels Ordinance, which would levy a tax on hotel rooms to help pay for hotel workers’ housing costs (a hotel worker who can’t afford a bed is the equivalent of a fast food worker who has to apply for food stamps):

https://www.unitehere11.org/responsible-hotels-ordinance/

But the Marriott — which is owned by the University of California and managed by Aimbridge Hospitality — has refused to bargain, walking out negotiations.

But the employer didn’t walk out over wages, benefits or support for a housing subsidy. They walked out when workers demanded that the scabs that the company was trying to hire to break the strike be given full time, union jobs.

These aren’t just any scabs, either. They’re predominantly Black workers who rely on the $700m Instawork app for gigs. These workers are being dispatched to cross the picket line without any warning that they’re being contracted as strikebreakers. When workers refuse the cross the picket and join the strike, Instawork cancels all their shifts and permanently blocks them from new jobs.

This is a new, technologically supercharged form of illegal strikebreaking. It’s one thing for a single boss to punish a worker who refuses to scab, but Instawork acts as a plausible-deniability filter for all the major employers in the region. Like the landlord apps that allow landlords to illegally fix rents by coordinating hikes, Instawork lets bosses illegally collude to rig wages by coordinating a blocklist of workers who refuse to scab:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/10/company-that-makes-rent-setting-software-for-landlords-sued-for-collusion/?comments=1

The racial dimension is really important here: the Marriott has a longstanding de facto policy of refusing to hire Black workers, and whenever they are confronted with this, they insist that there are no qualified Black workers in the labor pool. But as soon as the predominantly Latino workforce struck, Marriott discovered a vast Black workforce that it could coerce into scabbing, in collusion with Instawork.

Now, all of this isn’t just sleazy, it’s illegal, a violation of Section 7 of the NLRB Act. Historically, that wouldn’t have mattered, because a string of presidents, R and D, have appointed useless do-nothing ghouls to run the NLRB. But the Biden admin, pushed by the party’s left wing, made a string of historic, excellent appointments, including NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, who has set her sights on punishing gig work companies for flouting labor law:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/01/10/see-you-in-the-funny-papers/#bidens-legacy

UNITE HERE 11 has brought a case to the NLRB, charging the Instawork, the UC system, Marriott, and Aimbridge with violating labor law by blackmailing gig workers into crossing the picket line. The union is also asking the NLRB to punish the companies for failing to protect workers from violent retaliation from the wealthy hotel guests who have punched them and screamed epithets at them. The hotel has refused to identify these thug guests so that the workers they assaulted can swear out complaints against them.

Writing about the strike for Jacobin, Alex N Press tells the story of Thomas Bradley, a Black worker who was struck off all Instawork shifts for refusing to cross the picket line and joining it instead:

https://jacobin.com/2023/07/southern-california-hotel-workers-strike-automated-management-unite-here

Bradley’s case is exhibit A in the UNITE HERE 11 case before the NLRB. He has a degree in culinary arts, but racial discrimination in the industry has kept him stuck in gig and temp jobs ever since he graduated, nearly a quarter century ago. Bradley lived out of his car, but that was repossessed while he slept in a hotel room that UNITE HERE 11 fundraised for him, leaving him homeless and bereft of all his worldly possessions.

With UNITE HERE 11’s help, Bradley’s secured a job at the downtown LA Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, a hotel that has bargained with the workers. Bradley is using his newfound secure position to campaign among other Instawork workers to convince them not to cross picket lines. In these group chats, Jacobin saw workers worrying “that joining the strike would jeopardize their standing on the app.”

Today (July 30) at 1530h, I’m appearing on a panel at Midsummer Scream in Long Beach, CA, to discuss the wonderful, award-winning “Ghost Post” Haunted Mansion project I worked on for Disney Imagineering.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/30/computer-says-scab/#instawork

[Image ID: An old photo of strikers before a struck factory, with tear-gas plumes rising above them. The image has been modified to add a Marriott sign to the factory, and the menacing red eye of HAL9000 from Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' to the sky over the factory. The workers have been colorized to a yellow-green shade and the factory has been colorized to a sepia tone.]

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[amalgamasreal]

So I don't know how people on this app feel about the shit-house that is TikTok but in the US right now the ban they're trying to implement on it is a complete red herring and it needs to be stopped.

They are quite literally trying to implement Patriot Act 2.0 with the RESTRICT Act and using TikTok and China to scare the American public into buying into it wholesale when this shit will change the face of the internet. Here are some excerpts from what the bill would cover on the Infrastructure side:

SEC. 5. Considerations.

(a) Priority information and communications technology areas.—In carrying out sections 3 and 4, the Secretary shall prioritize evaluation of��� (1) information and communications technology products or services used by a party to a covered transaction in a sector designated as critical infrastructure in Policy Directive 21 (February 12, 2013; relating to critical infrastructure security and resilience);

(2) software, hardware, or any other product or service integral to telecommunications products and services, including— (A) wireless local area networks;

(B) mobile networks;

(C) satellite payloads;

(D) satellite operations and control;

(E) cable access points;

(F) wireline access points;

(G) core networking systems;

(H) long-, short-, and back-haul networks; or

(I) edge computer platforms;

(3) any software, hardware, or any other product or service integral to data hosting or computing service that uses, processes, or retains, or is expected to use, process, or retain, sensitive personal data with respect to greater than 1,000,000 persons in the United States at any point during the year period preceding the date on which the covered transaction is referred to the Secretary for review or the Secretary initiates review of the covered transaction, including— (A) internet hosting services;

(B) cloud-based or distributed computing and data storage;

(C) machine learning, predictive analytics, and data science products and services, including those involving the provision of services to assist a party utilize, manage, or maintain open-source software;

(D) managed services; and

(E) content delivery services;

(4) internet- or network-enabled sensors, webcams, end-point surveillance or monitoring devices, modems and home networking devices if greater than 1,000,000 units have been sold to persons in the United States at any point during the year period preceding the date on which the covered transaction is referred to the Secretary for review or the Secretary initiates review of the covered transaction;

(5) unmanned vehicles, including drones and other aerials systems, autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, or any other product or service integral to the provision, maintenance, or management of such products or services;

(6) software designed or used primarily for connecting with and communicating via the internet that is in use by greater than 1,000,000 persons in the United States at any point during the year period preceding the date on which the covered transaction is referred to the Secretary for review or the Secretary initiates review of the covered transaction, including— (A) desktop applications;

(B) mobile applications;

(C) gaming applications;

(D) payment applications; or

(E) web-based applications; or

(7) information and communications technology products and services integral to— (A) artificial intelligence and machine learning;

(B) quantum key distribution;

(C) quantum communications;

(D) quantum computing;

(E) post-quantum cryptography;

(F) autonomous systems;

(G) advanced robotics;

(H) biotechnology;

(I) synthetic biology;

(J) computational biology; and

(K) e-commerce technology and services, including any electronic techniques for accomplishing business transactions, online retail, internet-enabled logistics, internet-enabled payment technology, and online marketplaces.

