#Social banking integration platform

[zahraaziza]

a call to action for everyone who is passionate about palestine:

i have no idea who this message is going to reach, but for the little time i am on this platform, i will amplify the importance of partaking in raising awareness for the palestinian cause.

since i haven't been on here for a long time, i was honestly shocked to return to a ton of informative posts, reblogged in high numbers by my mutuals, on what is happening in palestine.

this current movement on social media, the fact that people across generations are, slowly but surely, waking up to the 76 years of torment, land theft, occupation and genocide the palestinian people are subjected to, has never happened before.

it was about damn time.

everyone, let it be a die heart zionist, a willingly ignorant person or the "people" that are in charge and have all the buttons below their fingertips that could get them to put an end to all of this-

they are never ever going to stop at making you feel insignificant. they are going to downplay your efforts as an activist. they are going to make you question your integrity. they are going to bring up seemingly unrelated issues, in a deplorable effort to make you feel like the "load" that we, as activists and people that are trying to raise awareness about palestine, carry is too much of a burden, to keep going.

they'll tell you things like:

"what is my contribution going to change? we're all doomed to die anyways with how things are going"

"what could a singular dollar/ euro, that i spend, possibly do to support israel? i don't wanna miss out on (xyz item)"

"well if you're so adamant about saving the world, then why don't you go to gaza yourself?"

"yeah right, if that's the case then i would have to also care about (xyz historically oppressed group of people) and i would have to do this, this and that to raise awareness on (xyz historically oppressed group)"

never ever let these individuals in. never ever let them see you doubting your own self or your efforts as an activist.

when i tell you that standing on business has never been more crucial, you can take my word for it.

as someone who, due to the communities i belong to, has practically grown up defending this cause, i can tell you that the tides have not once started to turn the slightest bit in favor for the palestinian cause in the publics perception. most especially in the west.

now is the time to get up on our feet and make room for palestinian voices, not the seeds of doubt planted by zionists.

anyone that still genuinely believes that one, they can't do anything to bring about any change

two, believes there is any legitimacy in the existence of an "israeli state",

or three, denounces and dares to critique the forms of resistance coming from the oppressed palestinians, after five whole months of the ongoing israeli operation to annihilate them to move closer to the achievement of the "greater israel" project, is immediately disqualified in any discussions on the palestinian fight for freedom.

don't ever give your time to zionist apologists or people that try to infiltrate the pro watermelon movement, in order to gain an outlet, in which they can voice their sympathy for core ideas of the zionist movement (a right to israels existence, pseudo self defense argument, pseudo the people are not the state argument, pseudo not all israelis are settlers argument) without further notice.

now is the time of focus. partake in all the activities you can. do your part. do what is achievable.

palestinians, whether it be in the diaspora or on the ground in gaza and the west bank, don't have time for our inconsistencies.

try to control your spending habits as much as you can, try to control the pop culture (tv, music, film) you consume as much as you can. that is the very least we can do.

also, a teeny tiny, but crucial note, we all need to internalize is the fact that we need to decenter ourselves from the end goal, which is the liberation of palestine and land back to the palestinian people.

the people that are going to free palestine aren't us.

palestinians are going to free palestine. the palestinian resistance is going to free palestine.

our obligation is to facilitate that to happen. we partake in the bds boycott, put pressure on representatives of our countries and take to the streets and social media to make the voices of palestine heard.

looking inward and coming to that realization is utmost important for us as non palestinians to know our place in the bigger picture, so we can move on, organize and operate from there.

by no means am i a representative of this cause. but i am human. so i hope that you could all take something from my message.

from the river to the see, palestine will be free!!!

[mariacallous]

The social media site X (formerly Twitter) went dark last Saturday in Brazil, where it had an estimated more than 20 million users. The ban followed months of tensions between owner Elon Musk and Brazilian authorities.

Musk, who took over the site in 2022, has been increasingly vocal about Brazil’s domestic politics. His personal account has boosted right-wing politicians, cast doubts on the integrity of Brazil’s 2022 election, promoted posts about an upcoming political demonstration, and told foreign investors to stay away from the country.

Musk objected to court orders to suspend certain content on X, including the accounts of many right-wing activists, and last month, he refused to name a legal representative for the company in Brazil. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that if X did not reinstate a representative by Aug. 29, the platform would be shut down.

When the day arrived, in anticipation of the ban, X’s global affairs account posted that Moraes’s moves were “manifestly illegal.” It also pledged to publish confidential Brazilian court filings containing Moraes’s orders. Musk posted that the judge was an “evil dictator.”

“Economic power and the size of one’s bank account do not produce some strange immunity from jurisdiction,” Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino wrote Monday as part of a five-person panel that unanimously upheld Moraes’s ban. In the days since the shutdown, Brazilians have migrated to other microblogging sites, such as Bluesky and Threads.

The ban has reignited fierce debates over Brazil’s approach to online content moderation, as well as the conduct of its powerful judges. Brazilian federal judges stepped up their role in policing what they deem to be anti-democratic online content after the 2018 election that brought former President Jair Bolsonaro to power. His campaign was dominated by disinformation, and social media platforms often fell short of their own pledges to moderate it.

Brazil is globally unique for the extent to which its judges moderate online content, University of São Paulo law professor Rafael Mafei told the Café da Manhã podcast. That’s because “the institution that should be leading this discussion, Congress, is not willing to do so,” Mafei said.

When Bolsonaro ran for reelection in 2022, a group of federal judges tasked with overseeing elections—led by Moraes—ordered X, then still known as Twitter, to remove accounts that spread unproved claims of election fraud and praised demonstrations objecting to the result of the vote. (A mob vowing to overturn Bolsonaro’s election loss later stormed various government buildings in the capital, Brasília.)

At the time, Moraes’s social media policing was generally applauded by Brazil’s political center and left. But a growing number of Brazilians have also slammed his content policing as opaque and excessive. Many of the court’s takedown orders in 2022 and since were never publicized. To critics, the secret proceedings—and the fact that the banned accounts were from similar political camps—smacked of censorship.

Moraes moved alone in ordering the new ban on X; only days later did he get an endorsement from the Supreme Court panel that included Dino. Moraes also received widespread criticism from across the political spectrum for ordering a ban on the use of virtual private networks (VPN) to access X—and a hefty fine for violating it. The Brazilian Bar Association filed a lawsuit to reverse the VPN fine.

Still, many people, including Brazilian digital rights experts and Brazilian lawmakers, have defended the X shutdown. Musk’s open efforts to sway Brazilian politics raised the stakes for regulators to take a stand, journalist Rubens Valente wrote in Agência Pública. “To find something similar to Musk’s crusade, you need to go back 60 years to the role of the United States in the 1964 coup.”

“While the threat of blocking [a platform] is nothing new and is provided for in our legal system, this case stands out as the first one a large scale in which a company has completely ignored court rulings for days—and sought the spotlight for it,” Brazilian researcher Fernanda Campagnucci told Foreign Policy’s Rishi Iyengar. She added that the measure, “although drastic, was necessary.”

[xannador]

Have you considered going to Pillowfort?

