Opinion
The death of privacy in the age of digital
![The Death of Privacy](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/the-death-of-privacy-min-1.png)
The year 2018 has become the year of privacy, which is striking because it’s unclear as to whether the public knows that or not. It’s true, many people in the United States are keenly aware of the Equifax breaches last year and the subsequent fallout of policy changes that have since cascaded through 2018. Less known, however, is the largest data breach of 2018, which received relatively little coverage in the United States.
On January 3rd of this year, Aadhaar disclosed officially that they had a data breach that encompassed the personal information of each of the one billion Indian citizens’ names, addresses, photos, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
Further examples aren’t hard to find: the car-sharing app, Careem, had a breach of fourteen million user accounts. Such breaches are shocking, but, unfortunately, are beginning to represent a trend for citizens of the world.
Large-scale data breaches are problems the companies would like to hide from us, and worse yet many services like Equifax or Aadhaar aren’t something a citizen can effectively opt out of due to their ubiquity within a society.
For example, choosing to not have Equifax record your financial data in the US is opting out of access to any line of credit for your life.
A Privacy Guarantee?
With such services being exposed to fraudulent breaches at such a large scale, internet users have started to ask themselves the obvious question: what can I do?
Recently, it seems as if the most popular answer to that question is Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
The growing popularity of VPNs shouldn’t be shocking: while there’s little you can do to protect yourself from companies having poor data discipline and security protocols, you can protect yourself from other breaches that can be just as damaging.
Besides large-scale data breaches, smaller-scale attacks across wireless networks have proven an effective method for hackers to locate personal information, which is just as disastrous for an individual person as a large-scale data breach is.
The emergence of inexpensive VPNs, like TorGuard, has proven effective in preventing personal data breaches, as well as something slightly more nefarious: data collection.
The other half of disappearing privacy is the fact that these companies not only have had their data stores breached, but the fact that they store so much information for us. The Google searches you enter, the Amazon pages you visit, and the ads you click on are all cataloged and stored by companies seeking to learn more about you.
The information is sold, circulated around, and used to glean insight into your life to sell your products. All of these are messy byproducts of how the online economy has developed, and avoiding the corporate touch of information gathering has proven to be a very strong motivator for the interest in VPNs.
Privacy as a Service
The amount of context that surrounds privacy in the internet age can be daunting, but there is an easy-to-digest trend: people perceive VPNs as a part of the solution for personal privacy. Millions of people count on them globally. They’ve grown to become over a 20-billion-dollar industry in 2018, and their popularity shows no sign of stopping.
The business sector as a whole has picked up on the importance of personal privacy for traveling business people as well.
Very recently, Forbes published an article detailing the benefits of a VPN. The article goes into detail on exactly how easy it can be for hackers to gain access to information being transmitted on a wireless network in a public place, but the bottom line for public perception is best found in the title: “…you need a VPN.” Specifically, the article goes on to highlight one of the biggest shifts in VPNs over the past decade, which is the ease of installation.
Let’s face it, most consumers aren’t really going to be spurred into action setting up complex software no matter how dire the consequences. The ease of installation has played a huge role in the proliferation of VPNs in tandem with the context of security breaches and corporate information gathering.
Creative Work
5 Best Cameras for Filmmakers in 2023
![5 Best Cameras for Filmmakers in 2023](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Sony-A7iii-1.jpg)
If you’re ready to take your filmmaking to the next level, it’s time to invest in a top-notch camera that will capture your creative vision in stunning detail. Whether you’re a budding director, a passionate documentarian, or a visual storyteller, we’ve scoured the market to bring you the crème de la crème of cameras. Get your director’s chair ready as we unveil the best cameras for digital filmmakers.
1. Sony A7 III
The Sony A7 III is a powerhouse camera that combines exceptional image quality, superb low-light performance, and incredible dynamic range. With its 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video capabilities, and impressive autofocus system, this camera is now a favorite amongst vloggers and serious filmmakers.
Price: $1,998.
2. Canon EOS R5
This beast of a camera boasts a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, 8K video recording, and advanced image stabilization. With its lightning-fast autofocus and superb color reproduction, it’s a dream come true for filmmakers seeking unrivaled quality.
Price: $3,899.
3. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
This compact camera punches well above its weight class. With its Super 35mm sensor, 6K resolution, and wide dynamic range, it delivers breathtaking footage that will make your audience sit up and take notice. The camera’s versatility and robust color-grading capabilities make it a top choice for filmmakers on a budget. For the size, it’s superb.
Price: $1,995.
4. Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a mirrorless camera that packs a punch. With its 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 4K video at 60fps, and impressive image stabilization, it’s a reliable companion for filmmakers on the go. The camera’s rugged build and extensive video features make it a favorite among adventurous filmmakers.
Price: $1,497.95.
5. RED Komodo 6K
Ready to make a blockbuster? The RED Komodo 6K is a professional cinema camera that delivers stunning image quality and flexibility. With its compact form factor, global shutter, and 6K resolution, it’s a favorite among filmmakers aiming for cinematic perfection. While it comes with a higher price tag, its capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for severe digital filmmakers.
Price: $6,000.
