#understandable with anti-ai measures!

[receivemymajesty]

A Best Enemies AO3 Analysis Part 1

Hello! I had the burning urge to put together some rough stats around Thoschei fanfiction on AO3. As I had problems scraping the data, most of this analysis is pulled from the aggregations on AO3's tagged works page. If I find a better way to extract this from AO3 I'll likely come back and do something more comprehensive!

(This analysis is not statistically robust and may be subject to errors. Please keep in mind this is just for fun!)

To start with, what are the top pairings in the "The Doctor/The Master" tag on AO3?

Thirteen/Dhawan!Master sits at the top of the list, occupying 23% of all Doctor/Master content on AO3.

The first seven pairings listed here make up 83% of all Doctor/Master fics, the remaining Other category comprising of all possible Doctor x Master combinations make up 27%. *

*Multiple relationship tagging means that some pairings may overlap for the same fanfiction

What are the ratings of the top pairings?

Five/Ainley!Master stand as the raunchiest pairing in the list, with 34% of all Five/Master fanfictions falling under the Explicit category.

How do the top pairings compare over time?

There were just 53 fanfics completed in 2008 on AO3. While fanfic volumes increased in line with the growing popularity of AO3, the reappearances of a certain fictional villain resulted in spikes in publication.

Though the global pandemic definitely had an impact on AO3 activity during 2020, this also coincided with the introduction of a pairing that saw a meteoric rise in fanfiction. Can you guess which one?

Thirteen/Dhawan!Master saw 615 fanfictions during 2020. For comparison, that's more than the total amount of Doctor X Master fanfiction published in 2018 and 2019 combined!

That's it from me for now - but I'll be back soon to look at a few other areas of interest in the AO3 fandom sphere!

[leoisstillalive]

im sorry to be such a lame bitch but that AI generated photo of inho and gihun kissing pisses me off so bad😭 like why has everybody abandoned their anti-AI stance all of a sudden???

i understand the magnetism of old man yaoi, but there are so many amazing artists in this fandom- we do not need to resort to such crude, harmful measures to obtain content!!!!

[modmad]

Hi! I was just curious if you have heard about the Cara art platform? I kinda stumbled upon it in a desperate google excavation when looking for websites that incorporate anti-ai measures for art, and it turns out this one does...? If I understand it correctly, they can apply Glaze automatically to your art posts, and they use an ai detection software that rejects ai generated art. It looks reeeally tempting, but I have never heard of it before, but maybe you or your followers have any experience with it...?

never heard of it, anyone else? would be interested if it's cool!

[not-terezi-pyrope]

Hot take: Any and all efforts asking companies to refuse to adopt automation/AI systems that would save costs for the sake of human jobs (fairly understandable urge on the face of it) should be funnelled into asking them to just. Give you money. Or more properly, to support UBI funds. This is because you are essentially asking for the exact same monetary sacrifice/outcome (suffer reduced profits in order to benefit the worker population) without the added side-effect of engaging in weird anti-tech politics that hurts people who work in engineering fields and the cause of developing generally more productive production chains that could be enhanced by automation.

"But, that's pointless, there's no way we can convince companies to just give away free money!" You're right, that's capitalism baby, and they will refuse to listen to your complaints about automation/AI for the same reason. It's because companies operate under a profit motive by definition, and so you should actually be lobbying for government regulation, i.e. an automation/surplus tax towards a UBI. This avoids the shortfall of the "AI is the devil" approach while also having the advantage of actually being feasibly useful at getting positive outcomes for the working class (lobbying corporations to not adopt cost-cutting measures will not do this, at least not in the long term).

[tendermiasma]

I Hope this question won't attract unwanted crowd, I'll try to type it in a way it hopefully will prevent it, but I have a question. As a professional artist, do you have any advice on how to not feel discouraged by A /i g3 ner*a/t3d images? And what to do to protect my art from being stolen? Recently I discovered one person close to me, also an artist, started incorporating that into their works and got into selling stuff assisted by it, and I feel kind of... heartbroken, betrayed? I don't know what to do, it makes me not want to continue the relationship, because this stuff is, in my opinion, actively hurting artists, but on the other hand, I don't want to lose a friend over it. Also, I am afraid that the only way to prevent what I create from being stolen is to not share it online at all, which is also heartbreaking, because one of the biggest part of creating (at least to me) is a form of dialogue with fellow humans, sharing emotions, and interaction between the creator, the art and the audience. I just feel lost. Also, I really admire your art, your skill, and you inspire me in a very profound way, just wanted to say that. Hope you have a good day!

Hi! It's a really shitty situation and I also often feel really doom and gloom about the whole thing. But the reason I keep making art is simple: It is my greatest joy to communicate through art and with every piece I make I continue to assert over and over that my human soul and the expertise that comes with it is a thousand times more valuable than a machine, and even though a lot of people wouldn't give a shit if a person or AI made it, there are always people out there who will care. I just really, really love doing it even while capitalism and our culture of consumption is taking on new and terrible forms. If we stop making art, what's left? Just the machine and nobody to speak up otherwise. Do nothing and lose everything vs keep fighting and something else, something better by some measure happens. Action is always the cure. I'm a big believer in that because I've found it to be true.

