Facebook Now Has a Counterfeits Problem
February 24, 2022
Purveyors of counterfeit goods know how to adapt. Fake luxury products moved heavily online first through eBay then through Amazon. Now certain aspects of social media platforms seem to have enticed such vendors in another direction. Gadgets Now describes “How Facebook and Instagram May Have ‘Fake Shopping’ Problem.” The article reports:
“Facebook owner Meta Platforms is struggling to stop counterfeiters from pushing fake luxury goods from Gucci to Chanel across its social media apps, according to research and interviews, as the company barrels into ecommerce. Its platforms have emerged as hot spots for counterfeit offenders who exploit their range of social and private messaging tools to reach users, according to interviews with academics, industry groups and counterfeit investigators, who likened brands’ attempts at policing services like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp as a game of ‘whack-a-mole. ‘Facebook and Instagram are the key marketplaces where counterfeit goods get sold to members of the public. It used to be eBay 10 years ago, and Amazon five years ago,’ said Benedict Hamilton, and managing director at Kroll, a private investigation company hired by brands hurt by counterfeiting and smuggling.”
The write-up cites a recent report (PDF) from Italian analytics firm Ghost Data that found over 26,000 active counterfeiter accounts on Facebook and more than 20,000 on Instagram (also Meta-owned) between June and October 2021. Meta has prioritized ecommerce as a way to counter revenue drains like changes to targeted ads and flat user growth. But now it must placate regulators over this related issue. We learn:
“Meta has joined ecommerce sites and online marketplaces in grappling with the sale of counterfeit goods. But unlike public listings on sites dedicated to shopping like eBay and Amazon.com, social platforms also provide offenders multiple channels to post in closed spaces, send private messages and use disappearing content like Instagram Stories, experts said.”
See the write-up for more on the fight against counterfeit merchandise. We wonder—will the emphasis on ecommerce will really pay off for Meta, or will it become another front for criticism? Perhaps both.
Cynthia Murrell, February 24, 2022
After Main Street Retail, Amazon Targets Big Blue
February 24, 2022
Amazon is making it easy to abandon mainframes for its cloud services, Data Center Knowledge reveals in, “AWS Is Out to Kill Mainframes.” In other words, IBM. AWS Mainframe Modernization allows companies to transfer their operations to AWS and either morph legacy applications into Java-based services or keep existing code with few changes. The service promises to automate the process with development, testing, and deployment tools. Though some folks are still mainframe aficionados, others see those systems as decidedly out of date. Writer Max Smolaks admits mainframes excel at processing power, security, and uptime. However, he explains:
“These systems are incredibly expensive and difficult to maintain, and the pool of people qualified to deal with their legacy software is shrinking all the time. AWS has been trying to get customers off mainframes and into its data centers for years. This time, the company says it has built a runtime enthronement provides all the necessary compute, memory, and storage to run both refactored and replatformed applications while automatically handling capacity provisioning, security, load balancing, scaling, and application health monitoring. Since this is all done via public cloud, there are no upfront costs, and customers only pay for the amount of compute provisioned.”
Mainframe Modernization is not yet fully deployed across the globe, but is available for preview in certain regions. We are reminded the concept of remastering legacy software has been done before:
“A similar model has been promoted by other companies, like the Swiss startup LzLabs, which has been developing a product called Software-Defined Mainframe since 2011, based on its own COBOL and Java interoperability architecture. Going in a different direction, the Open Mainframe Project founded in 2015 is attempting to make existing machines a lot more useful, by teaching them to run on Linux, rather than proprietary operating systems like z/OS.”
Smolaks notes folks have been foretelling the death of the mainframe for decades now. Will this AWS initiative be the one to finally vanquish it?
Cynthia Murrell, February 24, 2022
Google Has a Bulldog Biting Its Ankle
February 23, 2022
I told a Googler I was going to give a speech at a conference in London and describe the company as “Googzilla.” The fellow, whom I shall not name because he is now a big time investor type Silicon Valley creation, said, “I love it.” My conversation with the Googler took place before Googzilla bought the dinosaur that graced its Mountain View offices. If you want to see what the beastie looks like with flamingos on its bones, click here. If the link does not resolve, well, use your imagination.
