Championing Free Speech in the Social Media Capital of the World

November 19, 2021

Social media-savvy Filipinos will be a huge factor in the 2022 elections. Despite the threat of online disinformation, political activism in social media still needs to be encouraged. Thus, protecting free speech and press freedom in social media must remain paramount in the face of strong efforts to regulate cyberspace.

The Philippines has been designated as the “social media capital of the world” because a large majority of its 110 million population spend around 9 hours of the day online, with almost half of this time spent in social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

A recent survey by polling firm Pulse Asia showed that 48% of Filipino adults get their news about government and politics from the internet, particularly on Facebook. So, for most Filipinos, social media also functions as a facilitator of political engagement. Whether as just a window to observe the current political happenings or as a means to connect with political actors or as a platform for direct political action. But without a doubt, social media has become a prime forum for political discourse.

Sadly however, in an interview in 2017, one of the young politicians in the country lamented, “We used to say that the internet is a marketplace of ideas, now it’s a battlefield already. And the difficulty with being in a battlefield is that maraming (there are a lot of) casualties. And sometimes the casualties are democracy, good ideas that need space to be able to come out.”

During the 2019 midterm elections, CNN Philippines, through its Digital Disinformation Tracker research project, monitored online conversations during the election period and found that social media was an extremely toxic environment for political discourse. Voters pretty much stuck to their echo chambers and the “us versus them” mentality prevailed. There was no effort from the various political sides to “reach across the aisle” so to speak. Each side was only keen to promote their respective narratives while equally determined to suppress the claims of the others.

The internet is a technological innovation that provides people real-time access to information, to cultures beyond borders, and to discourses happening virtually any place in the world.

For this election cycle, the online vitriol began in earnest right after the lapse of the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy a fortnight ago. Social media is currently flooded with attack propaganda lodged by supporters of candidates against each other. And this toxicity will even intensify considerably once the campaign period for the national elections officially begins on February 8, 2022.

Pertinently, campaigning in the 2022 elections will most likely be devoid of the usual “fiesta” like atmosphere. The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the movements of peoples and will likely continue to do so until May next year. Hence, most, if not all, of campaign gimmicks and activities will likely be undertaken online.

Thus, an already robust online public discourse will be elevated several notches higher, which judging from the level of partisan outrage being expressed now could come close to the point of chaos and pandemonium. During the following months, social media in the Philippines will swing from being a “marketplace of policies and ideas” to being a “battleground of partisan politics”.

A democratic cyberspace

The internet is a technological innovation that provides people real-time access to information, to cultures beyond borders, and to discourses happening virtually any place in the world. As more people now interact in the digital world, for Filipinos it is vital that cyberspace remain democratic given the centrality of social media in the civic space.

But the intense level of connectivity and the amplification of communication necessitates a critical assessment of the scope and depth of free expression and press freedom in cyberspace, as well as the roles and responsibilities of government and citizens in adhering to these constitutional rights.

The Philippines has a cherished legal tradition of respecting free speech and press freedom, despite its complicated history with democratic rule. The Supreme Court articulated this ethos as follows:

“To be truly meaningful, freedom of speech and of the press should allow and even encourage the articulation of the unorthodox view, though it be hostile to or derided by others; or though such view “induces a condition of unrest, creates dissatisfaction with conditions as they are, or even stirs people to anger.””

From just a plain reading of this ruling of the high court, it would be so easy to conclude that the rambunctiousness of political discourse amongst Filipinos in Facebook is proof that free speech is alive and well in the social media sphere. However, online disinformation insidiously threatens the full exercise of these constitutional rights, particularly in relation to political discourse.

The disinformation scourge

The dictionary definition of disinformation is “false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth”. This is to be distinguished from “misinformation” which is defined simply as “incorrect or misleading information”. Both are obviously bad for democracy but it is the element of nefarious intent which makes disinformation the more fatal of the two.

The spread of disinformation hinders reflective and balanced public discourse about pressing issues and the viable policies to address them.

To illustrate, the claim made by Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. that he had an undergraduate degree from Oxford and an MBA from Wharton can be classified as misinformation because while he did spend some time in Oxford University and Wharton School, his name is not in their official lists of graduates. On the other hand, the falsehoods about the Marcos dictatorship being promoted by certain online sources can be classified as disinformation because their aim is to cover up the plunder and brutality perpetuated during Marcos’ authoritarian regime, both of which are historical facts already proven in the court of law.

Disinformation imperils democracy because information plays such a huge part in democratic consolidation, particularly in ensuring free and fair elections. The spread of disinformation hinders reflective and balanced public discourse about pressing issues and the viable policies to address them. Thus, depriving voters the ability to make a rational and informed decision at the polls.

Moreover, an integral part of a modern disinformation campaign is to sow division within the polity by stoking emotions and prejudices on a politically or socially charged issue. This scenario has played out in other parts of the world before, but “weaponising social media“ in furtherance of electoral gain is currently unfolding in the Philippines.

Nevertheless, fostering and even encouraging political activism in the digital realm is still optimal because ardent citizen engagement in matters of governance and politics can sustain a healthy democracy. Hence, the need to protect free speech and press freedom in social media.