We're at a crucial time in the entertainment and arts industries. We all have some measure of power we can use against emerging policies and trends that don't benefit/actively hurt us. The WGA is currently striking in part to make AMPTP reconsider their AI policy of essentially just updating the WGA on the technology's progess annually. Other organized labor in entertainment and visual arts can negotiate anti-AI clauses into their contracts to make it less acceptable as a practice overall. You can use Glaze on your work to confuse AI engines and they just came out with a new version that I hear is a pretty nice jump in how detectable the texture is to your eye in the images.

I'm sorry you're going through that with your friend, though. It's hard and messy and there's no set way to go about it. It all depends on what you value most and what your own moral compass is telling you what you need to do here. Personally if it were a close friend of mine, I would talk to them about it. Depending on how they respond, your decision still might be a hard one or they could make it very easy. They will absolutely tell you how much time you should invest into this. Even if their attitude is clearly signaling that they do not care about you here and that you should move on from the friendship, it's probably still going to be painful and you'll grieve it for a while. Surround yourself with friends who understand how you feel and time will do its thing.

I think you should take comfort in that if you continue with art, this won't be the hardest decision you'll ever have to make. You'll have to make harder ones and will still come out on the other side. Even if you choose not to share your art on the wider internet and keep it as a precious thing among a smaller group of friends, it still has just as much worth and as you go along you will naturally find a balance between risks and reward. Don't forget that speaking out does actually have power in itself. Remember we've been able to bully a few companies into rolling back harmful practices in the past year or so.

I hope that was somewhat helpful. We're all trying to figure this out together and there's always going to be a future for artists as long as we keep pushing back hard. Capitalism takes a mile when you give an inch so it always, always matters to be vocal, spread useful information, use anti-ai apps on your art etc. It takes more energy to stay away from something you really want to do so I'm sure you'll find a way to share your art in the capacity you're comfortable with.

[mariahorsa]

Brand new anti-bot and scam measures <3

I am getting a load of bot scammers on my Fiverr and it's annoying the crap out of me to copy-paste "why are you interested in buying my services?" So I present to you the best turing test I can come up with:

please hide a potato (🥔) in the middle of your answer 🥰🥰🥰

I don't know how but most ai goof this up, ai does not know or understand where the middle of a sentence or paragraph is compared to actual people going... "Yeah that looks like it's in the middle ig"

[rocketspinsblog]

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[acceptccnow]

High-Risk Payment Processing Techniques: Best Practices

Article by Jonathan Bomser | CEO | Accept-Credit-Cards-Now.com

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DOWNLOAD THE HIGH-RISK PAYMENT PROCESSING INFOGRAPHIC HERE

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[the-stray-liger]

sorry to intrude, your post about the AI disturbance overlays is unfortunately misinformation. i’m in a discord with more knowledgeable people (including one of the creator of glaze) and they discuss emerging anti-AI measures often. from my understanding, a simple overlay with transparency means absolutely nothing to protection; what glaze and nightshade do is more technologically advanced than that and what little distorted artifacts you can see are simply what is visible, not all that was applied to the pictures. i believe that the consensus on ibis’ tech is that “its potency hasn’t been proven with evidence, but overall (they) believe ibis won’t scam its users”. the pictures taken from tiktok are flat out a hoax though

thanks for the headsup! I've deleted the post

[rollercoasterwords]

hi this isn’t exactly to do with ask game but i would love to hear your thoughts on why ai art is bad/unethical etc etc. rather than the typical complaints that it’s not real and produced my labor …. love ur mind mwah xx

hi laura i am of course always happy 2 share my thoughts w u <3 <3 w the caveat that i am by no means an expert on ai + am not trying to position myself as such, + all my opinions are informed by things smarter/more knowledgeable people have said lol BUT. basically all the convincing critiques i have seen abt ai have been focused around the way it is used to exploit people or deepen already-existing inequality so like. with the wga strike for example--apparently companies are sometimes using ai to create scripts etc which they can then hire writers to fix, and in doing so they can pay those writers less by saying that they're "editing" something instead of creating something new. so in situations like this one, i think ai is something to be wary of not because ai writing a script in and of itself is inherently a bad thing, but because of the way companies are using it to exploit workers--a condition that existed before ai and will continue to exist regardless of ai, bc capitalists can only profit by exploiting workers, and so any anti-ai stances here that act as tho ai is the problem rather than the structural inequality of capitalism sort of miss the mark imo. obviously we need to find ways to respond + protect workers' rights when capitalists use new technology to exploit us, but we shouldn't lose focus of the fact that it isn't the technology itself that is exploitative but rather the capitalists' use of it.

