Following the release of the “Investigation of Competition in Digital Markets” report early this month, investigating big tech by the Sub – Committee of the US Judiciary on Anti – Trust Commercial and Administrative Law, the US government through the Justice department has yesterday (Tuesday) dragged Google to court alleging the company has anti – competitive tendencies that have been known to stifle competitors.
The Justice Department in its complaint before the United States Federal Court filed with 11 other states (Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Texas) alleges that Google has suppressed competition in order to maintain a powerful position in the market place on online search and search advertising, something that is already evident by the amount of consumers it boasts.
Google has been accused of paying billions of dollars every year to companies like Apple, and Samsung and browsers like Mozilla and Opera to keep Google as their default engines which is being said to intentionally prohibit those companies from dealing with Google competition.
“Google effectively owns or controls search distribution channels accounting for roughly 80 percent of the general search queries in the United States” reads part of the Complaint filed.
We are yet to see how the case will go. Arguments to break big tech are being made against the sizes of these companies including Google, however, there are also sympathisers that believe there is no unfair practice.
In a blog post yesterday, the Ugandan telecommunication (telecom) regulator, the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) announced that it had lifted its earlier directive on the ban on the sale of sim cards to corporate bodies following the release of controversial guidelines that will spark public debate.
Around the middle of the year, in June 2020, by later dated 26th, UCC directed telecoms to suspend the sale of the sim cards to unnatural persons with a list including companies, non – governmental organisation (NGOs), ministries, departments and agencies of government among others.
The regulator in the blog is said to have suspended the sale following the need to issue guidelines to be adopted by telecoms before making any such sale under its statutory mandate in the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 and the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, 2010. It has also published the guidelines to be adopted by telecoms.
Briefly, the guidelines require that the only unnatural persons to acquire sim cards include companies incorporated and registered under the Companies Act, NGOs authorised under the NGO Act, trusts incorporated and registered under Trustees Incorporation Act, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government duly constituted in accordance with the laws of Uganda, and embassies, foreign missions and consulates duly recognised in Uganda by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
UCC goes on to list the required guidelines to be applied by and to the above distinct bodies and from the reading of the guidelines, they are intended to enable government know or identify a sim card holder through know your customer due diligence with requirements such as Tax Payer Identification numbers, national IDs of corporation heads, copies of certificates of registration/incorporation, and particular letters or emails from the heads of these bodies introducing or authorising the purchase of sim cards and copies of identifications of their heads among others.
Particularly controversial is the complete ban on the issue of cards to bodies partnerships, firms, sole proprietorships and registered business names in favour of individuals in those businesses. It goes on to charge telecoms with the task of ascertaining why the sim cards are being bought beforehand, and where it is found that the purpose is for individuals within the bodies like employees/individuals, “the telecom operator must decline to register the SIM Card as a corporate registration” and instead register it in favour of the individuals for whom use is intended with particulars to register being those of individuals.
The new guidelines seem to override the legal personality of an entity to acquire and own certain properties in favour on individuals/employees limiting what or how many sim cards these entities can acquire as if intentionally banning the concept of “company phones” as is widely used and limiting it to only the desk or reception phone.
It also limits the numbers of sim cards by corporates to 100 and where the number is to exceed that, consent must be sought from the commission for written approval.
Telecoms are also given 30 days to audit their existing corporate sim cards and to harmonize and align them with the directive/guidelines in which case an audit and alignment process must be completed within 90 days.
Kaspersky Security Solutions released a report from its research sometime in September 2020, detailing the extent of cyber – attacks on the African continent following an almost year long study that started in January 2020 ending August 2020 “and the year is not over yet”.
The attacks documented are malware, adware and other similar attacks totalling a whooping 28 million malware attacks and 102 million unwanted programs on the continent. In the report, it is revealed that adware has the habit of filling user device with ads, aggressive monetising software propagating unrequested paid offers, and downloaders downloading more applications on their devices.
In the research conducted, Uganda recorded more adware and other attacks than malware (malicious software – software designed to cause damage coming along with viruses, worms, ransomware and pornware among others) with about 10, 081, 595 (adware) and 2,567,693 (malicious attacks) respectively from that period.
According to the press release by the company following the outing of the report, the “numbers show that it’s not only the malware that attacks users but also the ‘grey zone’ programs that grow in popularity and disturb their experiences, while users might not even know it is there” reads the statement.