Accordingly, a strong adherence to constitutional rights must underpin any government initiative to keep social media a safe and vibrant space for its citizens. Specifically, in institutionalizing mechanisms against the deployment of online disinformation.

Digital citizenship

Needless to say, there is a plethora of ways to address the proliferation of disinformation on the internet. But one of the most important steps is to institutionalize digital citizenship, a concept defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as, “a set of skills that enables citizens to access, retrieve, understand, evaluate and use, to create as well as to share information and media in all formats, using several tools, in a critical, ethical and effective way to participate and engage in personal, professional and social activities.”

Digital citizenship imposes on social media users a responsibility to uphold norms of appropriate and responsible use of digital technology. This view is buttressed by the opinion of the Supreme Court that it is “incumbent upon internet users to exercise due diligence in their online dealings and activities and must not be negligent in protecting their rights.” Correspondingly, the subject of digital citizenship and responsibility is now part of the K-12 curriculum.

It must be clarified though that a digital citizenship regime does not absolve government from any responsibility in preserving the safety and security of the online world. It merely highlights the fact that civil society plays an important and indispensable role in keeping cyberspace safe and secure for all its users.

Regulating social media

Notably, the digital space is not actually the Wild Wild West. It is “governed” by a complex matrix of international rules and state laws. But regulating the web is still a hotly contested proposition and remains to be the subject of intense debate amongst scholars and legislators. In the Philippines, the apex regulatory statute is the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The main goals of this law are to ensure the “free, easy, and intelligible access to exchange and/or delivery of information” and to “protect and safeguard the integrity of computer, computer and communications systems, networks, and databases”. Sometimes the fulfilment of these objectives becomes problematic, particularly in cases involving free speech.

Indeed, finding an acceptable balance between preserving online freedom and keeping cyberspace safe is profoundly challenging due to the authoritarian tendencies of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

For instance, last year, the armed forces chief proposed to include social media in the coverage of the controversial anti-terrorism law. This extreme proposal aims to give national security agents the authority to closely monitor the online activities of suspected terrorists. There is genuine fear however, that this can also pave the way for state surveillance being employed indiscriminately against the population.

And just last month, the head of the cybercrime division of the nation’s premier law enforcement agency, National Bureau of Investigation, urged Congress to enact a law that would mandate one social media account per person in the Philippines as a measure to prevent online scams. But again, this elicited serious anxieties that the state will use this power to surveil and censor those individuals who are overtly critical of the government.

Ostensibly, the country’s existing legal framework on cybersecurity needs to be updated in order to keep pace with the current developments in digital technologies. In fact, the current proposals on how to better regulate cyberspace are now being studied and discussed both in the legislature and in academia. But Filipinos must be vigilant given the palpable tendency on the part of the government to compromise free speech and press freedom.

Reforming the digital legal framework

The militaristic approach to regulating the internet must be reexamined because a regulatory regime that infringes on free speech and press freedom actually undermines the nation’s already distressed democracy.

Thus, this Report of the Special Rapporteur on disinformation and freedom of opinion and expression must be seriously considered in undertaking such a massive reform effort, particularly this caveat:

“Laws and policies are often being made with sub-optimal knowledge of online harm, without adequate data, research or public consultations. States have resorted to disproportionate measures such as Internet shutdowns and vague and overly broad laws to criminalize, block, censor and chill online speech and shrink civic space. These measures are not only incompatible with international human rights law but also contribute to amplifying misperceptions, fostering fear and entrenching public mistrust of institutions.”

Clearly, reforming the regulatory framework for cyberspace must be a multidimensional and multistakeholder effort. Insights from users, business and technology concerns, social cohesion and national security, all have to be factored in. Hence, a viable legal framework to govern the digital realm can only be achieved with the collaboration of civil society, the digital platforms and the government. More crucially though, all three parties must agree that the crafting process cannot deviate away from the nation’s obligation to respect constitutional rights.

Conclusion

Indubitably, social media is now a site where Filipinos learn about public affairs and where they deliberate and mobilize political action. Thus, it is guaranteed that a social media-savvy electorate will be a huge factor in the 2022 elections.

However, online disinformation in social media can make election discourse hostile and toxic. If not properly addressed, this can mean political campaigning will no longer be about an honest-to-goodness public accounting of problems and solutions, but will simply be for showcasing electoral warfare between political protagonists.

Nevertheless, political activism in social media needs to be encouraged. This is precisely the reason why protecting free speech and press freedom in social media must remain paramount in the face of strong efforts to regulate cyberspace.

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About the Author

Michael Henry Yusingco, LL.M is a Policy analyst and constitutionalist, senior research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center of the School of Government of the Ateneo de Manila University, fellow of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance and author of the book, Rethinking the Bangsamoro Perspective.

Best 5 Toronto Cleaning Companies

November 18, 2021

Cleaning your home or business is a task that you may complete on your own. Going the Personal method saves money and makes cleaning a more personal experience. When you have the time to figure it out and follow the steps, it sounds like a lot of fun. If you aren’t so fortunate, you should engage a professional cleaning business to help you organize your belongings.