beyond that, i have also seen people critique ai bc it is often assumed to be "objective" or neutral, when in fact ai often relies on biased datasets + therefore ends up reflecting preexisting biases in society--but those biases are assumed to be natural/normal/invisible bc it's a machine spitting them out, not a person. i definitely think that is a reason to be wary of ai--but again, that's due to preexisting inequality and not so much a product of ai itself, y'know? similarly, i've seen people talk about how they're wary of ai (esp things like facial recognition) bc of the ways it contributes to + is used for state surveillance, which i think makes a lot of sense (but is, again, less an issue with the technology in and of itself + more a broader problem w state uses of technology to surveil people).

so like -- all of these are definitely real issues + there are definitely reasons that i can understand being wary of ai (+ reasons that i am wary of it myself!). but honestly most of the critiques i've seen thus far abt ai specifically in fandom spaces seem more reactionary than anything. i guess maybe i'm missing something? but so far the main critiques i've seen about ai art/fics are like

1. it's not "real art" which. i personally do not find to be a compelling argument + quite often seems to devolve into positions about art + value that i am pretty fundamentally opposed to. for example that the amount of time/labor/etc put into an art piece is what confers value, or that the 'quality' of art as measured by [socially constructed list of standards often hearkening back to white western academic tradition] is what makes it 'real' or 'not real.'

2. it's "stealing" which. again i am not quite sure what the underlying argument there is bc i usually just see people making this claim w no further explanation but. i guess if ai is copying and pasting someone else's work that seems like plagiarism yeah, but my understanding of ai is that it is essentially derivative in that it 'learns' by looking at already-created content but is then creating a 'new' work, albeit derivative. but in fandom spaces it seems like we're all pretty much on board with derivative art, y'know? so i honestly don't really understand how different it is for like. a human being to read my writing + get inspired by it + write something that echoes or builds off it versus a machine doing that. again don't know a ton abt how ai works so maybe i'm missing something but currently i just truly do not understand what's going into the stealing argument

and honestly i think both the idea that ai art [art including writing here] isn't 'real' and that it's 'stealing' sort of rely on the myth of meritocracy + manufactured scarcity economies. as in. personally i do not see any downside to there being more art in the world--whether i personally think it's good or bad--unless i am supposed to be competing for limited space in the ~art world~ with other people. but like. in fandom spaces it's not like we're out here competing for resources, y'know? i'm just writing for fun, so why do i care if someone posts like. a chatgpt fic on ao3. i don't have to read it, and if other people are choosing to read it that isn't like....taking anything away from me, y'know? unless we're trying to say that only certain fics/art is "deserving" of attention but. that sort of position relies on a manufactured scarcity economy by acting as though "attention" is some sort of limited resource we must all compete for, and also depends on very arbitrary standards for determining who's "deserving" and i just. do not really buy into either of those stances. so! maybe there are other reasons people are upset abt ai in fandom spaces specifically that i'm missing but currently those r my thoughts on critiques of ai that make sense vs critiques that do not make sense

edit bc i realized i didn't actually answer the question lol - basically i don't think ai art is bad! i think ai is frequently used in bad ways by capitalists but in and of itself i do not really see an issue with creating ai art

[multitrackdrifting]

A long write-up on AI Art

I do actually go out of my way to read pro-ai art takes, and hell I will be the first to say that something like the infinite seinfeld twitch channel is funny (of course, when they're not running a backup bot that gets cancelled for making insensitive jokes)

but at the end of the day I will never really budge on my dislike for AI-Art, because ultimately pro-ai art and anti-ai art stances often are talking about two entirely different things. as someone that criticises AI art quite regularly, I am firmly commited to the idea that consqeuences matter the most, whereas most of the people who are pro-ai art treat AI simply as a tool and its people that are abusing it as well as the economic structure that incentivises its use. there is merit to both stances, but the thing i will never advocate for is putting aside the feelings of artists as if it is not a morally relevant factor, and i don't mean their fears, i mean their belief that all of a sudden tonnes and tonnes of people are experts on anti-art gatekeeping and democratizing access to art creation but it's like, nobody is really concerned with those ethically trained self-programmed joints that use public domain works, because those aren't the ones being sold to people - the ones that make pixiv, deviant art and other sites completely fucking unusable unless you opt out of seeing them manually. that flood the tags of an obscure character you like, that condition people to think that your art is worth less because they can parameter punch and produce something that is more "detailed" on a technical level and how that affects how art consumption is treated psychologically

if you can press a button and get anything you want, i have sen people say that this sounds good as shit and why would you hate it - and the answer is pretty fucking simple:

because it ignores what you pay to get it, and i wish pro ai-art people would not just toss that to the side when measuring up the weight of people's feelings about even an infinitismally small percentage of their art being used to train an ai to produce something and they will say some shit like oh, well, would you want to give Mr. MIckey Mouse himself the ability to copyright forms of expression and stop influence from happening, and its like brother, influence is like me growing up being inspired by the power rangers, a machine aggregating datasets to understand a "thing" is borrowing the works of tonnes of people without their consent to produec a new original thing that is "fair use" even though you the individual did not apply any of your own craftsmanship to transform the works that inspired you. references, inspiration and all this other shit, they are all permissible ways of producing art that isn't plagiarism, but we're in a realm where people are unironically arguing that these machines are not committing any wrongdoing because it might be legal for them to do so but i thought we fucking understood at this big old age that laws are not inherently a metric of what is right or what is just?

