Small Business Software Blog

The Ethics of AI Data Scraping: Why Clear Consent Matters

The Ethics of AI Data Scraping: Why Clear Consent Matters

True innovation requires figuring out how to do things ethically. It’s an essential part of the process. Every time we have developed new technology, we’ve ultimately had to wrestle with the ethical implications of our practices too. As our cultures and understanding evolve, so do our standards. 

With Large Language Models (LLMs), legal and ethical precedents provide a framework we can refer to as it’s integrated into society. This involves copyright and privacy laws. Here’s what you need to know.

How Indigenous Peoples Are Using Data Tech to Preserve Native Languages and Ecology

How Indigenous Peoples Are Using Data Tech to Preserve Native Languages and Ecology

Data collection is nothing new for Indigenous peoples. Oral traditions and practices in Indigenous communities contain a wealth of knowledge that helped them thrive in specific environments. 

Language itself is a reflection of each culture’s past and how its speakers relate to the world. Over time, much has been lost to colonization, exploitation, and conflict.

Now, many are observing how disregarding the bonds between people and the environment can be devastating to the planet as a whole. Leveraging technology alongside Indigenous wisdom is one way activists hope to preserve the past and create a sustainable future.

Data Management Ethics: How We Handle the World's Hottest Commodity

Data Management Ethics: How We Handle the World's Hottest Commodity

In the information age, data management ethics is a growing concern for businesses.

Nearly every aspect of our lives can be commodified in the form of user data. We are compelled and encouraged to share personal information so regularly that most of us hardly register it.

Participating in society now requires trading data to access essential services, programs, and goods. Nearly every system and business we depend on is built on leveraging that data. Navigating this reality and weighing ethical implications is no easy task for business leaders — but it’s vital. Here’s what you need to know.

Why User Experience Should be a Security Pro’s Top Priority

Why User Experience Should be a Security Pro’s Top Priority

As cyber threats continue to multiply and evolve, so do opportunities for cybersecurity pros developing ways to combat them. If you aren’t paying special attention to user experience (UX), though, even the best solutions may not gain traction with your customers. 

Here’s what we’ve learned about prioritizing UX and making secure operations more accessible to your clients. 

What You Need to Know About No-Code and Low-Code Platforms

What You Need to Know About No-Code and Low-Code Platforms

Keeping up with the ever-changing needs of your business as you scale is challenging without the right tools. Now, there are more accessible ways to streamline your digital workflows and build customized systems than ever.

Developers and business owners alike are turning to low-code and no-code platforms to solve some of their problems. They leverage AI coding tools to generate basic code that can be modified without starting from scratch. Here's what you need to know. 

Two Strategies to Level Up Your Website Performance

Two Strategies to Level Up Your Website Performance

If you run a business, your inbox is probably bombarded with offers that promise to revolutionize your web platforms. There are countless apps and services on the market to enhance your website, and the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. 

Sometimes, though, it’s the more subtle, strategic choices that make the most impact. We’ll take a look at two vital strategies to boost your website’s performance without a massive overhaul.

Three Factors to Consider Before Building Wearable Tech Solutions

Three Factors to Consider Before Building Wearable Tech Solutions

The demand for wearable tech is skyrocketing, creating attractive opportunities for innovators all over the world.

From sleek health tracking rings to language translation smart glasses, wearables and the growing Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming industries like healthcare, financial services, consumer goods, fashion, and more.

Releasing a new wearable product can pay off in big ways, but it’s no simple task. We’ve helped develop unique wearable solutions for clients, and have identified a few challenges to consider before you take the leap.

Why Opting Out of AI Training on Social Media is Complex in the U.S.

Why Opting Out of AI Training on Social Media is Complex in the U.S.

AI is quickly becoming an integral tool with broad applications across industries. It might seem like nearly everyone is either using it or speculating about it. 

Now, some of the world’s most recognizable corporations are cashing in on years of information stored on social media platforms to train Large Language Models (LLMs). This has raised privacy concerns for some and caused alarm among creatives over the potential for copyright infringement. 

Here’s a brief look at 2024’s digital landscape, where stark differences in regional regulations impact how your data is used, and how you can respond. 

How to Freeze Your Credit and Safeguard Your Business

How to Freeze Your Credit and Safeguard Your Business

Amidst a digital ecosystem that has evolved around convenience, credit fraud has become alarmingly common. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), credit fraud was the most reported form of identity theft in 2022. 

Out of nearly 1.1 million reports of identity theft, “the FTC received 441,882 reports from people who said their information was misused with an existing credit card or when applying for a new credit card.”

Of the many steps you can take to safeguard your identity and financial assets, a credit freeze is — surprisingly — one of the easiest. In tandem with proactive data security practices, this simple process can bring you more peace of mind.

Agtech Solutions For Drought Resilience and Land Restoration

Agtech Solutions For Drought Resilience and Land Restoration

Since 1973, World Environment Day has been observed on June 5th to inspire the global community to enact positive changes that protect its natural resources. 

The event, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), highlights a new theme each year. This year, the spotlight is on desertification, drought resilience, and land restoration. 

Farmers everywhere are facing complex economic and environmental challenges, and will need creative solutions to navigate them. Agtech adoption could play a pivotal role in helping farmers reduce waste, manage resources, and monitor the wellbeing of crops more efficiently.

Three Social Commerce Strategies for Your Small Business

Three Social Commerce Strategies for Your Small Business

Pandemic lockdowns, supply-chain disruptions, inflation, and conflicts around the globe have put immense pressure on small businesses in recent years. Many have struggled or failed to adapt to such volatility. 

Resilient businesses, however, have adapted to reach the growing number of people turning to social media to feel connected and informed about the world. 

Social commerce offers unique solutions to some of the challenges facing small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in 2024. Here’s what you need to know. 

How Augmented and Virtual Reality Are Changing the Healthcare Experience

How Augmented and Virtual Reality Are Changing the Healthcare Experience

Immersive technologies, such as augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR), are transforming workplace dynamics in many sectors. Over the past few years, potential use cases of AR/VR in healthcare have expanded rapidly. From immersive medical education to performing surgeries and beyond, the potential is intriguing.  

In healthcare, however, there are still unique legal and ethical hurdles for providers to consider as they move forward in adopting AR/VR tech. Establishing safe and effective protocols for AR/VR technology that also safeguard patient rights to privacy will take time. 

Let's explore where things stand with immersive tech in healthcare today.