Long answer down below:

I have been to the Sheezys, the Buzzlys, the Mastodons, etc. These platforms all saw a surge of new activity whenever big sites did something unpopular. But they always quickly died because of mismanagement or users going back to their old haunts due to lack of activity or digital Stockholm syndrome.

From what I have personally seen, a website that was purely created as an alternative to another has little chance of taking off. It it's going to work, it needs to be developed naturally and must fill a different niche. I mean look at Zuckerberg's Threads; died as fast as it blew up. Will Pillowford be any different?

The only alternative that I found with potential was the fediverse (mastodon) because of its decentralized nature. So people could make their own rules. If Jack Dorsey's new dating app Bluesky gets integrated into this system, it might have a chance. Although decentralized communities will be faced with unique challenges of their own (egos being one of the biggest, I think).

Trying to build a new platform right now might be a waste of time anyway because AI is going to completely reshape the Internet as we know it. This new technology is going to send shockwaves across the world akin to those caused by the invention of the Internet itself over 40 years ago. I'm sure most people here are aware of the damage it is doing to artists and writers. You have also likely seen the other insidious applications. Social media is being bombarded with a flood of fake war footage/other AI-generated disinformation. If you posted a video of your own voice online, criminals can feed it into an AI to replicate it and contact your bank in an attempt to get your financial info. You can make anyone who has recorded themselves say and do whatever you want. Children are using AI to make revenge porn of their classmates as a new form of bullying. Politicians are saying things they never said in their lives. Google searches are being poisoned by people who use AI to data scrape news sites to generate nonsensical articles and clickbait. Soon video evidence will no longer be used in court because we won't be able to tell real footage from deep fakes.

50% of the Internet's traffic is now bots. In some cases, websites and forums have been reduced to nothing more than different chatbots talking to each other, with no humans in sight.

I don't think we have to count on government intervention to solve this problem. The Western world could ban all AI tomorrow and other countries that are under no obligation to follow our laws or just don't care would continue to use it to poison the Internet. Pandora's box is open, and there's no closing it now.

Yet I cannot stand an Internet where I post a drawing or comic and the only interactions I get are from bots that are so convincing that I won't be able to tell the difference between them and real people anymore. When all that remains of art platforms are waterfalls of AI sludge where my work is drowned out by a virtually infinite amount of pictures that are generated in a fraction of a second. While I had to spend +40 hours for a visually inferior result.

If that is what I can expect to look forward to, I might as well delete what remains of my Internet presence today. I don't know what to do and I don't know where to go. This is a depressing post. I wish, after the countless hours I spent looking into this problem, I would be able to offer a solution.

All I know for sure is that artists should not remain on "Art/Creative" platforms that deliberately steal their work to feed it to their own AI or sell their data to companies that will. I left Artstation and DeviantArt for those reasons and I want to do the same with Tumblr. It's one thing when social media like Xitter, Tik Tok or Instagram do it, because I expect nothing less from the filth that runs those. But creative platforms have the obligation to, if not protect, at least not sell out their users.

But good luck convincing the entire collective of Tumblr, Artstation, and DeviantArt to leave. Especially when there is no good alternative. The Internet has never been more centralized into a handful of platforms, yet also never been more lonely and scattered. I miss the sense of community we artists used to have.

The truth is that there is nowhere left to run. Because everywhere is the same. You can try using Glaze or Nightshade to protect your work. But I don't know if I trust either of them. I don't trust anything that offers solutions that are 'too good to be true'. And even if take those preemptive measures, what is to stop the tech bros from updating their scrapers to work around Glaze and steal your work anyway? I will admit I don't entirely understand how the technology works so I don't know if this is a legitimate concern. But I'm just wondering if this is going to become some kind of digital arms race between tech bros and artists? Because that is a battle where the artists lose.

[demonicintegrity]

The funniest thing about Elon tweeting this in response to John Oliver's finale is that I can promise you he and his stans don't understand the show's core values nor have watched it for any extended amount of time.

Ignoring how woke as a buzzword is meaningless besides "thing I don't like" the show has always been a critique. Literally always. I've been watching consistently since 2016, each one is an educational critique about something terrible and current. The show has made fun of itself for being The Everything Is Awful Show.

There's also a huge amount of research that goes into the show. Each segment has a lot of cited sources and material they're building off of. Like any good essay, he's working with a bank of information to trim down into a coherent point.

He's also shat on his own sponsors and hosted platform numerous times. There's a genuine integrity to not let where the money's coming from keep him from being critical. (There's an interview with I think Seth Meyers where he mentions it gets him into trouble when doing charity shows because he's so aware of what the hosting company has done and cannot shut up about it.)

But I always love the "humor is illegal" aspect the alt-right wants to claim because it's just wrong. You can be funny in a lot of ways. You can be funny in political and nonpolitical ways. You just have to be good at it. John Oliver and his crew has always been pretty good about using the dry sardonic humor to offset the load of information being delivered. I'm not saying all off the jokes are bangers or are the rib-busting laughs, but it's effective. (Which is a lot more than alt-right and dark humor comedians can do. Because they just want something said to be funny, not do any sort of build up or connecting themes.)

Idk it's just funny where even within the show he said Elon's gonna get mad and tweet something shallow about it and then he does exactly that. And I highly doubt he's the first person to be mad at the show and I doubt it means anything considering Oliver doesn't seem to have a social media presence.

[izicodes]

Hi! I’m a student currently learning computer science in college and would love it if you had any advice for a cool personal project to do? Thanks!

Personal Project Ideas

Hiya!! 💕

It's so cool that you're a computer science student, and with that, you have plenty of options for personal projects that can help with learning more from what they teach you at college. I don't have any experience being a university student however 😅

Someone asked me a very similar question before because I shared my projects list and they asked how I come up with project ideas - maybe this can inspire you too, here's the link to the post [LINK]

However, I'll be happy to share some ideas with you right now. Just a heads up: you can alter the projects to your own specific interests or goals in mind. Though it's a personal project meaning not an assignment from school, you can always personalise it to yourself as well! Also, I don't know the level you are, e.g. beginner or you're pretty confident in programming, if the project sounds hard, try to simplify it down - no need to go overboard!!

