#Ad fraud detection tool

[mfilterit]

What Should Marketers Look for in a Bot Detection Tools?

In today’s digital marketing landscape, bots impacting your campaigns, website analytics, and overall performance is becoming an enormous issue with all the organizations running any kind of advertising campaign. To put a stop on the ad fraud that is caused by bots, having bot detection tools is vital.  After all, how can you put a stop to bots if you can’t detect.  

Unfortunately, many firms struggle to detect bot traffic, and the methods they employ are not all created equal. Choosing the right bot detection tool is essential for safeguarding your marketing efforts. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the best tool for your needs.

What Is Invalid Traffic and How Does It Relate to Bots? 

Bot fraud in digital advertising generally falls in the category of invalid traffic by the marketers no matter good or bad since the bots are not the target audience and cannot be converted into a protentional lead.  

Types of Invalid Traffic:   

General Invalid Traffic (GIVT) – It is one of the simplest bots that can be detected easily, and a lot of good bots traffic comes under GIVT as they are not meant to fool the bot detection tool. But some fraudsters may also deploy GIVT as they are easy to make and work against some of their targets.  

Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT) – SIVT detection is the bots that one should look out for as these are more capable and are often designed to target to bypass cybersecurity and fraud prevention tools. For Example – sophisticated bots might imitate how a human would use a website so it would be difficult to identify between a human and bot. SIVT is common in ad fraud schemes.

Bot detection in USA, UAE, India, Saudi Arabia

Click here to read more: What should marketers look for in a Bot Detection Tool

[treasure-mimic]

So, let me try and put everything together here, because I really do think it needs to be talked about.

Today, Unity announced that it intends to apply a fee to use its software. Then it got worse.

For those not in the know, Unity is the most popular free to use video game development tool, offering a basic version for individuals who want to learn how to create games or create independently alongside paid versions for corporations or people who want more features. It's decent enough at this job, has issues but for the price point I can't complain, and is the idea entry point into creating in this medium, it's a very important piece of software.

But speaking of tools, the CEO is a massive one. When he was the COO of EA, he advocated for using, what out and out sounds like emotional manipulation to coerce players into microtransactions.

"A consumer gets engaged in a property, they might spend 10, 20, 30, 50 hours on the game and then when they're deep into the game they're well invested in it. We're not gouging, but we're charging and at that point in time the commitment can be pretty high."

He also called game developers who don't discuss monetization early in the planning stages of development, quote, "fucking idiots".

So that sets the stage for what might be one of the most bald-faced greediest moves I've seen from a corporation in a minute. Most at least have the sense of self-preservation to hide it.

A few hours ago, Unity posted this announcement on the official blog.

Effective January 1, 2024, we will introduce a new Unity Runtime Fee that’s based on game installs. We will also add cloud-based asset storage, Unity DevOps tools, and AI at runtime at no extra cost to Unity subscription plans this November. We are introducing a Unity Runtime Fee that is based upon each time a qualifying game is downloaded by an end user. We chose this because each time a game is downloaded, the Unity Runtime is also installed. Also we believe that an initial install-based fee allows creators to keep the ongoing financial gains from player engagement, unlike a revenue share.

Now there are a few red flags to note in this pitch immediately.

Unity is planning on charging a fee on all games which use its engine.

This is a flat fee per number of installs.

They are using an always online runtime function to determine whether a game is downloaded.

There is just so many things wrong with this that it's hard to know where to start, not helped by this FAQ which doubled down on a lot of the major issues people had.

I guess let's start with what people noticed first. Because it's using a system baked into the software itself, Unity would not be differentiating between a "purchase" and a "download". If someone uninstalls and reinstalls a game, that's two downloads. If someone gets a new computer or a new console and downloads a game already purchased from their account, that's two download. If someone pirates the game, the studio will be asked to pay for that download.

Q: How are you going to collect installs? A: We leverage our own proprietary data model. We believe it gives an accurate determination of the number of times the runtime is distributed for a given project. Q: Is software made in unity going to be calling home to unity whenever it's ran, even for enterprice licenses? A: We use a composite model for counting runtime installs that collects data from numerous sources. The Unity Runtime Fee will use data in compliance with GDPR and CCPA. The data being requested is aggregated and is being used for billing purposes. Q: If a user reinstalls/redownloads a game / changes their hardware, will that count as multiple installs? A: Yes. The creator will need to pay for all future installs. The reason is that Unity doesn’t receive end-player information, just aggregate data. Q: What's going to stop us being charged for pirated copies of our games? A: We do already have fraud detection practices in our Ads technology which is solving a similar problem, so we will leverage that know-how as a starting point. We recognize that users will have concerns about this and we will make available a process for them to submit their concerns to our fraud compliance team.

This is potentially related to a new system that will require Unity Personal developers to go online at least once every three days.

Starting in November, Unity Personal users will get a new sign-in and online user experience. Users will need to be signed into the Hub with their Unity ID and connect to the internet to use Unity. If the internet connection is lost, users can continue using Unity for up to 3 days while offline. More details to come, when this change takes effect.

It's unclear whether this requirement will be attached to any and all Unity games, though it would explain how they're theoretically able to track "the number of installs", and why the methodology for tracking these installs is so shit, as we'll discuss later.

Unity claims that it will only leverage this fee to games which surpass a certain threshold of downloads and yearly revenue.

Only games that meet the following thresholds qualify for the Unity Runtime Fee: Unity Personal and Unity Plus: Those that have made $200,000 USD or more in the last 12 months AND have at least 200,000 lifetime game installs. Unity Pro and Unity Enterprise: Those that have made $1,000,000 USD or more in the last 12 months AND have at least 1,000,000 lifetime game installs.

They don't say how they're going to collect information on a game's revenue, likely this is just to say that they're only interested in squeezing larger products (games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, Fate Grand Order, Among Us, and Fall Guys) and not every 2 dollar puzzle platformer that drops on Steam. But also, these larger products have the easiest time porting off of Unity and the most incentives to, meaning realistically those heaviest impacted are going to be the ones who just barely meet this threshold, most of them indie developers.

Aggro Crab Games, one of the first to properly break this story, points out that systems like the Xbox Game Pass, which is already pretty predatory towards smaller developers, will quickly inflate their "lifetime game installs" meaning even skimming the threshold of that 200k revenue, will be asked to pay a fee per install, not a percentage on said revenue.

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Hey Gamers!

Today, Unity (the engine we use to make our games) announced that they'll soon be taking a fee from developers for every copy of the game installed over a certain threshold - regardless of how that copy was obtained.

Guess who has a somewhat highly anticipated game coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2024? That's right, it's us and a lot of other developers.

That means Another Crab's Treasure will be free to install for the 25 million Game Pass subscribers. If a fraction of those users download our game, Unity could take a fee that puts an enormous dent in our income and threatens the sustainability of our business.

And that's before we even think about sales on other platforms, or pirated installs of our game, or even multiple installs by the same user!!!

This decision puts us and countless other studios in a position where we might not be able to justify using Unity for our future titles. If these changes aren't rolled back, we'll be heavily considering abandoning our wealth of Unity expertise we've accumulated over the years and starting from scratch in a new engine. Which is really something we'd rather not do.

On behalf of the dev community, we're calling on Unity to reverse the latest in a string of shortsighted decisions that seem to prioritize shareholders over their product's actual users.

I fucking hate it here.

-Aggro Crab - END DESCRIPTION]

That fee, by the way, is a flat fee. Not a percentage, not a royalty. This means that any games made in Unity expecting any kind of success are heavily incentivized to cost as much as possible.

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A table listing the various fees by number of Installs over the Install Threshold vs. version of Unity used, ranging from $0.01 to $0.20 per install. END DESCRIPTION]

Basic elementary school math tells us that if a game comes out for $1.99, they will be paying, at maximum, 10% of their revenue to Unity, whereas jacking the price up to $59.99 lowers that percentage to something closer to 0.3%. Obviously any company, especially any company in financial desperation, which a sudden anchor on all your revenue is going to create, is going to choose the latter.

Furthermore, and following the trend of "fuck anyone who doesn't ask for money", Unity helpfully defines what an install is on their main site.