(b) Considerations relating to undue and unacceptable risks.—In determining whether a covered transaction poses an undue or unacceptable risk under section 3(a) or 4(a), the Secretary— (1) shall, as the Secretary determines appropriate and in consultation with appropriate agency heads, consider, where available— (A) any removal or exclusion order issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, or the Director of National Intelligence pursuant to recommendations of the Federal Acquisition Security Council pursuant to section 1323 of title 41, United States Code;

(B) any order or license revocation issued by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to a transacting party, or any consent decree imposed by the Federal Trade Commission with respect to a transacting party;

(C) any relevant provision of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation and the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and the respective supplements to those regulations;

(D) any actual or potential threats to the execution of a national critical function identified by the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency;

(E) the nature, degree, and likelihood of consequence to the public and private sectors of the United States that would occur if vulnerabilities of the information and communications technologies services supply chain were to be exploited; and

(F) any other source of information that the Secretary determines appropriate; and

(2) may consider, where available, any relevant threat assessment or report prepared by the Director of National Intelligence completed or conducted at the request of the Secretary.

Look at that, does that look like it just covers the one app? NO! This would cover EVERYTHING that so much as LOOKS at the internet from the point this bill goes live.

It gets worse though, you wanna see what the penalties are?

(b) Civil penalties.—The Secretary may impose the following civil penalties on a person for each violation by that person of this Act or any regulation, order, direction, mitigation measure, prohibition, or other authorization issued under this Act: (1) A fine of not more than $250,000 or an amount that is twice the value of the transaction that is the basis of the violation with respect to which the penalty is imposed, whichever is greater. (2) Revocation of any mitigation measure or authorization issued under this Act to the person. (c) Criminal penalties.— (1) IN GENERAL.—A person who willfully commits, willfully attempts to commit, or willfully conspires to commit, or aids or abets in the commission of an unlawful act described in subsection (a) shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $1,000,000, or if a natural person, may be imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both. (2) CIVIL FORFEITURE.— (A) FORFEITURE.— (i) IN GENERAL.—Any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, used or intended to be used, in any manner, to commit or facilitate a violation or attempted violation described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. (ii) PROCEEDS.—Any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, constituting or traceable to the gross proceeds taken, obtained, or retained, in connection with or as a result of a violation or attempted violation described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. (B) PROCEDURE.—Seizures and forfeitures under this subsection shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 46 of title 18, United States Code, relating to civil forfeitures, except that such duties as are imposed on the Secretary of Treasury under the customs laws described in section 981(d) of title 18, United States Code, shall be performed by such officers, agents, and other persons as may be designated for that purpose by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General. (3) CRIMINAL FORFEITURE.— (A) FORFEITURE.—Any person who is convicted under paragraph (1) shall, in addition to any other penalty, forfeit to the United States— (i) any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, used or intended to be used, in any manner, to commit or facilitate the violation or attempted violation of paragraph (1); and (ii) any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, constituting or traceable to the gross proceeds taken, obtained, or retained, in connection with or as a result of the violation. (B) PROCEDURE.—The criminal forfeiture of property under this paragraph, including any seizure and disposition of the property, and any related judicial proceeding, shall be governed by the provisions of section 413 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 853), except subsections (a) and (d) of that section.

You read that right, you could be fined up to A MILLION FUCKING DOLLARS for knowingly violating the restrict act, so all those people telling you to "just use a VPN" to keep using TikTok? Guess what? That falls under the criminal guidelines of this bill and they're giving you some horrible fucking advice.

Also, VPN's as a whole, if this bill passes, will take a goddamn nose dive in this country because they are another thing that will be covered in this bill.

They chose the perfect name for it, RESTRICT, because that's what it's going to do to our freedoms in this so called "land of the free".

Please, if you are a United States citizen of voting age reach out to your legislature and tell them you do not want this to pass and you will vote against them in the next primary if it does. This is a make or break moment for you if you're younger. Do not allow your generation to suffer a second Patriot Act like those of us that unfortunately allowed for the first one to happen.

And if you support this, I can only assume you're delusional or a paid shill, either way I hope you rot in whatever hell you believe in.

[coochiequeens]

While the media has been focusing on Palestine for the past month don't let stories about women elsewhere fall through the cracks.

Haitian women and girls bear the brunt of the escalating violence, warns IRC during 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign

MEDIA CONTACTS

Kim Winkler - International Rescue Committee Kim.Winkler@rescue.org

Everardo Esquivel - International Rescue Committee everardo.esquivel@rescue.org

IRC Global Communications +1 646 761 0307 communications@rescue.org

Content warning: Discussion of rampant sexual violence

Port-au-Prince, Haiti, December 4, 2023 —  Gang violence continues to escalate in Haiti, with women and girls especially targeted with extreme acts of gender-based violence (GBV), including collective rape, in order to humiliate, terrorize, and consolidate control over local populations.  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is calling on the international community for urgent funding needed to increase access to protection services and health care for women and girls, including to ease their recovery through psychosocial support.  

An alarming spike in kidnappings has been reported, with nearly 1,000 cases confirmed so far this year, almost matching the total number documented for the whole of 2022, and close to three times more than the entire previous year. Women continue to be highly exposed to rape and kidnappings while travelling along roads controlled by gangs. 

The IRC collaborates with four Haitian partners, mainly in the West department of Haiti, to provide vital services. One of the partners, women’s organization MARIJÀN, conducted a survey among 299 women and girls in marginalized neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince in May 2023, which showed that 63% of women had been forced to relocate because of the level of violence they experienced in their neighbourhoods, one in five said they had been victims of rape, and 17% had experienced physical violence.

Nathalie Eleonor Vilgrain, General Coordinator for MARIJÀN, IRC partner organization in Port-au-Prince, said:

“Women and girls are faced with an inhuman social reality. In marginalized neighborhoods, they are exposed to physical and psychological violence; beatings, intimidation, gang rape and murder are just some of the methods gangs use to establish their domination, and force women and girls into total submission. 

“The few women who manage to escape from these neighborhoods, and who have taken refuge in camps for displaced persons in the Port-au-Prince area, are not exempt from situations of mistreatment and abuse, physical and verbal aggression, sexual exploitation, forced pregnancy.” 

With support from the IRC, MARIJÀN has assisted over 800 survivors of sexual violence between the months of May and September, providing psychological support for individuals and groups as well as providing other services to prevent and respond to GBV, including running legal workshops. Nearly 100 women have benefited from cash assistance and economic empowerment. 

Nora Love, IRC Emergency Director, said:

“Haiti has seen political instability and unprecedented levels of insecurity for more than a decade. The intensifying brutality that Haitians are facing is extremely worrisome, especially for women and girls whose vulnerability is further exploited by gangs with ever growing influence throughout the country.

“Accessing protection and health has already been difficult due to overwhelmed public systems. Extreme gang violence is endangering our partners’ ability to carry out their work, further exacerbating the vulnerability of our clients.”

Political instability, gang violence, rising food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and climate shocks have led to 5.2 million people being in need of humanitarian aid in Haiti, according to the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan. More than 5,400 victims of gang violence, including almost 3,000 murders and over 1,000 kidnappings, were reported byUNFPA between January and late September 2023. The consequences of the violence that is reaching new departments outside the metropolitan area of the capital Port-au-Prince as organized gangs attempt to extend their areas of influence, are evident in the number of internally displaced people in the West department,surpassing 146,000, of whom more than half are women.

