Technology Archives - Joshua Mathias

Dubai Police warn residents of fake employment agencies

Joshua Mathias — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:15:20 +0000

Dubai Police put out a warning on Friday about fake employment agencies operating on social media. These scammers are pretending to be recruitment companies. They promise to arrange domestic workers and other staff. But they’re just trying to steal money from people who need to hire workers.

This isn’t a new problem. It’s part of an ongoing campaign called #BewareOfFraud. Dubai Police have been warning residents about different types of online scams for months. This latest warning focuses specifically on job-related ads and recruitment accounts that look legitimate but aren’t.

The scammers are getting sophisticated. They create professional-looking social media profiles. They post ads that seem real. They might even have fake testimonials from supposed clients. The goal is to get people to share personal information or send money upfront for placement fees or processing costs.

Dubai Police said residents need to verify the credibility of recruitment offices before making contact. That means checking if the company is actually licensed. It means not sending money to social media accounts. It means being suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true.

The warning comes after several recent alerts. Earlier this month, Dubai Police warned about fraudulent recruitment ads specifically for domestic workers. Before that, they warned about work visa scams where fraudsters offer employment and visa sponsorships that don’t exist. These scams are evolving and multiplying.

If you encounter suspicious job offers or think you’ve been targeted, Dubai Police want you to report it. You can use the Dubai Police Smart App, the eCrime platform, or call 901 for non-emergency cases. The more people report, the easier it is for police to track patterns and shut down scammers.

Why Are Employment Scams So Common Right Now?

The job market in the UAE is competitive. Many people are looking for work. Many families need domestic help. That creates demand. Scammers always go where there’s demand because that’s where they can find victims.

Social media makes it easier to run these scams. You can create a fake company profile in minutes. You can buy fake followers to make it look established. You can target ads to specific demographics. The barrier to entry for scammers is very low. The potential return is high. That’s a dangerous combination.

The pandemic changed how people look for work. More job searching happens online now. More recruitment happens through digital channels. That shift created opportunities for legitimate recruiters. But it also created opportunities for scammers. Not everyone knows how to tell the difference between a real recruiter and a fake one.

There’s also less face-to-face interaction. In the past, you’d meet a recruiter in an office. You’d see their business license on the wall. You’d get a sense of whether they’re legitimate. Now, everything happens through messages and video calls. That makes it easier for scammers to maintain the illusion of legitimacy.

What Makes These Scams Effective?

The best scams exploit real needs and emotions. People who need to hire domestic workers are often under time pressure. Maybe their current worker left suddenly. Maybe they have a new baby and need help urgently. When you’re desperate, you’re more likely to skip verification steps.

The scammers also exploit trust in digital platforms. People assume that if something is on social media, it must have been verified somehow. That’s not how it works. Social media platforms don’t verify that every business account is legitimate. They can’t. There are too many accounts and not enough resources.

Fake testimonials and reviews make the scams more convincing. Scammers create fake client accounts that post positive reviews. They might even pay real people small amounts to post positive comments. When you see multiple positive reviews, you assume the service is legitimate. That’s social proof working against you.

The scams often involve small initial payments. Maybe $100 or $200 for a “registration fee” or “processing cost.” That’s small enough that people don’t think it’s worth the hassle to verify everything. But when you multiply that by hundreds or thousands of victims, the scammers make serious money.

How Can You Actually Verify a Recruitment Agency?

This is the practical question everyone needs to answer. Dubai has a licensing system for recruitment agencies. Legitimate agencies have to be licensed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. That’s the first thing to check.

You can verify licenses online. The ministry has a portal where you can search for licensed agencies. If the agency you’re considering isn’t on that list, that’s a red flag. Don’t send them money. Don’t share personal information. Walk away.

Look for physical office locations. Legitimate recruitment agencies have real offices. They’re not operating only through WhatsApp or Instagram. If an agency won’t give you an office address or won’t let you visit in person, that’s suspicious.

Check how long they’ve been operating. New businesses aren’t automatically scams. But if a company claims to have been operating for years but their social media accounts were created last month, something doesn’t add up. Use tools like domain age checkers to see when their website was registered.

Ask for references from previous clients. Real agencies can connect you with people they’ve successfully placed workers for. Scammers can’t. They might give you fake references, but if you actually call those references, you’ll discover they’re fake or they’ve never heard of the agency.