But here is the list I came up with (some are from my own list):

Personal Finance Tracker

A web app that tracks personal finances by integrating with bank APIs. You can use Python with Flask for the backend and React for the frontend. I think this would be great for learning how to work with APIs and how to build web applications 🏦

Online Food Ordering System

A web app that allows users to order food from a restaurant's menu. You can use PHP with Laravel for the backend and Vue.js for the frontend. This helps you learn how to work with databases (a key skill I believe) and how to build interactive user interfaces 🙌🏾

Movie Recommendation System

I see a lot of developers make this on Twitter and YouTube. It's a machine-learning project that recommends movies to users based on their past viewing habits. You can use Python with Pandas, Scikit-learn, and TensorFlow for the machine learning algorithms. Obviously, this helps you learn about how to build machine-learning models, and how to use libraries for data manipulation and analysis 📊

Image Recognition App

This is more geared towards app development if you're interested! It's an Android app that uses image recognition to identify objects in a photo. You can use Java or Kotlin for the Android development and TensorFlow for machine learning algorithms. Learning how to work with image recognition and how to build mobile applications - which is super cool 👀

Social Media Platform

(I really want to attempt this one soon) A web app that allows users to post, share, and interact with each other's content. Come up with a cool name for it! You can use Ruby on Rails for the backend and React for the frontend. This project would be great for learning how to build full-stack web applications (a plus cause that's a trend that companies are looking for in developers) and how to work with user authentication and authorization (another plus)! 🎭

Text-Based Adventure Game

If you're interested in game developments, you could make a simple game where users make choices and navigate through a story by typing text commands. You can use Python for the game logic and a library like Pygame for the graphics. This project would be great for learning how to build games and how to work with input/output. 🎮

Weather App

Pretty simple project - I did this for my apprenticeship and coding night classes! It's a web app that displays weather information for a user's location. You can use Node.js with Express for the backend and React for the frontend. Working with APIs again, how to handle asynchronous programming, and how to build responsive user interfaces! 🌈

Online Quiz Game

A web app that allows users to take quizzes and compete with other players. You could personalise it to a module you're studying right now - making a whole quiz application for it will definitely help you study! You can use PHP with Laravel for the backend and Vue.js for the frontend. You get to work with databases, build real-time applications, and maybe work with user authentication. 🧮

Chatbot

(My favourite, I'm currently planning for this one!) A chatbot that can answer user questions and provide information. You can use Python with Flask for the backend and a natural language processing library like NLTK for the chatbot logic. If you want to mauke it more beginner friendly, you could use HTML, CSS and JavaScript and have hard-coded answers set, maybe use a bunch of APIs for the answers etc! This project would be great because you get to learn how to build chatbots, and how to work with natural language processing - if you go that far! 🤖

Another place I get inspiration for more web frontend dev projects is on Behance and Pinterest - on Pinterest search for like "Web design" or "[Specific project] web design e.g. shopping web design" and I get inspiration from a bunch of pins I put together! Maybe try that out!

I hope this helps and good luck with your project!

[rotzaprachim]

This article is from August 2023 and was written by Mohammed R. Mhawish, a Gaza-based journalist writing for the local +972/Local Call publication. I think it covers a LOT of the current talking points with a lot more knowledge and nuance than many of the takes.

"Last week, the southern governorate of Khan Younis and other areas in the center of the Gaza Strip witnessed tense scenes as several thousand Palestinians took to the streets to protest frequent power outages, food shortages, and overall harsh living conditions. Marching under the banner of “Bidna N’eesh” (“We Want to Live”), the mass protests mark a significant expression of public resentment that has accumulated among the blockaded population for years. 

In response, demonstrations in support of Hamas, the Islamist party ruling the strip, paraded down the streets cheering for the government and confronting those who were not voicing support for the movement. The police intervened shortly afterward, reportedly confiscating cell phones and making multiple arrests.

The protests followed days of intense frustration and dispute with the Hamas government, which began after a Khan Younis resident was killed when one of the walls of his house fell on top of him as local authorities attempted to demolish it, claiming it was initially built on a public road. The authorities alleged the man’s death was a tragic accident, firing the mayor of the responsible municipality.

Characterized by their mobility, brevity, and direct impact, the marches appear to be coordinated by grassroots movements through online platforms and social media. Several Palestinians who were among the crowds told me that their demonstrations stem from a fundamental demand for their basic human rights, which include necessities like public services, employment, freedom to travel, and the ability to engage in outside commerce. At the time of writing, the Hamas government has not shared with the public any foreseeable solution to any of these grievances, or how it will address people’s anger.

Electricity has been at the center of the protesters’ demands. While Gaza’s energy crisis predates the current protests, the scorching heat waves enveloping the region this summer have driven temperatures to soar above 38 degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) in the strip. The heat has only added to the growing discontent among the territory’s 2.3 million Palestinian residents, who are confined to a stretch of land of around 360 square kilometers that has, since 2007, been cut off by an Israeli blockade that affects every facet of daily life.

This collective frustration has been building over a considerable period of time, as Gaza’s population has to subsist on a daily ration of only four-to-six hours of electricity. Certain residences and businesses resort to private generators or solar panels in order to cope with the prolonged power outages. For others unable to afford such costly equipment, modest battery-powered LED lights provide makeshift illumination, while others fan themselves with plastic trays to try and beat the heat.

According to local energy bodies, Gaza requires approximately 500 megawatts of power per day during the summer season. However, it currently receives a mere 120 megawatts from Israel, with the enclave’s solitary power plant — repeatedly damaged by Israeli military assaults and weakened by restrictions on materials — contributing an additional 60 megawatts. Lately, social media footage has shown Gaza shrouded in darkness at night, with few lights emanating from its cities. 

While the public and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in the West Bank predominantly attribute Gaza’s challenges to Israel’s occupation, many people believe that Hamas still has some capacity, and the obligation, to initiate helpful measures, including by increasing the power plant’s production and operating it at maximum capacity, especially during the summer.

Bearing the toll

Over the past 16 years, Gaza has become a crucible for enduring humanitarian, economic, and political hardship. The enclave has experienced several rounds of deadly wars with Israel, most devastatingly in the summer of 2014. The closure imposed on all of Gaza’s entry points has plunged the economy into decay, leading to a sharp rise in unemployment and resulting in severe scarcity of essential supplies and other resources.

Palestinians have had to navigate significant divisions within their political leadership, the most apparent of which were the armed clashes between Fatah and Hamas in 2007. Hamas had secured victory in the 2006 parliamentary elections from other factions, controlling the legislature and prime minister’s post while Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas was elected to the presidency. 

The Palestinian government was immediately met with sanctions by Israel, the United States, and European countries, exacerbating the factional rivalry that led to Hamas taking over Gaza. Since then, the territory has sunk under the weight of Israel’s crippling siege. 

However, the present demonstrations in Gaza stand out due to the heightened level of public engagement and the number of protesters involved. The gravity of the situation is manifold, and the population’s living conditions are only becoming more challenging. 

Palestinians have long called for new, inclusive elections, reflecting an exhilarating demand for change. Yet public support for Hamas in Gaza persists, and there is rising concern that the voices of those who seek some form of change and restoration of their rights will be stifled — both by Israeli and Palestinian authorities.

There are several aspects to the evolving complexities among Palestinian political actors. Fatah and Hamas are involved in an ongoing mutual blame game, each attributing Gaza’s troubles to the other party. The PA urges Hamas to take action even as it primarily holds Israel responsible as the occupying power (one which the PA cooperates with under the Oslo Accords). All the while, it is the people who bear the toll and face ominous consequences while the feeble pursuit of reconciliation continues.

Members of Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, guard the street in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, December 14, 2022. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)

Last but not least, Islamic Jihad, once a marginal movement, has recently emerged as a significant player in the Palestinian geopolitical landscape. During Israel’s latest two wars on Gaza in August 2022 and May 2023, Islamic Jihad displayed relatively independent and effective decision-making power on the military front, although it still seeks the political and military endorsement of Hamas as the ruling authority.