The IRC’s response to the Haiti crisis

The IRC has a history of supporting Haiti throughout the worst impacts of crises since the earthquake that devastated the country in 2010. In December 2022, the IRC launched a response through emergency donations and longer-term support to Haitian partners working in Port-au-Prince, initially focusing on cholera prevention, running mobile health clinics for internally displaced people and support for survivors of gender-based violence. Additionally, the IRC serves Haitians on the move throughout the arc of the crisis in countries where the IRC has a programmatic response, including Mexico.

[maplegardenfarm]

Chemical Free Farming Tips

Chemical-free farming, also known as organic farming, focuses on cultivating crops and raising livestock without the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Here are some tips for chemical-free farming:

Crop rotation: Implement a crop rotation system where different crops are grown in a sequence over multiple seasons. This helps prevent the buildup of pests and diseases specific to certain crops, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Composting: Create and utilize compost from organic waste, such as vegetable scraps, plant trimmings, and manure. Compost enriches the soil with nutrients, improves soil structure, and enhances its ability to retain moisture, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Natural fertilizers: Use natural fertilizers like compost, manure, and organic amendments (e.g., bone meal, blood meal) to provide essential nutrients to the soil and promote healthy plant growth.

#RenewableEnergyNB#RenewableEnergyNBCanada #humbleOrganicFarmhttps://t.co/j07I3jqoNX

— Maple Garden Farm (@MapleGardenFarm) May 19, 2023

Mulching: Apply organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings, around the base of plants. Mulching helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and improve soil quality, reducing the need for herbicides and frequent watering.

Biological pest control: Encourage natural predators and beneficial insects that control pests. Planting diverse crops and creating habitats for beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps can help keep pest populations in check.

Integrated pest management (IPM): Implement IPM strategies, which involve monitoring pest populations, using physical barriers, employing trap crops, and employing cultural practices to minimize pest damage. Only resort to approved organic pesticides or insecticidal soaps when absolutely necessary.

Water management: Optimize irrigation practices by using techniques such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses, which deliver water directly to plant roots. This minimizes water waste and reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases caused by excessive moisture.

Weed control: Utilize manual methods like hand-weeding, hoeing, or mulching to control weeds instead of chemical herbicides. Regularly remove weeds before they mature and spread their seeds.

Disease-resistant varieties: Select and grow plant varieties that are naturally resistant to common diseases and pests in your area. Disease-resistant plants are less likely to require chemical treatments.

Soil conservation: Practice soil conservation techniques, including maintaining adequate ground cover, preventing erosion, and avoiding over-tilling. Healthy soil with good structure and organic matter content is less susceptible to pests and diseases.

Remember that transitioning to chemical-free farming may take time and experimentation. Local organic farming associations, agricultural extension services, and experienced organic farmers can provide valuable guidance and resources specific to your region.

Joint blog Post by Chrystale Henry and Zilu Zhang at Maple Garden Farm – a off the grid humble Organic Farm (permaculture ) located on a 10 acre farm producing varieties of vegetables and other farm produce. Joint us on twitter, Facebook and follow our LinkedIn company page to learn more and get great tips on farming strategy and permaculture and alternative energy design ideas.

[mariacallous]

Generative AI tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot are rapidly evolving, fueling concerns that the technology could open the door to multiple privacy and security issues, particularly in the workplace.

In May, privacy campaigners dubbed Microsoft’s new Recall tool a potential “privacy nightmare” due to its ability to take screenshots of your laptop every few seconds. The feature has caught the attention of UK regulator the Information Commissioner’s Office, which is asking Microsoft to reveal more about the safety of the product launching soon in its Copilot+ PCs.

Concerns are also mounting over OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which has demonstrated screenshotting abilities in its soon-to-launch macOS app that privacy experts say could result in the capture of sensitive data.

The US House of Representatives has banned the use of Microsoft’s Copilot among staff members after it was deemed by the Office of Cybersecurity to be a risk to users due to “the threat of leaking House data to non-House approved cloud services.”

Meanwhile, market analyst Gartner has cautioned that “using Copilot for Microsoft 365 exposes the risks of sensitive data and content exposure internally and externally.” And last month, Google was forced to make adjustments to its new search feature, AI Overviews, after screenshots of bizarre and misleading answers to queries went viral.

Overexposed

For those using generative AI at work, one of the biggest challenges is the risk of inadvertently exposing sensitive data. Most generative AI systems are “essentially big sponges,” says Camden Woollven, group head of AI at risk management firm GRC International Group. “They soak up huge amounts of information from the internet to train their language models.”

AI companies are “hungry for data to train their models,” and are “seemingly making it behaviorally attractive” to do so, says Steve Elcock, CEO and founder at software firm Elementsuite. This vast amount of data collection means there’s the potential for sensitive information to be put “into somebody else’s ecosystem,” says Jeff Watkins, chief product and technology officer at digital consultancy xDesign. “It could also later be extracted through clever prompting.”

At the same time, there’s the threat of AI systems themselves being targeted by hackers. “Theoretically, if an attacker managed to gain access to the large language model (LLM) that powers a company's AI tools, they could siphon off sensitive data, plant false or misleading outputs, or use the AI to spread malware,” says Woollven.

Consumer-grade AI tools can create obvious risks. However, an increasing number of potential issues are arising with “proprietary” AI offerings broadly deemed safe for work such as Microsoft Copilot, says Phil Robinson, principal consultant at security consultancy Prism Infosec.

“This could theoretically be used to look at sensitive data if access privileges have not been locked down. We could see employees asking to see pay scales, M&A activity, or documents containing credentials, which could then be leaked or sold.”

Another concern centers around AI tools that could be used to monitor staff, potentially infringing their privacy. Microsoft’s Recall feature states that “your snapshots are yours; they stay locally on your PC” and “you are always in control with privacy you can trust.”

Yet “it doesn’t seem very long before this technology could be used for monitoring employees,” says Elcock.

Self-Censorship

Generative AI does pose several potential risks, but there are steps businesses and individual employees can take to improve privacy and security. First, do not put confidential information into a prompt for a publicly available tool such as ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, says Lisa Avvocato, vice president of marketing and community at data firm Sama.

When crafting a prompt, be generic to avoid sharing too much. “Ask, ‘Write a proposal template for budget expenditure,’ not ‘Here is my budget, write a proposal for expenditure on a sensitive project,’” she says. “Use AI as your first draft, then layer in the sensitive information you need to include.”

If you use it for research, avoid issues such as those seen with Google’s AI Overviews by validating what it provides, says Avvocato. “Ask it to provide references and links to its sources. If you ask AI to write code, you still need to review it, rather than assuming it’s good to go.”

Microsoft has itself stated that Copilot needs to be configured correctly and the “least privilege”—the concept that users should only have access to the information they need—should be applied. This is “a crucial point,” says Prism Infosec’s Robinson. “Organizations must lay the groundwork for these systems and not just trust the technology and assume everything will be OK.”

It’s also worth noting that ChatGPT uses the data you share to train its models, unless you turn it off in the settings or use the enterprise version.

List of Assurances

The firms integrating generative AI into their products say they’re doing everything they can to protect security and privacy. Microsoft is keen to outline security and privacy considerations in its Recall product and the ability to control the feature in Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots.