What Should Platforms Do About This?

Social media platforms have a responsibility here. They profit from advertising and user engagement. When scammers use their platforms to defraud people, that’s a problem the platforms need to address.

Verification systems could help. Platforms could require business accounts to submit licensing documentation before they can advertise recruitment services. That’s not foolproof, but it raises the bar. It makes it harder for scammers to operate at scale.

Better reporting mechanisms would make a difference. Right now, if you report a suspicious account, it might take days or weeks for the platform to investigate. By then, the scammer has already moved to a new account. Faster response times would reduce the window of opportunity for scammers.

User education is part of the solution. Platforms could show warnings when people interact with recruitment-related content. Something like “Be careful when hiring through social media. Always verify licenses and never send money to unverified accounts.” That won’t stop everyone from falling for scams, but it might make some people more cautious.

The challenge is that platforms operate globally, but licensing requirements are local. A platform can’t easily verify that every recruitment agency in every country has proper licenses. That’s a complex problem without easy solutions. But it’s a problem that needs solving.

What Are the Broader Implications for Digital Trust?

This goes beyond employment scams. It’s about whether people can trust what they see online. Every time someone gets scammed, they become more skeptical of everything online. That skepticism is healthy up to a point. But too much skepticism makes it hard for legitimate businesses to operate.

Legitimate recruitment agencies suffer when scammers are active. People become suspicious of all online recruitment. That makes it harder for real agencies to attract clients. They have to spend more time and money proving they’re legitimate. That’s a cost that scammers impose on the entire industry.

The erosion of trust affects more than just recruitment. If people can’t trust employment ads, why would they trust real estate listings? Or e-commerce sites? Or financial services? Scams in one category create doubt about everything. That’s why authorities take this seriously.

There’s also a regulatory question. Should governments require social media platforms to verify business accounts? Should there be liability for platforms that host scam operations? These are policy questions that different countries are answering differently. The UAE has been relatively proactive with campaigns like #BewareOfFraud. But enforcement is always playing catch-up with scammers.

What’s the Long-Term Solution?

There’s no single solution that will eliminate employment scams. But there are things that would make them less common and less effective.

Digital literacy education needs to be widespread. People need to understand how scams work, what red flags to look for, and how to verify information online. That education should start in schools and continue through public awareness campaigns.

Licensing systems need to be easy to verify. If checking whether an agency is licensed requires calling a government office during business hours, most people won’t do it. If you can check instantly online with a simple search, more people will verify before sending money.

Consequences for scammers need to be severe. Right now, the risk-reward ratio favors scammers. The chance of getting caught is low. The penalties if you do get caught are often minor. If consequences were more certain and more severe, fewer people would run these scams.

Cross-border cooperation matters. Many scammers operate from outside the UAE. They target UAE residents but they’re physically located somewhere else. That makes enforcement difficult. International cooperation on cybercrime would help, but it’s slow and complicated.

Technology could help too. AI systems can detect patterns that indicate scam operations. They can flag suspicious accounts before they defraud many people. Platforms are starting to use these systems, but they’re not perfect. Scammers adapt quickly to whatever detection methods are in place.

Ultimately, this is an ongoing battle. Scammers will keep evolving their tactics. Authorities and platforms will keep adapting their defenses. The best protection is a combination of smart regulation, platform responsibility, and individual vigilance.

Joshua Mathias is a PR and communications strategist based in Dubai, UAE. He has been associated with some of the Top PR Agencies in Dubai and works with businesses across the GCC region, including Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and the wider Middle East, helping them build brands, manage reputations, and connect with audiences. He is frequently cited among top PR professionals in the region.

Learn more at joshuamathias.com.

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On AI and tech, Japan seeks to build momentum with UAE, experts say

Joshua Mathias — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:10:38 +0000

President Sheikh Mohamed is heading to Japan on February 8 for his sixth visit to the country. This isn’t just another diplomatic trip. Experts say this visit could reshape how AI technology gets built and distributed across the globe. The focus is on artificial intelligence cooperation and high-tech partnerships between the UAE and Japan.

The Middle East Institute hosted a conference in Washington on Friday where researchers talked about what this visit means. Amane Kobayashi works at the Institute of Energy Economics in Japan. He said the visit could create major momentum for Japan to become a hub for global AI supply chains. That’s important because right now, AI supply chains are fragile and concentrated in just a few countries.