Professional cleaners and specialists are also advantageous because they cover a larger area. They can clean hard-to-reach areas and places you didn’t think required cleaning. They also offer specialized cleaning products and equipment to keep your home smelling and looking clean. With all of these benefits, it’s a good idea to contact the top cleaning services in your area.

The best cleaning companies work with technologically advanced equipment. Needless to say, this allows for deep-cleaning factories, office spaces, and even warehouses. One of the techniques that they use to ensure maximum cleanliness is by employing floor cleaning machines. This rinses clean and scrubs the flooring all at the same time. It removes, dirt, filth, and other debris and ensures a clean floor.

Here are the Best 5 Toronto Cleaning Companies:

1. MASTER MAID

Whether you’re a large corporation with multiple floors, a tiny business with a lot of energy, or a homeowner in need of a deep clean, they’ve got you covered. No nook or cranny goes unnoticed, and no rubbish can be left unattended. They recognize the importance of client responsiveness, consistency in service, and the effectiveness of their job based on their many years of expertise.

Master maid is one of the famous cleaning companies in Toronto. You should choose master maid because they provide condo and home cleaning services, and a significant number of their clients require assistance from time to time. They are happy to assist with any property, whether it is a house or a condo. They also provide move-in and move-out cleaning services, so if you’re moving into a new place or simply want to leave it in fantastic shape for the next renter, they’ve got you covered. They also offer AirBnB cleaning services in Toronto, as well as post-construction cleaning and workplace cleaning at the cost of:

Cleaning service charges are $130 for a studio/one-bedroom, $150 for a two-bedroom, $190 for a three-bedroom, $230 for a four-bedroom, $280 for a five-bedroom, and $350 for a six-bedroom. While in an office or other location, the following prices apply 700 square feet – $120, 1000 square feet – $140, 2000 square feet – $180, and 3000 square feet – $220. Moving out is divided into three services: service one costs $215, service two costs $235, and served three costs $275. To know what are the other inclusions, you can visit their website. Master maid has 5.0 stars reviews on their site.

2. FOCUS CLEANING

Focus Cleaning offers a full range of commercial cleaning services, as well as specialized Janitorial Services. Their workers are trained and certified in commercial facility maintenance, as well as customer service and satisfaction. Focus Cleaning is a customer-focused janitorial and cleaning service. They strive to provide the best cleaning service available by employing skilled professionals to create a safe and clean environment for both employees and clients.

Cleaning Services, Maintenance Services, and Restoration Services are among the services/products offered in Toronto, with 5.0 stars based on three online reviews. Their pricing range depends on the area that will be clean and the size of the space.

3. MCA GROUP

Schools, restaurants, offices, sports facilities, hotels, retail spaces, medical facilities, and industrial buildings are the commercial institutions that MCA Group cleans. MCA Group is also one of the few cleaning companies that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it an excellent option for emergency cleaning. It can clean offices at all hours of the day and night, even when no one is present.

Office/post-construction/building/retail/hotel/restaurant cleaning, Dealership cleaning, Food plant cleaning, and Janitorial services are available in Toronto. On Google Reviews, there are over 76 reviews with a rating of 4.9 stars. Their rates vary depending on the type of cleaning required. The good thing about MCA Group is that they offer 24 hours and are a meager cost.

4. NO MORE CHORES OF TORONTO CLEANERS

No More Chores is, without a doubt, one of Toronto’s most in-demand cleaning service companies, serving both residential and commercial clients. No More Chores offers a large cleaning crew that can handle a range of cleaning jobs, including maintenance cleaning, commercial cleaning, rental cleaning, and move-in/out cleaning. Standard cleaning, one-time deep cleaning, move-in, and move-out cleaning, commercial cleaning, and post-construction cleaning are all services/products available in Toronto.

The advantages of this cleaner are that home appliances will also be cleaned, and cleaning services are available on a one-time, weekly, and monthly basis, but they are costly. The lowest prices are $200.

5. SCRUBBI

Scrubbi offers a variety of home cleaning services in Canada. With their excellent services, they create a pleasant and clean environment. Take use of their 24-hour availability and responsive customer service by booking an appointment quickly, changing your cleaning dates, selecting your favorite cleaning chemicals, and taking advantage of their 24-hour availability and responsive customer service.

Cleaning regularly, Cleaning after a Move-Out, Temporary Cleaning on a One-Time or Short-Term Basis, and Providing Services are all services/products available in Scrubbi(Weekly, Biweekly, Monthly). On weekends, they are closed. They are per-session fees. Four sessions at home cost $298, whereas four sessions in the office cost $388.

We all know that Cleanliness is directly relevant to disease prevention and hygiene. Various janitorial services contribute significantly to this goal. It is something that affects not just people but also the environment and the workplace. People gain a sense of dignity and moral superiority when they clean. Always choose the best partner when it comes to cleanliness.