The month that ended August, recorded more adware and other attacks at 1,88,261 than any other month with April recording the least attacks at 916,478 and the highest malware recorded in the month of March and the least in the month of April standing at 244,502 cases.
This report gives context to the attack that devastated Uganda’s biggest telecommunication companies MTN and Airtel, and a major bank, Stanbic Bank costing the companies billions of Uganda Shillings in losses, and from the preliminary investigations published in the Ugandan press, the attacks could have resulted from malware or adware attacks that affected compromised computer systems.
Kaspersky in its report advises users to use reliable security solution on all devices connected to the internet in order to ensure their protection against the attacks.
South Africa (SA), Kenya and Nigeria topped the list of cyber attacks on the continent. SA alone had a record 10 million malware attacks and 43 million potentially unwanted applications (PUA) detected, over 3.8 million malware attacks and 16.8 PUA attacks for Nigeria and Uganda’s neighbour Kenya had 14 million malware attacks and 41 million PUA detected.
According to Statista, there are 233.03m social media users in the United States. In a world where data is considered as the most valuable asset, social media plays a vital role in circulating this data and building a connection among users of the web.
Lately, Instagram has been the most actively used social media platform. Researchers have noticed a hike in the percentage of Instagram users.
According to Statista, 37.8% of the U.S population used the platform in 2019. However, it is expected to touch a mark of 120.3 million users by 2023.
This states the importance of social media presence and its influence on the mindset and outlook that people carry. Having a strong Instagram influence is essential when you want to brand yourself and stand out.
Building a proper Instagram handle requires dedication, hard work, and smart work. If you believe in the power of social media, then Instagram agency can help you in building that framework and prospering towards your goal.
The first step to gain traction on Instagram is increasing the number of followers. More followers ensure better engagement and result in the positive outcome of your efforts. Here are eight things that can give you more followers on Instagram.
8 Things That Can Give You More Followers On Instagram
Understand Your Audience
To grow on Instagram, the first step is to closely observe your audience and understand the kind of content that attracts them. To get organic traffic, you need to post the content that interests your audience and stay connected.
Getting to know your targeted audience will help you curate content that will keep them engaged. You can always experiment around it and be creative with what you like and what your audience wants.
Narrate Your Story
Of course, all of us have stories about our success and failure, and you are no different. Some tales revolve around moments when you were at the saturation point but did not give up on your dream to follow your passion and win over the hardships. You can create content around it to motivate people and spread positivity.
While some will relate to the stories, others will take it as a lesson from experience. Either way, it will not only help you relive your learnings but it will also boost confidence in the minds of your followers.
Use Proper Hashtags
To get noticed on Instagram, you need to work on your #Hashtag game. Hashtags play an essential part in grabbing attention. Using the right hashtags matters the most, and for this, you must do proper research around the content you are posting and use appropriate hashtags.
You need to create hashtags that define you as well as your content. Similarly, participate in using trendy hashtags as it will get noticed. But the important rule is not to overuse the hashtags as it will only lose its value and credibility.
Start a Conversation
No doubt, your followers will have the interest to know more about you. A great way to do it is by generating an active conversation. This might revolve around a wide range of topics and help you as well as your followers to get a clearer insight.
You can do it through Instagram Live, Question and Answers, or simply in your comment section. This will inflict positivity among your followers and even attract more people who share similar interests.
Make Content That Will Go Viral
You can focus on creating content that will help you in going viral. Being an overnight Instagram sensation is nothing new, and you could be the next big thing on gram if your content can entertain people.
You can create reels, shoot a video, or post a selfie, but with an X factor. Going viral would help you get the maximum number of followers in minimal time. However, always focus on creating content that spreads a helpful message and inspires your audience.
Work On A Theme
Human psychology tends to notice objects or illusions that are eye-catchy or appealing. You can use this method quite effectively to get more followers on Instagram.
Pay attention to create a dedicated theme and design your handle accordingly. The organized feed will not only attract more followers but also represent your mindset.
You can choose a particular grid layout and stick to it. Further, you can create your own presets or filters and use them for everything that you post. Eventually, you can share free samples of your presets and sell them depending on the popularity.