Both the UAE and Japan are members of something called the Pax Silica alliance. The United States leads this group. It’s basically a club of countries the US trusts to work together on AI technology and supply chains. The goal is to make sure AI development doesn’t depend too much on any single country or region. If one part breaks down, the whole system doesn’t collapse.

Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia recently. His name is Ryosei Akazawa. That visit set up the groundwork for President Sheikh Mohamed’s trip. These aren’t random visits. They’re coordinated moves to build something bigger.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Japan’s SoftBank is already working with Abu Dhabi’s G42 to build one of the world’s largest data centres. Data centres are the physical buildings where AI systems run. You need massive amounts of computing power and energy to train AI models. The UAE and Japan are betting they can build this infrastructure together better than anyone else.

Stanford University ranks countries on something called AI vibrancy. That measures how active and innovative a country is in AI development. Japan ranks ninth globally. The UAE ranks first in AI adoption according to a recent Microsoft report. Japan is strong at building AI technology. The UAE is strong at using it and scaling it fast. Together, they cover different parts of the AI value chain.

Mohammed Soliman is a technology analyst at the Middle East Institute. He said something important at the conference. “This is a new Gulf, this is a new Japan and this is a new era for US and Japanese relationship.” What he means is that all three regions are changing how they think about technology partnerships. The Gulf countries aren’t just places to raise money anymore. They’re strategic partners who can provide minerals for tech supply chains and help build AI infrastructure.

What Makes This Partnership Different From Other Tech Deals?

Most international tech partnerships are about one country buying technology from another country. Company A sells software to Company B. That’s transactional. This UAE-Japan partnership is structural. They’re building the foundation of how AI systems will work in the future.

Think about it like this. AI needs three things to work: chips to process information, data centres to run the systems, and energy to power everything. Japan has expertise in energy sustainability and decarbonisation technology. The UAE has capital and speed in building massive infrastructure projects. The US provides the strategic framework through Pax Silica. Each country brings something the others need.

The timing matters too. AI development is hitting a bottleneck. Companies can build better AI models, but they can’t find enough computing power or energy to run them. Data centres use enormous amounts of electricity. The UAE has been investing in nuclear and solar energy for years. Japan has decades of experience making industrial processes more energy efficient. Combining those strengths solves a real problem.

This also changes the geopolitics of technology. For the last 30 years, the US and China dominated tech development. Europe tried to keep up with regulations. The Gulf and Asia were mostly markets where Western companies sold products. Now the UAE and Japan are saying they can be builders, not just buyers. That shifts global power dynamics.

Why Is Japan Interested in the Gulf Now?

Japan’s relationship with the Gulf used to be simple. Japan bought oil from Gulf countries. Gulf countries bought cars and electronics from Japan. That model worked for 50 years. But both sides are moving away from oil dependence. Japan needs new partnerships. The Gulf needs new industries.

Shinzo Abe was Japan’s prime minister until 2022. He had a vision for Japan to play a bigger role in shaping the Asia-Pacific region. That vision didn’t die with him. Current Japanese officials still follow that playbook. They see the Gulf as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and Africa. If Japan can partner with Gulf countries, they get access to multiple markets at once.

There’s also a defensive element. China has been building relationships across the Middle East for years through the Belt and Road Initiative. Japan doesn’t want to be left out. By strengthening ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Japan creates a counterbalance to Chinese influence in the region.

The UAE is particularly attractive because it moves fast. When the UAE government decides to do something, it happens quickly. Japan’s government and corporate culture tend to move slower. Partnering with the UAE gives Japanese companies a way to test and deploy technology faster than they could at home.

How Does the Pax Silica Alliance Actually Work?

Pax Silica is a US-led initiative that started in 2025. The name comes from silicon, the material used to make computer chips. The alliance includes countries the US considers “trusted partners” for AI development. The UAE and Japan are both members. So are South Korea, the Netherlands, and a few others.

The goal is to create a resilient supply chain for AI technology. Right now, most advanced chips come from Taiwan. If something happens to Taiwan, the global tech industry stops. Pax Silica tries to spread that risk across multiple countries. Each member country specializes in different parts of the supply chain.

For example, the Netherlands makes the machines that manufacture advanced chips. Japan provides materials and precision equipment. South Korea manufactures memory chips. The UAE builds data centres and provides energy infrastructure. The US designs the chips and develops the AI software. No single country controls everything, but together they can build complete systems.