While I'm looking at this page as it exists now, it currently says

The installation and initialization of a game or app on an end user’s device as well as distribution via streaming is considered an “install.” Games or apps with substantially similar content may be counted as one project, with installs then aggregated to calculate the Unity Runtime Fee.

However, I saw a screenshot saying something different, and utilizing the Wayback Machine we can see that this phrasing was changed at some point in the few hours since this announcement went up. Instead, it reads:

The installation and initialization of a game or app on an end user’s device as well as distribution via streaming or web browser is considered an “install.” Games or apps with substantially similar content may be counted as one project, with installs then aggregated to calculate the Unity Runtime Fee.

Screenshot for posterity:

That would mean web browser games made in Unity would count towards this install threshold. You could legitimately drive the count up simply by continuously refreshing the page. The FAQ, again, doubles down.

Q: Does this affect WebGL and streamed games? A: Games on all platforms are eligible for the fee but will only incur costs if both the install and revenue thresholds are crossed. Installs - which involves initialization of the runtime on a client device - are counted on all platforms the same way (WebGL and streaming included).

And, what I personally consider to be the most suspect claim in this entire debacle, they claim that "lifetime installs" includes installs prior to this change going into effect.

Will this fee apply to games using Unity Runtime that are already on the market on January 1, 2024? Yes, the fee applies to eligible games currently in market that continue to distribute the runtime. We look at a game's lifetime installs to determine eligibility for the runtime fee. Then we bill the runtime fee based on all new installs that occur after January 1, 2024.

Again, again, doubled down in the FAQ.

Q: Are these fees going to apply to games which have been out for years already? If you met the threshold 2 years ago, you'll start owing for any installs monthly from January, no? (in theory). It says they'll use previous installs to determine threshold eligibility & then you'll start owing them for the new ones. A: Yes, assuming the game is eligible and distributing the Unity Runtime then runtime fees will apply. We look at a game's lifetime installs to determine eligibility for the runtime fee. Then we bill the runtime fee based on all new installs that occur after January 1, 2024.

That would involve billing companies for using their software before telling them of the existence of a bill. Holding their actions to a contract that they performed before the contract existed!

Okay. I think that's everything. So far.

There is one thing that I want to mention before ending this post, unfortunately it's a little conspiratorial, but it's so hard to believe that anyone genuinely thought this was a good idea that it's stuck in my brain as a significant possibility.

A few days ago it was reported that Unity's CEO sold 2,000 shares of his own company.

On September 6, 2023, John Riccitiello, President and CEO of Unity Software Inc (NYSE:U), sold 2,000 shares of the company. This move is part of a larger trend for the insider, who over the past year has sold a total of 50,610 shares and purchased none.

I would not be surprised if this decision gets reversed tomorrow, that it was literally only made for the CEO to short his own goddamn company, because I would sooner believe that this whole thing is some idiotic attempt at committing fraud than a real monetization strategy, even knowing how unfathomably greedy these people can be.

So, with all that said, what do we do now?

Well, in all likelihood you won't need to do anything. As I said, some of the biggest names in the industry would be directly affected by this change, and you can bet your bottom dollar that they're not just going to take it lying down. After all, the only way to stop a greedy CEO is with a greedier CEO, right?

(I fucking hate it here.)

And that's not mentioning the indie devs who are already talking about abandoning the engine.

[Links display tweets from the lead developer of Among Us saying it'd be less costly to hire people to move the game off of Unity and Cult of the Lamb's official twitter saying the game won't be available after January 1st in response to the news.]

That being said, I'm still shaken by all this. The fact that Unity is openly willing to go back and punish its developers for ever having used the engine in the past makes me question my relationship to it.

The news has given rise to the visibility of free, open source alternative Godot, which, if you're interested, is likely a better option than Unity at this point. Mostly, though, I just hope we can get out of this whole, fucking, environment where creatives are treated as an endless mill of free profits that's going to be continuously ratcheted up and up to drive unsustainable infinite corporate growth that our entire economy is based on for some fuckin reason.

Anyways, that's that, I find having these big posts that break everything down to be helpful.

[mariacallous]

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has canceled plans to introduce new rules designed to limit the ability of US data brokers to sell sensitive information about Americans, including financial data, credit history, and Social Security numbers.

The CFPB proposed the new rule in early December under former director Rohit Chopra, who said the changes were necessary to combat commercial surveillance practices that “threaten our personal safety and undermine America’s national security.”

The agency quietly withdrew the proposal on Tuesday morning, publishing a notice in the Federal Register declaring the rule no longer “necessary or appropriate.”

The CFPB received more than 600 comments from the public this year concerning the proposal, titled Protecting Americans from Harmful Data Broker Practices. The rule was crafted to ensure that data brokers obtain Americans’ consent before selling or sharing sensitive personal information, including financial data such as income. US credit agencies are already required to abide by such regulations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, one of the nation’s oldest privacy laws.

In its notice, the CFPB’s acting director, Russell Vought, wrote that he was withdrawing the proposal “in light of updates to Bureau policies,” and that it did not align with the agency’s “current interpretation of the FCRA,” which he added the CFPB is “in the process of revising.”

The CFPB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Data brokers operate within a multibillion-dollar industry built on the collection and sale of detailed personal information—often without individuals’ knowledge or consent. These companies create extensive profiles on nearly every American, including highly sensitive data such as precise location history, political affiliations, and religious beliefs. This information is frequently resold for purposes ranging from marketing to law enforcement surveillance.

Many people are unaware that data brokers even exist, let alone that their personal information is being traded. In January, the Texas Attorney General’s Office, led by attorney general Ken Paxton, accused Arity—a data broker owned by Allstate—of unlawfully collecting, using, and selling driving data from over 45 million Americans to insurance companies without their consent.

The harms from data brokers can be severe–even violent. The Safety Net Project, part of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, warns that people-search websites, which compile information from data brokers, can serve as tools for abusers to track down information about their victims.

Last year, Gravy Analytics—which processes billions of location signals daily—suffered a data breach that may have exposed the movements of millions of individuals, including politicians and military personnel.

“Russell Vought is undoing years of painstaking, bipartisan work in order to prop up data brokers’ predatory, and profitable, surveillance of Americans,” says Sean Vitka, executive director of Demand Progress, a nonprofit that supported the rule. Added Vitka: “By withdrawing the CFPB’s data broker rulemaking, the Trump administration is ensuring that Americans will continue to be bombarded by scam texts, calls and emails, and that military members and their families can be targeted by spies and blackmailers.”

Vought, who also serves as director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, received a letter on Monday from the Financial Technology Association (FTA) calling for the rule to be withdrawn, claiming the rules exceed the agency’s statutory mandate and would be “harmful to financial institutions’ efforts to detect and prevent fraud.” The FTA is a US-based trade organization that represents the interests of banks, lenders, payment platforms, and their executives.

Privacy advocates have long pressed regulators to use the Fair Credit Reporting Act to crack down on the data broker industry. Common Defense, a veteran-led nonprofit, urged the CFPB to take action in November, blaming data brokers for recklessly exposing sensitive information about US service members that placed them at “substantial risk” of being blackmailed, scammed, or targeted by hostile foreign actors.

A 2023 study cited by the group—funded by the US Military Academy at West Point—concluded that the current data broker ecosystem is a threat to US national security, permitting the sale of sensitive personal data that can be used not only to identify service members and “other politically sensitive targets,” but also to offer details about medical conditions, financial problems, and political and religious beliefs. “Foreign and malign actors with access to these datasets could uncover information about high-level targets, such as military service members, that could be used for coercion, reputational damage, and blackmail,” the authors report.

Common Defense political director Naveed Shah, an Iraq War veteran, condemned the move to spike the proposed changes, accusing Vought of putting the profits of data brokers before the safety of millions of service members. "For the sake of military families and our national security, the administration must reverse course and ensure that these critical privacy protections are enacted," Shah says.

Investigations by WIRED have shown that data brokers have collected and made cheaply available information that can be used to reliably track the locations of American military and intelligence personnel overseas, including in and around sensitive installations where US nuclear weapons are reportedly stored.

WIRED reported in February that US data brokers were using Google's ad-tech tools to sell access to information about devices linked to military service members and national security decisionmakers, as well as federal contractors that manufacture and export classified defense-related technologies. Experts say it proves trivial for foreign adversaries to de-anonymize the data.