Promote Your Content
Doing self-promotion once in a while is essential to get the limelight and help yourself get recognized. Once you have created a substantial amount of content, you should plan to promote it and take feedback.
A great way to do this is by hosting virtual contests and giveaways. You can also collaborate with brands and individuals to promote your content. This will introduce you to people who don’t follow you but might do after noticing your work.
You can also do this by associating yourself with healthy causes. Participating in things that interest you and are aligned with your principles will help you create awareness and educate your audience.
Be Consistent
No matter how much you brainstorm and how unique your content is, everything is vague without consistency. Learn to dedicate a particular amount of your time towards building your social media presence. This should include posting on regular internals, being interactive, and analyzing the engagement and reach.
Consistency takes you a long way, as it replicates your ethics and principles. Being consistent will also help in organic growth as it plays a vital role in Instagram metrics.
Conclusion
These things will undoubtedly help you get more followers on Instagram, but there will be times when you will seek proper guidance and insights from experts.
An instagram growth company will help you overcome those hurdles and work towards making you Instagram famous. They will help in collecting insights, socializing, building a more substantial social media influence, and thus fulfilling your purpose.
In order to dissuade its worried customers, MTN Uganda Limited has today released a statement in which it has clarified that its cores mobile money services were not affected by the hack that took place last week which caused the companies, MTN, Airtel and Stanbic Bank to lose billions of money in the attack.
“The core MTN Mobile Money services … were never affected nor compromised at any stage” reads the statement from Win Vanhelleputte, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the MTN. The core services that were listed include cash deposits, withdrawals, person to person (P2P) transactions and MoMo payments. It also did not affect customer mobile money account balances.
The CEO has gone on in the statement to assure customers and the concerned that investigations are still ongoing by the police to identify “the root cause of the incident”.
“We are confident the Uganda Police Force will conclude their investigations timeously and take appropriate action against the culprits” reads the statement.
He also assures customers that the company mobile money platform “complies with the highest international ICT security standards” and that it is also “subjected to regular assessments and reviews by internal and external assurance providers”.
Hackers last week broke into the system of Pegasus Technologies, a company that handles MTN and Airtel money and its transactions with Stanbic Bank.
According to an analysis of the hack by Infotesters, they state that hackers are known to “target financial institutions over weekends when there is less activity and reduced vigilance” as this is the easy time to “strike, withdraw the cash and cover up by the time the weekend is over”, one of their releases reads.
The cyber security firm also highlights how hackers normally make their attacks which they list to include a ransomware messages, a fake antivirus message, or where internet searches are redirected, your friends receive social media invitations from you that you didn’t send, your online password isn’t working, observe unexpected software installs, your mouse moves between programs and makes selections, your online account is missing money, your confidential data has been leaked, and others. They therefore believe that one of these could have been used to issued out the attacks, but the actual mode will be revealed by the ongoing police investigations.
Infotesters advises that for companies and financial institutions to avoid those attacks, they should use two-factor authentication, “a multi-factor method that requires users to input different pieces of evidence before they are granted access to the account or system”. They are also advised to review the security of the open-source software and ensure it is secure for use before adoption.
In their analysis, Infotesters add that “Enterprises and individuals must take the time to make sure they build a powerful security foundation and avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks” and that as they do that network functions that are not being used should always be turned off. Among the alternatives also includes updating and installing a brand new security patch which usual comes with different phone or PC operating systems.
In an email to users today titled “End of Certain Samsung Cloud Features Notice”, Samsung has notified customers that it is ending certain cloud features that are currently available to Samsung Cloud in favour of partner Microsoft OneDrive. This is one of the terms of what the two companies have called their “long-term, strategic partnership”.
The services that are being stopped will start effective 31st August 2021 for all Samsung Cloud customers and from that date two features Gallery Sync and Drive will no longer be supported in that cloud, leaving Samsung Cloud to be available to only Contacts, Calendar and Notes backups.
“Beginning on 2021-08-31, Gallery Sync and Drive for My Files will no longer be supported by Samsung Cloud” reads the email. It adds that any such data will from that date be deleted. The notice further reads that users on a premium package will see their storage subscription cancelled on the 1st June 2021 and any refunds if due will be issued to the users.
The cancelled features will all be moving to Microsoft OneDrive, which unfortunately the email admits “…may not be supported in certain countries or device models”.