This matters because AI is becoming critical infrastructure. It’s not just about chatbots and image generators. AI runs power grids, financial systems, and military operations. Countries want to make sure their AI systems don’t depend on potential adversaries. Pax Silica is basically an alliance of countries that trust each other enough to share critical technology.

What Are the Actual Business Opportunities Here?

The SoftBank and G42 partnership is the most visible deal, but it’s not the only one. Japanese companies are looking at the UAE as a testing ground for AI applications in extreme environments. The UAE has intense heat, limited water, and challenging geography. If you can make AI systems work efficiently in the UAE, they’ll work anywhere.

Energy management is a huge opportunity. Data centres in the UAE need to stay cool in 50-degree heat. That requires innovative cooling systems and energy efficiency. Japanese companies have technology for industrial cooling and energy management. UAE companies need that technology. That’s a natural fit.

There’s also opportunity in robotics. Japan ranks second globally in robotics, right behind China. The UAE is investing heavily in automation across logistics, healthcare, and construction. Japanese robotics companies can partner with UAE firms to deploy systems across the Gulf region and into Africa and South Asia.

The financial sector is another area. Both countries are developing AI systems for financial services. The UAE has become a fintech hub. Japan has some of the world’s largest banks and insurance companies. They can collaborate on AI-powered risk assessment, fraud detection, and automated trading systems.

Don’t overlook the education and training angle. The UAE needs to train thousands of people in AI development and data science. Japan has universities and technical schools with strong AI programs. There’s opportunity for Japanese educational institutions to set up programs in the UAE or create exchange programs.

What Could Go Wrong With This Partnership?

The biggest risk is execution. Both countries are good at making announcements and signing agreements. Actually delivering on those agreements is harder. The SoftBank-G42 data centre project is massive. Building one of the world’s largest data centres in the UAE desert is an engineering challenge. Delays and cost overruns are common in projects this size.

There’s also the question of talent. AI development requires specialized engineers and researchers. Both the UAE and Japan are competing with the US and China for that talent. If they can’t attract and retain top AI researchers, the partnership won’t produce cutting-edge technology. It’ll just be expensive infrastructure that runs other people’s AI models.

Geopolitical tensions could complicate things. The US is leading Pax Silica, but US-China relations are unpredictable. If tensions escalate, the US might pressure UAE and Japan to choose sides more explicitly. That could limit who they can do business with and what technology they can access.

Energy is both an opportunity and a risk. Data centres use enormous amounts of power. If the UAE can’t scale its clean energy production fast enough, the data centres will run on fossil fuels. That defeats part of the purpose and creates reputational risk. Japan’s expertise in energy efficiency helps, but it’s not a magic solution.

Finally, there’s market risk. The AI industry is moving incredibly fast. What seems like a good bet today might be obsolete in two years. If the UAE and Japan invest billions in infrastructure for AI systems that get replaced by new technology, they’ll have expensive buildings that nobody needs. That’s the risk of building infrastructure in a rapidly evolving industry.

Learn more at joshuamathias.com.

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The Hidden Dangers of AI Companions for Children

Joshua Mathias — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:05:29 +0000

Based on reporting from The National

A recent opinion piece from a health professional, Dr. Hanan Al Shaikh, brought up some serious concerns about artificial intelligence, specifically about the AI companions that many young people are starting to use. The article points out that these are not just simple toys or tools. Instead, these AI companions are designed to be very engaging, almost addictive, which can be a problem for children and teenagers who might be more vulnerable.

The use of these AI companions is growing quickly. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, six out of ten adults have used AI chatbots, and in the United States, seven out of ten teenagers have interacted with them. These are not just casual chats, as some young users are forming deep connections with their AI friends. This raises questions about the influence these AI companions have and whether they are truly safe for young minds. The article even mentions very serious situations, like lawsuits in the United States that have connected the use of AI companions to teen suicides, showing just how high the stakes are.

We are at a critical point where the lines between technology and human connection are blurring, especially for the younger generation. It is not just about creating innovative products anymore, it is about understanding the deep, and sometimes unforeseen, impact these products have on society. We have a responsibility to lead conversations that prioritize ethical considerations and build a framework of trust and safety around these powerful new tools.