"Data brokers inflict severe harm on individuals by degrading privacy, threatening national security, enabling scams and fraud, endangering public officials and survivors of domestic violence, and putting immigrant populations at risk,” says Caroline Kraczon, law fellow at the Electronic Privacy Information Center focused on consumer protection.

“The CFPB had a critical opportunity to address these harms by clarifying that data brokers must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act,” adds Kraczon. “This withdrawal is deeply disappointing and another attack in the administration’s war against consumers on behalf of corporate interests."

Last month, more than 1,400 CFPB employees had their positions at the agency terminated, leaving the agency with a staff of around 300 people. Elon Musk, whose so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has spearheaded the White House's efforts to radically restructure the federal government by slashing the size of its workforce, last November called on President Donald Trump to “delete” the CFPB, whose job includes shielding Americans from predatory lending practices.

[quickpay1]

Best Payment Gateway – Quick Pay

In the fast-paced digital age of today, online payments have become an essential aspect of conducting business. You could be an entrepreneur, a small business proprietor, or running a large corporation; selecting the best payment gateway is necessary to give your customers a seamless, secure, and hassle-free payment experience. That's where Quick Pay comes in—ultimately the best payment gateway solution for streamlining online transactions and giving businesses a trustworthy, hassle-free platform.

What is Quick Pay?

Quick Pay is a modern and trustworthy best payment gateway that allows companies to accept payments from clients around the world. Whether you have an online store, subscription-based business, or sell services online, Quick Pay provides a straightforward and safe means of accepting payments. Its powerful infrastructure and adjustable features make it the best fit for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Quick Pay is specifically made to enable a wide range of transactions such as credit and debit card transactions, bank transfers, UPI, digital wallets, and many more. Quick Pay, with its rapid processing of transactions and easy-to-use interface, has become one of the top best payment gateways in the present times.

Key Features of Quick Pay

1. Security You Can Trust

One of the most important elements of any internet payment system is security. Quick Pay is serious about security and uses industry-standard encryption to secure customer data. It is PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant, indicating that it follows the highest security standards for the protection of cardholder information.

Quick Pay employs SSL encryption to protect all transactions, ensuring your customers' sensitive payment data is safe from fraudsters. It also incorporates two-factor authentication (2FA) and sophisticated fraud detection tools, adding a level of protection to minimize unauthorized transactions. You can be certain that each transaction is secure when you have Quick Pay as your best payment gateway.

2. Seamless Integration

Quick Pay's seamless integration process enables companies to link their online platforms effortlessly, be it an e-commerce site, mobile application, or online reservation platform. With powerful APIs and plugins, integrating Quick Pay into your system is quick and easy.

3. Global Payment Acceptance

For companies interested in going international, Quick Pay has a total solution for taking payment from foreign customers. It's multi-currency enabled, and businesses can sell to customers all over the globe and process payment in the local currency preferred by their customers.

This worldwide coverage positions Quick Pay as a great option for companies that are involved in a global market. You can receive payments from consumers located in other nations, opening your company to more customers, and minimize the trouble of having to deal with several different payment processors. As a world solution, Quick Pay is genuinely the best payment gateway to use for international transactions.

4. Immediate Payment Processing

Quick Pay is built for velocity. Whatever you're charging for a product, service, or subscription, Quick Pay facilitates fast and effective payments. Its real-time payment processing means that businesses get paid in an instant, enabling faster order fulfillment and improved customer experience.

The rapid payment processing also assists in minimizing cart abandonment rates, as the customers will readily complete a transaction when they're assured that it would be processed rapidly and not delayed. Quick Pay facilitates companies to reap the benefits of the finest payment gateway for efficient and rapid payment processing.

5. Customizable Payment Solutions

Each business is different, and Quick Pay knows that one size won't fit all. Whether you require recurring billing for subscriptions, single payments for product sales, or payment solutions specific to your business model, Quick Pay provides a flexible solution.

With adjustable features, companies can tailor payment pages and processes to suit their individual requirements. Quick Pay has both fixed and dynamic pricing support, allowing companies to provide customized pricing plans based on customer preferences or market dynamics. In terms of flexibility, Quick Pay is indeed the most suitable payment gateway for your business requirements.

6. Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting

With Quick Pay, you have access to a rich suite of reporting and analytics tools that give you worthwhile insights into your payment transactions. The dashboard presents you with an uncluttered picture of your transaction history, sales volume, refund history, and much more, helping you keep the financial performance of your business easily in check.

These analytics platforms also assist companies in recognizing trends, tracking customer actions, and handling cash flow in an effective manner, all within a single integrated platform. Your company will always have the information it requires to remain at the top of the game through Quick Pay's reporting and analytics features, which makes it the optimal payment gateway for financial management and business expansion.

7. 24/7 Customer Support

A payment gateway should always offer prompt and reliable customer support, and Quick Pay excels in this area. The platform offers 24/7 customer support via multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat, ensuring that businesses and customers can resolve any payment-related issues quickly and efficiently. This round-the-clock support ensures that you never have to worry about payment disruptions, giving you peace of mind while running your business. As the best payment gateway, Quick Pay is always available to assist you and your customers.

8. Mobile-Friendly Payment Gateway

With mobile commerce on the rise, a mobile-optimized payment gateway is a must. Quick Pay's mobile-responsive interface makes it possible for customers to make payments effortlessly from any device, be it their desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

The responsive design makes the payment process smooth and easy, irrespective of the device used, which is very important in delivering a great user experience. As a top payment gateway, Quick Pay makes sure that your customers enjoy the best payment experience on any device.

Why Use Quick Pay?

1. Reliability and Uptime

Quick Pay’s robust infrastructure ensures that your business can process payments round the clock, with minimal downtime. The platform guarantees high uptime, which is crucial for businesses that rely on consistent payment processing. When it comes to reliability, Quick Pay is undoubtedly the best payment gateway to keep your business running smoothly.

2. Affordable Pricing Plans

Quick Pay provides affordable and transparent price plans, optimized to suit companies of all sizes. There are no hidden costs, and you pay only for what you utilize, giving you the best returns on your investment. Whether a small business startup or a big enterprise, Quick Pay has pricing plans that can fit your needs, making it an affordable top payment gateway for every business.

3. Customer Trust

With thousands of companies already using Quick Pay for their payment processing requirements, it has established itself as a company that is dependable, secure, and efficient. Quick Pay is used by companies in all sectors, ranging from e-commerce and retail to hospitality and services. This trust is what makes Quick Pay the most suitable payment gateway for your business.

Conclusion

In the current digital economy, an enterprise needs to have a fast, reliable, and secure payment gateway in order to prosper online. Quick Pay is one of the most prominent payment gateways that provides an easy, secure, and convenient platform for making online payments.

With its seamless integration, rapid transaction processing, international presence, and best-in-class security, Quick Pay is the perfect solution for companies looking for a powerful and easy-to-use payment gateway. Whether you're operating a small business or a large corporation, Quick Pay gives you the tools and assistance you require to thrive in the fast-paced arena of online payments.

To learn more and sign up for Quick Pay today, go to Quick Pay.

[bhakti512]

Mastering Internal Audit: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Auditors

Internal auditing is one of the most sought-after skills in the corporate world. Whether you’re preparing for a career in auditing, improving your expertise, or simply exploring audit essentials, this guide will help you understand how to master internal auditing and succeed in your profession. Learn what internal audit is, why it’s important, and how you can excel in it with the right tools, techniques, and courses.

What is Internal Audit?

Internal audit involves evaluating a company’s internal controls, processes, and risk management practices. It ensures compliance with laws and regulations, identifies inefficiencies, and prevents fraud. Internal audits are crucial to maintaining a company’s operational and financial integrity, making it an essential skill for finance professionals and auditors.

Why is Internal Audit Important?

Internal auditing plays a critical role in ensuring business success and operational transparency. Here’s why:

1. Strengthens Internal Controls: Helps businesses identify weaknesses in their processes.

2. Ensures Compliance: Keeps companies aligned with legal and regulatory standards.

3. Reduces Risks: Identifies and mitigates operational, financial, and compliance risks.

4. Prevents Fraud: Detects vulnerabilities that could lead to financial irregularities.

5. Improves Efficiency: Offers actionable recommendations to streamline operations.

Whether you’re an aspiring auditor or an experienced professional, mastering internal audit is critical to adding value to organizations and building a successful career.

