The New York Times – “An independent audit faulted the social network for allowing hate speech and disinformation to thrive — potentially posing a threat to the November elections. Auditors handpicked by Facebook to examine its policies said that the company had not done enough to protect people on the platform from discriminatory posts and… Continue Reading
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Category Archives: E-Commerce
Study – Google, Amazon funnel at least $25 million to coronavirus conspiracy sites
Why is ad tech paying US$25 million to COVID-19 disinfo sites? – Household brands are inadvertently funding disinformation sites to spread COVID-19 conspiracies, thanks to ad tech companies that do not effectively screen the sites to which they provide ads services. New research from the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) shows that Google, Amazon and other… Continue Reading
Bookstores Are Struggling. Is a New E-Commerce Site the Answer?
The New York Times – “The rapid rise of Bookshop.org during the shutdown has been hailed as a boon for independent stores. But some booksellers worry it could become another competitor for online business…Andy Hunter, founder of Bookshop.org, outside Word Bookstore in Brooklyn…Now Bookshop is on track to exceed $40 million in sales this year,… Continue Reading
Amazon’s New Competitive Advantage: Putting Its Own Products First
Pro Publica – “Brands have long been able to bid for the premier slot at the top left of Amazon’s listings, but during the pandemic the online retailer has begun using this position for its private-label items, raising antitrust concerns. Although customers don’t necessarily realize it, brands have for years been able to bid on… Continue Reading
What Happens to Powell’s Books When You Can’t Browse the Aisles?
The New York Times – The enormous independent bookstore in Portland, Ore., became an unlikely tourist attraction. Now that it’s shut, Emily Powell, the chief executive, is having to rethink the books business. “Powell’s Books was selling books online before Amazon.com existed. Over the years, its flagship store grew to occupy a full city block… Continue Reading
How to take back the information you’ve given to all your favorite apps and websites
Popular Science: “Social media networks know a lot about you. In fact, that’s their primary job. They want to collect information about you and use that to sell advertisements that you can’t resist. In return for your data, these companies give you a chance to interact with other users and share your life no matter… Continue Reading
Amazon rivals thrive during the pandemic as shipping delays level the playing field
NBC News – “Over the nine months Andy Hunter courted investors for his online bookselling business, Bookshop.org, he was repeatedly told it was doomed to be crushed by Amazon. Three months since its launch with less than $1 million in funding, Hunter said the business has already far exceeded levels he’d hoped to achieve by… Continue Reading
Technology helped shape Asia’s early response to COVID-19
McKinsey – Six digital and mobile technologies that helped guide governments and businesses in Asia could help other countries around the world. “The COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, and at the time of writing the data do not allow us to draw firm conclusions about the most effective way to fight it. Although we focus… Continue Reading
Chrome will soon block resource-draining ads. Here’s how to turn it on now
ars technica – Fed up with cryptojacking ads? Google developers have you covered. “Chrome browser users take heart: Google developers are rolling out a feature that neuters abusive ads that covertly leach your CPU resources, bandwidth, and electricity. The move comes in response to a swarm of sites and ads first noticed in 2017 that… Continue Reading
A Complete List of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scams
Self – “As anxiety around coronavirus increases, more scammers are taking advantage. While scams can happen any time, many companies are now preying on people’s fear about contracting COVID-19 and the financial uncertainty due to job and income loss caused by the virus, among others. Here’s what you need to know to help protect yourself… Continue Reading
For Bookstore Owners, Reopening Holds Promise and Peril
The New York Times – For Bookstore Owners, Reopening Holds Promise and Peril – “Across the country, booksellers are wrestling with how to safely open their stores. Some are racing ahead. Others feel it’s too risky. Among retail businesses, bookstores, especially smaller independent stores, face particular challenges as they navigate reopening. Many indies occupy cramped… Continue Reading
Retail Amazon Who? Independent Booksellers Find New Allies
PYMNTS.com: “…Despite pandemics and Amazon, independent bookshops are finding a way to get the job done. Thanks to two new eCommerce sites, this “nonessential” category is actually seeing new life in the age of COVID-19. Part of that life is in the rise of new partners competing with Amazon. The first is a startup called… Continue Reading
