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The Global Debate Around Social Media Surveillance

Social media platforms have become an indispensable part of the current digital era. The online behavior of the people is somewhat a manifestation of their offline personality. Governments of many countries are using this fact for monitoring the behavior of the citizen. Mass surveillance has become prevalent in many countries and the world is divided whether social media surveillance is good or not. Social media surveillance refers to the process of collecting and then processing the personal data of a person from different communication platforms. This is generally done through automated technology. Once the information is collected, the metadata and the content is analyzed for meeting different objects. 

 

The information collected through social media surveillance is mostly used by advertisers, law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Many governments monitor online speed on social media platforms. With the increased use of social media surveillance, the globe is divided between protection and privacy and a debate on surveillance and digital rights are taking place. 

Social Media Surveillance For Protection?

Social media surveillance is done on account of protection. In many countries, citizens are punished based on the content that they have posted on their social media platforms. For instance, posting Sexy Photos of women are sometimes considered illegal in a few countries and are considered a punishable offence. In Pakistan in 2019, a social media monitoring program was initiated to fight hate speech, extremism and anti-national content. Also, social media monitoring is done to fight the spread of misinformation. Recently, Pegasus, Israeli spyware has come to light for spying on politicians, journalists and activists of multiple countries and it was criticized by many. 

Right To Privacy

On the other side of the coin, the argument for the right to privacy is laid down. Social media surveillance is a threat to digital rights and privacy and for fighting against this threat, it is important to do campaigns against social media surveillance. When debating against this cause, many campaigners ask for limited access to the accumulated data. For instance, no one would prefer that the Love Status that they post are eyed on. However, many other campaigners believe that there is a need to stop total surveillance. 

 

In recent times, there have been many instances where users are arrested for their speed on political, social and religious views. Such actions are a threat to the free expression of the citizens, which is an important benchmark for a democratic country. Monitoring such behaviour turns a democratic country into an authoritarian country. Digital surveillance also interrupts the proper functioning of journalists and whistleblowers who prefer to self-censor to avoid problems. 

Case Study Of Laos

In May 2021, the Ministry of Public Security in Laos set up a special task force for fighting against fake information related to COVID-19 to ensure that the citizens have access only to the right information. Further, there have been instances when citizens were arrested for apparently uploading hoax videos on TikTok. Such scenarios force one to ask whether the government is trying to control how people express themselves online in addition to controlling information online. The problem with the decision was that there was no hard definition of what fake news comprises. Later, organizations like Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression and Network, Manushya Foundation, PEN Myanmar, ALTSEAN- Burma, the Institute of Policy Research and Advocacy and the Cambodian Center for Human Rights raised their voice against surveillance by calling it a digital dictatorship. 

 

It was argued that such surveillance in Laos hampers the working of citizen journalism, independent media and freedom and rights of the Lao people. Further, it was cited that the decision of the Lao government was against Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

 

It is important that when digital surveillance is carried out, the law regarding the same has proper clarity and that it is legal and doesn’t withdraw any rights of the citizens. To ensure that the privacy rights of the citizens are not violated and to gain the trust of the citizens, it is important to ensure that robust surveillance laws are present that clearly states when surveillance of targets are legal to ensure that the privacy rights of the other citizens are not possible. It is high time that the government draws clear boundaries of the kind of digital surveillance that it can do with a proper explanation. 

Successful Conclusion of Singapore FinTech Festival 2021 where Justin Sun Delivered a Keynote Speech

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 November 2021 -The Singapore FinTech Festival 2021 (SFF) held from November 8 to 12 in Singapore was attended by representatives of over ten top FinTech companies for the discussions on “Web3.0” and how FinTech companies can contribute to the post-pandemic era. Justin Sun, founder of TRON, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech on “Web3.0”.

 

Organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the sixth Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) is the world’s largest gathering for the FinTech community. Themed on Web 3.0 this year, SFF offered a platform for participants to explore how Web 3.0 can be used to enhance the efficiency of financial intermediation, advance key objectives such as green finance and financial inclusion, and examine the impact on financial regulation and supervision. According to the participants, there will be three essential factors that may reshape financial services in the next decade, including reconfiguration of financial products and services delivery through embedded finance (EmFi), decentralized finance (DeFi), and digital currencies, integration of ESG into the core design of financial services, as well as wide adoption of foundational digital infrastructure. 