Top Skills Needed to Master Internal Audit

If you’re wondering how to get started or improve your internal auditing skills, here are the key areas you should focus on:

1. Analytical Skills: The ability to interpret data and identify patterns is a must.

2. Attention to Detail: Spotting errors, irregularities, and inefficiencies in processes is crucial.

3. Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with tools like Excel, SAP, IDEA, and audit software.

4. Understanding Audit Standards: Learn frameworks like IPPF (International Standards for Professional Practices of Internal Auditing).

5. Effective Communication: Clearly presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

6. Problem-Solving Abilities: Offering actionable solutions to business issues.

How to Master Internal Audit (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Understand the Basics of Internal Audit: Familiarize yourself with auditing standards, risk management, and compliance requirements.

2. Learn from Real-Life Audit Scenarios: Gain hands-on experience during internships, articleship, or on-the-job training.

3. Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Follow regulatory changes, best practices, and audit case studies to stay ahead.

4. Invest in Professional Training: Take practical audit courses to gain expertise and confidence.

5. Practice Risk Assessment Techniques: Focus on understanding how to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks.

If you’re serious about excelling in internal audit, the Master Blaster of Internal Audit Course is a game-changer. This course is designed to help aspiring auditors and professionals build a solid foundation in internal auditing and improve their practical skills. You can also go through the website https://www.catusharmakkar.com/ for more content and informative courses.

Common Questions About Internal Auditing

1. How can I start a career in internal auditing?

• Start by understanding the fundamentals, gaining hands-on experience, and enrolling in specialized courses like the Master Blaster of Internal Audit Course.

2. What qualifications do I need for internal auditing?

• A degree in finance, accounting, or a professional qualification like CA, CPA, or CIA, combined with practical audit training.

3. How can I improve my internal audit skills?

• Stay updated with industry trends, use audit tools, and take professional courses to sharpen your skills.

Why Should You Choose Internal Audit as a Career?

Internal auditing is a rewarding profession with growing demand across industries. Here’s why it’s a great career choice:

1. High Demand for Auditors: Companies need internal auditors to manage risks and maintain compliance.

2. Diverse Opportunities: Work across industries like banking, manufacturing, IT, and healthcare.

3. Career Growth: Develop skills that can lead to roles in risk management, compliance, or even leadership positions.

4. Global Scope: Internal audit frameworks like IPPF are globally recognized, opening doors to international opportunities.

Conclusion

Mastering internal audit is essential for anyone looking to thrive in the field of auditing and compliance. By focusing on developing key skills, gaining practical experience, and enrolling in specialized courses like the Master Blaster of Internal Audit, you can unlock endless career opportunities and make a meaningful impact in any organization.

Start your journey today, and take the first step toward becoming a top-notch internal auditor. [Link to Master Blaster of Internal Audit Course]

[techytoolzataclick]

Top Futuristic AI Based Applications by 2024

2024 with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the backdrop of what seems to be another revolutionary iteration across industries. AI has matured over the past year to provide novel use cases and innovative solutions in several industries. This article explores most exciting AI applications that are driving the future.

1. Customized Chatbots

The next year, 2024 is seeing the upward trajectory of bespoke chatbots. Google, and OpenAI are creating accessible user-friendly platforms that enable people to build their own small-scale chatbots for particular use cases. These are the most advanced Chatbots available in the market — Capable of not just processing text but also Images and Videos, giving a plethora of interactive applications. For example, estate agents can now automatically create property descriptions by adding the text and images of listings thatsurgent.

2. AI in Healthcare

AI has found numerous applications in the healthcare industry, from diagnostics to personalized treatment plans. After all, AI-driven devices can analyze medical imaging material more accurately than humans and thus among other things help to detect diseases such as cancer at an early stage. They will also describe how AI algorithms are used to create tailored treatment strategies personalized for each patient's genetics and clinical past, which helps enable more precise treatments.

3. Edge AI

A major trend in 2024 is Edge AI It enables computer processing to be done at the edge of a network, rather than in large data centers. Because of its reduced latency and added data privacy, Edge AI can be used in applications like autonomous vehicles transportations, smart cities as well as industrial automation. Example, edge AI in autonomous vehicles is able to get and process real-time data, increasing security by allowing faster decision-making.

4. AI in Finance

Today, the financial sector is using AI to make better decisions and provide an even stronger customer experience. Fraud detection, risk assessment and customised financial advice have introduced insurance into the AI algorithm. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are now common enough to be in use by 2024, greatly assisting customers stay on top of their financial well-being. Those tools will review your spending behavior, write feedback to you and even help with some investment advices.

5. AI in Education

AI is revolutionizing education with individualized learning. These AI-powered adaptive learning platforms use data analytics to understand how students fare and produces a customised educational content (Hoos, 2017). This way, students get a tailored experience and realize better outcomes. Not only that, AI enabled tools are also in use for automating administrative tasks which shortens the time required by educators on teaching.

6. AI in Job Hunting

This is also reverberating in the job sector, where AI technology has been trending. With tools like Canyon AI Resume Builder, you can spin the best resumé that might catch something eye catchy recruiter among a dozen others applications he receives in-between his zoom meeting. Using AI based tools to analyze Job Descriptions and match it with the required skills, experience in different job roles help accelerating the chances of a right fit JOB.

7. Artificial Intelligence in Memory & Storage Solutions

Leading AI solutions provider Innodisk presents its own line of memory and storage with added in-house designed AI at the recent Future of Memory & Storage (FMS) 2024 event. Very typically these are solutions to make AI applications easier, faster and better by improving performance scalability as well on the quality. This has huge implications on sectors with substantial data processing and storage demands (healthcare, finance, self-driving cars).

Conclusion

2024 — Even at the edge of possible, AI is revolutionizing across many industries. AI is changing our lives from tailored chatbots and edge AI to healthcare, finance solutions or education and job search. This will not only improve your business profile as a freelancer who create SEO optimized content and write copies but also give your clients in the writing for business niche some very useful tips.

[dertaglichedan]

AI tool that sounds like a grandmother created to waste phone scammers’ time

Phone giant O2 has created an AI tool that sounds like an elderly grandmother and will keep phone scammers on calls and away from the general public.

The company said it had created the so-called “scambaiter” tool in response to research which found that seven in 10 people wanted to get their own back on scammers, but did not want to waste their own time in doing so.

The firm said it had worked with leading scambaiters – people who take on and disrupt scammer networks – to get phone numbers linked to its AI tool, known as Daisy, added to known lists used by scammers to target vulnerable consumers, and had been given the voice of an elderly grandmother to play on scammer biases about older people.

It said the tool had been successful in keeping numerous scammers on calls for up to 40 minutes at a time and frustrated them with meandering stories and explanations about their tech use, as well as providing false personal information and made-up bank details.

O2 said that by tricking fraudsters into thinking they were scamming a real person, Daisy has prevented them from targeting real victims, but had also exposed the common tactics used so the firm can help customers better protect themselves.

Murray MacKenzie, director of fraud at Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re committed to playing our part in stopping the scammers, investing in everything from firewall technology to block out scam texts to AI-powered spam call detection to keep our customers safe.

“The newest member of our fraud-prevention team, Daisy, is turning the tables on scammers – outsmarting and outmanoeuvring them at their own cruel game simply by keeping them on the line.

[govindhtech]

NVIDIA AI Workflows Detect False Credit Card Transactions

A Novel AI Workflow from NVIDIA Identifies False Credit Card Transactions.

The process, which is powered by the NVIDIA AI platform on AWS, may reduce risk and save money for financial services companies.

By 2026, global credit card transaction fraud is predicted to cause $43 billion in damages.

Using rapid data processing and sophisticated algorithms, a new fraud detection NVIDIA AI workflows on Amazon Web Services (AWS) will assist fight this growing pandemic by enhancing AI’s capacity to identify and stop credit card transaction fraud.

In contrast to conventional techniques, the process, which was introduced this week at the Money20/20 fintech conference, helps financial institutions spot minute trends and irregularities in transaction data by analyzing user behavior. This increases accuracy and lowers false positives.