Google says generative AI in Workspace “does not change our foundational privacy protections for giving users choice and control over their data,” and stipulates that information is not used for advertising.

OpenAI reiterates how it maintains security and privacy in its products, while enterprise versions are available with extra controls. “We want our AI models to learn about the world, not private individuals—and we take steps to protect people’s data and privacy,” an OpenAI spokesperson tells WIRED.

OpenAI says it offers ways to control how data is used, including self-service tools to access, export, and delete personal information, as well as the ability to opt out of use of content to improve its models. ChatGPT Team, ChatGPT Enterprise, and its API are not trained on data or conversations, and its models don’t learn from usage by default, according to the company.

Either way, it looks like your AI coworker is here to stay. As these systems become more sophisticated and omnipresent in the workplace, the risks are only going to intensify, says Woollven. “We're already seeing the emergence of multimodal AI such as GPT-4o that can analyze and generate images, audio, and video. So now it's not just text-based data that companies need to worry about safeguarding.”

With this in mind, people—and businesses—need to get in the mindset of treating AI like any other third-party service, says Woollven. “Don't share anything you wouldn't want publicly broadcasted.”

[xevymediauk]

 Web Design Companies in Scotland: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Business

 Web Design Companies in Scotland: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Business

In today’s digital age, having a well-designed website is essential for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small local shop or a large corporation, your website serves as the digital face of your brand, often making the first impression on potential customers. For businesses in Scotland, finding the right web design company is crucial to creating a professional and effective online presence.

Why Choose a Scottish Web Design Company?

Scotland is home to a vibrant tech scene, with numerous web design companies offering a range of services tailored to different industries. By partnering with a local web design company in Scotland, you benefit from:

Local Expertise: Scottish web designers understand the unique market trends and customer preferences in the region.

Face-to-Face Interaction: Working with a local team allows for in-person meetings, fostering better communication and collaboration.

Quick Support: Proximity means faster response times when you need updates or troubleshooting.

Services Offered by Web Design Companies in Scotland

Most web design companies in Scotland provide a comprehensive suite of services to meet diverse client needs. These typically include:

Custom Website Design: Tailored designs that align with your brand identity and business goals.

Responsive Design: Ensuring your website looks and functions seamlessly across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.

E-Commerce Solutions: Building secure and user-friendly online stores to drive sales.

SEO Optimization: Implementing strategies to help your website rank higher on search engines, driving more organic traffic.

Content Management Systems (CMS): Platforms like WordPress or Drupal for easy website management.

Branding and Graphic Design: Creating cohesive visual elements, such as logos and banners, to enhance your brand’s identity.

The Importance of a Strong Online Presence

A professionally designed website can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining customers. It serves as a platform to showcase your products or services, build trust, and engage with your audience. With the help of a skilled web design company in Scotland, you can create a website that not only meets but exceeds your business objectives.

Final Thoughts

Scotland boasts a diverse range of talented web design companies capable of transforming your online presence. By choosing the right partner, you’ll ensure your website becomes a valuable asset, driving growth and success for your business. Whether you need a sleek portfolio site, an e-commerce platform, or a fully customized digital solution, there’s a Scottish web design company ready to bring your vision to life.

QUICK LINKS 

Digital Marketing Agency Northern Ireland | Digital Marketing Experts

Belfast Digital Marketing Agency | Seo Agency Companies

Digital Marketing Agency In Scotland | Digital Marketing

Web Design Companies Scotland | Website Development Scotland

Web Design Company Glasgow | Web Development Agency Glasgow

Digital Marketing Agency Aberdeen | Seo Company Aberdeen

Website Design Services In Ireland | UK Website Design Services

[channelsdotbiz]

Discover how urban communities can leverage Bitcoin strategies for financial independence and wealth building with Channels.biz and MyCityChannels.com. #BitcoinForChange #UrbanCryptoStrategies

[sunshinecoastwebdesign1]

WordPress | Sunshine Coast Web Design

Are you looking to build a website that’s not only beautiful but also functional and easy to manage? Look no further than WordPress development! At Sunshine Coast Web Design, we specialize in crafting custom WordPress solutions tailored to your unique business needs. Let’s dive into how WordPress can transform your online presence! 

Why WordPress? 

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems in the world, and for good reason. It’s incredibly flexible, user-friendly, and SEO-friendly, making it a top choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small local shop or a growing enterprise, WordPress offers endless customization options and a vast array of plugins that can enhance your site’s functionality.

Customization Tailored to You 

At Sunshine Coast Web Design, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team works closely with you to understand your goals and develop a WordPress website that reflects your brand and vision. From custom themes to advanced functionalities, we ensure that your website stands out and performs ef ficiently across all devices.

SEO-Friendly for Maximum Visibility 

Your website is only as good as the traffic it generates. With WordPress, you have a built-in SEO advantage. Our WordPress development services include optimizing your website for search engines, ensuring that your business ranks higher on Google and other search platforms. Reach your target audience faster and increase your visibility with a site designed to perform!

Easy-to-Manage Content Updates 

One of the biggest advantages of WordPress is its user-friendly backend. You don’t need to be a coding expert to update your website’s content! With our training and support, you can easily manage blogs, update product pages, and make minor adjustments to keep your website fresh and engaging.

Let’s Build Your Dream Website Together 

Ready to take your online presence to the next level? Sunshine Coast Web Design is here to make it happen. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to upgrade an existing site, we’ve got the expertise to deliver. Contact us today and let’s start building something amazing!

Contact Us Today!

🌐 : https://sunshinecoastwebdesign.com.au/ 

☎: +61 418501122

✉: sales@sunshinecoastwebdesign.com.au

🏡: 32 Warrego Drive Pelican Waters Sunshine Coast QLD, 4551 Australia

[kagulyhan]

This thread is dedicated to explain whole situation going with me, my life and my dissapearance for 1 month for all of you guys.

❗️ A LOT OF SENSITIVE CONTENT AND TOPICS ❗️

I need help :c Ty for your time ♥

Hey everyone! Long time no see! I'm so sorry for dissapearing without knowing what happened but… I was hospitalized with allergic suffocation and skin illness and been in hospital for a week :) I'm home now but I could really use your help with situation I'm in >< .

Long story short: I got cold -> my home got porch renovation right when I got ill -> smell of toxic paint toxicated me for 2 weeks (without any way to awoid it or vent it out) -> I got allergic reaction with my skin being burned and itchy -> It got worse and worse.

I had teally high temperature but worse - REALLY BAD Atopic dermatitis (AD) of 90% of my body the whole time and for the timebeing cared in my local clinic.

Sadly, their diagnosises were wrong and they treated me until I can go on my own without suffocation symptoms.

Rest of medical research and search of the actual reasons of this hardcore AD have been on me and my finances that are still not great.

Still I managed to find some money and seek help with paid medical care. It's still going and not every details are clear for me yet.

When I got hospitalized and healed for quite some time. I couldn't reach you all out beacuse of slow internet and lack of VPN services so I just have had to wait until now. I was in a standalone "box" for most of the time with only books to read.