– Joshua Mathias, PR and Communications Strategist, Dubai, UAE

Are AI Companions Safe for Kids?

This story is a clear signal that the conversation around new technology is changing. It is not enough for a product to be new and exciting, it also has to be safe and responsible. When a technology like AI companions becomes popular, especially with children, people will naturally start to ask tough questions. They want to know that companies are thinking about the well-being of their users, not just about how to keep them engaged for longer. This is a matter of public trust, and building that trust requires being open and honest.

What are the responsibilities of tech companies regarding AI companions?

For any organization involved in creating or promoting new technologies, this is a moment to pay close attention. The way a company talks about its products, the safeguards it puts in place, and how it responds to public concerns can have a huge impact on its reputation. This article shows that issues like child safety and mental health are now a core part of the tech conversation. It is a reminder that being proactive, transparent, and genuinely committed to ethical practices is not just good for society, it is also good for business. The long term success of AI companions will depend on whether people believe they are a force for good.

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Joshua Mathias is a PR and communications strategist based in Dubai, UAE. He works with businesses across the GCC region, including Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and the wider Middle East, helping them build brands, manage reputations, and connect with audiences. He is frequently cited among top PR professionals in the region. Learn more at joshuamathias.com

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Etihad Rail Unveils 57-Minute High-Speed Train

Joshua Mathias — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 01:36:08 +0000

Etihad Rail’s New Speedy Route Will Change Travel in the UAE

Etihad Rail is about to transform how we travel in the UAE. It’s rolling out a high-speed passenger train that promises to whisk you from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 57 minutes. That’s faster than it takes to binge-watch two episodes of your favorite TV show. With speeds reaching up to 200 kilometers per hour, this train is about to make even the most tedious commute feel like a breeze.

If you’re tired of sitting in traffic, staring at the rear bumper of the car ahead, this could be your answer. Etihad Rail is bringing the future of transport to the present, and it’s not just about speed; it’s about reimagining travel in the region.

From Abu Dhabi to Dubai in Less Than an Hour

The idea of making the 140-kilometer trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in under an hour might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but Etihad Rail is making it happen. At speeds of 200 kilometers per hour, the train promises not just speed but a smooth and comfortable ride. You can almost hear your car’s engine sighing in relief, knowing you’ll be leaving it in the garage more often.

With just 57 minutes from start to finish, you’re practically cutting your travel time in half. It’s not just convenient for daily commuters, either. Weekend travelers, tourists, and anyone looking for a hassle-free journey will now have a new favorite option.

First-Class Comfort and Modern Economy

Etihad Rail isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about getting there in style. If you want to splurge a bit, the first-class seats offer a premium experience with extra legroom, reclining seats, and panoramic windows. It’s like flying first class, but without the turbulence. And for those who just need to get there without breaking the bank, the economy class offers comfort, too, without the extras.

With Etihad Rail, you’re not just buying a ticket; you’re buying into a new way to travel. There’s Wi-Fi on board, power outlets to keep your gadgets charged, and even snack services for those who can’t go a full hour without munching on something. It’s a rolling office, café, and relaxation zone all in one.

High-Speed Travel That’s Eco-Friendly

This isn’t just a win for people trying to get places faster. Etihad Rail is also a big win for the environment. By providing an alternative to car travel, it’s helping reduce carbon emissions and the number of cars on the road. It’s an eco-friendly choice that doesn’t sacrifice convenience. Think of it as doing your bit for the planet while zipping along at high speed.

With fewer cars on the road, there’s less congestion, fewer traffic jams, and hopefully, fewer honking horns disrupting your day. It’s a travel solution that’s as smart as it is swift, making every journey smoother for all.

Linking the UAE Like Never Before

The introduction of Etihad Rail is more than just a transport upgrade; it’s about connecting communities and reshaping how the UAE’s cities link up. It’s going to open up new possibilities for business, tourism, and even daily life. Want to catch a concert in Dubai after work in Abu Dhabi? Now you can. Have a business meeting in the morning and plans at the beach in the afternoon? Easy.

This high-speed connection will change how people experience the region, making it easier than ever to live, work, and play across multiple cities. The Etihad Rail network will bring places closer together, so you can think bigger than just your local area.

Coming Soon to a Station Near You

The wait won’t be long before Etihad Rail begins operations. The project is nearing completion, with passenger services set to launch soon. When it does, the UAE will join the ranks of countries with high-speed railways, offering one of the quickest and most efficient ways to travel.