Users may use the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform and NVIDIA GPU instances to expedite the transition of their fraud detection operations from conventional computation to accelerated compute.

Companies that use complete machine learning tools and methods may see an estimated 40% increase in the accuracy of fraud detection, which will help them find and stop criminals more quickly and lessen damage.

As a result, top financial institutions like Capital One and American Express have started using AI to develop exclusive solutions that improve client safety and reduce fraud.

With the help of NVIDIA AI, the new NVIDIA workflow speeds up data processing, model training, and inference while showcasing how these elements can be combined into a single, user-friendly software package.

The procedure, which is now geared for credit card transaction fraud, might be modified for use cases including money laundering, account takeover, and new account fraud.

Enhanced Processing for Fraud Identification

It is more crucial than ever for businesses in all sectors, including financial services, to use computational capacity that is economical and energy-efficient as AI models grow in complexity, size, and variety.

Conventional data science pipelines don’t have the compute acceleration needed to process the enormous amounts of data needed to combat fraud in the face of the industry’s continually increasing losses. Payment organizations may be able to save money and time on data processing by using NVIDIA RAPIDS Accelerator for Apache Spark.

Financial institutions are using NVIDIA’s AI and accelerated computing solutions to effectively handle massive datasets and provide real-time AI performance with intricate AI models.

The industry standard for detecting fraud has long been the use of gradient-boosted decision trees, a kind of machine learning technique that uses libraries like XGBoost.

Utilizing the NVIDIA RAPIDS suite of AI libraries, the new NVIDIA AI workflows for fraud detection improves XGBoost by adding graph neural network (GNN) embeddings as extra features to assist lower false positives.

In order to generate and train a model that can be coordinated with the NVIDIA Triton Inference Server and the NVIDIA Morpheus Runtime Core library for real-time inferencing, the GNN embeddings are fed into XGBoost.

All incoming data is safely inspected and categorized by the NVIDIA Morpheus framework, which also flags potentially suspicious behavior and tags it with patterns. The NVIDIA Triton Inference Server optimizes throughput, latency, and utilization while making it easier to infer all kinds of AI model deployments in production.

NVIDIA AI Enterprise provides Morpheus, RAPIDS, and Triton Inference Server.

Leading Financial Services Companies Use AI

AI is assisting in the fight against the growing trend of online or mobile fraud losses, which are being reported by several major financial institutions in North America.

American Express started using artificial intelligence (AI) to combat fraud in 2010. The company uses fraud detection algorithms to track all client transactions worldwide in real time, producing fraud determinations in a matter of milliseconds. American Express improved model accuracy by using a variety of sophisticated algorithms, one of which used the NVIDIA AI platform, therefore strengthening the organization’s capacity to combat fraud.

Large language models and generative AI are used by the European digital bank Bunq to assist in the detection of fraud and money laundering. With NVIDIA accelerated processing, its AI-powered transaction-monitoring system was able to train models at over 100 times quicker rates.

In March, BNY said that it was the first big bank to implement an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with DGX H100 systems. This would aid in the development of solutions that enable use cases such as fraud detection.

In order to improve their financial services apps and help protect their clients’ funds, identities, and digital accounts, systems integrators, software suppliers, and cloud service providers may now include the new NVIDIA AI workflows for fraud detection. NVIDIA Technical Blog post on enhancing fraud detection with GNNs and investigate the NVIDIA AI workflows for fraud detection.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[transcendaccounting]

Unravelling Audit Trends: A Guide for Accountants and Auditors in Dubai

Welcome, accountants and auditors in Dubai, to an insightful exploration of the latest audit trends shaping our vibrant industry landscape. In this guide, we'll delve into key trends, technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and best practices that are essential for your success in Dubai's dynamic financial sector.

Regulatory Updates: Stay ahead of the game by keeping abreast of the latest regulatory changes in Dubai. From updates in financial reporting standards to compliance requirements, understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial for ensuring accurate and compliant audits.

Technology Integration: Embrace the power of technology to enhance your audit processes. AI-driven analytics, cloud-based platforms, and automation tools can streamline auditing tasks, improve accuracy, and provide deeper insights into financial data, ultimately saving time and resources.

Best Practices: Elevate your audit game with best practices focused on risk assessment, internal control evaluation, and fraud detection. Proactive measures and robust strategies in these areas can strengthen audit outcomes, instill client trust, and mitigate risks effectively.

Sustainability Reporting: With sustainability gaining prominence, auditors in Dubai play a pivotal role in verifying and enhancing the credibility of sustainability reports. Incorporating ESG factors into audits is becoming increasingly important, reflecting the growing emphasis on corporate responsibility.

Blockchain Revolution: Explore the potential of blockchain technology in auditing. Its features such as enhanced data security, transparency, and immutability are transforming audit trails and ensuring the integrity of financial information, offering auditors innovative solutions to improve audit efficiency and reliability.

Future Outlook: The future of auditing in Dubai is promising for those who embrace change and innovation. Continuous learning, upskilling in technology, and maintaining compliance with evolving standards will be key drivers of success in the ever-evolving audit landscape.

By staying informed, leveraging technology, adopting best practices, and embracing innovation, accountants and auditors in Dubai can navigate through challenges, deliver value-added services, and drive excellence in auditing practices, cementing their position as trusted financial advisors in the region.

[teamarcstechnologies]

Choosing the Right Online Market Research Tools for Your Business

Understanding your target market is crucial for the success of any business. With the abundance of online market research tools available, gathering valuable insights has become more accessible than ever. However, with so many options to choose from, selecting the right tools for your business can be overwhelming. To help navigate this process, let's explore some key considerations when choosing online market research tools.

Define Your Research Objectives: Before diving into selecting tools, it's essential to clearly define your research objectives. Are you looking to understand customer preferences, evaluate market trends, or measure brand perception? Clarifying your goals will guide you in selecting the most appropriate tools to achieve them.

Consider Your Budget: Online market research tools come in a range of price points, from free to premium subscriptions. Consider your budget constraints and weigh the features and capabilities offered by each tool against their cost. Remember, investing in quality research tools can yield significant returns in the form of valuable insights and informed decision-making.

Assess Data Accuracy and Reliability: Accuracy and reliability are paramount when it comes to market research. Look for tools that utilize robust methodologies and data sources to ensure the information gathered is trustworthy. Reading user reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the reliability of a tool's data.

Evaluate User-Friendliness and Accessibility: Choose tools that are intuitive and user-friendly, enabling you and your team to navigate them with ease. Accessibility across devices and platforms is also crucial, ensuring that you can access the tools whenever and wherever you need them. Consider whether the tool offers mobile apps or cloud-based solutions for added convenience.

Explore Features and Customization Options: Different research projects may require specific features and customization options. Evaluate whether the tools offer functionalities such as survey creation, data visualization, sentiment analysis, and demographic segmentation. Additionally, assess the level of customization available to tailor the research process to your unique business needs.

Look for Integration Capabilities: Integrating market research data with your existing business systems can streamline workflows and enhance decision-making processes. Prioritize tools that offer integration capabilities with popular platforms such as CRM systems, email marketing software, and analytics tools. Seamless integration can facilitate the seamless flow of insights across your organization.

Seek Support and Training Resources: Even the most user-friendly tools may require some learning curve. Look for providers that offer comprehensive support resources, including tutorials, documentation, and customer support channels. Training resources can empower you and your team to make the most of the tools and leverage their full potential.

Consider Scalability and Future Needs: As your business grows, so will your research needs. Choose tools that can scale alongside your business and accommodate evolving requirements. Assess whether the tools offer scalability in terms of data storage, user licenses, and advanced features to future-proof your investment.

In conclusion, selecting the right online market research tools for your business requires careful consideration of your objectives, budget, data accuracy, usability, features, integration capabilities, support resources, and scalability. By evaluating these factors thoughtfully, you can empower your business with actionable insights that drive growth and success in today's competitive market landscape.

To know more: online market research platform

panel management platform

Sample Management Platform

fraud detection and reporting tool

[hackfuel]

10 Ways To Use Machine Learning For Marketing In 2024

Introduction:

As the digital marketing arena continues to evolve, machine learning has emerged as a important force reshaping the industry’s scene. To dvelve deeper into this transformative journey, we invite you to explore this insightful article on Analytics Vidhya that provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning’s impact on marketing in 2023 as well as 2024.

