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Spotify announces layoffs, cuts 200 jobs in podcast division

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Music streaming giant Spotify Technology SA has revealed plans to lay off 200 workers in its podcast unit, marking the company’s second round of layoffs as it undergoes a business restructuring following years of substantial investment. 

This move affects approximately 2% of Spotify’s workforce and aligns the company with others such as Meta Platforms and Roku, both of which have also implemented job cuts in response to an uncertain economic climate.

In early trading, shares of the Sweden-based company rose about 0.5%, outperforming the overall market, which displayed muted activity. Spotify had previously made aggressive investments to establish its podcast business, aiming to attract more advertisers through the higher engagement levels offered by the format.

However, this expansion strategy resulted in a significant increase in operating expenditure, growing twice as fast as its revenue last year. The combination of rising interest rates and high inflation has compelled businesses to reduce spending on advertisements. 

Consequently, Spotify initiated a 6% reduction in its workforce earlier in 2023 and announced the departure of Dawn Ostroff, who played a pivotal role in shaping the podcast business and navigating through controversies, including the backlash surrounding Joe Rogan’s show for allegedly spreading misinformation about COVID-19.

Sahar Elhabashi, the head of the podcast business at Spotify, explained on Monday that the company has made the “difficult but necessary decision to make a strategic realignment.” Additionally, Spotify intends to merge its Parcast and Gimlet studios into a single division called Spotify Studios, which will focus on producing Spotify originals.

Elhabashi further elaborated that Spotify will adopt a tailored approach for each show and creator, moving away from the previously uniform approach. This shift in strategy aims to provide greater flexibility and customisation to meet the unique needs of individual content creators and their shows.

By implementing these measures, Spotify aims to streamline its operations and optimise resources to adapt to the evolving economic landscape. The company recognises the importance of addressing cost management and ensuring long-term sustainability while maintaining its position as a prominent player in the music streaming and podcast industry. 

The layoffs in the podcast division are part of the broader efforts to restructure the business and maintain a competitive edge in the face of ongoing challenges.

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Pakistan declares AI chatbots to be dangers to security.

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The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has released a security advisory concerning the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, emphasizing potential hazards related to the exposing of private data.

The recommendation recognizes that AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, have gained significant popularity for personal and professional duties owing to their capacity to improve productivity and engagement. Nonetheless, the CERT cautions that these AI systems frequently retain sensitive information, so posing a danger of data breaches.

Engagements with AI chatbots may encompass sensitive information, such as corporate strategy, personal dialogues, or confidential correspondence, which could be compromised if inadequately safeguarded. The warning emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to alleviate concerns associated with AI chatbot utilization.

Users are advised against inputting critical information into AI chatbots and are encouraged to deactivate any chat-saving functionalities to mitigate the danger of unwanted data access. The CERT additionally advises performing routine system security checks and employing monitoring tools to identify any anomalous behavior from AI chatbots.

Organizations are urged to adopt rigorous security protocols to safeguard against possible data breaches resulting from AI-driven interactions.

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Unlawful VPNs: Terrorists Utilize Unregistered VPNs to Disseminate Propaganda

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Terrorists utilize illicit VPNs to disseminate propaganda and misinformation while concealing their identities.

Several accounts have been uncovered and are under investigation.

The cessation of non-registered VPNs is crucial for the nation’s economy.

The PTA is blocking illegal URLs and websites disseminating objectionable material upon verification.

Forensic investigations of websites have yielded startling results.

Disseminating erroneous information is more facile using unregistered VPNs.

Terrorists were exploiting these unverified VPNs.

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Air University Holds A Revolutionary Event For Students Focusing On Cybersecurity

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Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest.
Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.

Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge.
As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.

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