 

Justin Sun stated in his keynote speech that TRON is always committed to the growth of Web 3.0, which boasts higher efficiency thanks to its nature as a distributed infrastructure. BTTC, the first heterogeneous cross-chain interoperability protocol in the industry launched by TRON, is a firm evidence of its commitment. It will serve as a solid and trustworthy bridge for us to march into the digital future and fully embrace the new era of “connecting all chains”. Smart contracts are the name of the game in Web 3.0 since they open up possibilities for developers, allowing almost everyone to build DApps on TRON, and covering nearly all industries including finance and GameFi.

 

Founded by Justin Sun in 2018, TRON has established itself as one of the top three public chains worldwide after years of development. Today, TRON’s public chain boasts upwards of 60 million users, over 2.5 billion transactions, and an all-encompassing ecosystem that covers DeFi, NFT, stablecoins, and distributed storage protocols. 

 

In addition to TRON, industry giants across the globe such as AMTD Group, Microsoft, Ant Group, Tencent, Mastercard, Temasek, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, HSBC, and PayPal also attended SFF 2021. 

#TRON

Thai Businesses Ask Government to Speed Up Return of Migrant Workers

Migrant workers return to Laos from Thailand
Migrant workers return to Laos from Thailand at the Friendship Bridge in Mukdahan.

 

Businesses in Thailand have called on their government to reopen the country for migrant workers with demand for labor soaring after the country’s reopening.

HKAB X HKFYG held its first ESG Pioneers ‘Farm-to-Community’ Project

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 November 2021 – Environmental, Social and Governance – The concept of ESG, put forward by the United Nations Global Compact was considered an assessment indicator for business operations. It is believed that the young generation learns about ESG will help build up a talent pool committed to sustainable development.

William Chiu, Chairperson of the Community Caring Committee of HKAB (3rd right); James Wong, Supervisor of the HKFYG (4th right) and other volunteers, teachers lead students to understand the concept of ESG through a field trip to the HKFYG Organic Farm.

 

The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) and The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), have together launched the ESG Pioneers ‘Farm-to-Community’ Project. This Project will put into practice what it means to be sustainable as it teaches primary and secondary school students about environmental impacts by introducing them to organic farming and volunteering in the community.

 

A few days ago, 250 primary and secondary school students from 15 schools attended a series of experiential workshops as part of the Project, alongside volunteers from the HKAB. They had first hand experience of organic farming with a visit to the HKFYG organic farm and Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre, where they got their hands dirty so to speak. This helped deepen their understanding of the connection between agriculture, the environment, ESG and the community.

 

William Chiu, Chairperson of the Community Caring Committee of HKAB said, ‘ESG and the concept of sustainable development have taken root in the banking industry. I hope that our business partners, colleagues and stakeholders would make it known to the public, especially young people, so they’ll see the positive change in our society brought by the whole industry and our efforts to combat climate change.’

 

James Wong, Supervisor of the HKFYG, was happy that the Project was well supported by many schools. He anticipated students would become more aware of the connection between health and environment and choose a lifestyle that sustained the development of the society. ‘The Project provides electronic resources for primary and secondary school teachers that highly increase the learning motivation of students towards biodiversity, organic farming and healthy diet,’ he said.

 

Li Man-ching, a teacher at the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk Yuen Long District Secondary School, saw the value of the Project as it aligned with the Geography syllabus at the junior level. This project was able to provide a tangible opportunity for students to study the operation of local organic farms and gain an in-depth understanding of the agricultural industry and produce. Lam Gui-kit, another teacher of Fuk Wing Street Government Primary School, said, ‘I can now teach students about the ESG concept through a multifaceted approach with resources that the Project provides. The School will also encourage students to make short videos or microfilms about environmental protection, so that they may become Eco-ambassadors in the future and have a positive impact in the world.’

 

The ESG Pioneers ‘Farm-to-Community’ Project advocates the concepts of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in business. Through experiential learning and public-private partnership. ESG is also integrated as part of the school curriculum and affords students to see its applicability in the real world, as they also witness the pivotal role the banking industry plays in taking it forward.