Now, let’s journey into the world of machine learning and discover how it empowers marketers to achieve unprecedented results.

1. Personalized Customer Experiences:

Machine learning, the driving force behind personalized customer experiences, analyzes extensive datasets to deliver tailored content, product recommendations, and also experiences. Personalization reigns supreme in effective marketing in 2023.

2. Predictive Analytics:

Machine learning models provide invaluable insights by forecasting trends, customer behavior, and market fluctuations. This empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions, enabling them to stay one step ahead of the competition.

3. Enhanced Lead Scoring:

Machine learning’s capability to rank leads based on their likelihood to convert is a game-changer. Sales teams can now prioritize their efforts and focus on the most promising prospects, boosting efficiency.

4. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants:

Chatbots, powered by machine learning, offer round-the-clock customer support, promptly respond to inquiries, also guide customers through their buying journey with finesse.

5. Content Optimization:

Machine learning tools optimize content creation by identifying the most engaging topics, keywords, as well as formats for your target audience.

6. Improved Email Marketing:

Machine learning algorithms analyze email engagement data to improve send times, subject lines, and content, resulting in higher open rates and click-through rates.

7. Social Media Insights:

Machine learning’s prowess is harnessed to monitor social media conversations and sentiment. This equips brands with invaluable insights into public perception, enabling them to refine their strategies effectively.

8. Ad Targeting and Optimization:

Machine learning-powered ad platforms utilize real-time data to target audiences more effectively. This not only reduces ad spend wastage but also increases ROI significantly.

9. Customer Segmentation:

Machine learning fine-tunes customer segmentation, facilitating the creation of hyper-targeted campaigns that resonate with specific audience segments.

10. Fraud Detection and Prevention:

Empowering Your Machine Learning Journey:

While the potential of machine learning for marketing is vast, partnering with the right experts is crucial. Top-tier agencies like Hackfuel are leading the charge in integrating machine learning into marketing strategies. They understand that in 2023 and 2024, data collection alone isn’t enough; also it’s the transformation of data into actionable insights that truly drives success.

As you embark on your marketing journey in 2023, but remember that machine learning isn’t a standalone solution; it’s a catalyst for innovation. By harnessing these ten potent strategies, you can unlock the true potential of machine learning, driving growth, engaging customers, as well as outperforming your competition.

The Future is Data-Driven:

In the marketing landscape of 2023 and 2024, data is the driving force. Machine learning is the key that unlocks this data’s potential, enabling businesses to comprehend their customers deeply, make informed decisions, and craft personalized experiences that resonate. Whether it’s predictive analytics, customer segmentation, or ad optimization, machine learning is the cornerstone of marketing’s evolution.

Conclusion:

As you navigate the marketing landscape in 2023, remember that machine learning isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformative force. Incorporate these ten strategies into your marketing playbook, explore partnerships with experts like Hackfuel, and witness how machine learning propels your marketing endeavors to new heights in 2023 and 2024, also beyond.

With these cutting-edge strategies, seamlessly integrated with the expertise of a digital marketing agency like Hackfuel, you’ll experience a paradigm shift in your marketing efforts. Digital marketing agencies are adapting to the machine learning revolution, and collaborating with the best digital marketing agency in Pune is your key to staying ahead in this ever-evolving landscape.

[mariacallous]

As the United States nears its consequential November election, concerns about the impacts of artificial intelligence on the country’s electoral integrity are front and center. Voters are receiving deceptive phone calls mimicking candidates’ voices, and campaigns are using AI images in their ads. Many fear that highly targeted messaging could lead to suppressed voter turnout or false information about polling stations. These are legitimate concerns that public officials are working overtime to confront.

But free and fair elections, the building blocks of democratic representation, are only one dimension of democracy. Today, policymakers must also recognize an equally fundamental threat that advanced technologies pose to a free and open society: the suppression of civil rights and individual opportunity at the hands of opaque and unaccountable AI systems. Ungoverned, AI undermines democratic practice, norms, and the rule of law—fundamental commitments that underpin a robust liberal democracy—and opens pathways toward a new type of illiberalism. To reverse this drift, we must reverse the currents powering it.

Liberal societies are characterized by openness, transparency, and individual agency. But the design and deployment of powerful AI systems are the precise inverse.

In the United States, as in any country, those who control the airwaves, steer financial institutions, and command the military have long had a wide berth to make decisions that shape society. In the new century, another set of actors joins that list: the increasingly concentrated group of corporate players who control data, algorithms, and the processing infrastructure to make and use highly capable AI systems. But without the kind of robust oversight the government prescribes over other parts of the economy and the military, the systems these players produce lack transparency and public accountability.

The U.S. foreign-policy establishment has long voiced legitimate concerns about the use of technology by authoritarian regimes, such as China’s widespread surveillance, tracking, and control of its population through deep collusion between the state and corporations. Civil society, academics, and journalists have recognized the threat of those same tools being deployed to similar ends in the United States. At the same time, many of today’s AI systems are undermining the liberal character of American society: They run over civil rights and liberties and cause harm for which people cannot easily seek redress. They violate privacy, spread falsehoods, and obscure economic crimes such as price-fixing, fraud, and deception. And they are increasingly used—without an architecture of accountability—in institutions central to American life: the workplace, policing, the legal system, public services, schools, and hospitals.

All of this makes for a less democratic American society. In cities across the United States, people of color have been arrested and jailed after being misidentified by facial recognition tools. We’ve seen AI used in loan refinancing charge more to applicants who went to historically Black colleges. An AI program aimed at preventing suicide among veterans prioritizes white men and overlooks survivors of sexual violence, who are much more likely to be women. Hidden behind computer code, illegal and unfair treatment long banned under federal law is becoming harder to detect and to contest.

To global observers, the trendlines of AI in American society will look familiar; the worst harms of these systems mirror the tenets of what has been called “illiberal democracy.” Under that vision—championed most famously by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a darling of the U.S. right—a society “maintains the outward appearances of a democracy … but in fact seeks to undermine all the institutions and norms that give democracy meaning,” scholar Susan Rubin Suleiman wrote in 2021. This doesn’t have to look like canceling elections or dismantling a sitting legislative body; instead, the vision takes the form of a more subtle assault—foreclosing the ability of individuals and minority groups to assert their rights.

As powerful new AI products are born and come of age amid a growing political alliance between far-right ideologues and some of the most powerful leaders in the technology industry, these foundational threats to free society could accelerate. Elon Musk, amplifying alarmist narratives on migrants and dehumanizing language about women and LGBT people, has said he would serve in a potential second Trump administration. Elsewhere in Silicon Valley, a growing cadre of venture capitalists are boldly betting the house on Trump in the belief that their portfolios—brimming with crypto and AI bets—may be better off under a president who is unfazed by harms to the most vulnerable and who challenges the exercise of fundamental rights.

Simply studying these tools and their effects on society can prove difficult: Scientific research into these systems is dominated by profit-motivated private actors, the only people who have access to the largest and most powerful models. The systems in question are primarily closed-source and proprietary, meaning that external researcher access—a basic starting point for transparency—is blocked. Employees at AI companies have been forced to sign sweeping nondisclosure agreements, including those about product safety, or risk losing equity. All the while, executives suggest that understanding precisely how these systems make decisions, including in ways that affect people’s lives, is something of luxury, a dilemma to be addressed sometime in the future.

The real problem, of course, is that AI is being deployed now, without public accountability. No citizenry has elected these companies or their leaders. Yet executives helming today’s big AI firms have sought to assure the public that we should trust them. In February, at least 20 firms signed a pledge to flag AI-generated videos and take down content meant to mislead voters. Soon after, OpenAI and its largest investor, Microsoft, launched a $2 million Societal Resilience Fund focused on educating voters about AI. The companies point to this work as core to their missions, which imagine a world where AI “benefits all of humanity” or “helps people and society flourish.”

Tech companies have repeatedly promised to govern themselves for the public good—efforts that may begin with good intentions but fall apart under the pressure of a business case. Congress has had no shortage of opportunities over the last 15 years to step in to govern data-centric technologies in the public’s interest. But each time Washington has cracked open the door to meaningful technology governance, it has quickly slammed it shut. Federal policymakers have explored reactive and well-meaning but flawed efforts to assert governance in specific domains—for example, during moments of attention to teen mental health or election interference. But these efforts have faded as public attention moved elsewhere. Exposed in this story of false starts and political theatrics is the federal government’s default posture on technology: to react to crises but fail to address the root causes.