I don't give a shit about copyright laws, I just want people to stop brazenly shitting on the crafts of artists, and I'm not gatekeeping when I say that, I never said you had a barrier to entry to be one - why is it so easy for people to say "I should be allowed and even encouraged to press the button because I can", it's not really democratizing art because you have a idea materialisation button at your disposal

I'm not fascinated with the debate of "real art" or whatever the fuck, a lot of you are stuck on really really asinine debates to derail the conversation about the practical outcomes of AI art and machine-learning being as dangerous as it is

AI art can be used to wholesale plagiarise someone's art style, you can literally stipulate that it does that for you because of the nature of parameter refinement, and yes even if it breaks TOS there are ways to jailbreak inputs on ChatGPT so I don't even delude myself into thinking it's not possible with Stable Diffusion/Midjourney.

Machine-Learning/AI is also used to develop pornography of famous figures without their consent

Netflix funded an animated short where a human drew the reference base for backgrounds that were then AI-generated, then cleaned up, but credited the fucking artist as AI (+Human) without naming the uhman. A creator who works on Netflix cartoons even chimed in and look at this fucking fucking cooked interaction

AI Art was famously used to produce works trained on the style of Kim Jung Gi not even a day after he had passed away.

And, I feel the need to mention it - Linkin Park's new video, instead of producing a style reminiscent of Production IG's Breaking The Habit MV they input footage, alongside "reference images" drawn over the band members to produce an AI Art MV - the precise details of how those generators work are not super clear to me, but we still got the six fingers and all that.

I'm literally so puzzled as to why people are stuck on the following ideas:

Well we shouldn't do anything about it because that would entail copyright laws strengthening.

People can plagiarise by hand

Vocaloid is ok but AI voice isn't (an especially stupid argument)

AI is just a tool so there's no need to get mad at it

i) We don't need copyright laws to strengthen when you literally see every 2nd mfing artist on twitter saying how they don't consent to their works being used to train AI - there's a lack of regulation between art platforms that offer up your works for training as an opt-out instead of an opt-in. People were mad as fuck with Adobe (who loosely worded their policy) and CSP for this

ii) So because plagiarism exists without the assistance of AI we should shrug then when it happens at the press of a button when someone types in (parameters x, ... z) (your best friend's artstyle) (some fucked up concoction of fetishes) then right? Of fucking course not

iii) People who say vocaloid is a supporting argument for AI/voice synthesising using AI are just plain stupid. Vocaloid is more like an instrument but some people mistakenly believe it's like TTS and just pops off by itself. The tuning and more technical details of producing with it are so fucking demanding that usually the person doing the tuning isn't the only person working on the damn song lmao

iv) AI IS JUST A TOOL, but we all live under capitalism and yes it entices people to do exploitative things because art is a labour market and not merely a medium and people have to do it to live but its exactly because we are explicitly aware of this that we can realistically foresee how smaller artists who do live off commission work, off prints, going to cons and setting up tables to make money and shit are going to be affected. It's already cropping up at cons just as plagiarised art was already a problem, but you know what happens now - it's even easier to sell something you did not even make for money, and do not argue to me that people should be allowed to do that. I've seen how brutal tabling at cons can be even with the extensive exposure, people will literally tell you to your face that your prints aren't worth it or that they're too expensive and walk over to Plagiarism Booth 57 and buy unauthorised prints

Lets not wax on about this topic as some ideological plaything that only has meaningful discussion when we look at it in a vacuum

Shit like this is novel in a vacuum, but it's fucking harmful in the context of our world that you literally cannot separate yourself from

In a world literally built around content consumption and algorithmic training, how would you feel when the novelties of parameter entry completely drown you underneath the torrent of irrelevance because your heartfelt pieces get 1000 likes as opposed to an AI generated picture of Joan of Arc with some gigantic breasts (and before you say this argument is irrelevant, recommendations is literally the forefront of content consumption in the modern internet. On twitter it is topics, on YouTube it is the home page. Even if the two styles of art don't correlate, do the artists drawing pinups and other shit not deserve to have a living or st?). You might think that's funny to say, but image/art sites have already been plagued by AI art - no reason YouTube and Twitter are not steadily going down the same road.