#HKAB #HKFYG

Houaphanh Records First Cases of Covid-19

Houaphanh Covid Update

Laos has recorded 1,198 new cases of Covid-19 across the country today, with the first reports of cases in Houaphanh Province.

7CAFÉ introduces the Gullu Gullu gang of coffee characters in a first-of-its kind VR concert experience

Customers can enjoy one of 21,000 free cups of 7CAFÉ coffee being given away over 14 days by just watching the trio of characters in action at their virtual concert and answering a simple question!

HONG KONG SAR & MACAU SAR Media OutReach – 12 November 2021 – 7CAFÉ is available at nearly 500 7-Eleven stores and provides customers with convenient, good quality, affordable fresh coffee on the go made using 100% Arabica beans. But there’s a little team working secretly behind the scenes making each and every delicious cup.   Say hello to the Gullu Gullu gang – a trio of cute coffee characters who make their home inside the coffee machines of 7CAFÉ! They roast the exclusive 7CAFÉ blend of beans with care and freshly brew tasty cups of coffee to spread happy vibes to all!

 

The Gullu Gullu gang will be making their grand debut at a first-of-its-kind VR concert! These lovable characters will be putting on a unique virtual reality experience, playing a variety of instruments direct from their technicolour coffee bean island! Taking part in the concert are Gullu, who conducts the orchestra, and his friends – the lovely Bullu and cheeky Wullu. The upbeat and uplifting tunes will be sure to put everyone listening in a happy mood. To join them at the VR concert, customers just need to scan the QR code on their 7CAFÉ cup from 10 November onwards. Watching them perform whilst sipping a freshly brewed cup of 7CAFÉ will be a true treat for the senses! Viewers can also put themselves at the centre of the action by experiencing the concert in 360° ­by simply tilting their smartphones to explore the vibrant VR world of Gullu and his friends!

 

7CAFÉ x Gullu Gullu VR concert clip: https://youtu.be/OmWTSmc-6vo

21,000 free cups of 7CAFÉ to be given away over 14 consecutive days

After watching the concert, customers will have the chance to win a free cup of 7CAFÉ. From 10 November (9am) to 23 November, a grand total of 21,000 cups of 7CAFÉ will be given away for free over 14 consecutive days to spread a little happiness! During the promotion, customers just need to scan the QR code on their 7CAFÉ cup to visit the 7CAFÉ x Gullu Gullu VR Concert site, follow the instructions and answer an easy multiple-choice question. They then need to register with a valid Hong Kong or Macau mobile number to participate in the promotion*. The first 1,500 participants (covering both Hong Kong and Macau) each day to answer the question correctly and successfully register their details will receive a 7CAFÉ Free Coffee Redemption e-Voucher^ while stocks last.

How to enter

1.     From 10 November (9am) to 23 November 2021, scan the code on your 7CAFÉ cup to visit the 7CAFÉ x Gullu Gullu VR Concert website and use earphones for a better experience.

2.     There are two ways to navigate and enjoy the concert in panoramic mode ­– swipe the screen or tilt your phone to explore the virtual world in 360° with Gullu and his friends. Watch the concert and count up all the Gullu Gullu characters you can find.

3.     Then answer a simple multiple-choice question for a chance to win. The first 1,500 participants each day to answer correctly and successfully register with their name and a valid Hong Kong or Macau mobile number will receive a 7CAFÉ Free Coffee Redemption e-Voucher. If you can’t remember how many Gullu Gullu characters there are, you can choose to watch the concert again.

 

* During the entire promotion period, each registered Hong Kong/Macau mobile phone number can receive a maximum of one “7CAFÉ Free Coffee Redemption e-Voucher “. Any duplicated entries or wrong inputs will result in disqualification. Winners will receive an SMS to confirm their prize within one working day and a link to the “7CAFÉ Free Coffee Redemption e-Voucher” within the same SMS. In case of any dispute, 7-Eleven reserves the right of final decision. This promotion is governed by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This promotion will take place over a total of 14 consecutive days. 1,500 “7CAFÉ Free Coffee Redemption e-Vouchers” will be given out every day (9:00 am to 23:59 pm), while stocks last. A total of 21,000 “7CAFÉ Free Coffee Redemption e-Vouchers” will be distributed during the promotion period. ^”7CAFÉ Free Coffee Redemption e-Vouchers” cannot be exchanged for cash and are subject to relevant terms and conditions. Winners who cannot redeem the prize on or before 7 December 2021 will forfeit the prize.