Yep, Googzilla. Now there is a feisty bulldog biting the digital creature on its ankle. No big deal. When dinosaurs stomp around, only other things get crushed, killed, or chomped.
The bulldog is the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Its bite is explained in “Google Says It Doesn’t ‘Sell’ Your Data. Here’s How the Company Shares, Monetizes, and Exploits It.” The bulldog does not recognize “data” as a plural, but what does one expect of bulldogs with law degrees? Strunk & White?
The main point of the write up strikes me as:
Google monetizes user data in myriad ways and talks about it in phrases only Googlers and Xooglers understand.
Why is this important? The article includes some data to illustrate what happens when ethical compasses are exposed to the magnetism of power and money:
Google controls about 62% of mobile browsers, 69% of desktop browsers, and the operating systems on 71% of mobile devices in the world. 92% of internet searches go through Google and 73% of American adults use YouTube. Google runs code on approximately 85% of sites on the Web and inside as many as 94% of apps in the Play store. It collects data about users’ every click, tap, query, and movement from all of those sources and more.
Think about that “and more” when you fire up your Chrome browser and use an Android device. What flourishes in the absence of regulation? Googzilla. And the bulldog biting its ankle.
Stephen E Arnold, February 23, 2022
As Privacy Concerns Grow, So Do Search Alternatives
February 23, 2022
Google is sure to remain king of the online search hill for the foreseeable future, but Spark takes a look at a couple burgeoning alternatives in the post, “Search Engines Try to Rival Google by Offering Fewer Ads, More Privacy.” Writer Jonathan Ore begins with Neeva, founded by ex-Googler Sridhar Ramaswamy.
“[Ramaswamy] bills Neeva as an ad-free, private search engine. Results won’t include advertisements, and the company says any information it does collect from users isn’t shared with third parties. That ad-free experience does come with a cost, however: a subscription fee of $5 US per month, after a three-month trial period. Ramaswamy argues that no search engine is truly free, as users end up paying with all the advertisements and affiliate links clogging up search results, making it harder to find the things they actually want.”
That is one way to look at it. We would add that Neeva does have a free version, but naturally hopes users will be enticed to upgrade. Ore notes that, though Neeva emphasizes privacy, it does collect certain user data—like one’s email address, IP address, location data, browser, and OS. The platform uses this information to improve function and performance, states its privacy policy, but promises not to share any of it with third parties.
Next, the write-up takes a look at You.com, a platform that seems tailored to younger audiences. We learn:
“Rather than a mostly-linear list of results sorted in order of relevance or accuracy, You.com displays search results in a grid-like format. It also lets users ‘upvote’ and ‘downvote’ individual results, directly affecting their rankings in future searches. That added flexibility comes at the cost of simplicity, though; The Verge’s Adi Robertson said its layout can appear ‘overwhelming and sort of cluttered’ to anyone used to Google’s linear approach. Co-founder Richard Socher said, however, that he found younger users used to other social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, which display content in tiles both vertically and horizontally, were able to quickly acclimate themselves to You.com’s unique layout.”
Like Neeva, You.com also emphasizes privacy and refuses to sell user data to advertisers. Can such search platforms really take out Google? Don’t be silly—of course not. But the write-up cites DuckDuckGo as an example of success. That privacy-centric service, launched in 2008, now processes tens of millions of searches daily and employs over 140 workers. Is ad-addicted Google bothered? Probably not. It can well afford to lose such small slices of the search pie and remain decisively in the lead.
Cynthia Murrell, February 23, 2022
Patent Success 2021
February 23, 2022
Everyone should know that a patent does not mean a product or service will emerge. Some patents are designed to create a platform from which to launch litigation. Some patents — notably those of policeware vendor SafeXai (once upon a time Banjo) — are designed to show off. The league table showing who is numero uno in patents is located on the IFI Claims Web site. Here’s a test question? What country’s organizations dominates the Top 10 in the Patent Derby? Choose one from this list:
[ ] Peru
[ ] Monaco
[ ] Iran
[ ] China
[ ] USA?
Give up? China.