After that I was busy finding right clinic and medicine centers that could actually help me and I had to deal with annoying feeling of itchy, painfuly dry skin without proper care or literally ANY way to feel better and not worse.

My life is not in danger anymore but I spent a lot of time and resources being ill and there's still a lot of rehabilitation ahead, mostly for my skin, immune system and GI tract that needs care. Mostly diets, medicine and some other (expencive) ristricts.

While 90% of my skin have been damaged it will cause me discomfort almost everytime if not cared properly. It's itchy and dry, flaking here and there (not to mention a lot of microcracks causing pain) so I can't be as active as before without proper medicine for a while.

AND DAMN THAT MEDICINE EXPENSIVE. I really didn't knew and didn't even thought about how unforgivable AD can really be for budget and mental stability of common person. It's almost imposible to handle on your own.

So I have to ask you all for help. I'm not gonna lie I did spend mote than 500$ (450€) on all of the things and there's still more to handle and get over with.

It may seem not a big number but IT IS for the country I'm currently live in…

You can help me and donate HERE

or

request comission from me with my ARTISTREE

(but I must warn you that I can't tell you the deadline because it depends on my health and resources (but I'll try and do it ASAP)

Thank you so much for your time! ♥

I'll really appreciate any reposts and any help right now! TwT

Please stay healty and remember - everything will be alright, we just need to try a little harder >w< ♥

[webdesignagencyinghaziabad]

web design agency in ghaziabad

Welcome to Your Premier Web Design Agency in Ghaziabad

Welcome to Web Players Technology, Ghaziabad's leading Web Design Agency in Ghaziabad. Our mission is simple: to help businesses like yours thrive in the digital age. Whether you're a startup aiming to make your mark or an established company looking to revamp your online presence, we're here to turn your vision into a reality. With a passion for design and a commitment to excellence, we deliver tailored web solutions that drive results.

Who We Are

At Web Players Technology, we pride ourselves on being a team of creative professionals who blend innovation with strategy. Based in the heart of Ghaziabad, our agency is at the forefront of web design, development, and digital marketing. Our talented team includes:

Web Designers: Artists who transform ideas into visually stunning and user-friendly websites.

Developers: Tech experts who bring designs to life with clean, efficient code and cutting-edge technology.

Digital Marketers: Strategists who ensure your website attracts the right audience and converts visitors into customers.

Project Managers: Coordinators who ensure your project is completed on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction.

Our Services

We offer a comprehensive range of web design and development services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our services include:

1. Custom Web Design

A website is often the first impression customers have of your business. Our custom web design services ensure that your site is not only visually appealing but also reflects your brand's identity. We focus on:

Unique Design Concepts: No two businesses are the same, and neither are our designs. We create unique layouts that stand out.

Responsive Design: Your website will look and function flawlessly on all devices, from desktops to smartphones.

User Experience (UX): We design with your users in mind, ensuring a seamless and intuitive navigation experience.

2. Web Development

Behind every great website is robust development. Our development services include:

Front-End Development: We use the latest technologies to ensure your website looks great and functions perfectly.

Back-End Development: Our developers create reliable and scalable back-end solutions to support your website’s functionality.

Content Management Systems (CMS): We build websites on popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, allowing you to manage your content easily.

3. E-Commerce Solutions

In today’s digital marketplace, having a strong e-commerce presence is crucial. Our e-commerce solutions include:

Custom E-Commerce Design: Tailored designs that make shopping easy and enjoyable for your customers.

Shopping Cart Integration: Smooth and secure payment processes that enhance user experience.

Product Management: Tools to help you manage inventory, track sales, and analyze performance.

4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

A beautiful website is only effective if people can find it. Our SEO services ensure that your site ranks well on search engines and attracts organic traffic. We offer:

On-Page SEO: Optimization of website content, meta tags, and images to improve search engine visibility.

Off-Page SEO: Strategies to build backlinks and increase your site’s authority.

Local SEO: Techniques to enhance your visibility in local search results, crucial for businesses in Ghaziabad and the surrounding areas.

5. Digital Marketing

To complement our web design services, we offer a range of digital marketing solutions designed to drive traffic and generate leads:

Social Media Marketing: Engaging strategies to build your brand’s presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Email Marketing: Targeted campaigns that nurture leads and keep your audience informed.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC): Cost-effective advertising that delivers immediate results and drives qualified traffic to your site.

6. Website Maintenance and Support

A website requires ongoing maintenance to stay relevant and secure. Our support services include:

Regular Updates: Keeping your website’s software and plugins up-to-date to prevent vulnerabilities.

Bug Fixes: Quick resolution of any issues that may arise to ensure smooth operation.

Performance Monitoring: Regular checks to ensure your website is performing optimally and efficiently.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right Web Design Agency in Ghaziabad is a crucial decision for your business. Here’s why Web Players Technology stands out:

1. Experience and Expertise

With years of experience in the industry, our team has successfully delivered projects across various sectors. We stay updated with the latest trends and technologies to provide innovative solutions.

2. Client-Centric Approach

Your satisfaction is our top priority. We work closely with you throughout the project to ensure your needs are met and your expectations are exceeded.

3. Quality and Reliability

We are committed to delivering high-quality work on time and within budget. Our attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensure that you receive a product you can be proud of.

4. Transparent Communication

We believe in clear and open communication. You’ll be kept informed at every stage of the project, and we’re always available to address any questions or concerns.

5. Competitive Pricing

Our pricing is designed to be fair and transparent, offering exceptional value for the quality of work we deliver. We provide detailed quotes and ensure there are no hidden costs.

Our Process

Our approach to web design and development is structured to ensure a smooth and successful project. Here’s how we work:

1. Discovery and Planning

We start by understanding your business, goals, and target audience. This phase involves gathering requirements and defining the scope of the project.

2. Design and Prototyping

Our designers create mockups and prototypes to visualize the Web Design Agency in Ghaziabad. You’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback and make adjustments before we move on to development.

3. Development

Once the design is approved, our developers bring it to life. We build your website using the latest technologies and ensure it meets all functional requirements.

4. Testing and Launch

Before launching, we thoroughly test the website to identify and fix any issues. We ensure that everything works seamlessly across different devices and browsers.

5. Post-Launch Support

After the launch, we provide ongoing support to address any issues and help you with any adjustments or updates. We also offer training to help you manage your website effectively.

Get in Touch

Web Design Agency in Ghaziabad

Ready to take your online presence to the next level? Contact us today to discuss your project and find out how we can help. Whether you’re looking for a stunning new website, a powerful e-commerce platform, or a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, Web Players Technology is here to assist.

[afsanaakhter1999]

How do small businesses grow faster?

Small businesses can grow faster by focusing on the following strategies:

Effective Marketing: Utilize social media, SEO, content marketing, and email campaigns to reach a broader audience.

Customer Focus: Prioritize customer satisfaction and build strong relationships to encourage repeat business and referrals.

Innovation: Continuously innovate products or services to meet changing market demands and stay ahead of competitors.

Networking: Build a network with other businesses, attend industry events, and join local business groups for opportunities and partnerships.

Financial Management: Keep a close eye on finances, reinvest profits wisely, and explore funding options like loans or investors.

Scalability: Develop scalable processes and systems to handle increased demand without compromising quality.