Beyond the social fragmentation in Gaza and the West Bank, one winner is currently taking all: the Israeli far right, which is relentlessly targeting the foundations of the Palestinian struggle and advancing its vision of permanently scattering the Palestinian population into disparate territorial and political enclaves.

Under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, the current government is seizing every opportunity to solidify its presence in the West Bank. This includes the construction of illegal settlements, the annihilation of any attempt at armed or popular resistance, and the annexation of Palestinian land and resources — further weakening the basis of any Palestinian political process. 

A united front for liberation

The current protests in Gaza undoubtedly echo the legitimate demands of the Palestinian people, who are deserving and capable of forging a new, united front toward freedom and dignity. But the biggest question remains: do the Palestinian leaders possess the willingness to heed these calls, and to take effective measures toward fulfilling them?

Both external and internal observers often attribute the divisions among Palestinian factions to contrasting political and ideological interests. Yet such differences should, if anything, lay the foundation and impetus for a broad political coalition that can align communal needs with the pursuit of liberation. While some argue that the Palestinian factions are gradually realigning against Israel and not each other, many still hold a sense of despair over whether they will ever see a unified leadership that spans the spectrum of war and peace, resistance and governance, and that brings Palestinians together under one common rule.

Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip Ismail Haniyeh (center left) and Yahya Sinwar (center right) march during a protest against US President Donald Trump’s “Deal of the Century” and the “Peace to Prosperity” conference in Bahrain, in Gaza City, June 26, 2019. (Hassan Jedi/Flash90)

In Gaza, there is a notable sentiment that having an armed presence that safeguards Palestinians’ right to self-defense against Israeli military aggression should not overshadow people’s aspiration to live with as much independence and prosperity as they can muster under occupation. The goal of breaking the Israeli blockade, once the primary beacon of hope for freedom in Gaza, is intertwined with the pursuit of meeting basic needs within Gaza’s borders, like two more hours of access to clean drinking water or electricity a day.

This is accompanied by a widespread view that Hamas, like other Palestinian factions, is trying to control and silence grassroots activism and dissent, eliciting further irritation from the public. The Palestinian leaders’ verbal acceptance of the idea of change should not only mean blending their varying perspectives together, but has to also mean a stop to sweeping the people’s collective calls under the carpet for a better future. 

Indeed, the intensification of Israeli attacks on all Palestinians across the land, and the aim to disperse the public sphere in Gaza, make these protests an ideal time to reassert the need for a unified Palestinian leadership that can thrive — one that prioritizes upholding human values and the basic needs of life under occupation, and that does not stumble amid the rapidly changing shifts in the regional and international landscape, which have marginalized the Palestinians’ demands for freedom and for decent living conditions too.

More importantly, the current leaderships — both in Gaza and the West Bank — should refrain from governing by diktat, and should instead respect the will of the majority and adhere to the country’s legal frameworks and vision for liberation. Attempting to force change through open conflict with a discontented public is unlikely to succeed. It has never been a successful or just method to achieve self-determination, especially when led by scattered minority factions, each chanting a different slogan and seemingly unconcerned with democratic representation. Each leader ends up clinging to power with no real intention of improving and safeguarding the lives of their constituents.

To overcome these challenges, Palestinians must be able to convey criticisms in a way that resonates with the supporters of each party, rather than simply proving their leaders wrong — thereby demonstrating the possibility of unity. The current Gaza protests, and the Unity Intifada that erupted across all of Palestine two years ago, indicate the necessity of such a united path. Once it has been truly achieved, no external influence will be able to hinder, disregard, or fragment the substantial majority of the people from breaking free from their cycle of exclusion.

Until then, the Palestinian people deserve the chance to address the very valid debate over a much-needed policy roadmap that would determine the fate of their struggle. By setting aside divergent realpolitik on the internal battleground, and doing what can be done for the people with the tools they have, only then can they remain steadfast and hopeful in the face of an occupying force."

[freedombloggers]

5 Free Software Tools to Create Stunning Images for Social Media and Blog Posts

Alright, guys, today we're diving into the world of image creation for social media and featured blog posts. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting out on your blogging journey, having eye-catching images is essential for grabbing your audience's attention and driving engagement. But with so many image editing tools out there, which ones should you use? Well, fear not, because I've rounded up the best free software for creating images that will take your social media game to the next level. Let's dive in!

Canva: First up on our list is Canva – the ultimate graphic design tool for beginners and pros alike. With Canva, you can create stunning images for social media, blog posts, presentations, and more, all with drag-and-drop simplicity. Choose from thousands of pre-designed templates, fonts, and graphics, or start from scratch and let your creativity run wild. Canva's intuitive interface and extensive library of assets make it a must-have tool for any content creator.

Adobe Express: Next up, we have Adobe Express – a powerful design tool from the creators of Photoshop and Illustrator. With Adobe Express, you can create stunning graphics, web pages, and video stories in minutes, right from your browser or mobile device. Choose from a variety of professionally designed templates, customize with your own photos and text, and share your creations across all your social media channels with ease. Plus, its seamless integration with other Adobe products makes it a no-brainer for anyone already using Adobe's creative suite.

PicMonkey: Another great option for creating eye-catching images is PicMonkey. With PicMonkey, you can easily edit photos, create graphics, and design collages without any technical know-how. Choose from a wide range of filters, effects, and overlays to give your images that extra pop, or use PicMonkey's powerful design tools to create custom graphics from scratch. Plus, with PicMonkey's user-friendly interface and intuitive features, you'll be creating stunning images in no time.

Pixlr: If you're looking for a free alternative to Photoshop, look no further than Pixlr. With Pixlr, you can edit photos, create collages, and design graphics with ease, all from your web browser or mobile device. Choose from a variety of editing tools, filters, and effects to enhance your images, or start from scratch and let your creativity run wild. Plus, with Pixlr's cloud-based platform, you can access your projects from anywhere and collaborate with others in real-time.

GIMP: Last but not least, we have GIMP – the GNU Image Manipulation Program. While GIMP may not have the most user-friendly interface, it's a powerful open-source alternative to expensive image editing software like Photoshop. With GIMP, you can retouch photos, create custom graphics, and design stunning visuals for your social media and blog posts. Plus, with a little bit of practice, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish with this free, feature-packed tool.

In conclusion, creating eye-catching images for social media and featured blog posts doesn't have to break the bank. With these free software options, you can easily design stunning visuals that will grab your audience's attention and drive engagement. So why wait? Start creating today and take your content to the next level!

[ambushingghostart]

Blog numero 3

How has cyberfemism disrupt barriers that oppresses women from adapting in a world of technology?  

Technology has connected people globally, interlinking networks with economical wealth but to this day women are being marginalized in a system that favors men. Cyberfeminism empowerment in digital technology has transform the structure in the framework and distributed a system that has oppressed women. Donna Haraway’s “cyborg” theory of becoming part human and part machine has given women the ability to challenge traditional gender roles or resist oppressive patriarch structure. The influence of cyberfeminism has help protect women with technology and is demonstrated on the website Hollabacknyc that encourage women to document and report unwanted harassment. The platform brought awareness to the unsafe environment for women and a protection to combat unwanted advances. 