Stephen E Arnold, February 23, 2022
Google Maps: A Pithy Abstract
February 23, 2022
If you want to see an example of a very interesting précis navigate to this Twitter sequence. Google’s terms of service for Google Maps is very Googley. You can read the stipulations at this link. A tweet thing user using the entity name “pzakrzewski” offers this summary:
Don’t use it.
The “it” is Google Maps.
Never fear pzakrzewski I am not able to figure out [a] how to find a location, [b] locate street view, and [c] go to the Cuba Libre restaurant, once ostracized because the establishment did not play Google local or Google ads.
I agree with the spirit and intent of your excellent distillation of Googley writing.
Stephen E Arnold, February 23, 2022
No Vacay in Tigray for Zuckbookers This Year
February 22, 2022
I am skeptical of accusations which arrive from outfits which may not be too fond of the Meta thing. “Facebook Lets Vigilantes in Ethiopia Incite Ethnic Killing” reports:
Analysis by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and the Observer found Facebook is still letting users post content inciting violence through hate and misinformation. This is despite being aware it helps directly fuel tensions, prompting claims of inaction and indifference against the social media giant. The investigation tracked down relatives who have linked Facebook posts to the killings of loved ones. One senior member of Ethiopia’s media accused the firm of “standing by and watching the country fall apart”.
This “standing by and watching the country fall apart” is interesting. My hunch is that Facebook is thinking about the metaverse. Does this mean Facebook’s management has its head in a VR headset or somewhere else? A meeting with lawyers? A conversation with an important stakeholder concerned about the billions spent on the Meta pivot? A chat with a former board member who moved toward a dating app?
Definitely nothing thinking about lunch in Tigray.
Stephen E Arnold, February 22, 2022
Yep, Those Microsoft Exchange Servers Are Appealing to Some Bad Actors
February 22, 2022
I know that few agree with my assessment of Windows 11; that is, rushed out without informing the Twit.tv experts. Why? To get attention focused on something other than Microsoft security issues. SolarWinds? Exchange Server? I don’t know.
Then I irritated a few folks with my opinion that the big deal for the electronic game company and the attendant meta chant is essentially another distraction? Why? Maybe the wonderful Windows Defender system before an issue was fixed recently? Maybe another problem with Azure? I don’t know.
I do know that I read some information, which if true, makes clear that the US has a problem with security. And I know that some of the “problem” is a result of Microsoft’s software and systems. My source is the “real” news article FBI Says BlackByte Ransomware “FBI Says BlackByte Ransomware Group Has Breached Critical US Infrastructure.” Let’s assume that the information in the write up is mostly on the money.
First, we note that the FBI issued a statement available here which says that malware has compromised multiple businesses. What’s interesting is that infrastructure sectors appear to have been compromised. What does that mean? My take is that this is a gentle way of saying that bad actors can muck up certain organizations, financial functions, and food (maybe jiggle the chemicals for fertilizer or send box cars to Texas?).
Second, the write up points out that an NFL football team’s systems may have been fiddled. Interesting indeed. Why? No idea.
Third, this paragraph is the one which I think is the most important:
In their warning, the authorities said some victims reported that the bad actors used a known Microsoft Exchange Server vulnerability to gain access to their networks. The authorities have also released filenames, indicators of compromise and hashes that IT personnel can use to check their networks for presence of the ransomware.
Yep, Microsoft. Exchange Servers.
Windows 11 distracted for a while. The game deal is headed for legal choppy water. What will Microsofties roll out next? A phone, a new foldable perhaps, another reorganization?
Fascinating that security issues keep emerging and with each revelation the stakes creep higher. Bad actors may find this information encouraging. I find it downright awful.
Stephen E Arnold, February 22, 2022
Amazon: Insider Threats at the Online Bookstore
February 22, 2022
When I mention that insider threats are a big deal for organizations, some people roll their eyes. Executives want to hear that smart software, equipped with real time threat intelligence, and adaptive perimeter devices eliminate most security threats.
Yeah, but not in my experience. Most people don’t realize how desperate some people are for money or attention. One of those odd ball posts in a free news service said that in the US up to two thirds of the working class have no savings. Big earners don’t need money, or that’s what many people think.