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Investment for A Cause: Bluemina Links Up With Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship for Youth Relief

November 18, 2021

Bluemina’s Managing Partner and representative Mr. Bashar Daoud joined Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. the Honorable Timothy Harris, and CEO of the CIU, Mr. Les Khan, in attending Saint Kitts and Nevis embassy’s exclusive event on November 15th 2021 in Dubai. During the ceremony, Mr. Daoud has initiated a generous contribution of 20,000 US Dollars to St. Christopher Children’s Home in support of providing these children with a brighter future.

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program launched in 1984 is one of the oldest and strongest country programs in the world, and is a highly demanded program at Bluemina.

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Adam Ferrari Shares How You Can Simplify Your Life When You Are Overwhelmed

November 18, 2021

Have you ever felt paralyzed by the number of choices, decisions, and tasks that lay before you? Depending on their lifestyles, many people feel this way.

Too many choices, decisions, and tasks are indicative of a complex lifestyle. Complexity requires energy to think through the various options and how they affect each other. Like a well-played chess game, there is satisfaction in devising a strategy and anticipating your future moves. Still, a constant stream of complexity can leave you feeling drained and exhausted.

Here, business leader Adam Ferrari shares five creative ways you can simplify your life and not compromise your life strategies.

Eliminate unimportant decisions

Two people may have two very different approaches to ordering food at a restaurant. For example, Marie enjoys eating out and looks forward to the total experience, including all the delicious options on the menu. She will carefully read each item and consider what will be just right for that evening’s meal.

On the other hand, Steve enjoys spending time with family and friends but doesn’t care what’s for dinner. He will start reading the menu until he finds the first thing that sounds good, and he stops at that point and looks no further. He has made his decision, and he can now focus on other things.

Neither of these restaurant menu strategies is better than the other but applying Steve’s process to the mundane decisions we all must make every day can significantly reduce the complexity of choosing between unimportant things.

Automate everything you can

Much of the complexity-induced stress and anxiety people feel comes from having too much to do and the fear of forgetting something important. Technology can help with both of these.

If there’s anything that technology can do well, it automates routine tasks and reminds us of things that we need to do. Before too long, we’ll all be able to buy an autonomous vehicle, so we won’t even need to engage in driving our cars, but until then, let technology do what it does best—things that don’t require the ability to reason.

A mini robot can vacuum your floor; that’s one less thing you need to think about. Your dog’s food and snacks can just show up on your doorstep before you run out. There’s another thing off your list.

If you spend a lot of time mentally running through lists of things you need to do, automate the things you can, and then use technology to create reminders for other routine tasks. Automation and digital reminders will reduce the complexity in your life and allow you to focus on more critical and productive aspects of your life.

De-junk

You’d be surprised by how much stuff most of us have that we don’t need and how freeing it is to get rid of all but the essentials.

I asked a man one day about the big thick wallet he always carried. He was a friend, so I asked him to show me what he carried around with him. As we examined the contents of his wallet, we found several credit cards, months-old receipts, a little cash, some business cards—some his and some he had collected from others, and various other cards like auto and medical insurance.

We talked about how much more comfortable he would be if he didn’t need to sit on a stack of cards and paper all day. He agreed that would be wonderful, but what about the stuff he needed—you know, just in case. I asked him to think about what would happen if he lost his wallet. That idea was quite unsettling to him, so I asked him if the important things in his wallet were safer there or at home. He immediately saw where the conversation was going and agreed to see if he could de-junk his wallet.

The next time we met, he was ecstatic. He now carried a skinny wallet with a bit of cash and one credit card. He had been doing so for several weeks and said he never missed anything that he now left safe at home.

This idea applies to our homes, offices, vehicles, and even relationships. Be sure to use reason, but our lives can be simplified if we follow the advice of Japanese organizing consultant, author, and TV show host Marie Kondo—if it doesn’t spark joy, throw it out. Or maybe better stated, if it adds complexity to your life, reevaluate if you need it.

About Adam Ferrari

Adam Ferrari was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL. He is the grandson of an Italian immigrant coal miner who worked in Coal City, IL. Adam was taught the value and dignity achieved through a hard day’s work from an early age. The oil and gas industry provides good-paying jobs for millions of blue-collar men and women across America. This is one of many reasons Adam and his company, Ferrari Energy, are such staunch supporters of the oil and gas industry. Blue-collar men and women built America, and the modern oil and gas industry keeps America moving forward.

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Useful Tips to Help You Get a Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident

November 18, 2021

It’s never easy to find yourself caught in a difficult and dangerous situation, but owning a bike comes with its risks. It’s a no-brainer that, irrespective of the other parties involved in a motorbike accident, the person with a considerably larger number of injuries would be the bike rider. A professional motor accident lawyer from candflawyers.com.au can assist you in this situation since they have 30 years of combined expertise, both in and out of court, which will help you find the best conclusion for your case. If you are partially or completely at fault for the vehicle accident and someone else was also at fault, you are still eligible to file a claim.

Complexities of a Motorcycle Accident

According to the public myths and misconceptions, bike riders are reckless and rough drivers as compared to four-wheel drivers. While both car and motorcycle accidents can be traumatic and leave devastating effects on the respective drivers, the blame is mostly shifted on a bike rider. However, it is a fact that a bike rider experiences more serious injuries as compared to a covered vehicle driver.