Maybe it's not the most eloquent analogy, but we're literally saying that packet ramen is just as valuable as making it from scratch, art is difficult to define, but I won't accept that AI Art shoudl be welcomed with open arms just as the numerous artists on twitter will

The most toxic rhetoric borne out of this whole "tech fetishism" people have with AI art on tumblr right now is that to make your idea more palatable, you have to belittle hand-made art and resent artists who practice their skill as if they're the same gatekeepers like wacom and shit who make digital art equipment too expensive, or the pc manufacturers that priced lower budget pcs out of viability. There's a number of issues that are worth discussing, but nothing makes my blood boil more than people belittling the actual time and effort people put into becoming artists. That shit is not talent, it is literally a skill that those people trained for YEARS and YEARS and people are unironically arguing that society is better off if they can get it at the press of a button. NO it's not comparable to "if I had to suffer, then you do too", and no it's not like people who paid for college nad other people going for free. stop fucking saying that. That is a false equivalence that is completely tossing out an argument for the wrong reasons. Nobody is saying you have to suffer to be an artist, and I wish this stopped being used as a cudgel in this discussion. We are legit talking about practical consequences for artists both amateur (as in non-industry), and professional and how that might ruin the labour market, cause yes, WE DO HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THAT IN A PRACTICAL SENSE

I'm not saying AI Art cannot make some interesting and valuable results in every single context, just that people have to disregard the feelings of artists to actually conceive of the idea that it's not a fucking good thing when you can flood the algorithm-driven web out with generated images.

I'm not fascinated in arguing that people don't care because they are not real artists, that shit isn't productive, but nothing is more hollow than pretending you care about the virtues of art and art consumtpion then unironically shrugging at the ethical problems that exist with all the most prolific art generators and saying "but it lets me get the image I want". Do you even know how personal an artstyle that people create and the artworks they make in it can be to people? People are allowed to define their boundaries why the fuck do you think you're entitled to their discomfort as a necessary cost of the cool new thing you want to play with?

It was funny when we just did shit like Imposter in Skyrim or something with DALL-E, but now it's just spun out of control. Under the systems we live in, the corruption will invariably ruin a beautiful thing and I'm just so tired of how unserious this conversation is

[tittyinfinity]

I know it's been said before, but even with how dangerous the internet is, a lot of kids would be in even more danger if their parents went through their phone or browser history. Either way, it's an invasion of privacy, and it doesn't stop them from doing anything - they only learn that they need to get better at hiding things from their parent(s).

If you want to keep your child safe on the internet, you have to take preventative measures.

As soon as they're old enough to understand, you need to regularly have conversations with them about how the internet works and how to keep themselves safe.

Talk to them about:

how a lot of content on the internet is made to grab your attention so they get more clicks and track your info.

how an algorithm-based internet is designed to constantly stimulate dopamine and other emotional responses and keep you online as long as possible.

Setting both time limits AND emotional limits - if something is making them so angry that it's ruining their whole day, then it's time to step away.

How to tell if a story is made up/exaggerated, or if a picture is ai/photoshopped. Have them ask themselves why they think it's fake, what kind of agenda the OP/ad/website might have, and how to double-check sources and do backwards image results. And on that note —

HOW TO SPOT HATE & PROPAGANDA. This is probably the most important. Talk about how algorithms can start showing them things that push them towards certain beliefs. Teach them about how hate groups and whole governments use the internet to spread their agenda by manipulating information and tugging at a person's emotional response. Teach them how to critically consume their media and when they should back away from

How to use ad blockers and other anti-tracking software.

How to safely pirate things. Don't feel bad about it. Almost everything is subscription-based now, shows are always getting canceled, video games cost $60-80 with additional in-game purchases. The multi-billion dollar companies are still making record profits anyway.

Not to steal content from others and post it as their own.

What kind of information isn't safe for them to reveal online.

How to speak to others kindly online.

Find websites for them that aren't social media or youtube!

When it comes to youtube - don't rely on Youtube Kids to filter out harmful content by itself.

I'm sure there's more. You can't always be watching over your kid's shoulder wherever they go. They won't trust or respect you if you watch their every move. And once your kid knows how to safely navigate the internet, they can teach their friends, too!

[ujwala-hole11]

Textile Staples Market Trends: Navigating Challenges in Supply Chain Dynamics

The textile staples market is a cornerstone of the global textile industry, catering to the demand for essential raw materials used in a myriad of applications. From apparel and upholstery to industrial uses, textile staples play a pivotal role in shaping the industry's growth and direction. This article delves into the key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the textile staples market, providing a comprehensive understanding of its current landscape.

1. The Rise of Sustainable Fibers

One of the most significant trends in the textile staples market is the increasing focus on sustainability. With growing awareness about environmental issues, consumers and manufacturers are shifting toward eco-friendly fibers such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and biodegradable fibers like Tencel. This shift is not only reducing the environmental footprint but also creating new opportunities for innovation in fiber production.

2. Advances in Technology

Technological advancements are revolutionizing the production and processing of textile staples. Automation, AI-driven quality control systems, and smart manufacturing techniques are enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Additionally, innovations in fiber engineering are leading to the development of high-performance staples that offer better durability, moisture-wicking properties, and thermal regulation.

3. Regional Market Dynamics

The demand for textile staples varies across regions, influenced by factors such as population size, economic development, and industrial growth. Asia-Pacific, for instance, is a dominant player in the market due to its large textile manufacturing base and rising consumer spending. Meanwhile, North America and Europe are witnessing growth in high-value textile staples driven by premium apparel and technical textiles.