So, keep your eyes peeled for announcements and start planning how you’ll use those 57-minute journeys. Whether it’s for business, leisure, or just avoiding traffic, Etihad Rail is about to change the game.

If you are looking for PR support in Dubai, Saudi Arabia or across the GCC region, please reach out here: Contact Joshua Mathias

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Is My Phone Listening to Me – The Truth Behind the Ads

Joshua Mathias — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 23:40:26 +0000

Is My Phone Listening to Me? The Truth Behind the Ads

The thought of “Is my phone listening to me” is one that has crossed everyone’s mind. You talk about sneakers, and the next thing you know, you’re getting shoe ads in your feed. Coincidence? I think not. But what if I told you that while it may seem like your phone is listening to you, there’s a twist to the story that’s far creepier?

The Myth of the Eavesdropping Phone

You’ve probably said out loud, “Is my phone listening to me?” Maybe you were joking. Maybe you were dead serious after the umpteenth time you mentioned a product, only for it to pop up in your ads like some digital stalker. And honestly, it’s not a crazy idea. After all, we’re all walking around with little pocket-sized microphones, and we know our apps are collecting data. So, it seems reasonable to ask, “Is my phone listening to me?”

Spoiler alert: Facebook’s not creeping through your mic—at least, not in the way you’re imagining. They don’t need to! They’ve got an army of data-harvesting minions working round the clock to predict your every need before you even have it. The idea that your phone is listening to you is the stuff of urban legends, but what’s really going on is even more unsettling.

How Ads Seem to Know Everything About You

So, if your phone isn’t actually listening to you, why does it feel like it is? Well, tech companies have gotten scarily good at predicting our behavior. It’s all in the algorithms. Your phone doesn’t need to listen because it already knows too much.

When you’re scrolling through your favorite apps, they’re not just tracking what you click. They know how long you look at a post, how fast you scroll, where you live, who you interact with, what you’ve purchased before—and they’re compiling that into a data profile so rich, they don’t need to eavesdrop. They’re practically reading your mind!

That’s how ads start showing up. It’s not because your phone is listening to me. It’s because it already knows me better than I know myself.

The Facebook ‘Partner’ Who Bragged About It

Remember that one friend who always knew what you were going to say before you said it? Well, Facebook’s got that friend, but it’s not your mic—it’s their partnerships. In a shocking revelation, a Facebook partner recently bragged about their ability to “listen” and serve ads to users. Yeah, not great for our collective trust in Big Tech.

But before you toss your phone in the nearest river, let’s break this down. When people ask, “Is my phone listening to me?” what they’re really wondering is: How are ads getting so scarily accurate? The answer? Data partnerships. That’s right. Companies are sharing your digital breadcrumbs, and all those crumbs lead straight to your ad feed.

Data Is the Real Culprit

Here’s the kicker: The real invasion isn’t your phone’s microphone—it’s the endless pool of data you hand over willingly. Every tap, like, and Google search is worth its weight in gold, and companies are making bank on it. It’s not that your phone is listening to you. It’s that data scientists are.

Think about it this way: When you post a picture, tag your location, or even chat with friends, your phone is collecting details. This data is then bundled up and sold to advertisers so they can get their ads in front of you at just the right moment. It’s like magic, except it’s really just some nerdy dude in a basement playing God with your info.

Should You Worry About Your Phone Listening?

Now, you’re probably thinking, “If my phone isn’t listening to me, what’s the big deal?” Well, the truth is, this data-driven system is way more invasive than a rogue mic ever could be. The algorithms know what you want before you do. And that’s something to be concerned about.

Sure, your phone isn’t listening to you, but let’s not pretend that makes everything cool. You’re still being watched. All those little moments you think are private? They’re not. Your phone is a data goldmine, and advertisers are digging deep.

So, while your phone isn’t actively eavesdropping on your conversations, the eerie feeling of being followed around by ads isn’t going away anytime soon. Your phone isn’t listening, but it’s certainly paying attention. And, honestly, that’s even more unnerving.

Can You Stop It?

So, what can you do to stop this madness? Well, short of going off the grid and living like a modern-day hermit, your options are slim. But you can make a few tweaks. Try turning off your phone’s microphone access for apps that don’t need it. You can also limit what data apps are allowed to collect. Go ahead and be stingy with your personal info—it’s yours, after all.