Tips that Will Help You Deal With a Complicated Motorcycle Accident

Collect Evidence

After an accident, if you are conscious and safe, you should record the accident and try to recall the events that lead to the accident. We’re lucky enough to have immediate access to cameras on our phones that make getting evidence on the spot possible. Take pictures of any damages and injuries you and your vehicle might have had.

However, avoid interacting with the other party to steer clear of any false claims of badgering or assault. It is hard to remember all the details right after the incident, so taking notes and pictures will be a plus point for your case. This evidence might help you in the compensation of your losses.

Seek Medical Treatment

The sooner you get all the proper treatment, diagnostic, and appropriate medical care, the sooner you can start your recovery process and get back on your daily health routine. After the accident, seek medical help from the nearest health care hospital for any injuries you had. If you are experiencing any symptoms, minor or major, don’t take a risk because many minor injuries can later cause underlying pain and complications too. Furthermore, it might be possible that it disables you from continuing a healthy life. These injuries are called delayed injuries, which should be provided with appropriate medical care just after the accident.

Contact an Experienced Lawyer

After getting immediate medical help and safety, the next important step to take is to contact your family lawyer and discuss your case. As motorcycle accidents are much more critical than car accidents, hire an attorney who is an expert in handling motorbike incidents and knows how to protect your rights and get compensation. Lawyers in the United States are known for car and motorbike accidents, and those in busy cities like Florida and Las Vegas are aware of how to protect the rights of their clients and increase the strength of their client’s cases. A Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer would be one of the most experienced out there, for example, since they’re quite experienced with cases and have no shortage of training. A good lawyer will always help you to understand the nature of what you’ve just been through, what type of compensation you deserve, how to claim for the cost and other medical expenses. This is why you shouldn’t hesitate in contacting an experienced lawyer.

Keep Your Medical Records Close

To claim all your expenses and loss, it’s important that you have the original and copies of all the records of any medical attention that you may have gotten after the incident took place. In the event that you require more medical attention in relation to what happened, the doctors will provide you with an insurance letter that will help you in claiming and demanding your medical treatment expenses.

Don’t Record Any Statement Before Talking to Your Lawyer

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, then hire or contact an expert attorney as soon as possible before the legal investigation starts. If the other party’s attorney gets in touch with you and the insurance company, then keep in mind to avoid giving any statements that might hurt your case. You must discuss your matter with your legal consultant first before discussing it with the other parties involved.

Sometimes, anything you say can be potentially used against your case. To avoid anything of this sort from happening, refrain from communicating with the other party.

Several Other Factors to Consider

Accident cases that cost less and move faster may be less stressful and can be handled out of the court. However, out-of-court settlements also have some disadvantages for people stuck with legal issues. Therefore, before taking a decision, consult with your attorney about what it means to accept an out-of-court settlement or the legal settlement through court.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, regardless of the type of parties involved. Therefore, it is only practical to understand the stakes. Although you should ensure that you are not involved in an accident in the first place, knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident will allow you to prepare yourself for the situation in the event that it happens.

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What are the Factors for Choosing the Best Crypto Lending Platforms?

November 18, 2021

Crypto lending is a method for earning interest on your cryptocurrency if you do not intend to sell it.

Like most people, you are no doubt interested in discovering new strategies to acquire money. There are several invesftment options available, which can make selecting the proper one extremely challenging. The world of cryptocurrency has surged in popularity in recent years.

Suppose you are ready to give cryptocurrency lending a try. In that case, the first step is to select the best cryptocurrency lending platform.

There are several platforms available, and each one provides something unique. The following are just a few of the factors to consider when selecting a cryptocurrency lending platform.

What is Cryptocurrency Lending?

It is well-known that cryptocurrency is gaining popularity as a payment option. However, that is not all, since it may also be an excellent financial opportunity. Crypto lending enables you to increase the value of your assets while holding them without intending to sell them.

Crypto lending is a subset of decentralized finance in which investors may lend their cryptocurrency to various borrowers. This way, you will get interest payments, often known as “crypto dividends.” Numerous sites that specialize in crypto financing also take stablecoins in addition to other cryptos.

Factors to Consider

Nexo vs Celsius, the all-time debate among crypto lending platforms. But how do you pick the best crypto lending and exchange software when there are so many options? To make that decision, you will also need to investigate the specifics of each exchange and select the one that fits your requirements the best.

It is important to understand what you should be searching for. Making a selection on a loan platform becomes much simpler if you clearly understand what you desire.

Interest Rates

First and foremost, interest rates should be considered. A greater interest rate is desired when lending so that your cryptocurrency can be used to generate income. So naturally, a lower interest rate is preferable if you are considering borrowing money.

Security

Securing your home should be the second most critical consideration. The platform’s security level is unknown. If so, what actions did they take to increase security after being the victim of a cyberattack in the past? Any respectable lending platform should explicitly define the safeguards that they have in place for its customers.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Also crucial to evaluate is which cryptocurrencies the site takes, particularly if you are a lender looking to lend money. Most lending services allow Bitcoin and Ethereum.