Online Presence: Establish a strong online presence with a professional website and active social media profiles.

Employee Development: Invest in training and developing employees to enhance productivity and innovation.

Customer Feedback: Actively seek and act on customer feedback to improve products and services.

Agility: Stay flexible and ready to pivot strategies in response to market changes and new opportunities.

[owiwebdevelopment]

Best Website Developer in Dublin.

Looking to craft a captivating online presence for your Dublin business? Look no further than Owi Web Development, your one-stop shop for all things in Website Developer Dublin.

In Dublin’s thriving tech scene, finding the right web developer can feel overwhelming. But worry not, because Owi Web Development stands out from the crowd. Here’s why:

A Dublin-Based Team:

We’re not just web developers; we’re Dubliners! We understand the unique needs and landscape of the Dublin market. This local expertise allows us to tailor websites that resonate with your target audience and reflect the city’s vibrant spirit.

Beyond-the-Code Expertise:

Building a website goes beyond lines of code. At Owi Web Development, we delve into your business goals, target audience, and brand identity. This collaborative approach ensures your website is not just functional but strategically designed to convert visitors into customers.

Web Development Services Tailored to You:

Whether you need a sleek e-commerce platform, a user-friendly blog, or a feature-rich business website, we offer a comprehensive range of services to suit your specific needs and budget. We specialize in:

E-commerce Development: Attract and convert online shoppers with secure and user-friendly e-commerce solutions.

Content Management Systems (CMS): Empower yourself with user-friendly CMS platforms like WordPress to manage your website content with ease.

Web Design & Development: From stunning visuals to seamless functionality, we craft websites that are both beautiful and effective.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Boost your website’s visibility in search engine results and attract organic traffic.

Mobile Responsive Design: Ensure your website offers an optimal experience for users on all devices, desktops to smartphones.

A Collaborative & Transparent Process:

We believe in open communication and collaboration throughout the development process. You’ll be involved in every step, from initial concept to final launch, guaranteeing a website that surpasses your expectations.

A Passion for Dublin’s Success:

We’re passionate about helping Dublin businesses thrive online. We see your website as a powerful tool for growth, and we’re dedicated to equipping you with the digital presence you deserve.

Ready to Unlock Your Web Development Potential?

Contact Owi Web Development today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your vision and craft a website that becomes a cornerstone of your online success story in Dublin’s dynamic digital landscape.

[fitlifefuel]

How to Free Up Space on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

As your Windows 10 system accumulates more files and applications, it can start to slow down and become less efficient. Freeing up space not only improves your system’s performance but also extends its lifespan. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to free up space on Windows 10, going beyond the basics to ensure you have a well-optimized system.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding Disk Space Usage

Utilizing Built-in Windows Tools

Disk Cleanup

Storage Sense

Uninstalling Unnecessary Applications

Managing Temporary and Cached Files

Cleaning Up System Files

Windows Update Cleanup

System Restore and Shadow Copies

Using Third-Party Disk Cleaners

Handling Large Files and Folders

Moving Data to External Storage

Using Cloud Storage Solutions

Conclusion

1. Introduction

As modern software and files grow larger, managing disk space effectively becomes crucial. This guide offers practical steps and tips to reclaim disk space on your Windows 10 computer, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.

2. Understanding Disk Space Usage

Before freeing up space, it’s essential to understand how your disk space is being used. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage to view a detailed breakdown. This will help identify which areas need attention.

3. Utilizing Built-in Windows Tools

Disk Cleanup

Windows 10 features a built-in Disk Cleanup tool designed to delete unnecessary files. To access it:

Type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar and select the app.

Choose the drive you want to clean.

Select the file types to delete (e.g., temporary files, system cache).

Storage Sense

Storage Sense automates disk cleanup. To enable it:

Go to Settings > System > Storage.

Toggle on Storage Sense and configure settings to regularly delete temporary files.

4. Uninstalling Unnecessary Applications

Unused applications take up significant space. To uninstall them:

Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

Review the list and uninstall non-essential programs.

5. Managing Temporary and Cached Files

Temporary files can quickly accumulate and consume disk space. Use Disk Cleanup or third-party tools to regularly clear these files. Browsers also store cached data, which can be cleared from the browser settings.

6. Cleaning Up System Files

Windows Update Cleanup

Old update files can take up substantial space. Disk Cleanup includes an option to remove these:

Open Disk Cleanup and select Clean up system files.

Choose Windows Update Cleanup.

System Restore and Shadow Copies

System Restore points and shadow copies can consume significant disk space. Manage these by:

Typing “System Protection” in the search bar.

Selecting the drive and clicking Configure.

Adjusting the Max Usage slider to limit space usage.

7. Using Third-Party Disk Cleaners

Third-party tools like CCleaner provide more comprehensive cleaning options. They can remove junk files, clean registries, and manage startup programs to free up space.

8. Handling Large Files and Folders

Identifying and managing large files is crucial. Use tools like WinDirStat to find large files and folders. Consider moving non-essential large files to external storage.

9. Moving Data to External Storage

Free up space by moving data such as videos, photos, and documents to external hard drives or USB sticks. Ensure you regularly back up important data to avoid loss.

10. Using Cloud Storage Solutions

Cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox offer substantial space. Move infrequently accessed files to the cloud to save local disk space.

11. Conclusion

Regular maintenance and mindful storage practices can keep your Windows 10 system running efficiently. Use the tips and tools outlined in this guide to manage and optimize your disk space effectively.

External Authoritative Sources

Microsoft Support: Free up drive space in Windows

CCleaner Official Website

How-To Geek: The Ultimate Guide to Freeing Up Space on Your Windows PC

By following these detailed steps, you can efficiently manage and optimize your disk space on Windows 10, ensuring your system remains fast and reliable.

[my3sonsmoving]

How do you plan an out of state move in 2024?

Planning an out-of-state move can be a complex and stressful process, but with careful planning and organization, you can ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you begin:

Research Your New Location:

Cost of Living: Begin by comparing the cost of living between your current state and the new one. This includes housing, groceries, utilities, and taxes. Websites like Numbeo can provide detailed comparisons.

Housing: Look into neighborhoods, housing prices, and rental options. Consider factors such as proximity to work, safety, amenities, and school quality if you have children. Online platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com are excellent resources.

Job Market: Investigate job opportunities and the local economy. Sites like Indeed and LinkedIn can help you understand the job market and connect with potential employers.

Lifestyle: Consider the climate, local amenities, schools, and community culture. Explore forums, social media groups, and local news sites to get a feel for the area.

Budgeting:

Moving Costs: Get estimates from moving companies or calculate costs if you plan to move yourself. Include packing materials, transportation, and potential storage fees. Companies like U-Haul provide cost calculators for DIY moves.

Travel Expenses: Budget for gas, flights, hotels, and meals if you’re driving. Websites like GasBuddy can help estimate fuel costs, and travel sites can assist with finding affordable accommodation.

Initial Setup: Plan for deposits, initial rent, utility setup, and any immediate purchases needed upon arrival.

Create a Moving Timeline:

Plan Ahead: Start planning 2–3 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Checklist: Develop a detailed checklist of tasks to be completed each week leading up to the move. This should include everything from hiring movers to packing specific rooms.