4. The Impact of Changing Consumer Preferences

Consumer behavior is shifting toward high-quality, durable, and ethically produced textiles. This change is driving the demand for premium and sustainable staples, encouraging manufacturers to invest in research and development. Additionally, the growing trend of athleisure and functional clothing has increased the demand for performance-oriented fibers.

5. Challenges in Supply Chain Management

The textile staples market is not without challenges. Volatile raw material prices, trade restrictions, and logistical disruptions pose significant hurdles for manufacturers and suppliers. Developing resilient supply chains and diversifying sourcing strategies are critical for mitigating these risks.

6. Growth of Recycled Textiles

Recycling has become a cornerstone of the textile industry's sustainability efforts. Recycled polyester and cotton are gaining traction, supported by government policies and consumer demand for circular fashion. This trend is driving innovations in recycling technologies and creating a secondary market for textile waste.

7. Investment in Emerging Markets

Emerging markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America present significant growth opportunities for the textile staples industry. These regions offer cost advantages, abundant labor, and untapped consumer markets. Strategic investments in infrastructure and technology are vital to capitalizing on these opportunities.

8. Competitive Landscape

The textile staples market is highly competitive, with key players investing in product differentiation and sustainability initiatives. Collaborations between manufacturers, fashion brands, and technology providers are becoming more common, enabling the development of innovative and eco-friendly products.

9. Regulatory and Policy Influences

Government regulations and international policies play a significant role in shaping the textile staples market. Incentives for sustainable practices, trade agreements, and anti-dumping measures impact production and trade dynamics. Keeping abreast of these developments is crucial for stakeholders.

10. Future Outlook and Market Forecasts

The textile staples market is poised for steady growth, driven by demand for sustainable and high-performance fibers. Industry players must focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships to thrive in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious market.

[sohideouthottub]

Preventing Cryptocurrency Wallet Vulnerability Scams: SILEGX Exchange Offers Tips

With the rapid development of the cryptocurrency industry, investors face increasing security threats. Recently, there have been frequent cases of scammers exploiting cryptocurrency wallet vulnerabilities to implant malware into user accounts, posing serious risks to investor asset security. This new type of scam is characterized by its high level of concealment and destructive impact, bringing challenges to the entire industry. SILEGX Exchange is committed to protecting user asset security, offering comprehensive anti-scam support through technical measures and risk education.

Understanding Scam Tactics and Identifying Potential Risks

Scammers often use malware as a vehicle to exploit cryptocurrency wallet vulnerabilities. This malware disguises itself as legitimate applications, and once installed, it steals user private keys, passwords, or other sensitive information, leading directly to asset theft. Some scammers also lure users into clicking fake links or downloading counterfeit wallet applications to carry out attacks. Users who lack the ability to discern the source of software or ignore security warnings are particularly vulnerable.

From a technical perspective, cryptocurrency wallet vulnerabilities often arise from inadequate security mechanisms or insufficient code auditing. Once these vulnerabilities are exploited by malicious actors, user transaction records and account information can be tampered with or even stolen outright. Investors need to fully understand how these scams operate and remain highly vigilant, choosing exchanges and wallet tools with robust technical safeguards. SILEGX Exchange employs multi-layered security measures, including cold wallet storage, two-factor authentication, and real-time risk monitoring, significantly reducing the risks posed by malware attacks.

Developing Secure Habits and Enhancing Awareness

Developing good security habits in daily investment activities is a crucial way to prevent scams. Common security pitfalls include downloading uncertified software, using weak passwords, and neglecting device security updates. Any oversight can provide an opportunity for scammers, resulting in irreversible losses.

When downloading or using cryptocurrency-related software, investors should prioritize versions from official websites or certified third-party platforms and regularly check for software updates to patch potential vulnerabilities. Security features provided by exchanges, such as device binding and transaction alerts, should also be fully utilized.

Additionally, strengthening personal account password management is essential. Passwords should be complex and unique, avoiding reuse across different accounts. It is recommended to use password management tools for secure storage. SILEGX Exchange offers account protection features such as two-factor authentication and dynamic password verification, adding extra layers of security to user accounts. By continuously learning and participating in industry security education initiatives, users can stay informed about the latest scam tactics and prevention measures. SILEGX Exchange regularly publishes security alerts and educational resources to help investors remain vigilant and avoid risks.

Technical Support and Industry Collaboration: Building a Secure Environment Together

The healthy development of the cryptocurrency industry relies on the joint efforts of exchanges, wallet providers, and users. In addition to user own awareness, platforms and industry organizations must continuously enhance their technical capabilities and collaborative efforts to address increasingly complex security threats.