If you’re worried about your phone listening to me, the real trick is to pay attention to what permissions you’re giving away. It’s less about what your phone is hearing and more about what it’s seeing. Turn off location tracking when you don’t need it, and avoid linking every app to your Facebook account. Basically, stop handing out personal info like free candy.

Is Your Phone Listening?

At the end of the day, your phone isn’t listening to me in the way you think it is. But, through data collection, it’s doing something even more invasive. The bottom line? Be mindful of what you’re sharing. While the mic isn’t on, the data stream definitely is. And that, my friends, is the real privacy concern.

If you are looking for PR support in Dubai, Saudi Arabia or across the GCC region, please click here.

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Ryan Reynold’s Mint Mobile to close deal worth up to AED 4.95 billion

Joshua Mathias — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:42:06 +0000

T-Mobile is acquiring Mint Mobile, a budget cell service provider known for its ads featuring actor and part-owner Ryan Reynolds, in a $1.35 billion (AED 4.95 billion) cash-and-stock deal.

T-Mobile plans to “supercharge” Mint with its resources and apply Mint’s successful marketing formula to other parts of T-Mobile.

Reynolds joked about his mother’s last-minute bid for Mint Mobile and said that T-Mobile’s 5G network would benefit Mint Mobile customers.

T-Mobile will continue Mint’s $15 per month pricing, and Mint will continue to use T-Mobile’s network. Mint founders David Glickman and Rizwan Kassim will operate the brands as a mostly separate business unit.

The deal is expected to close later this year.

Celebrity-Influencer Marketing Done Right

Celebrity and influencer marketing played a significant role in helping close the deal between T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile, founded in 2016, initially struggled to gain traction in the competitive cell phone service market. However, Ryan Reynolds, who became a part-owner and creative director in 2019, helped to drive Mint Mobile’s growth through his involvement in its marketing campaigns.

Reynolds’ playful and irreverent approach to advertising resonated with consumers, helping Mint Mobile to gain a loyal following. Reynolds appeared in numerous ads for the company, standing in front of a mint-green background and delivering humorous sales pitches. His involvement helped to distinguish Mint Mobile from other cell phone service providers and attract a younger demographic.

Additionally, Reynolds leveraged his significant social media following to promote Mint Mobile, sharing photos and videos on Instagram and Twitter that highlighted the company’s unique offerings and value proposition. His celebrity status and influence helped to raise awareness of the brand and drive customer acquisition.

Ryan’s Impact on Mint Mobile

In the first year after Reynolds became a part-owner and creative director, Mint Mobile’s revenue grew by 50%.

Additionally, according to a survey conducted by Morning Consult in 2020, Mint Mobile was the second-most recognized brand among consumers who had seen a celebrity endorsement in the previous year, after only Beats by Dre.

Furthermore, Reynolds’ social media presence has been credited with helping to raise awareness of Mint Mobile and drive customer acquisition. As of March 2023, Reynolds has over 50 million followers on Instagram and over 16 million followers on Twitter. His posts about Mint Mobile have garnered thousands of likes and shares, helping to amplify the brand’s reach and visibility.

While these indicators do not provide a comprehensive picture of the impact of celebrity and influencer marketing on Mint Mobile’s growth, they suggest that Reynolds’ involvement played a significant role in the company’s success.

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First Footage of a Tesla Semi in the Real World Emerges

Joshua Mathias — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 01:07:50 +0000

Just a few months after its official unveiling, the Tesla Semi is really real. In fact, a UPS worker in California captured the first known footage of a semi in action as it rolled through Sunnyvale, California. Although the clip is brief, it is quite revealing.

A UPS worker in California last week captured the first known footage of a Semi in action, rolling through Sunnyvale, California. The clip is brief, but revealing.

To read more, please click here.

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Steve Jobs Brilliant Marketing Strategy

Joshua Mathias — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 01:34:34 +0000

If you ever wondered what is Apple’s Marketing Strategy, this is it with Steve Jobs Brilliant Marketing Strategy.

Apple Founder and Former CEO Steve Jobs shares his unique and different approach to marketing and how this was used to build an almost bankrupt company into one of the largest companies in the world.

For Content Marketing, Digital Marketing & Public Relations, feel free to get in touch: http://joshuapmathias.com/contact/

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