Why do we create bias algorithms? 

Technology was supposed to help humanity share information quicker and improve people's lives but instead technology and its algorithms help corporations, health care and banking systems with the ability to target and marginalized groups of people. These specialized algorithms that monitor your data and retrieve your information are automated to deny benefits to people of color in a higher percentage and can create economic hardships such in the reading in Automating Inequality (Eubanks). A system that is programmed to make money instead of helping is a flawed tool and shows that technology is manipulated to create barriers especially in underserved communities. 

We need policies by government and social groups to monitor how healthcare is being provided and administered to communities.  

Why is technology leaving minority women behind? 

In the United States technology is more accessible to certain communities than others but women are the most affected, especially women of color. In Rethinking Cyberfeminism, women in countries with developing infrastructure are being left behind in technology and not being integrated to the economic system. Development and innovation are being manufactured in a high rate, but the power continue to create barrier to women because of systemic issues that affect gender roles in many developing countries.  

Is technology our new security system?  

In the video Race and Technology by Nicole Brown highlights how technology has been automated to police citizens and minorities communities in many different sectors of daily life. These algorithms are created to monitor and target groups with biased data, and it can be considered racial profiling. Surveillance has been implemented with technology by using artificial intelligence which is a flawed system known to make mistakes. How secure should we feel when the systems in place to make you feel safe can end up targeting you because of how you look? 

How do we combat facial recognition when it is wrong? 

How do you prove your innocence when a system is programmed to be correct 99 percent of the time? In the Nijeer Parks story of how he was wrongly accused and jailed for a crime he did not commit because of the mistake of facial recognition technology was used to find a suspect. Another Arrest and Jail Time Dude to a Bad Facial Recognition Match by Kashmir Hill covers how technology and police surveillance is not being criticized by any outside safety nets. We need accountability and a system that protects people from being detained for data and manipulated algorithms. 

Brown, N (2020). Race and Technology.  

Daniels, J (2009). Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment. The Feminist Press 

Eubanks, Automating Inequality. Pdf 

[kanyakumaro]

How Cash App Weekly Limits Affect Your Transactions

In today’s fast-paced financial environment, mobile payment platforms like Cash App have become integral to managing and transferring money efficiently. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Cash App is a popular choice for handling everyday transactions. However, one common question among users is whether Cash App imposes any weekly limits on transactions. This comprehensive guide delves into Cash App weekly limits, exploring its various aspects and providing insights into how you can manage and potentially increase these limits.

Understanding Cash App Limits

Cash App, developed by Square, Inc., is a versatile financial tool that allows users to send, receive, and manage money directly from their smartphones. It supports various transactions, including peer-to-peer payments, direct deposits, and investment in stocks and Bitcoin. However, like many financial services, Cash App has specific limits on transactions to ensure security and regulatory compliance.

What are the Cash App Transfer Limits?

Cash App sets limits on how much you can send or receive per transaction and within specific time frames. These limits can vary based on your verification status and account type (personal or business). Typically, unverified accounts have lower limits compared to verified accounts.

What is the Cash App Withdrawal Limit Per Day?

The Cash App withdrawal limit per day is another critical factor to consider. Cash App allows users to withdraw cash from ATMs or transfer funds to their bank accounts. The daily limit may impact how much you can access or transfer in a given week.

What are the Cash App Sending and Receiving Limits?

Cash App imposes limits on both sending and receiving money. For unverified accounts, the sending limit is usually capped at $250 per week, while the receiving limit can be up to $1,000 per month. Verified accounts enjoy higher limits, often reaching up to $7,500 per week for sending money.

Cash App Max Transfer

The maximum transfer limit can vary depending on your verification status and account history. Verified users can transfer up to $7,500 per week, while unverified users face significantly lower limits.

How to Increase Cash App Limits?

To increase Cash App limits, you need to verify your account. Verification involves providing personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once verified, you can enjoy higher limits on sending, receiving, and withdrawing money.

Steps to Increase Your Cash App Limits

Complete Account Verification: Provide the necessary personal information to verify your account.

Submit Required Documents: Upload any additional documents requested by Cash App for further verification.

Wait for Approval: Cash App will review your information and update your limits once verification is complete.

FAQ About Increasing Cash App Weekly Limits

1. What is the Cash App weekly limit for unverified accounts?

Unverified Cash App accounts typically have a sending limit of $250 per week and a receiving limit of $1,000 per month.

2. How can I check my Cash App limits?

You can view your current Cash App limits by navigating to the "Account" or "Settings" section within the app.

3. Can I increase my Cash App withdrawal limit?

Yes, you can increase Cash App withdrawal limit by verifying your account. Verified users generally have higher withdrawal limits.

4. What is the Cash App transfer limit per day?

The Cash App daily transfer limit varies based on your verification status. Unverified accounts usually have lower limits compared to verified accounts.

5. How do I increase my Cash App limit from $2,500 to $7,500?

To increase your limit, you need to complete the account verification process. Once verified, your limits will be adjusted accordingly.

6. Are there any Cash App limits for business accounts?

Yes, business accounts on Cash App may have different limits compared to personal accounts. The limits are typically higher but can vary based on account activity and verification.

7. What is the Cash App limit for adding cash?

The limit for adding cash to your Cash App balance can vary based on your account verification status and linked funding sources.

8. How does Cash App handle ATM withdrawal limits?

Cash App imposes daily ATM withdrawal limits. You can check your specific limit in the app’s settings or by contacting Cash App support.

Conclusion

While Cash App does not explicitly define a weekly limit, various transaction limits and account settings affect how much you can send, receive, and withdraw. Understanding these limits and verifying your account are crucial steps to maximise your Cash App experience. By following the outlined steps, you can manage your transactions effectively and enjoy the flexibility that Cash App offers.

For more information and updates on Cash App limits and features, stay tuned to the official Cash App website or contact their support team.

[cash-app-transfer-limits]

How to Upgrade Your Cash App Transaction Limits Quickly

Cash App has become a popular tool for managing digital transactions, providing users with a convenient way to send, receive, and store money. However, like all financial platforms, Cash App has set limits on various types of transactions to ensure security and regulatory compliance. Understanding these transaction limits—and knowing how to increase them—can enhance your Cash App experience, allowing you to use the platform more effectively. This article provides a comprehensive summary of Cash App transaction limits and offers practical steps to increase them.

Understanding Cash App Transaction Limits

Cash App sets limits on different types of transactions to protect users and maintain platform integrity. These limits apply to various transactions, including sending, receiving, withdrawing, and transferring funds. Here's a breakdown of the primary Cash App limits:

Cash App Sending Limit: When you first set up your Cash App account, the sending limit is set at $250 per week. This means you can send up to $250 within any seven days. However, this limit can be increased by verifying your account.

Cash App Receiving Limit: The initial receiving limit for Cash App is $1,000 within a 30-day period. Like the sending limit, this can be increased by completing the account verification process.