Hiring Movers vs. DIY

Consider hiring professional movers by researching and selecting a reputable moving company. Check reviews on sites like Yelp and get multiple quotes to compare prices and services.

DIY Move: 

If you decide to move yourself, rent a truck, recruit friends and family, and plan the logistics of driving and unloading. Ensure you have the necessary equipment like dollies and moving blankets.

Declutter and Organize:

Inventory: Take an inventory of your belongings. This helps in estimating moving costs and ensuring nothing gets lost.

Declutter: Sell, donate, or discard items you don’t need. This reduces the volume of items to move and can save money.

Organize: Label boxes clearly by room and content. Use a color-coded system or numbered labels to simplify unpacking.

Update Your Information:

Address Change: Update your address with the postal service, banks, subscription services, and any other relevant parties.

Utilities and Services: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities at your current home and setup at your new home. Ensure you transfer internet, cable, water, and electricity services in time.

Licenses and Registrations: Update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration as soon as possible after your move.

Pack Strategically:

Essentials Box: Pack a box of essentials for the first few days, including clothes, toiletries, important documents, and basic kitchen items.

Fragile Items: Pack fragile items with care, using plenty of padding. Clearly label these boxes to ensure they are handled with care.

Room-by-Room: Pack one room at a time and label boxes accordingly. This method makes unpacking more manageable.

Travel Arrangements:

Transport Vehicles: Decide whether to drive your car(s) or have them shipped. Companies like Montway Auto Transport can assist with vehicle shipping.

Pets: Make arrangements for moving pets safely, including carriers, food, and necessary medications.

Accommodation: Book any necessary accommodation if the journey takes more than a day. Plan your route and make reservations in advance.

Settling In:

Unpacking: Start with essential areas like the kitchen and bedrooms to make your new home livable quickly.

Explore: Take time to explore your new neighborhood and meet your neighbors. Familiarize yourself with local grocery stores, pharmacies, and parks.

Emergency Contacts: Find and note down local emergency contacts, such as doctors, vets, and hospitals. Register with local healthcare providers as soon as possible.

Stay Organized:

Keep Records: Maintain a file with all moving-related documents, including contracts, receipts, and inventory lists. This helps in case of disputes or for future reference.

Backup Plans: Have contingency plans in case of delays or unexpected issues. This could include having extra funds for unforeseen expenses or knowing alternative routes.

By following these steps, you can ensure a more organized and less stressful out-of-state move. For personalized assistance with moving in the central Kentucky area, consider reaching out to My 3 Sons Moving and Storage Company.

[yirontechnologies]

Top Reasons to Build Websites in WordPress in 2024

In today's competitive era, having a solid online presence is essential for businesses. After all, your website is the virtual storefront showcasing your line of business, products and services to your target audiences. However, with so many website-building options available, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. 

That's where WordPress comes in. So, what started off as a blogging tool has quickly evolved into a powerful website builder and a robust content management system. Yes, we are talking about WordPress, the powerful CMS that constitutes more than 40% of the websites across the world. If that isn't already an impressive enough statistic to help convince you why you should choose WordPress, then keep reading.

WordPress

WordPress is an excellent CMS that enables WordPress website developers to create, edit and publish content such as blogs, websites, e-commerce products and more. The world's most powerful platform is used by countless businesses to build their website, and for good reason. Let's delve into the top reasons why you, as a small business owner, should consider joining the WordPress bandwagon-

Free to use

WordPress is a free platform, which means the WordPress website developers are free to download, install, use, and modify it to match your business needs. While the software is free, you would still require a domain name as well as web hosting to install and start using it.

Ease of use

WordPress is one of the most flexible and powerful platforms; therefore, WordPress website developers find it quite easy to use. The platform comes with a simple dashboard with different menu options in the sidebar,y making it easier to create posts and pages and customise the website design. It regularly releases updates so that WordPress professionals can easily install it with mere a click of a button. There are excellent plugins for backups that allow you to set up automatic backups. In addition, it also comes with secure best practices, which makes the website secure.

Customizable

Most WordPress professionals find the platform to be the perfect solution because there are thousands of free templates or themes from which to choose. These themes are easy to customise because many of them come with their own options panel, allowing you to change the colours and background, create sliders, and truly customise anything without writing the code.

SEO Friendly

Any website in the world will not be a success if it doesn't attract traffic or the target audiences. Luckily, WordPress is built with SEO-search engine traffic in mind. It uses high-quality code with semantic markup, which means Google and other search engines platforms can easily keep track of your website. This is why WordPress websites tend to rank higher than other search engines.

Highly Flexible

As your business scales, you need a reliable platform to ensure the higher traffic does not disrupt the overall user experience. WordPress offers higher scalability for websites and can easily handle traffic. It uses caching to store content locally, so when the user requests data, reloading the website is easy, and data is available. Also, when it comes to flexibility, it allows businesses to customise their features.

Third-party Integrations

WordPress's website has loads of features that offer advanced functionalities. However, if your website needs additional functionality, you would need to integrate the external services. For example, an eCommerce website may require additional functionality like payment gateway integrations. External services may use a different programming language, or you may plan to integrate a custom plugin for which Rest APIs are also the best option. The Rest APIs in WordPress enable enhanced third-party integrations for added functionalities and improved performance.

Minimal coding

WordPress platform offers many drag-and-drop functionality for WordPress development. The platform offers WordPress professionals capabilities with minimal coding knowledge using the Elementor. You can use a drag-and-drop page builder on WordPress to create a website without extensive coding. The plugin helps create user-friendly web pages with the visual editor.

Enhanced Security

WordPress is a highly secure platform that includes user authentication mechanisms, secure plugin integrations, and monitoring. It has key components, including-

Theme security & Plugins

There are several plugins and themes which offer better website security.

WordPress core

It is secure and requires timely updates, thereby providing regular security updates for the core services you need.

Responsive Designs

Responsive designs are crucial because they impact the customer base. Research has observed that a significant reason users leave a website is that it is non-responsive. Thankfully, WordPress can develop responsive websites and enhance the overall user experience. You can use the platform to develop responsive websites by integrating plugins and themes.

With this, we conclude some of the essential top reasons why WordPress is a popular platform and how best it can be utilised. The best way to truly experience the power of WordPress is by using it. If you are looking for a WordPress development company, contact our experts. Yiron Technologies, WordPress website developers, provide cutting-edge solutions, consulting and more to meet our business needs. Our experts have a passion for innovation, which helps empower businesses to achieve their goals in the digital landscape.

[mariacallous]

In Russia, where nearly anything can lead to criminal prosecution, repression affects an increasing number of people. Jennifer Earl, a sociology professor at the University of Delaware whose research on repression is among the most respected and cited in the field, has spent over 20 years studying the mechanics of repression. Earl calls for a wider than usual understanding of repression, explaining that threats to society come not only from the governments, but also from private entities. Just before the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions in Russia, Meduza special correspondent Margarita Liutova spoke with Jennifer Earl about the various forms of repression in Russia and around the world — and what society can do to resist them.