Even following well-reported revelations, such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, no legislation has emerged to rein in the technology sector’s failure to build products that prioritize Americans’ security, safety, and rights—not to mention the integrity of U.S. democracy. The same story has unfolded in the doomed push to achieve data privacy laws, efforts that have stalled out in committee ad infinitum, leaving Americans without the basic protections for their personal information that are enjoyed by people living in 137 other countries.

The Biden-Harris administration decided to push harder, through initiatives we worked both directly and indirectly on. Even before ChatGPT vaulted AI to the center of the national discourse in November 2022, President Joe Biden’s White House released an AI Bill of Rights proposing five key assurances all Americans should be able to hold in an AI-powered world: that AI technologies are safe, fair, and protective of their privacy; that they are made aware when systems are being used to make decisions about them; and that they can opt out. The framework was a proactive, democratic vision for the use of advanced technology in American society.

The vision has proved durable. When generative AI hit the consumer market, driving both anxiety and excitement, Biden didn’t start from scratch but from a set of clear and affirmative first principles. Pulling from the 2022 document, his 2023 executive order on AI mandated a coordinated federal response to AI, using a “rights and safety” framework. New rules from the powerful Office of Management and Budget turned those principles into binding policy, requiring federal agencies to test AI systems for their impact on Americans’ rights and safety before they could be used. At the same time, federal enforcement agencies used their existing powers to enforce protections and combat violations in the digital environment. The Federal Trade Commission stepped up its enforcement of digital-era violations of well-established antitrust laws, putting AI companies on notice for potentially unfair and deceptive practices that harm consumers. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the launch of a new AI Safety Institute, calling for a body that addressed a “full spectrum” of risks, including both longer-term speculative risks and current documented harms.

This was a consequential paradigm shift from America’s steady state of passive technology nongovernance—proof-positive that a more proactive approach was possible. Yet these steps face a range of structural limitations. One is capacity: Agencies across the federal government carrying out the work of AI governance will need staff with sociotechnical expertise to weigh the complex trade-offs of AI’s harms and opportunities.

Another challenge is the limited reach of executive action. Donald Trump has promised to repeal the AI executive order and gut the civil service tasked with its implementation. If his first term is any indication, a Republican administration would reinstate the deregulatory status quo. Such is the spirit of plans reportedly drawn up by Larry Kudlow, Trump’s former National Economic Council director, to create “industry-led” task forces, placing responsibility for assessing AI tools’ safety into the hands of the powerful industry players who design and sell them.

And Biden’s measures, for the most part, guide only the government’s own use of AI systems. This is a valuable and necessary step, as the behavior of agencies bears on the daily lives of Americans, particularly the most vulnerable. But the effects of executive actions on the private sector are circumscribed, related to pockets of executive authority such as government contracting, civil rights enforcement, or antitrust action. A president’s pen alone cannot create a robust or dynamic accountability infrastructure for the technology industry. Nor can we rely on agencies to hold the line; recent Supreme Court decisions—Loper Bright, Corner Post, and others—have weakened their authority to use their mandated powers to adapt to new developments.

This, of course, is the more fundamental shortcoming of Biden’s progress on AI and technology governance: It does not carry the force of legislation. Without an accompanying push in Congress to counter such proposed rollbacks with new law, the United States will continue to embrace a largely ungoverned, innovation-at-all-costs technology landscape, with disparate state laws as the primary bulwark—and will continue to see the drift of emerging technologies away from the norms of robust democratic practice.

Yet meaningful governance efforts may be dead on arrival in a Congress that continues to embrace the flawed argument that without carte blanche for companies to “move fast and break things,” the United States would be doomed to lose to China, on both economic and military fronts. Such an approach cedes the AI competition to China’s terms, playing on the field of Chinese human rights violations and widespread surveillance instead of the field of American values and democratic practice. It also surrenders the U.S. security edge, enabling systems that could break or fail at any moment because they were rushed to market in the name of great-power competition.

Pursuing meaningful AI governance is a choice. So is the decision, over decades, to leave powerful data-centric technologies ungoverned—a decision to allow an assault on the rights, freedoms, and opportunities of many in American society. There is another path.

Washington has the opportunity to build a new, enduring paradigm in which the governance of data-centric predictive technologies, as well as the industry that creates them, is a core component of a robust U.S. democracy.

We must waste no time reaffirming that the protections afforded by previous generations of laws also apply to emerging technology. For the executive branch, this will require a landmark effort to ensure protections are robustly enforced in the digital sphere, expanding enforcement capacity in federal agencies with civil rights offices and enforcement mandates and keeping up the antitrust drumbeat that has put anti-competitive actors on notice.

The most consequential responsibility for AI governance, though, rests with Congress. Across the country, states are moving to pass laws on AI, many of which will contradict one another and form an overlapping legal tangle. Federal lawmakers should act in the tradition of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, issuing blanket protections for all Americans. At a minimum, this should include a new liability regime and guarantee protection from algorithmic discrimination; mandate pre- and post-deployment testing, transparency, and explainability of AI systems; and a requirement for developers of AI systems to uphold a duty of care, with the responsibility to ensure that systems are safe and effective.

These AI systems are powered by data, so such a bill should be accompanied by comprehensive data privacy protections, including a robust embrace of data minimization, barring companies from using personal information collected for one purpose in order to achieve an unrelated end.

While only a start, these steps to protect democratic practice in the age of AI would herald the end of America’s permissive approach to the technology sector’s harms and mark the beginning of a new democratic paradigm. They should be followed forcefully by a separate but complementary project: ensuring that individuals and communities participate in deciding how AI is used in their lives—and how it is not. Most critically, more workers—once called America’s “arsenal of democracy”—must organize and wield their collective power to bargain over whether, when, and how technologies are used in the workplace.

Such protections must also extend beyond the workplace into other areas of daily life where technology is used to shape important decisions. At a moment of weakening democratic norms, we need a new, concerted campaign to ease the path for anyone to challenge unfair decisions made about them by ungoverned AI systems or opt out of AI systems’ use altogether. This must include a private right of action for ordinary people who can show that AI has been used to break the law or violate their rights. We must also open additional pathways to individual and collective contestation, including robust, well-resourced networks of legal aid centers trained in representing low-income clients experiencing algorithmic harms.

We can bring many more people into the process of deciding what kinds of problems powerful AI systems are used to solve, from the way we allocate capital to the way we conduct AI research and development. Closing this gap requires allowing people across society to use AI for issues that matter to them and their communities. The federal government’s program to scale up access to public research, computing power, and data infrastructure is still only a pilot, and Congress has proposed to fund it at only $2.6 billion in its first six years. To grasp that number’s insufficiency, one needed only to listen to Google’s spring earnings call, where investors heard that the tech giant planned to spend about $12 billion on AI development per quarter. Next, the U.S. government should invest in the human and tech infrastructures of “public AI,” to provide both a sandbox for applied innovation in the public interest and a countervailing force to the concentration of economic and agenda-setting power in the AI industry.

These are some of the measures the United States can undertake to govern these new technologies. Even in an administration that broadly supports these goals, however, none of this will be possible or politically viable without a change in the overall balance of power. A broad-based, well-funded, and well-organized political movement on technology policy issues is needed to dramatically expand the coalition of people interested and invested in technology governance in the United States.

Ushering in these reforms begins with telling different stories to help people recognize their stake in these issues and understand that AI tools directly impact their access to quality housing, education, health care, and economic opportunity. This awareness must ultimately translate to pressure on lawmakers, a tool those standing in the way of a democratic vision for AI use to great effect. Musk is reportedly bankrolling a pro-Trump super PAC to the tune of tens of millions per month. Andreessen Horowitz, the venture firm led by anti-regulation founders, increased its lobbying budget between the first and second quarter of this year by 135 percent. Not only are the big corporate tech players spending millions of dollars on lobbying per quarter, but each is also running a political operation, spending big money to elect political candidates who will look after their interests.