Cash App Withdrawal Limit Per Day: The daily withdrawal limit from ATMs using the Cash App card is set at $1,000 per 24-hour period. For Bitcoin withdrawals, the daily limit is $2,000 worth of Bitcoin.

Cash App Transfer Limit: Cash App allows you to transfer up to $2,500 per day to a linked bank account. This limit applies to all types of transfers from your Cash App balance.

Cash App Bitcoin Withdrawal Limit: Cash App users can withdraw up to $2,000 worth of Bitcoin per 24-hour period and up to $5,000 per week.

Cash App Limit Per Week: For sending funds, the default limit is $250 per week unless the account is verified, at which point the limit can increase significantly, often up to $7,500 per week.

How to Increase Your Cash App Transaction Limits?

Increasing your Cash App transaction limits involves a few straightforward steps. Here's how you can do it:

Verify Your Cash App Account: The most direct way to increase your transaction limits on Cash App is by verifying your account. To verify your account, you need to provide your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once verified, your sending limit can increase from $250 per week to up to $7,500 per week, and your receiving limit becomes unlimited.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication can not only protect your account but also may improve your eligibility for higher limits.

Build a Positive Transaction History: Consistently using Cash App for transactions and maintaining a positive balance can help build a trustworthy transaction history. Over time, Cash App may increase your limits based on your usage patterns and account activity.

Contact Cash App Support: If your transaction needs exceed the default or verified limits, you can contact Cash App support directly to request a higher limit. Be prepared to provide additional documentation or identification to support your request.

Upgrade to a Higher Tier Cash Card: While upgrading your Cash Card might not directly impact your Cash App limits, some higher-tier cards come with added benefits and features that could indirectly enhance your overall Cash App experience.

FAQs About Cash App Transaction Limits

Q1: What is the Cash App transaction limit per day?

A1: The Cash App transaction limit per day varies depending on the type of transaction. For ATM withdrawals, the limit is $1,000 per 24-hour period. For Bitcoin withdrawals, it is $2,000 worth of Bitcoin per day. The transfer limit to a bank account is up to $2,500 per day.

Q2: How can I increase my Cash App sending limit?

A2: To increase Cash App sending limit, you need to verify your account by providing your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once verified, the sending limit can increase from $250 per week to up to $7,500 per week.

Q3: What is the Cash App Bitcoin withdrawal limit?

A3: The Cash App Bitcoin withdrawal limit is $2,000 worth of Bitcoin per 24-hour period and $5,000 per week.

Q4: Can I increase my Cash App withdrawal limit per day?

A4: Yes, you can increase Cash App withdrawal limit per day by verifying your account and maintaining a good transaction history. Additionally, contacting Cash App support to request a higher limit may be effective.

Q5: Why does Cash App have a limit on transactions?

A5: Cash App has limits on transactions to enhance security, comply with regulatory requirements, and manage risks associated with financial transactions.

Q6: What should I do if I reach my Cash App transaction limit?

A6: If you reach your Cash App transaction limit, you will need to wait for the limit to reset after 24 hours for daily limits or after seven days or 30 days for weekly and monthly limits, respectively. Alternatively, you can contact Cash App support to discuss a possible increase.

Q7: How does the Cash App daily limit reset?

A7: Cash App daily limits typically reset 24 hours after reaching the limit. For example, if you hit your daily ATM withdrawal limit of $1,000, you will need to wait 24 hours from that point for the limit to reset.

By understanding and managing your Cash App transaction limits effectively, you can ensure a seamless experience while using the platform. Whether you are sending money, withdrawing cash, or transferring funds, knowing how to increase your limits provides you with greater flexibility and control over your financial transactions.

[designnest]

Mastering Design: A Comprehensive Guide to Free Graphic Design Resources

Graphic design is a dynamic field that requires a keen eye for aesthetics, a mastery of various tools and techniques, and access to the right graphic design resources.

Whether you're a seasoned designer looking to expand your toolkit or a novice seeking to enhance your skills, having access to free graphic design resources can be invaluable.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top free resources available to designers, from high-quality images and fonts to versatile design software and tutorials.

By harnessing the power of these resources, you can elevate your designs, streamline your workflow, and unlock your full creative potential.

1. Unsplash:

Unsplash is a goldmine for high-resolution, royalty-free images that can breathe life into your designs. With a diverse collection spanning countless categories, from nature and architecture to technology and fashion, Unsplash offers designers an endless source of inspiration without any licensing fees.

2. Google Fonts:

Typography is a cornerstone of effective design, and Google Fonts provides a vast selection of free, open-source typefaces to choose from. Whether you're looking for classic serifs, modern sans-serifs, or decorative display fonts, Google Fonts offers something for every project, all accessible with a simple integration into your design software or website.

3. Canva:

Canva has democratized graphic design with its intuitive platform and extensive library of templates, graphics, and tools. While Canva offers premium features with a subscription, its free version still packs a punch, allowing users to create professional-looking designs for a variety of purposes, from social media graphics to business presentations.

4. Pexels:

Like Unsplash, Pexels offers a vast collection of high-quality stock photos and videos, all available for free download and use. Whether you need striking visuals for a website, blog post, or marketing campaign, Pexels provides designers with a treasure trove of visually stunning assets to enhance their projects.

5. Adobe Spark:

Adobe Spark offers a suite of design tools for creating graphics, web pages, and video stories, all accessible for free with a basic account. With its easy-to-use interface and customizable templates, Adobe Spark empowers designers to create eye-catching visuals and multimedia content without the need for advanced technical skills or expensive software.

6. Font Squirrel:

Font Squirrel is a valuable resource for designers seeking high-quality, commercially licensed fonts that won't break the bank. With its curated collection of free fonts, Font Squirrel offers designers a diverse range of typefaces to choose from, ensuring that every project has the perfect typography to make it stand out.

7. Pixabay:

Pixabay is a one-stop shop for free stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos, contributed by a global community of creators. With its extensive library and easy-to-use search functionality, Pixabay provides designers with a wealth of visual resources to enhance their projects, all available for free download and use.

8. Freepik:

Freepik offers a vast selection of free graphic resources, including vector graphics, illustrations, icons, and PSD files. Whether you're designing a website, brochure, or social media post, Freepik provides designers with a wealth of creative assets to choose from, all available for free with proper attribution.

9. Gravit Designer:

Gravit Designer is a powerful vector design tool that offers a free version with essential features for creating stunning graphics. With its intuitive interface and robust set of tools, Gravit Designer empowers designers to bring their creative visions to life with precision and ease, all without the need for expensive software.

10. Inkscape:

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that rivals premium software with its extensive features and flexibility. Whether you're a professional designer or a hobbyist, Inkscape provides a versatile platform for creating everything from logos and illustrations to diagrams and mockups, all without spending a dime.

In conclusion, mastering graphic design requires not only talent and skill but also access to the right resources. By leveraging the top free graphic design resources outlined in this guide, you can elevate your designs, streamline your workflow, and unlock your full creative potential without breaking the bank.

Whether you're in need of high-quality images, fonts, templates, or design software, the internet offers a wealth of free resources waiting to be explored.

So why wait? Start harnessing the power of these free graphic design resources today and take your designs to new heights!

