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Long Reads
The battle of tech versus government
Tech companies are often applauded for their ground-breaking innovations, but with Uber’s ban in London and the pressure on social media sites to tackle fake news, tech firms are starting to come under an increasing level of scrutiny. Moreover, the ease at which information can be accessed through the likes of Facebook and Google, and the operation of Airbnb in cities that ban short-term rentals, means that tech companies often find themselves fighting against different governments. And, according to Fortune, these battles could just be the beginning. (Via Fortune)
Is facial recognition the ticket to combating commuter congestion?
Anyone who has travelled on the Tube during rush hour will be all too familiar with commuter congestion. Green platform markings were introduced earlier this month in an effort to reduce congestion, but the company responsible for Oyster card technology is already looking at ways to minimalize this bottleneck effect in the future. Could facial recognition or palm vein scanning be the way forward? The team at Wired discuss the options. (Via Wired)
Facial recognition technology could be used to combat the chaos of rush hour
Short Reads
A war on hate speech
EU regulators have prompted tech juggernauts Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to knuckle down on hate speech and terrorist-related content on their respective platforms. Failure to do so could result in more stringent regulations as early as next year. It comes following widespread criticism of social media networks for their laissez-faire tactic to the content that users can publish on their sites, with many seeing it as the companies’ corporate social responsibility to crack down on hate speech and extremist material. (Via VentureBeat)
The importance of the humble password
Following the recent hacks of Equifax and Deloitte, business owners are right to be concerned about their company’s cybersecurity. A laid-back approach is no longer an option, especially since the leak of any confidential customer data can have an irreversible effect on a company, and immediately tarnish its reputation. Whilst complex procedures and policies are of high importance, Business Matters tells us why a secure password is still a key part of protecting your business from an attack. (Via Business Matters)
To Action
Become a PR pro
Whilst hiring a PR agency might not be within the budget of every business, gaining brand visibility is vital for growth. Thankfully, investing in PR doesn’t have to dent your bank balance, meaning any small business can easily incorporate it into their marketing strategy. From keeping up-to-date with industry news to learning to write a killer press release, Alison Shadrack, founder and CEO of Adia PR, reveals the secrets to doing PR on a shoestring budget. (Via The Knowledge Hub)
Clean up your website
Your website is often the first impression that a potential customer will have of your business, which is why it’s crucial to make sure it’s not left neglected. A study by design analytics company EyeQuant concluded that clean web design produces lower bounce rates compared to their more cluttered equivalents. Whether you’re about to create a website for your business for the first time, or it’s due an upgrade, it’s probably worth finding out how you can help it reach its maximum potential. (via Fast Company Design)
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Customers tend to respond better to a clean website than a cluttered one
To Stream
Trivial matters
Whether you’re a pub quiz enthusiast or want to be more knowledgeable about the world around you, Stuff You Should Know is the perfect podcast to feed all your trivia needs. Hosted by Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, two senior editors of HowStuffWorks.com, each episode covers a multitude of topics with some of the most popular being Spam, cheese and Barbie. Whilst Bryant and Clark don’t claim to be experts, the success of the show is in their uncanny on-air chemistry and its engaging content. (Via Stuff You Should Know)
To Visit
Discover the charm of Prague
With its diverse history, beautiful landscapes and eclectic nightlife, the medieval city of Prague ticks all the right boxes for a European city break. The famous astronomical clock in the Old Town Square is a must-see, whilst a cruise along the Vltava river offers stunning views of the city’s many sights. For any budding bookworms out there, the Franz Kafka Museum is also well worth a trip, with the dark and mysterious atmosphere befitting of his work. (Via The Culture Trip)
To Watch
This is Us
With This is Us back for its second season in the US, there’s no time like the present to catch up on this Emmy Award-winning TV show. Based on the connections of several people who share the same birthday, each episode entwines the present with the past – spanning the 1980s to present day – as we follow the lives of siblings Kevin, Kate and Randall. Thanks to the superb acting from the likes of Milo Ventimiglia and Sterling K. Brown, and its emotive scripts that tug on the heartstrings, it’s easy to see why this show was chosen as one of the top ten programmes of 2016 by the American Film Institute. (Via Amazon)
To Use
Connecting with customers made easy
Customer communication is the backbone of any successful company, but email or telephone calls may not always be the right answer. Say hello to messaging platform Intercom, the hassle-free way to communicate with your customers whilst they’re visiting your website or using your app. Intercom allows you to address any customer concerns or queries immediately, and tailor answers according to a visitor's browsing behaviour. This personalised approach is proven to be a highly effective method in converting prospects into customers. (Via Intercom)
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