SILEGX Exchange remains at the forefront of the industry in terms of technical support, employing advanced security protocols and AI-based risk detection technologies to monitor abnormal trading behaviors in real time and block potential threats. The platform also actively collaborates with security firms and industry regulators to improve industry standards and protective mechanisms. Moreover, exchanges need to provide rapid emergency response mechanisms to address malware attacks. When user assets are at risk, promptly freezing accounts and tracking fund flows are critical to minimizing losses. SILEGX Exchange works with multiple global law enforcement agencies and technology companies to assist users in asset recovery and provide technical support. In building an overall secure industry environment, SILEGX Exchange encourages more users to participate in anti-scam initiatives by reporting and sharing information to collectively resist malicious activities and foster a more transparent and secure investment ecosystem.

The continuous evolution of investment scams requires both users and industry participants to enhance their security awareness and technical capabilities. By understanding scam tactics, developing secure habits, and relying on the protective services offered by exchanges, investors can better safeguard their assets. As an industry leader, SILEGX Exchange will continue to optimize its technical support and security measures to create a safer and more trustworthy investment environment for users. In the future, the healthy development of the cryptocurrency industry will depend on the efforts of every participant to build a more transparent and efficient market system together.

[wonderfullmornings]

Unlocking the Potential of the Skin Care Products Market: Trends and Restraints

The skin care products market is one of the most dynamic sectors within the beauty and personal care industry. Fueled by technological advancements, rising consumer awareness, and a growing focus on health and wellness, the market is poised for continued growth. However, this expansion comes with its own set of challenges, or restraints, that could hinder its trajectory. By understanding the interplay between trends and challenges, stakeholders can better position themselves for success.

Emerging Trends Driving Growth

1. Demand for Natural and Organic Products

One of the most prominent trends in the skin care market is the increasing demand for natural and organic products. Consumers today are more conscious of the ingredients in their beauty products, often preferring chemical-free and eco-friendly options. This shift has encouraged brands to innovate with plant-based ingredients, essential oils, and sustainably sourced materials. The rise of clean beauty is transforming product formulations and marketing strategies, allowing brands that prioritize transparency and natural solutions to thrive.

2. Personalized Skin Care Solutions

The growing trend of personalization is reshaping consumer expectations. Thanks to advancements in AI and machine learning, companies can now offer tailored solutions based on individual skin types, concerns, and environmental factors. AI-powered skin analysis tools and customized product subscriptions have become increasingly popular. These innovations not only enhance customer satisfaction but also foster brand loyalty by addressing unique consumer needs.

3. Men’s Grooming and Skin Care

Traditionally, skin care was seen as a predominantly female market. However, the narrative is changing as men become more invested in grooming and skin care. Products designed for men, targeting issues like acne, anti-aging, and sun protection, are gaining traction. Brands are launching gender-neutral and male-specific lines, tapping into this expanding segment and diversifying their portfolios.

4. Focus on Sustainable Practices

Sustainability has become a critical consideration for consumers and brands alike. From biodegradable packaging to cruelty-free testing, eco-conscious practices are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions. Companies that adopt sustainable measures not only align with consumer values but also comply with stricter environmental regulations. This trend is particularly important in appealing to millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize ethical consumption.

5. Tech-Driven Innovations

Technology is a driving force in the skin care market, with advancements such as nanotechnology, bioengineering, and AI-powered diagnostics leading to more effective and innovative products. Devices like smart mirrors, which analyze skin conditions, and wearable tech for UV protection are enhancing the consumer experience. These innovations set brands apart in a crowded marketplace.

Key Restraints Hindering Growth

1. Regulatory Challenges

The global skin care industry is subject to stringent regulations, which vary by region. Governments and regulatory bodies impose rules on product safety, labeling, and marketing. While these measures ensure consumer safety, they also create significant barriers for manufacturers. Meeting compliance requirements can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for smaller enterprises, which may lack the necessary resources.

2. High Costs of Innovation

Developing new skin care products often involves substantial investment in research and development (R&D). Innovations such as personalized formulations or products using cutting-edge technology require long-term clinical trials and consumer testing. For startups and smaller brands, these high costs can be prohibitive, limiting their ability to compete with larger corporations.

3. Consumer Skepticism

With the proliferation of skin care products making bold claims, consumer skepticism has grown. Many buyers demand transparency and proof of efficacy before committing to new products. Brands that fail to back their claims with scientific evidence risk losing trust and credibility in a competitive market.

4. Environmental Concerns

While sustainability is a trend, it also presents challenges. Sourcing sustainable ingredients and creating biodegradable packaging require significant operational changes and investment. Additionally, adhering to environmental regulations and meeting consumer expectations for eco-friendly practices can strain resources, particularly for smaller brands.

5. Counterfeit Products

The rise of counterfeit skin care products poses a serious threat to the industry. These fake products not only erode revenue but also endanger consumer safety. Combating counterfeiting requires robust measures such as blockchain traceability, holographic seals, and anti-counterfeiting codes, which can increase operational costs.

Navigating the Intersection of Trends and Restraints

The interplay between market trends and challenges often creates a complex environment for skin care brands. For instance, the demand for natural products aligns with the clean beauty trend but may involve higher costs for sourcing organic ingredients. Similarly, adopting sustainable practices appeals to eco-conscious consumers but requires substantial investment in technology and materials.