Customers are also being advised to start migrating to OneDrive as soon as possible so as to avoid future inconveniences such that they are able to “continue with your service experience or alternatively, download your data to your mobile device and/or PC”.
A caution has however been added to those that choose to download or migrate, that the moment you make the download or complete the migration, the features “may end and your data may be deleted prematurely even before the official end date…”.
The timeline below has been published for further clarity;
From 2020-12-01
-No longer be able to newly use above-listed features -OneDrive migration and data download available * Gradual rollout (up to 30 days)
From 2021-06-01
-Discontinue existing use of Gallery Sync and Drive -End of OneDrive migration support -Cancel the then-current premium storage subscription automatically and refund the last payment
2021-08-31
-End of data download support
It should be noted that evidence of the partnership between the two companies is already visible with the integration of the Samsung Phone with windows PC, under the Your Phone application on both devices. For example, in only select Samsung phones, users are able to access and use all phone applications on their PC as we earlier on published. Samsung phones are therefore already enjoying exclusive Microsoft integrations.
As part of their partnership, the two companies are working towards delivering and “enhanced outlook experience”, “OneDrive Cloud Storage” and “Seamlessly flow between PC and Mobile”, an experience already enjoyed by iOS phone and PC users.
We will be sharing the procedure on how to move or download data.
A sub – committee of the US judiciary on anti – trust commercial and administrative law, has a released an over 440 paged detailed report following their investigation of big tech, or what the committee has termed “dominant platforms” in the digital markets, Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Alphabet/Google. It makes a couple of drastic recommendations to be implemented against the companies.
The recommendations include the restoration of competition in the US digital market by making structural changes and prohibitions of certain dominant platforms from operating in adjacent lines of business, enforcing a non -discrimination requirements by prohibiting the platforms from engaging in self -preferencing, prohibiting the abuse of superior bargaining power. The other recommendations include strengthening of the country’s anti – trust laws and reviving anti – trust enforcement.
The report titled “Investigation of Competition in Digital Markets” was released on the 6th October 2020, after the committee concluded its findings on the business practices of big four technology.
According to the report, investigations were commenced on the 3rd June 2019, as a response “to a wide range of investigative reports”, and the “activity of policy makers and enforcers that raised serious concerns about these platforms, incentive and ability to harm the competitive process” reads the report. It also concludes a year plus investigation of the world’s biggest technology companies with a combined value of USD 5 trillion as of September 2020.
While conducting the investigation, it was purposed on 3 motives; 1) to document the competition problems in the digital markets 2) to examine whether not dominant firms are engaging in anti – competition conduct and 3) to assess whether existing anti – trust laws, policies current enforcement levels are adequate to address the issues that were being raised.
As has always been reported in the media, the report confirmed in the committees own findings that the dominant big tech enjoy monopoly powers and that because of that dominance, the platforms had the effect to diminish consumer choice, erode innovation and entrepreneurship. They have also weakened the vibrancy of the free and diverse press and also undermined the privacy of Americans.
The dominance and the practice in these companies has also been revealed by a list of acquisitions and mergers that the companies have undertaken including a total 252 companies owned by Alphabet, 82 for Facebook, 114 for Apple and 97 for Amazon, amongst which includes the companies buying their competitions in the different fields that they dominant.
The companies are monopolies in their own right with Facebook being a social networking monopoly, Google, a monopoly in the markets for general online search and search advertising, Amazon, a significant and durable market power in the retail industry and Apple, a significant and durable power in the mobile operating market and control over software distribution.
Google is rebranding and the rebrands have seen a change in the name of G-suite to Google Workspace. Other rebrands are in the logos of the application. Gmail that has changed from the traditional “mail” logo to a more Google like logo that takes on Google colours.
new Gmail
The Google colours for the consistence of the logos are “Blue, Red, Yellow and Green”. Logos of Google Calendar, Drive, Meet, and Docs/Sheets/Slides have also been changed. The changes are a diversion from the most common red and white in Gmail, blue in calender, Green and white for Meet, Green, blue and yellow for Drive.
The intention is to have all the logos by Google consistent with company branding. However, the changes are not yet effective, as the roll outs will be coming in the next weeks. This will be possible with the next available updates to the apps.
new Calendar
“In the coming weeks, users will see new four colour icons for Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet and our collaborative content creation tools like Docs, Sheets, Slides…” reads a statement from Google.