Quick example: Years ago I worked for a big time financial executive at a then super big time financial services firm. When he and I went to lunch, he would ask me to pick up the tab. He explained that he could expense me more easily than shove more charges into his company expense report. I asked how that was possible. The person made more than $1 million per year excluding the new year bonus. The answer was instructive.
I noted these points:
- The need for a New York Athletic Club membership. His employer wanted him to go to Crunch.
- The need for three country club memberships. The company paid for one.
- The need for three nannies because his wife worked long hours and the children required attention because the pride number three
- The need for a car service. The company only paid for rides from the Manhattan office to his home when he worked after 7 pm. He needed more flexible car service.
- Mortgage payments sucked up cash for the big house in a state bordering New York and a weekend getaway in Florida.
- His desire to invest in hot growth companies.
- Miscellaneous expenses like personal auto leases, sneakers, and private schools for his pride or future influencers.
I have not forgotten about the other six deadly sins nor the simple desire to make more money to outdo one’s MBA classmates. Nor have I forgotten the power of carnal desire and the unreasonable effectiveness of honey traps, old Facebook posts, or leaked email.
Against this backdrop think about the information in this allegedly true story: “Former Amazon Employee Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Involvement in Bribery Scheme.” The write up reports:
Kadimisetty is one of six individuals who the U.S. Department of Justice charged with conspiracy for allegedly bribing Amazon employees to gain an “upper hand” over other sellers on Amazon’s online marketplace. In addition to Kadimisetty, the group of individuals included seller consultant Ed Rosenberg, Joseph Nilsen, Kristen Leccese, Hadis Nuhanovic and Nishad Kunju, who was employed by Amazon in India until 2018. Between late 2017 and 2020, these people allegedly bribed Amazon employees to leak information about the company’s search and ranking algorithms, as well as share confidential data on third-party sellers they competed with on the marketplace. [emphasis added]
Insiders? Yep. Friends of insiders? Maybe? Do automated smart cyber systems identify these individuals? Sure in marketing presentations. In real life? Well… Companies are big and management is tough. When images of a malfunction which allowed an F 35 fall off the deck of an aircraft carrier suggested that’s the way things are. Sure.
Stephen E Arnold, February 22, 2022
The BBC Enacts the Ministry of Truth Playbook
February 22, 2022
The National Review calls out the BBC, comparing the organization to the Ministry of Truth from George Orwell’s 1984, in “The BBC Quietly Censors Its Own Archives.” Writer Charles C. W. Cooke informs us:
“The Daily Telegraph reported that ‘an anonymous Radio 4 Extra listener’ had ‘discovered the BBC had been quietly editing repeats of shows over the past few years to be more in keeping with social mores.’ To which the BBC said . . . well, yeah. In a statement addressing the charge, the institution confirmed that ‘on occasion we edit some episodes so they’re suitable for broadcast today, including removing racially offensive language and stereotypes from decades ago, as the vast majority of our audience would expect.’ Thus, in the absence of law or regulation, has the British establishment begun to excise material it finds inappropriate by today’s lights.”
See, the BBC was just trying to be helpful. There are just a few problems with that defense: Does the audience, which as British taxpayers effectively owns this content, really “expect” it to be unceremoniously altered? If so, why the secrecy? There is value in being able to see how vile prevailing attitudes used to be, after all. Then there is the fact that not all alterations simply removed racist, misogynistic, or other offensive tropes and language. We learn of a particularly self-serving set of alterations:
“Per the Telegraph, the BBC has ‘purged mentions of disgraced stars Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris’ from its collections. And down the memory hole goes that.”
The memory hole, of course, being a 1984 reference. See the write-up for more Orwellian correlations. The piece continues:
“One might reasonably wonder where such a project might end. Whether one likes it or not, Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris existed. They were real people, who had a real effect on the culture, and who appeared on a vast number of real radio and television shows that were produced and disseminated by the BBC. That they turned out to be extremely bad people is regrettable, but it does not alter material reality.”
Indeed. Cooke points out the BBC, which has been operating since 1922, has generated and collected a wealth of valuable historical information. One hundred years later, the de facto government agency should not be allowed to alter that content as it sees fit. Whatever its motives.
Cynthia Murrell, February 22, 2022
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