[xettle-technologies]

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Fintech Technology

In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology (fintech), the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the future in profound ways. From revolutionizing customer experiences to optimizing operational efficiency, AI is unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth across the fintech ecosystem. As a pioneer in fintech software development, Xettle Technologies is at the forefront of leveraging AI to drive transformative change and shape the future of finance.

Fintech technology encompasses a wide range of solutions, including digital banking, payment processing, wealth management, and insurance. In each of these areas, AI is playing a pivotal role in driving innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and delivering value to businesses and consumers alike.

One of the key areas where AI is reshaping the future of fintech technology is in customer experiences. Through techniques such as natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are revolutionizing the way customers interact with financial institutions.

Xettle Technologies has pioneered the integration of AI-powered chatbots into its digital banking platforms, providing customers with personalized assistance and support around the clock. These chatbots can understand and respond to natural language queries, provide account information, offer product recommendations, and even execute transactions, all in real-time. By delivering seamless and intuitive experiences, AI-driven chatbots enhance customer satisfaction, increase engagement, and drive loyalty.

Moreover, AI is enabling financial institutions to gain deeper insights into customer behavior, preferences, and needs. Through advanced analytics and predictive modeling, AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, trends, and correlations that were previously invisible to human analysts.

Xettle Technologies' AI-powered analytics platforms leverage machine learning to extract actionable insights from transaction data, social media activity, and other sources. By understanding customer preferences and market dynamics more accurately, businesses can tailor their offerings, refine their marketing strategies, and drive growth in targeted segments.

AI is also transforming the way financial institutions manage risk and detect fraud. Through the use of advanced algorithms and data analytics, AI can analyze transaction patterns, detect anomalies, and identify potential threats in real-time.

Xettle Technologies has developed sophisticated fraud detection systems that leverage AI to monitor transactions, identify suspicious activity, and prevent fraudulent transactions before they occur. By continuously learning from new data and adapting to emerging threats, these AI-powered systems provide businesses with robust security measures and peace of mind.

In addition to enhancing customer experiences and mitigating risks, AI is driving operational efficiency and innovation in fintech software development. Through techniques such as robotic process automation (RPA) and intelligent workflow management, AI-powered systems can automate routine tasks, streamline processes, and accelerate time-to-market for new products and services.

Xettle Technologies has embraced AI-driven automation across its software development lifecycle, from code generation and testing to deployment and maintenance. By automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflows, Xettle's development teams can focus on innovation and value-added activities, delivering high-quality fintech solutions more efficiently and effectively.

Looking ahead, the integration of AI into fintech technology is expected to accelerate, driven by advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and computational power. As AI algorithms become more sophisticated and data sources become more diverse, the potential for innovation in  fintech software  is virtually limitless.

For Xettle Technologies, this presents a unique opportunity to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fintech innovation. By investing in research and development, forging strategic partnerships, and staying ahead of emerging trends, Xettle is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses, drive growth, and shape the future of finance.

In conclusion, AI is reshaping the future of fintech technology in profound and exciting ways. From enhancing customer experiences and mitigating risks to driving operational efficiency and innovation, AI-powered solutions hold immense potential for businesses and consumers alike. As a leader in fintech software development, Xettle Technologies is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging AI to drive meaningful change and shape the future of finance.

[kngshuen]

Is Social Media Useful in Spreading Information on COVID-19 in Malaysia?

In the current digital era, social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us to our family, friends, and the world. In addition to sharing photos, social media has played a significant role in disseminating information about crucial issues, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's explore how social media helps spread virus-related information and its impact on digital communities.

The Power of Social Media for COVID-19 Information

1. Rapid Dissemination of Information

During the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased social media activity in Malaysia played a crucial role. Malaysians were well-connected digitally, as they spent an average of 2 hours and 47 minutes daily on social media, surpassing the global average by a significant margin. This participation was primarily motivated by the need to obtain information (76.2%) and keep up with news and events (65.8%). Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp were the primary sources for vital updates, news, and recommendations. This ongoing flow of information helps increase the awareness and preparedness of the digital community (Howe, 2023).

2. Real-time Updates

The Malaysian government provided up-to-date COVID-19 information via e-government and social media. They relied on channels such as the Ministry of Health's Official Portal, specialised Facebook pages (such as CRPC and KKM), and the CPRC KKM channel on Telegram. The Director-General of Health's daily press briefings are not only broadcast live on television but also live online via Facebook. In April 2020, they released the MySejahtera mobile app to assist users in monitoring their health and reporting check-in locations, allowing for prompt responses to control the spread of the virus (Dawi et al., 2021).

3. Community Support

During these difficult times, social media has been essential in helping Malaysians feel more connected to one another, with many Facebook groups and online communities offering information and support. For example, neighbours used platforms such as Nextdoor to offer assistance to those in need, and digital communities united in unprecedented ways to share resources and aid one another (FMT Media Sdn Bhd, 2020). Moreover,  #benderaputih groups were formed on Facebook to share addresses for assistance and information on local food banks, with Malaysians in need flying white flags outside their residences to indicate distress. The digital community, including neighbours, personalities, and businesses, responded by donating food and other necessities, demonstrating the power of social media to bring communities together in times of crisis (BBC News, 2021).

4. Countering Misinformation

By actively utilizing social media, the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) has taken significant measures to combat COVID-19 misinformation. Through their official social media channels, KKM provides accurate and up-to-date information, dispels misconceptions, and addresses concerns, ensuring that the public receives trustworthy information and is better equipped to make informed decisions during the pandemic. In addition, KKM has released information about the repercussions of disseminating false information. This proactive approach not only helps counter Misinformation but also fosters a sense of trust in official sources, which is crucial during a public health crisis (Euronews, 2020).

The Dark Side of Social Media in COVID-19 Information Spread

1. Misinformation and Rumors

In Malaysia, as in many other countries, social media has served as a breeding ground for Misinformation and rumors about COVID-19. Facebook and WhatsApp have been used to spread false information about the virus's origins, prevention, and treatment options. This has led to public confusion and, in some cases, hazardous behavior, such as disregarding medical advice. False information can undermine the efforts of health authorities and exacerbate the pandemic's effects, causing unnecessary alarm (Balakrishnan et al., 2021).

2. Amplification of Fear

Despite its many advantages, social media can be a double-edged instrument, particularly during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. One of its negative characteristics is its potential to amplify fear and anxiety. Sensationalized headlines and the dissemination of misleading images can elicit strong emotions, resulting in increased stress and negative effects on mental health. The internet has been rife with misleading information about the virus, including conspiracy theories and misleading statistics. There have been instances where images fraudulently purporting to depict the coronavirus under a microscope have caused panic and confusion. Such false information can be extensively disseminated on social media platforms like Facebook, inciting panic and undermining accurate comprehension (Euronews, 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, social media has proven to be a powerful tool in spreading information about COVID-19 in Malaysia. During the pandemic, it rapidly disseminated vital information and connected people, nurturing community and support. The government's use of social media channels contributed to disseminating timely information to the public. However, this has a negative aspect: disseminating false information and terror. Misinformation and sensationalized content have led to public perplexity and hysteria. To maximize the benefits of social media, we must use it responsibly and ensure that accurate information prevails, particularly during the pandemic. Connecting and informing us, social media can be a force for good, but it is up to each of us to ensure that it serves our best interests.