 

Say hello to the Gullu Gullu gang of coffee characters

Inside every 7CAFÉ coffee machine lives a group of Gullu Gullu characters. Making up this lively little gang are a special trio who join forces to put a smile on everyone’s faces. They’re always around each and every day to put everyone they meet in a good mood!

Bullu

Gullu

Wullu

Chief Flavour Officer

Spreading the sweet smell of coffee wherever she goes, Bullu is cute, curious and always has her eye on the latest trends. Her job is to make sure everyone at the concert has a fun time. Plus, she’s in charge of making sure every cup of 7CAFÉ tastes great and finding new and exciting flavours to delight her customers.

Chief Roasting Officer

Gullu is a bit of a showoff and loves taking centre stage at the concert! He is one smart cookie and knows his stuff when it comes to coffee. He’s constantly studying up on unique roasting techniques to bring out the best flavours from the beans to ensure each cup of 7CAFÉ meets his standards and puts a smile on people’s faces.

 

Chief Aroma Officer

Wullu may look like a little pig but he’s actually a rabbit!

Always sniffing out tempting aromas and on the lookout for the best beans, he spends a lot of time with Gullu and Bullu. They’re always up for sharing good energy and happy vibes with everyone they meet!

 

 

About 7CAFÉ

7CAFÉ is one of 7-Eleven’s own brands. Available at almost 500 stores, 7CAFÉ enables customers to enjoy freshly brewed coffee on the go that is quick, convenient, good quality and affordable. Its unique blend comprises of premium 100% Arabica coffee beans sourced from Brazil, Honduras, as well as Bali and Sumatra in Indonesia. The beans are freshly roasted locally in Hong Kong to preserve their characteristic flavour. The select blend with its sweet, slight nutty aroma is specially made for and totally exclusive to 7-Eleven.

#7CAFÉ

That Luang Festival to be Held in Scaled-Down Celebrations

That Luang Festival


Authorities in Vientiane Capital will allow the That Luang Festival to be held this year in a scaled-down celebration amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Funlah Launches Personalised Hand-Painted Balloon Service

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 November 2021 – Funlah recently revealed its latest addition to its comprehensive balloon services by bringing in personalised hand-painted helium balloons. Customers can choose from a wide variety of colour choices and patterns to shape the balloons for the desired occasion.

The new hand-painted balloon service allows customers to add a touch of personalisation by choosing up to six colours for a unique, one-of-a-kind 28″ Jumbo

balloon for the appropriate occasion. Each coloured balloon comes with four tassels and helium inflation, while the selection of colours includes pastel violet, mint, sky blue, and so on. Customers may also opt for balloons with or without customised text to express a message to the receiver.

A fun maker specialising in creative and modern balloons, balloons delivery, and other party supplies, Funlah strives to reinvent party styling and decoration with its collection of signature balloons. The party shop provides balloons for various occasions, including balloons for birthday celebrations, graduations, weddings, hen/bachelor parties, as well as for all kinds of age groups, ranging from children to adults, and all ages in-between. Furthermore, Funlah offers generic balloons, as well as balloons based on a variety of themes such as animals, sports, and superheroes. Their collection even extends to balloons based on beloved properties such as Disney Princess, Cars, Pokemon, and Paw Patrol.

With a firm belief that balloons are more than just mere decorations, the fun maker dedicates itself to offering the broadest and most customisable array of balloons to choose from. But besides having a unique collection of balloons, Funlah recognises the importance of setting up a party conveniently, offering both island-wide and same-day delivery. With Funlah’s addition to their comprehensive services – personalised hand-painted balloons – individuals can make the gifting process extra significant.

For more info, do visit: https://funlah.com/collection/balloons/personalized-balloon/hand-painted-balloon/

#Funlah