The academic, research, and civil society actors whose work has helped change the tech policy landscape have succeeded in building strong policy and research strategies. Now is the time to venture further into the political battlefield and prepare the next generation of researchers, policy experts, and advocates to take up the baton. This will require new tools, such as base-building efforts with groups across the country that can help tie technology governance to popular public issues, and generational investments in political action committees and lobbying. This shift in strategy will require new, significant money; philanthropic funders who have traditionally backed research and nonprofit advocacy will need to also embrace an explicitly political toolkit.

The public interest technology movement urgently needs a political architecture that can at last impose a political cost on lawmakers who allow the illiberal shift of technology companies to proceed unabated. In the age of AI, the viability of efforts to protect democratic representation, practice, and norms may well hinge on the force with which non-industry players choose to fund and build political power—and leverage it.

A choice confronts the United States as we face down AI’s threats to democratic practice, representation, and norms. We can default to passivity, or we can use these instruments to shape a free society for the modern era. The decision is ours to make.

[meika-kuna]

Top Security Features in Modern Card Payment Machine UK

In today’s fast-paced retail and digital environment, secure transactions are the cornerstone of consumer trust. As card payments continue to dominate in the UK, ensuring payment security is essential for businesses of all sizes. A modern card payment machine UK is more than just a transaction tool—it’s a sophisticated device built with powerful security measures. From encrypted data transfers to fraud detection algorithms, these machines are designed to protect both merchants and consumers. At Compare Card Processing, we understand the critical role that security plays in shaping consumer behavior and supporting regulatory compliance.

End-to-End Encryption Protects Every Card Transaction

Modern Card Payment Machine UK systems now include end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to protect cardholder data from the moment the card is tapped or inserted. This encryption ensures that sensitive data cannot be intercepted or tampered with during transmission. Whether payments are processed online or in-store, E2EE secures the full path from the terminal to the payment processor. For merchants using Compare Card Processing, this feature translates to reduced data breach risk and enhanced customer trust.

PCI DSS Compliance Ensures Secure Card Handling Standards

Every reputable card payment machine in the UK must meet Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance. This set of regulations governs how payment data is stored, processed, and transmitted. PCI-compliant machines adhere to best practices in both hardware and software, protecting merchants from liability and fines in case of a breach. Compare Card Processing provides only machines that meet or exceed PCI standards, giving businesses peace of mind. With rising cases of cyber fraud, adherence to such global standards is not just about compliance—it’s about building a secure payment environment.

Tokenization Masks Card Details During Processing

Another key security layer built into the card payment machine UK systems is tokenization. Rather than transmitting actual card numbers, machines convert card data into a non-sensitive, randomly generated string—known as a token. This token can be used for recurring billing or refunds, but it’s meaningless to hackers if intercepted. This technology dramatically lowers the chances of financial data theft. Businesses that use tokenization through Compare Card Processing enjoy an added level of transaction safety without compromising user experience or speed at checkout.

Fraud Detection Algorithms for Real-Time Protection

Advanced card payment machine UK models are now equipped with real-time fraud detection tools. These algorithms evaluate transaction patterns, device behavior, and geolocation to identify suspicious activities. When a potential risk is flagged, the transaction can be paused, declined, or escalated. For businesses partnered with Compare Card Processing, these intelligent systems mean proactive defense against costly fraud. By identifying and reacting to anomalies instantly, fraud detection tools add another powerful layer of protection to modern payment systems.

Tamper-Resistant Hardware Prevents Physical Breaches

Security isn’t only about digital threats—physical tampering is also a concern. Each card payment machine UK used by Compare Card Processing is equipped with tamper-evident and tamper-resistant hardware. These features prevent unauthorized access to internal components or installation of skimming devices. If tampering is detected, the machine will automatically shut down to protect sensitive data. This is especially crucial for high-traffic locations like retail counters or kiosks, where terminals are publicly accessible. With anti-tampering design, merchants can confidently operate in any environment.

Secure Wireless and Contactless Connectivity Options

With the rise of contactless and mobile payments, secure connectivity is essential. Every wireless card payment machine UK must ensure that Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or 4G connections are encrypted and shielded from interference. Card Processing machines support multiple secure communication protocols to reduce vulnerability. Whether accepting payments curbside or at a trade show, businesses benefit from fast, safe connections that keep transactions flowing smoothly. This mobility combined with security provides flexibility without sacrificing customer data protection.

Software Updates Keep Security Features Up-To-Date

Ongoing software updates play a vital role in protecting every card payment machine UK from emerging threats. Outdated firmware can leave systems exposed, which is why Compare Card Processing ensures all terminals receive timely patches. These updates often include bug fixes, security enhancements, and compliance changes. Automated updating reduces manual work for business owners while ensuring machines are protected 24/7. Keeping software current is one of the most overlooked yet crucial parts of a well-secured payment system.

Conclusion

The landscape of payment processing is constantly evolving, and so are the threats that come with it. That’s why understanding the security features of a modern card payment machine in the UK is essential for any business that values its customers’ trust. From encryption and tokenization to fraud detection and tamper-resistant hardware, these machines are engineered to protect every transaction. At Compare Card Processing, we help businesses choose devices with the highest security standards and most advanced features. Investing in the right card payment machine not only safeguards your revenue but also enhances your brand's credibility in a competitive marketplace.

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The Rise of AI Development Services: Empowering the Next Generation of Intelligent Solutions

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a niche area of computer science to a central pillar of digital innovation. As organizations strive to harness the power of automation, machine learning, and intelligent decision-making, many are turning to professional AI Development Services to build solutions that enhance productivity, optimize operations, and drive growth.

What Makes AI Development Essential Today?

In today’s competitive and data-driven world, businesses face constant pressure to innovate, adapt, and improve efficiency. AI plays a crucial role by enabling machines to learn from data, make informed decisions, and execute tasks with minimal human intervention. From self-driving cars to virtual assistants, AI is behind many of the tools that define modern life and business.

What distinguishes AI development services is their ability to tailor intelligent technologies for specific organizational needs—whether it’s automating customer support, predicting market trends, or improving logistics.

Core Components of AI Development

AI development services typically involve several key areas:

Data Strategy & Management: Collecting, cleaning, and organizing data for model training.

Machine Learning Models: Creating systems that improve performance through experience.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enabling machines to understand and respond to human language.

Computer Vision: Teaching computers to interpret and analyze visual information.

Deployment & Maintenance: Ensuring AI models perform reliably in real-world environments.

Each of these components requires expertise, not only in algorithms and programming but also in ethics, security, and scalability.

How Businesses Benefit from AI Development Services

Enhanced Efficiency Routine tasks can be automated, freeing up employees to focus on strategic priorities.

Better Decision-Making AI systems analyze vast amounts of data faster than humans, providing insights that lead to smarter choices.

Personalized User Experiences Recommendation engines, chatbots, and predictive analytics make customer experiences more tailored and engaging.

Cost Savings Automating tasks reduces labor costs, minimizes errors, and increases overall productivity.

Scalability AI systems can scale with your business, handling more data and complexity as you grow.

Real-World Use Cases

Healthcare: AI helps diagnose diseases, suggest treatments, and manage patient records.

Retail: Personalized shopping experiences, inventory forecasting, and dynamic pricing.

Banking & Finance: Fraud detection, credit scoring, and algorithmic trading.

Manufacturing: Predictive maintenance and quality control.

Marketing: Audience segmentation, ad targeting, and campaign optimization.

The Role of Custom AI Solutions

Off-the-shelf AI tools may offer general solutions, but custom AI development services ensure alignment with a company’s goals, infrastructure, and data. Tailored solutions also provide greater control over data privacy, compliance, and integration with existing platforms.

Looking Ahead: AI’s Expanding Role

As AI technology continues to mature, its capabilities will become even more advanced and accessible. Explainable AI, responsible AI, and autonomous systems are just a few emerging trends reshaping industries. Companies that invest in AI now are positioning themselves at the forefront of this transformation.

Final Thoughts

AI is not just a trend—it’s a foundational shift in how businesses operate. With expert AI Development Services, organizations can unlock new levels of innovation, responsiveness, and intelligence.

By investing in smart systems today, companies are building a future where technology works alongside people to solve complex challenges, deliver better experiences, and uncover new possibilities.