The power of information technology is undeniable. Applying mankind’s great achievements to business is smart and fashionable. However, many business owners wonder if they should have a responsive website and the following reasons will make them change.
1. Increasing access to customers
If the business does not have its website, customers will only be able to purchase products, receive services, and interact with the business owner during outside business hours. This limits the services and operations of the business.
However, things will change if the business builds its responsive website that fits mobile devices. Thanks to this type of website, your businesses will no longer be limited in time or space. More importantly, it helps increase access to potential customers.
2. Increasing the range of customers
A local store may attract locals but is limited for customers in other regions. However, when a business builds its website, the range of customers will no longer be limited. The chances of receiving customer orders from all over the country will surprisingly increase.
3. Improving customer service
A responsive website will not only help customers find their desired products but also provide quick and effective customer care services. Customers’ inquiries and questions about the product will be responded more positively.
4. Updating information quickly
New information should be shared with the client and this website can be completed excellently. Not only updating information quickly, uploading the page is easy, but it also takes less time and effort. If using the website, businesses just need to collect information, upload it, and wait for a response.
5. Getting feedback from customers more easily
Getting customers’ opinions is an important job to help businesses grasp customer psychology and have appropriate strategies for changing.
How responsive websites boost the success of the online casinos
A great example to show the great importance of having a responsive website that fits mobile devices is online casinos.
In 2016, the global online gambling market dramatically reached $44 billion in revenue thanks to the development of mobile casinos. This helps online casinos to penetrate many newer markets and make it possible for millions of people to gamble simply by touching their smartphone. This market is expected to reach over $87 billion by 2022 when the world has over 5 billion mobile devices and it is so easy to go online.
Real-life casinos are still popular and are frequented by many people. However, online casinos attract gamblers more and more with the availability of technology that players cannot ask for more such as identity secrets and convenient payment.
Conclusions
Above are the reasons why businesses need a responsive website and why mobile casinos get more than 50% of the overall online casino traffic. If you do not have a responsive website or an app, you are losing a lot of potential customers!
Every business knows how IT specifically and uniquely affects its own operations. Whether they are used for communication, for making sales, or for filing documents and data, technology is deployed precisely the way it is needed in each individual working environment.
However, enlisting the help of IT support and gaining the benefits of managed IT services might be slightly less familiar to those business owners who like to do everything themselves. The truth is, if this is the case, they could be missing out on properly optimizing their IT systems to produce the maximum benefit.
IT support and managed IT services, generally, prevent data losses, give guidance on all things “tech”, and help provide staff with the means to raise their everyday productivity.
IT guidance
E-commerce and the digital side of business are booming all around the world, with statistics making interesting reading for any company wondering if they are fully tapping into this growing market. Using IT support, a business can have better faith in their own ability to be a bigger fish in this biggest of ponds.
With managed IT services from Techware Corporation it is possible to remove the hassle and stress from the quest to have smooth online operations. Selling online, giving excellent customer service to online customers, and maintaining strong communications is much more difficult if your IT services are inconsistent or unreliable. That is where IT guidance comes in.
An experienced IT support team should be able to advise you on the best systems to implement, as well as being on hand to fix any issues that arise.
Data protection
Perhaps the most important aspect of managed IT services is how they will help keep your systems safe, protecting data and preventing cyber-attacks.
Businesses across the globe are targets of cybercrime and this situation is made worse by business leaders not knowing how to protect themselves. Quality IT support will back up your data, provide you with recovery solutions, implement network security,and be able to adequately advise staff on how to be safer online.
Data protection is a legal requirement, so if your business is not taking the necessary steps to ensure it, enlisting the help of professionals is essential.
Increased productivity and support
If your business does not use managed IT services, it is likely that it either has its own IT department or no IT support whatsoever. Staff members quickly become tired of having to turn computers off and back on again in the hope that they miraculously fix themselves and spend endless amounts of time on the telephone to unresponsive IT units.
With outsourced, prompt, and efficient IT support, this does not have to be the case. Proper IT services will increase productivity in your business by reducing stress and frustration in your workforce, allowing them to get on with their jobs.
Not only will this make team members happier in their work, but they will also trust and support you as their leader for providing them with an adequate environment to succeed.