You may need to hunt for other lending opportunities if all of your money is held in altcoins and stablecoins. However, it should be obvious on any respectable crypto loan platform that coins it supports on the webpage.

Flexibility

Another factor to examine is the loan’s ability to be modified at any point in time. For example, is there a time limit on how long you would want to lend or borrow? Are there any consequences for failing to pay back the loan within the time limit that has been agreed upon?

Do you know how often you have to pay back your loan? Some platforms feature predefined terms that you can adjust to meet your specific requirements; others allow you to entirely tailor the terms to meet your specific requirements and requirements.

Geo-restrictions

Some cryptocurrency loan sites include geo-restrictions, which you may not have been aware of. That is, depending on where you live, you may or may not be allowed to participate in a lending platform. So you should check to see whether you are eligible to sign up for your preferred platform regularly. For those in need of quick financial solutions, a bitcoin loan instant service offers a modern and efficient way to secure funds almost immediately.

Top Crypto Lending Platforms

The popularity of cryptocurrency lending has been continuously increasing. As a result, there are several choices accessible for consumers who are interested in utilizing their cryptocurrency as collateral for loans. Naturally, various lending platforms provide a variety of perks to their customers.

For example, some provide the lowest interest rates, while others support a broad range of cryptocurrencies. In contrast, others are concerned with safety and security, and some do all of the above, among other things. Here is a thorough list of everything we found.

Nexo

Nexo, which is based in Switzerland, was one of the first cryptocurrency lending platforms to emerge, and it was the first in the world to provide fast loans. Like most other lending platforms on our list, Nexo allows customers to utilize their cryptocurrency as collateral for fiat loans. There are no minimum repayments, no hidden costs, and loans are accessible immediately without the need for a credit check.

Nexo provides the potential for lenders to earn interest on fiat cash and stablecoins, with the addition of other crypto alternatives shortly. When you combine an eight percent interest rate with a 100 percent asset return guarantee, you can put your cryptocurrency to good use while knowing that it is in safe hands.

Celsius Network

Celsius Network has quickly risen to become one of the most well-known cryptocurrency loan platforms on the market for a good reason: It works. This is another instance where the site allows you to utilize Bitcoin as collateral for a cash loan. The loan conditions are very flexible. Celsius Network currently provides a one percent annual percentage rate (APR) on USD and stablecoins to assist people whom COVID-19 has been financially impacted. When you compare Nexo vs Celsius you can see they both have advantages, Nexo provides higher rates while Celsius is more well-known and trusted.

The platform is also causing quite a sensation in the business world. Celsius Network has aided in the introduction of cryptocurrency lending to more than a hundred financial institutions. It is taking significant efforts to secure the long-term viability of cryptocurrency. Since its inception in 2017, the platform has seen exceptional growth, having processed more than $5 billion in loan transactions.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the crypto-loan sector is expanding at a rapid pace. These days and in this era, cryptocurrency loans are on the increase and getting more popular. With each passing month, more and more platforms are being launched, and the sector is booming.

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Whole Life Insurance Quotes: Tips for Choosing the Right One

November 18, 2021

Insurance is an important safety net to have in all facets of life. We have policies to protect our house, our vehicle, and our physical health, but we should also invest in policies for our lives. Medical health insurance in texas is a great way to make sure that your loved ones are taken care of in the event of your untimely passing.

Let’s take a look at what these insurance policies have to offer and what to look for when exploring quotes online.

Understanding Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance is one of the most common types of this coverage, designed to provide protection for the entirety of your life so long as you continue to pay a monthly premium. This permanent life insurance provides a set amount of coverage that will see set beneficiaries receive a death benefit upon your passing while paying a set premium for the duration of the policy. This differs from term life insurance, which only provides coverage for a set number of years before the policy expires, leaving you an option to renew.

You can search for whole life insurance quotes online to get an understanding of these insurance products that offer more than just the death benefit. Whole life coverage actually allows applicants to build cash value on their policy that can be borrowed against to pay outstanding debts and expenses. This can serve as a potential sort of financial strength, but it’s important to remember that this lifelong coverage is more expensive than a term policy, resulting from a policyholder’s ability to access a cash payout if necessary.

The Underwriting Process

Insurance companies delve into various types of information to determine the risk of a policyholder, calculating monthly payments that a person can cover while giving them the protection they desire. Whole life insurance policies are traditionally more expensive than term policies because of the length of the policy and the fixed premium associated. The amount of death benefit that you subscribe to for a permanent policy will also impact monthly payments, which could pad the cash value account of that whole life insurance coverage.

The age of the policyholder at the time they purchase the policy can affect premiums, with younger people likely to get more affordable coverage as the payout of the death benefit is less likely at the time of purchase. Gender can also impact premiums, with men paying more on average than women. Different needs regarding hobbies and employment can also impact risk, with insurance companies raising premiums for those with more dangerous occupations or habits. Lastly, a policyholder’s health and medical history are also looped into consideration of premium payment, particularly habits like tobacco and drug use at the time of purchase.