What's your opinion on the role of social media in spreading COVID-19 information in Malaysia? Share your thoughts and vote below.

Reference list

Balakrishnan, V., Ng, K. S., & Rahim, H. A. (2021). To share or not to share – The underlying motives of sharing fake news amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Technology in Society, 66, 101676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101676

BBC News. (2021). Malaysians in Covid lockdown fly white flags to ask for help. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57717214

Dawi, N. M., Namazi, H., Hwang, H. J., Ismail, S., Marešová, P., & Krejcar, O. (2021). Attitude toward protective behavior engagement during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: the role of e-government and social media. Frontiers in Public Health, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.609716

Euronews. (2020, January 30). Coronavirus: Malaysia arrests five for spreading misinformation online | #TheCube. Euronews. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2020/01/29/coronavirus-malaysia-arrests-five-for-spreading-misinformation-online-thecube

FMT Media Sdn Bhd. (2020). Nextdoor: Free network connecting neighbours in quarantine. Freemalaysiatoday. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2020/03/29/nextdoor-free-network-connecting-neighbours-in-quarantine/

Howe, S. (2023). Social Media statistics for Malaysia [Updated 2023]. Meltwater. https://www.meltwater.com/en/blog/social-media-statistics-malaysia

[aronarchy]

Top Members of Far-Right Swedish Party With Neo-Nazi Roots Meet Israeli Minister in Knesset

David Stavrou, Jonathan Lis and Noa Shpigel Jan 29, 2024

A delegation of senior members from the far-right party in Sweden, the Swedish Democrats, arrived in Israel on an unofficial visit and met on Monday with Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chickli in the Knesset.

The party, currently the second-largest in the Swedish parliament, has roots in neo-Nazi and antisemitic ideologies. It is one of several European parties with which Israel has refrained from establishing official ties.

The delegation has visited Yad Vashem, one of the crossings connecting Israel to the West Bank, and the Old City in Jerusalem.

Officials in Sweden following the party suggest that the visit is part of its attempt to whitewash its antisemitic and racist positions by presenting itself as a friend of Israel.

In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the party leader, Jimmie Akesson, wrote: “It is clear that our parties and our nations share common values,” accompanied by a photo of himself with Minister Chikli.

Party members told Haaretz that they met with several ministers during their visit but refused to disclose their names.

Israel has so far refrained from engaging with the Swedish Democrats not only due to their neo-Nazi roots but also because members of the party have disseminated conspiracy theories and expressed racist, antisemitic, and Islamophobic sentiments in recent years.

Israel’s Ambassador to Stockholm, Ziv Nevo Kulman, even declared that Israel does not maintain and will not establish future relations with the party. The Israeli foreign ministry, which was not involved in coordinating the visit, clarified on Monday that “there is no change in policy towards the party.”

Among the delegation members who visited the Knesset were party leader Akesson, the chairman of the Swedish parliament’s foreign affairs committee, Aron Emilsson, the head of the party’s parliamentary group, Linda Lindberg, and the head of the party’s group in the European Parliament, Charlie Weimers.

Weimers is one of the party’s top members who already visited Israel in May of last year. During the previous visit, it was reported that party leaders met with Knesset member Amit Halevi from Likud and former Knesset member Michael Kleiner, who now serves as the president of the Likud’s court.

Though part of the Swedish political establishment today, the Sweden Democrats do indeed have roots in Nazism. Some of the party’s founders were known Nazis, such as its first auditor, Gustaf Ekström, who was a Waffen-SS veteran.

The party’s first spokesperson Leif Ericsson and its first chairman Anders Klarström were both active in various neo-Nazi and extremist right-wing parties, and the chairman of the party’s youth organization, Robert Vesterlund, was also a known neo-Nazi. During the 80’s and 90’s, the party was a marginal force in Swedish politics, and it began distancing itself from extremism and aligning itself closer to mainstream politics in the mid 90’s.

The party entered the Swedish parliament for the first time in 2010, and in the elections held a year and a half ago, it received over 20% of the votes. Until a few years ago, the party was ostracized by parties across the political spectrum in Sweden and was not considered for inclusion in any coalition.

However, due to a change in approach by two traditional right-wing parties, the Swedish Democrats became an integral part of the right-wing bloc after the elections, with the government in Stockholm entirely dependent on their support. Party members wield significant influence over the government’s policies and hold key positions in parliamentary committees, including foreign affairs, justice, and industry and trade.

In recent months, the party has been attempting to position itself as “the most pro-Israel party in Sweden” and distance itself from its antiemetic and neo-Nazi past. However, in 2021, the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet revealed that the party leader in the second-largest city council in Sweden, Gothenburg, Jörgen Fogelklou, had posted antisemitic and racist statements on social media, such as “It is clear that the Jews are the root of all evil in the world.”

Two years ago, it was exposed that some party members had connections with neo-Nazi movements even in recent years. For instance, one party member in southern Sweden, Jonas Lingren, publicly supported rock bands advocating for “white supremacy” and used the slogan “Skinhead 88” (88 is a known code for Heil Hitler, i.e., HH).

[techgropse0]

5 Common Mobile App Development Myths You Need to Stop Believing | Techgropse

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, mobile applications have become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it's for social networking, productivity, or entertainment, mobile apps are ubiquitous. However, despite their prevalence, there are still many misconceptions surrounding mobile app development that can hinder the success of a project.

Developing A Mobile App Is Expensive And Time Consuming

One of the most widespread myths about mobile app development is that it's prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. While it's true that building a high-quality app requires investment, it doesn't have to break the bank. With advancements in technology and the availability of various development tools and platforms, the cost of app development has significantly decreased in recent years.

Additionally, there are several approaches to mobile app development Singapore, such as native, hybrid, and cross-platform development, each with its own set of pros and cons. By carefully considering your project requirements and budget constraints, you can choose the most cost-effective approach that meets your needs.

Building A Mobile App Guarantees Success

Another common misconception is that simply having a mobile app will guarantee success. While a well-designed and functional app is undoubtedly essential, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Success in the crowded app market requires more than just launching an app; it requires a comprehensive strategy encompassing marketing, user acquisition, retention, and monetization.

Furthermore, effective marketing and promotion are crucial for app success. Leveraging various channels such as app store optimization (ASO), social media, influencer marketing, and paid advertising can help increase app visibility and attract users.

Mobile App Development Is A One Time Effort

Some people mistakenly believe that a mobile app development company in Malaysia is a one-time effort—that once the app is launched, the work is done. However, the reality is that successful app development is an ongoing process that requires continuous updates, maintenance, and optimization.

Final Words :

Debunking these common myths about mobile app development is essential for ensuring the success of your app project. By understanding the realities of app development, leveraging the right tools and resources, and adopting a strategic approach, you can maximize your chances of creating a successful and impactful mobile app.