With these top cameras in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to bring your cinematic visions to life. From Sony’s excellence to Canon’s innovation and Blackmagic’s affordability to RED’s unmatched quality, there’s a camera for every budget and filmmaking style. So, grab your director’s chair, gather your crew, and let your creative genius shine on the silver screen.
[Note: Prices mentioned here are approximate and subject to change. Please refer to the manufacturer’s websites for the most up-to-date pricing information.]
News
Threads: Unravelling the Spectacular Launch of the Hottest Social Media Platform
![Threads: Unravelling the Spectacular Launch of the Hottest Social Media Platform](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/meta-threads-platform-logo.jpg)
There’s been a disturbance in the force. In a world of constantly evolving social media platforms, a new contender has burst onto the scene, capturing the attention of millions and leaving a trail of excitement in its wake.
Threads, Meta’s Twitter rival, has taken the digital realm by storm, offering a refreshing and dynamic experience for users growing weary of Muskian meddling and looking for a unique social media adventure.
Let’s delve into the exhilarating launch of Threads, explore the number of users who have flocked to the platform, and discover the types of individuals we think it might attract.
A Diverse User Base Flocks to Threads
Threads has become the talk of the town. Since its much-anticipated launch, the platform has amassed 30+ million registered users worldwide, 5m reportedly arriving in the first 4 hours of operation. Industry experts predict his rapid growth will position Threads as a significant player in the digital realm, rivaling established giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Threads: A Haven for Digital Mavericks and Creatives
One of the most intriguing aspects of Threads is its potential to attract a diverse range of users. The platform’s unique features and captivating interface appeal to people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. From Gen Z trendsetters to seasoned professionals seeking a fresh networking platform, Threads offers something for everyone.
Threads will quickly become a haven for digital mavericks who yearn for a distinct online experience. These early adopters thrive on innovation, eagerly embracing new technologies and platforms. Their active presence on Threads will result in a vibrant and cutting-edge community that in turn will attract more thrill seekers.
The platform will also be a magnet for creatives, drawing in artists, designers, photographers, and writers. The platform’s visually immersive nature allows users to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. We guess. Threads will become a hub of inspiration and collaboration for global artists.
Threads: The Go-To Platform for Networking Professionals
For professionals searching for fresh networking and career growth avenues, Threads will emerge as the go-to platform. Its interactive and intuitive interface enables users to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and explore job opportunities. The platform’s focus on fostering professional relationships differentiates it from traditional social media networks.
Amplifying Voices and Effecting Positive Change on Threads
Threads is not just about self-expression; it will also attract passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Users dedicated to social causes and activism can find a home on the platform, utilizing its extensive reach to raise awareness and mobilize communities. Threads will prove a powerful platform for amplifying voices and effecting positive change.
Setting Threads Apart: Seamlessness, User Experience, and Privacy Measures
What sets Threads apart from its competitors? Its appeal lies in combining seamless functionality with a seductive user experience. The platform’s innovative features, including dynamic threads, immersive multimedia integration, and intelligent algorithms that tailor content to individual interests, have proved a real draw. Moreover, Threads’ commitment to user privacy and data security has provided a real draw. Threads app offers fresh air in an era of data breaches and privacy concerns by prioritizing transparency and implementing robust privacy measures.
The Impact of Threads: A Force to be Reckoned With
Threads has unquestionably ignited the social media landscape. With its explosive launch, staggering user numbers, and diverse user base, the platform has proven it will be a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re a digital maverick, creative connoisseur, networking ninja, or cause champion, Threads promises to be the reactive social media platform of choice, and its impact on the digital landscape is only set to grow. Stand by for a new world order, one connected by threads.
Opinion
What’s happening with Swvl?
![What's happening with Swvl?](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/swvl-nasdaq.jpg)
Swvl, an Egyptian ridesharing company, has seen a significant decline in value due to financial struggles, resulting in a 99% drop in stock price year-to-date (YTD), hovering around $0.10 and a market capitalization of less than $15 million. Reported Bloomberg.
Swvl was founded in Egypt in April 2017, by Mostafa Kandil and two of his school friends, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh.
The company was initially funded with $30,000 from the founders. Four months later, Swvl received an additional $500,000 in funding from the ridesharing company Careem. Originally, the company developed an app to address traffic congestion in Cairo but later shifted its focus to creating a platform for booking affordable bus trips in the city.
In 2018, Swvl completed two rounds of funding: a Series A game that raised $8 million and a Series B round between $25-35 million.
The company was valued at around $100 million during these funding rounds, which were co-led by BECO Capital, DiGAME, and Silicon Badia.
Why is Swvl falling?
Since its inception, Swvl has operated by renting buses with drivers for a monthly fee and then using them to run on fixed routes. Unlike the Uber model, which relies on marketing as it offers a marketplace to match drivers who own the cars to users who use the mobile app – they make a profit by getting a cut from the ride.
On the contrary, Swvl’s model owns the entire operation (renting the bus in advance, drivers’ salaries, and marketing for the app). This puts more cost on the company while its revenues are fixed or, most of the time, less because no bus will go complete all day, all routes.
Without going through the exact numbers, it’s evident that Swvl cannot profit with the current business model, and it’s a matter of time before the company’s cash dries out.
How can Swvl recover? Tell us in the comments below.
Inspired by: a Linkedin post by Zubair Naem.
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