Defining repression

While many scholars of repression focus on state violence, Jennifer Earl prefers a definition of repression that encompasses any actions that “raise the costs” of organizing or “actually constrain or influence the ability to act.” Taking a broader view of who engages in repression, she looks not only at governments but also at private actors. “It gets riskier and riskier not to notice the important role that companies and private organizations are playing in repression, because that role is becoming bigger over time and certainly more complex,” she explains.

Private entities engaged in repression can take the form of mercenary organizations, such as Russia’s Wagner Group. But companies selling surveillance technology to states and private actors fall into this category, as well. “Private companies are allowed to grab a very large amount of information about individuals and then begin to collect and organize that information so that what a company may know about an individual can be much more substantial than individuals realize,” explains Earl. “And then that can be bought and sold or fed into services.”

This information can be used for a variety of purposes, including creating targeted Facebook ads, which push offensive content to people in order to induce “a sense of distaste” that encourages them to disengage from politics.

Influencing the amount of dissent and the way in which it is expressed is what Earl refers to as “channeling.” This could be through the creation of systems for “voicing discontent in more manageable ways” that are easier for the authorities to contain, react to, and control. ��What essentially that does as a state government is say, ‘We’re willing to listen, but only if you speak in this way,’” Earl explains. “And that is a way of controlling how people engage in activism.” Another example of “channeling” could be the implementation of laws that provide “tax advantages to organizations that do not engage in certain kinds of political activity.”

Repressive capacity

Repressive actions aren’t limited to autocracies. “Democracies hold a lot of repressive capacity,” Earl tells Meduza. “They just don’t necessarily use it as much as more authoritarian nations, although they certainly have the ability to use it — and they do.” At the same time, she notes that democracies generally don’t wield their repressive capacity as regularly or to the same extant as authoritarian governments. “It’s a different thing to live in North Korea, China, or Russia than to live in Britain, France, or the U.S.,” she underscores.

In order to properly understand repression, Earl stresses the importance of looking at a government’s administrative capacity rather than simply whether it’s democratic or authoritarian. “If you’re investing in your military, if you’re investing in local policing heavily, you have repressive capacity,” she explains, adding that investment in digital monitoring and surveillance technologies is another key indicator.

The more administrative capacity you have, the [more] quickly that can turn into repressive capacity, whether you’re a democracy or an authoritarian state.

The U.S. authorities, for example, took measures to restrict protest in response to unrest caused by the 2016 presidential election and the Black Lives Matter protests. At the time, those supporting restrictions on protest in the U.S. argued that it was “more important to have law and order and control than to have a voice.”

Calculating the costs of repression

How do repressive actors decide to engage in repression? They may engage in a cost benefit analysis when deciding how to best achieve a goal. This could include calculating the cost of financing the military and police to carry out repressive work, explains Earl. What’s more, there are potential costs in terms of the repressor’s international reputation and there’s always a risk of repressions backfiring, resulting in more protests, rather than less.

But Earl doesn’t think that this can fully explain how actors decide whether to engage in repression, because it “may be assuming the ability to calculate things that are not calculable.” Instead, she suggests the role of perceived weakness.

[According to this school of thought,] the exercise of repression is in some ways performative. And so as a power holder, one would not want to perform repression and fail because you would actually make your appearance weaker. And some have argued that that makes repressive actors particularly likely to go after weaker groups or people so that they can have the performative success.

Others believe it is a probably a combination of the two: repressors find it easier to repress weaker groups but also respond to those who they perceive as posing a serious threat.

‘Active measures’

In order to understand the motivation for repressive actors, Earl references Russian journalist Masha Gessen who has argued that people “misunderstand why Putin may say things that are objectively untrue.” Earl explains:

The exercise of saying something that is verifiably untrue but confidently putting it [out there] to be repeated and believed is itself an exercise of power. [It shows] that [what’s] much more powerful than controlling a government is controlling reality. […] You are showing that you have the ability to control what people do not just through carrots and sticks; […] that you have the ability to control how people understand the world.

Asked about whether misinformation campaigns are more effective than traditional censorship, given that many people in Russia believe Putin’s version of reality despite having access to verified information, Earl explains that they operate “in relationship to one another.” “Certainly disinformation campaigns benefit from some level of censorship,” she says. “Although they may be able to be effective even when censorship is pretty low.”

Recently, however, governments in many countries have realized that it’s nearly impossible to have complete control over information. This has led to “active measures campaigns,” Earl says. Realizing that information can’t be fully controlled, governments instead take advantage of how much information is out there and attempt to distract audiences or feed them disinformation. States often attempt to focus people’s limited attention and information consumption on non-political or very patriotic content, explains Earl.

“Active measure campaigns” work to promote favorable messaging, constructing a specific reality and demobilizing specific groups. Earl points to Russia’s influence campaigns in the U.S. as one salient example.

The Russian influence campaigns in the United States, for instance, appear largely to be about using polarization not to support one actor versus another, but rather to create more disagreement between actors. [This] has the benefit, from a Russian government perspective, of creating more tension, disagreement, [and] gridlock in American politics, and also moderating the influence of people who have less extreme views.

At the same time, some Russia experts argue that disinformation spread by Putin or the government is not intended to construct another reality, but rather to convince people that there is no truth at all. This, in turn, convinces people that they shouldn’t believe anyone — especially not independent media outlets, which the Russian authorities paint as Western agents.

In Early’s opinion, “not believing anything is a very demobilizing point of view.” In the absence of anything trustworthy, she explains, people may begin to “substitute [their] own personal experience as a totalizing truth,” which would have its own set of consequences.

Repression is often much more effective in preventing people from engaging in certain actions or making them ignore repressors altogether. Engaging in the opposite — attempting to induce certain actions through repression — is much more difficult, as seen in the challenges Russia faced during their efforts to mobilize recruits to fight in Ukraine.

‘As a repressor, you’re rolling the dice’

There is a substantial amount of research into the causes of repression, explains Earl, but research on its actual deterrence ability has been much more limited. There are still questions about whether repression is actually successful in stopping people from engaging in undesirable activities or if it instead radicalizes them or even brings previously uninvolved people into the conflict.

As a repressor, you’re rolling dice on what happens when you repress. There is a possibility that you succeed in your repressive goals and deter people from participating. There is also a very real chance that some of the people who experience repression become more committed to their cause by virtue of the experience of repression. And there’s a very real risk that other people in your country or around the world observe that repression and become supporters of that cause when they weren’t already supporters before.

When repression backfires, continuing to repress can become a riskier course of action, given concern that it can cause a situation to further deteriorate. That’s why finding ways to make sure repressive actions backfire is key to making repressors “think twice before repressing.”

As for the feeling of helplessness among people in authoritarian states such as Russia, Earl says that this is the exact aim of authoritarianism. “What you often see in authoritarian nations is periods of quiescence ended by periods of mass mobilization when there was an appetite building for backfire,” she says. “But it all needed to come together in a particular moment.” Referencing the recent protests in Iran and the Arab Spring, Earl says that particularly repressive incidents can suddenly catalyze protests, even in the face of ongoing repression:

Looking at mobilization as the only indicator of the potential for backfire is like looking at the surface of the ocean and not knowing that there are currents.

These currents, which can take the form of underground networks, are capable of going unnoticed by repressive actors. Earl stresses the importance of supporting any such initiatives which help build capacity to create “a much bigger wave” and cause future instances of repression to backfire.