Reasons To Get a Life Insurance Policy

Oftentimes, younger people avoid purchasing life insurance coverage because they don’t see the need. However, a whole life policy is a good investment regardless of age, income, and health status. You’ll want to find a life insurance company that lays out the terms and conditions of payout on permanent coverage clearly. There could be certain exclusions under life insurance protection, so it’s important to do a thorough evaluation as to what may result in beneficiaries not receiving a death benefit.

If you’re starting a career, growing a family, or getting married, life insurance is worth the monthly cost to make sure there is a financial outlet for funeral costs or to use for expenses that may arise suddenly. These representations are available through various companies, so it’s important to work with a life insurance provider that not only offers a lower premium but financial advice to accommodate policyholders and their loved ones for years to come.

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How to Choose Personal Injury Attorneys in Boston

November 18, 2021

Victims of motor vehicle accidents suffer the loss of earnings, back injuries, and emotional distress. And to think it all happened in the blink of an eye because of someone’s negligence can make it even more frustrating. When such cases happen, accident victims can rely on legal counsel from a team of personal injury attorneys looking out for their best interests. There are several personal injury lawyers available today, but to settle on the right injury attorney, especially in a huge area like Greater Boston, can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you choose a personal injury attorney in Boston.

Check for recommendations and reviews.

Oftentimes, the first step to begin any legal process is to call your lawyer. If you don’t have one, a quick Google search for “personal injury attorneys in Boston” can bring the best results in your area. The problem now becomes settling on the best possible outcome. There are several parameters for motorists or general accident victims to screen a list of injury lawyers.

The most common can be to find out what other personal injury victims are saying about an attorney or law firm’s services. Most websites may have review sections where you can check some of these experiences out. Alternatively, you can look out in the recommendations column for any relevant Google listing.

Verify their certifications and accreditations.

The general rule of thumb for all lawyers in the United States is to have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. But the legal field is very broad, and there may be specialized certificates for a criminal defense attorney that might not apply to personal injury law. Practicing law in the United States without a proper certificate can be legal malpractice punishable by law. You can start by checking for the general certificates and then move to specialized accreditation.

Also, remember no legal representation in a particular area like Suffolk county can happen outside the state of Massachusetts’ legal jurisdictions. Therefore, it pays to check if your injury attorney-to-be is in good standing with your locality’s statute of limitations and other legal bindings.

Look for their track record.

You may be up for some difficult times in a courtroom if your personal injury case is in the hands of a novice with no team to seek seasoned legal assistance from. Lawyers with extensive experience don’t only offer expert legal help, but they can also make the entire legal process of your case manageable.

Depending on the type of injury case, you can opt for an injury lawyer who is well-versed in your specific legal matter. Workplace and construction site accident victims may find more comfort in dealing with an injury attorney with decades of experience handling workers’ compensation cases.

Review terms of service.

Many injury lawyers have different terms of service. Some may prefer your first encounter by filling a contact form or a phone call to the help desk. Others provide a free initial consultation to understand your demands for fair compensation better and review your case for solid legal grounds. Knowing how your preferred law firm discharges its duties can help prepare for your first meetup. Generally, many will require receipts of all medical bills for injury cases, personal injury lawsuit demands, and other sensitive information necessary for your injury claim.

Assess payment options.

Many lawyers can afford you a free consultation for the first meetup. But it’s essential to ask about payment for the long haul early on, irrespective of how friendly an attorney-client relationship is. Some may want upfront payment or an arrangement spread in billable hours throughout the process. Others may prefer to put you on a contingent fee basis where they take an agreed-upon percentage from your settlement offer.

Considering all these factors, you’re well on your way to finding a skilled attorney with extensive trial experience to represent you in your personal injury case in Boston.

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Effective Ways to Increase Revenue in Time for 2022

November 18, 2021

The 2020 economy has been tough on companies, and it’s about to get even tougher. Theoretically, the last thing you want to do is increase your prices and alienate your customer base, but if you want to stay afloat, someone needs to produce more revenue. That “someone” may as well be you. In this post, we’ll explore some strategies for increasing revenue without sacrificing customer base satisfaction

1. Become a Better Salesperson

The question is always the same: “How do I better serve my customers?” Maybe you’re able to do that, but it’s hard when you’re operating on a shoestring budget. This is especially true for medium-sized businesses that are still trying to find their footing to generate more revenue.

The solution? Improve sales by highlighting problems and showcasing solutions. No one buys from someone they don’t like. Make sure your customers (and potential customers) know how much you care about them by showing them love through your customer service. If you could only do one thing to increase revenue, make sure your customers are happier and more satisfied. It’s a lot easier to sell to people who love what you do.

2. Increase Per-Unit Revenue

You don’t need to generate more revenue overall, but you need to increase the amount of money per unit (e.g., single unit sale). The easiest way to do this is to increase your profit margin, which means knowing your costs and keeping them low. You can do this by streamlining your shipping and delivery process. Are you shipping three-day packages with overnight shipping for no reason?

As far as your storefront is concerned, don’t be afraid to differentiate yourself from the competition. Maybe you could charge more for specific products or services. Perhaps you could even make your products of higher quality. These strategies can help you increase the per-unit revenue.