Strategies for Unlocking Market Potential

To unlock the full potential of the skin care market, brands can adopt the following strategies:

Innovate Continuously: Invest in R&D to develop unique, effective products that meet consumer demands for natural, personalized, and tech-driven solutions.

Enhance Transparency: Clearly communicate product ingredients, sourcing methods, and efficacy to build consumer trust.

Embrace Sustainability: Integrate eco-friendly practices across the supply chain, from packaging to production processes.

Leverage Technology: Utilize AI and other digital tools to improve product development, consumer engagement, and operational efficiency.

Target Niche Markets: Focus on underserved segments, such as men’s skin care or age-specific solutions, to diversify offerings and capture new audiences.

Future Outlook

Despite the challenges, the skin care products market holds immense potential for growth. Innovations in technology, a shift toward ethical consumption, and the rising importance of self-care are expected to drive the industry forward. Companies that can successfully navigate the restraints while capitalizing on emerging trends will be well-positioned to lead the market.

Conclusion

The skin care products market is a vibrant and promising sector marked by both opportunities and challenges. By balancing the demands of innovation, sustainability, and consumer trust, brands can unlock its full potential and achieve long-term success in an ever-evolving landscape.

[zelda-larsson]

Reducing Payment Fraud in Your Business

Payment fraud is a growing concern for businesses across sectors, with cybercriminals increasingly employing sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities. Businesses must adopt proactive strategies to minimize fraud risks, safeguard customer data, and maintain operational integrity. Payment fraud can take many forms, from identity theft and phishing scams to account takeovers and card-not-present fraud. Understanding the different types of fraud is essential for businesses to develop targeted defense strategies. As fraud evolves, so must the tactics employed to combat it:

1. Leverage AI and Machine Learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools can analyze transaction data in real-time, identifying irregular patterns that might suggest fraudulent activity. For example, these tools can flag unusual spending behavior, cross-checking transactions with known fraud databases, helping businesses take immediate action before damage occurs.

2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds another layer of security by requiring additional verification steps beyond just a username and password. Whether through biometric recognition or one-time passcodes, MFA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized account access, which is a common entry point for fraudsters.

3. Secure Payment Data with Tokenization: Tokenization is an advanced method of data security that replaces sensitive information, like credit card details, with a randomly generated token. Even if a breach occurs, the stolen data is useless without the corresponding encryption keys, ensuring that businesses can protect customer information.

4. Regular Employee Training: While technology plays a major role, human error remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities in preventing fraud. Regular employee training programs can help staff identify phishing attempts, social engineering scams, and other fraudulent tactics, enabling them to act swiftly and prevent fraud from spreading within the business.

5. Partner with Trusted Payment Processors: A strong partnership with payment processors that offer integrated fraud prevention tools can provide businesses with access to the latest anti-fraud technologies. These tools might include risk analysis models, behavior tracking, and fraud detection alerts, which further enhance security measures.

6. Monitor and Respond to Unusual Transactions: Constant vigilance through monitoring systems can help businesses identify and respond to suspicious activity. Real-time alerts can enable companies to freeze accounts or transactions, minimizing the damage done by potential fraud.

Eric Hannelius, a recognized expert in fintech, offers his thoughts on the importance of blending technology and education to combat fraud. “Fraud prevention should be part of a company’s culture, not just a reactive measure when something goes wrong,” Eric Hannelius asserts. “The combination of advanced tools and informed human intervention is what truly makes a difference in reducing fraud risks.”

He emphasizes that businesses must focus on a holistic approach that encompasses both technological defenses and ongoing employee education. “It’s about building trust with customers, which can only happen when they know their data is secure,” Eric Hannelius adds. “Engaging in proactive measures protects businesses and fosters customer loyalty.”

Practical Examples of Effective Fraud Prevention:

E-Commerce Platforms: By integrating AI-powered fraud detection tools and using MFA for customer logins, online stores can reduce instances of card fraud and account takeovers.

Retail Sector: Training frontline staff to recognize the signs of fraud, such as suspicious transactions or unusual purchasing patterns, can help prevent losses from occurring in-store.

Subscription-Based Businesses: Implementing tokenization for recurring payments can safeguard sensitive customer data and reduce fraud risks associated with automatic renewals.

To strengthen fraud prevention efforts, businesses must collaborate with payment processors, financial institutions, and cybersecurity experts. This collaboration fosters information-sharing and helps create a unified front against fraud, enabling businesses to stay ahead of fraud trends.

Reducing payment fraud requires a multi-layered approach, combining advanced technology, employee vigilance, and customer-focused strategies. As Eric Hannelius highlights, businesses must stay proactive, integrating both tech solutions and educational initiatives to protect sensitive information and reduce vulnerabilities. By adopting a comprehensive fraud prevention strategy, businesses can ensure safer transactions and stronger customer relationships, ultimately fostering long-term trust and success.