3. Explore Crowdfunding Platforms

Many people invest in startups through crowdfunding platforms. In particular, crowdfunding has been a very effective way of getting startup companies the capital they need to thrive. It’s also been a very effective way for many individuals to find extra cash.

When running a business, it can be useful to know how you can best use these platforms to make extra money. If you don’t have a lot of capital tied up in your business or don’t want to give up equity in your company, crowdfunding may be the way to go. It’s also a great way to build your audience and customer base. You’ll be able to raise funds for advertising, you’ll get the word out about your business, and you’ll even attract brand evangelists.

4. Use Digital Platforms

There’s a reason there’s so much attention paid to the internet these days. The reason is this: You can use digital platforms in a variety of ways to drive revenue. You can capture data and use it to your advantage for marketing and advertising purposes. You can also use it for gathering feedback and building customer loyalty.

If you’re not already doing so, you should be utilizing digital platforms to market, advertise, and sell. That means something as simple as a Facebook page or Etsy shop can lead to revenue. If you want to make money off of your social media presence, you need to start using it to your advantage.

5. Get Creative

The economy fluctuates, but frugality never goes out of style. If you’re able to be more creative with your revenue generation, you can have success. You can look at other industries, see what they do, and adapt your ideas to fit your niche. For example, retail dba’s have been using social media to engage more with their customers. In this scenario, social media isn’t just a perception of being engaged—it’s engaged.

It’s successful, but it’s also very different from TV advertising or magazine ads which are more traditional forms of advertising. The difference is that when you’re in the world of social media, it’s more interactive, and when you’re in the world of TV advertising or magazine ads, it’s more passive.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different ways to generate extra revenue. Even if you’re not able to do all of the above, try picking one or two strategies and incorporating them into your business plan. Perhaps they will help you make the transition from a small business owner struggling to make ends meet to a medium-sized company making enough money to thrive in time for 2022.

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ONE: Helping Consumers Manage Finances and Simplify Their Lives

November 18, 2021

There’s no escaping the current state of the global economy. Higher prices and increased cost of living expenses pale in comparison to most household incomes, resulting in financial strain and increased stress. Though consumers can do nothing to single-handedly improve the economic climate, gaining control of their finances makes it easier to navigate hardships and simplify life. That’s where ONE plays a significant role.

What Is ONE?

Established in 2019, ONE is an agency that offers financial management products, including banking accounts, lines of credit, and credit builder cards. The fee-free and affordable features and tools provide a one-stop shop for managing financial accounts, building or restoring credit, obtaining funding for everyday purchases or unexpected expenses, and so much more.

ONE Banking Products

ONE offers banking accounts packed with a ton of tools and resources. The Spend, Save, Auto-Save, and customizable pockets serve as virtual dividers where customers can split, organize, save, and budget their finances more effectively. ONE Account holders benefit from perks including earlier paydays (Up to 2 days faster), no fees (EVER), 3.00% APR, and fee-free overdraft protection. Other banking product features include virtual cards, scheduled pocket transfers, widgets, and shared accounts for complete control over your finances.

ONE Credit Products

Need to borrow money or improve your credit? ONE’s credit products include a line of credit and credit builder accounts. At only 1.0% monthly interest (with the first-month interest-free), eligible customers can receive a line of credit to use at their discretion. There are no additional or hidden fees, you only pay for what you spend, and since it’s linked to the ONE debit card, you have immediate spending access.

For ONE customers that need assistance improving their credit, the credit builder is available. It’s a secured pocket where account holders can transfer as little or as much money as they want. The funds from this pocket can be used to make purchases ranging from gas and groceries to credit cards and utilities. Transactions from the credit builder pocket are reported to the three major credit bureaus as a loan with positive payment history.

How ONE is Shaping Financial Management

So, how does being a ONE customer improve your finances and simplify your life?

One Financial Platform – With a ONE account, customers can view their finances on a single platform. From pockets and lines of credit to options to synch outside financial accounts, consumers have a clearer picture of how they’re spending and saving their money.
Earlier Paydays – No-fee direct deposit features enable customers to receive their paychecks up to two days earlier. Such an advantage makes it easier to budget, make payments, cover everyday expenses, keeping your finances on track.
No-Fees – No matter what your financial status, no one likes the idea of spending money unnecessarily. ONE customers have the advantage of avoiding monthly maintenance, overdraft, wire transfers, foreign transaction, or hidden fees.
High-Yield APR – Savings pockets can earn customers a 3.00% APR, enabling them to build more savings over time.
Affordable Financing – Lines of credit are offered at 12.00% interest, making them more affordable than credit cards and short-term loans.
Build Credit – The credit builder creates a positive track record for payment history on your credit report each month. As payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, responsible use of the credit builder account will help you establish or revive your credit over time.
Share With Others – Creating a budget or line items for households is easier with shared pockets. Customers can collaborate with family members creating healthy financial habits across the board.

In times where the economy can fluctuate from one extreme to the next, financial management is crucial to everyday life. ONE offers an opportunity for consumers to develop a responsible relationship with money, budgeting, and saving. From no fees and early paydays to pockets and credit building, ONE customers find that navigating the uncertain economy is more manageable.

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