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New Study Shows Filipino Consumers Who Access Piracy Sites and Services at Severe Risk of Cyber Threats

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Expert, IP Office and Industry Representatives Call for Site Blocking Laws to be Passed

MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new study commissioned by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) showed that Filipino consumers who access piracy sites and services are at severe risk of cyber threats such as identity theft and ransomware. The study found Filipinos are up to 33 times more likely to encounter a cyber threat on the most popular piracy sites compared to legal film and TV websites.  

These findings were presented in a study released on 13 November during an anti-piracy symposium organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), GMA Network, Inc. and Globe Telecom. ACE, the world’s leading antipiracy coalition, is led by the MPA.  

The study was authored by Dr. Paul Watters, Honorary Professor of Security Studies and Criminology, Macquarie University in Sydney.  

“As the digital landscape grows increasingly complex, the risks to consumers accessing piracy sites – especially younger consumers – have never been more urgent,” Watters said. “Consumers today navigate an online environment fraught with hidden malware and exploitation, often without realizing the true danger they face. My research highlights the urgent need for effective action to protect consumers, as every click on a piracy site brings not only legal and ethical implications, but significant threats to users’ safety and security. We owe it to the next generation to build a safe and secure internet, which protects young people from cybercriminals.”

To mitigate the risk of consumer harm posed by piracy sites, the study recommends the enactment of proportionate and transparent site blocking laws that will target piracy sites and services, increased funding for Filipino law enforcement to enhance digital forensics and incident response capabilities, and the development of a national awareness and education campaign.  

“IPOPHL’s voluntary site-blocking initiative has emerged as a key tool in the fight against digital piracy,” said IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba. “While it has only been implemented this year, we’ve already disabled access to nearly 20 sites with the help of the National Telecommunications Commission and internet service providers. Nevertheless, a law will institutionalize our site-blocking regime to create more outcomes, unlock the full potential of our creative economy and protect our consumers from the alarming cyber threats of piracy sites. IPOPHL is still hopeful to see a site-blocking law passed soon.”  

“The MPA’s experience in almost 60 countries around the world shows that site blocking is one of the most effective tools in our toolbox to combat piracy,” said Karyn Temple, Senior Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel for the MPA. “This is particularly true in jurisdictions like the Philippines, where the most visited sites are run by operators based elsewhere in the world. The enactment of site blocking legislation is the next key step towards protecting Filipino consumers, content creators, and the creative industry in the Philippines and around the world.” 

The study also showed that raising consumer awareness and education – particularly with teens and pre-teens – is crucial to mitigating the cyber risks associated with piracy sites in the Philippines.  

“The study confirms what we have long feared about online piracy in the Philippines,” said Mr. Joseph T. Francia, First Vice President and Head of International Operations for GMA Network, Inc., an ACE member company. In addition to the negative economic impact to the Filipino entertainment industry, digital piracy has far more serious consequences to the Filipino consumers who are unwittingly exposed to a host of cyberthreats by visiting pirate sites. GMA is committed to continue raising consumer awareness and education on the cyber risks associated with digital piracy.”

“At Globe, we believe in a digital world that is safe and empowering for everyone,” said Yoly Cristiano, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer for Globe, an ACE member. “This study underscores the critical need for collaborative action to protect consumers, especially young people, from the hidden dangers of online piracy. We are committed to working with the government and partners like the MPA, ACE and GMA Network to promote responsible digital citizenship and ensure a secure online experience for all Filipinos.”

The full report is available here.  

About The Motion Picture Association 

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) serves as the leading voice and advocate of the motion picture, home video, and television industries. It works in every corner of the globe to advance the creative industry, protect its members’ content across all screens, defend the creative and artistic freedoms of storytellers, and support innovative distribution models that bring an expansion of viewing choices to audiences around the world. Its member studios are Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO. 

About The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment

The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) is the world’s leading coalition dedicated to protecting the legal creative market and reducing digital piracy. Driven by a comprehensive approach to addressing piracy through criminal referrals, civil litigation, and cease-and-desist operations, ACE has achieved many successful global enforcement actions against illegal streaming services and unauthorized content sources and their operators. Drawing upon the collective expertise and resources of more than 50 media and entertainment companies around the world—including sports channels and associations—and reinforced by the Motion Picture Association’s content protection operations, ACE protects the creativity and innovation that drives the global growth of core copyright and entertainment industries. The current governing board members for ACE are Amazon, Apple TV+, Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association and Chairman of ACE.

About the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)

An agency attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), IPOPHL was created by virtue of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property (IP) Code of the Philippines. It is mandated to protect IP and create policies and programs that shape the IP system to be a tool for promoting innovative and creative activities, facilitating transfer of technology, attracting foreign investments and ensuring market access for products.

The IPOPHL sits at the National Committee on IP Rights as vice-chair. It is also an ex-officio member of the National Innovation Council and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, which are respectively tasked to foster innovation and creativity in the country.

About GMA Network

GMA Network, Inc. is the Philippines’ leading broadcasting company, which produces the most innovative, most trusted, and top-rating TV programs.

Also known as the Kapuso Network, GMA brings superior entertainment and responsible, unbiased, and timely delivery of comprehensive and accurate News and Information to Filipinos anywhere in the world – through its TV, radio, online platforms and wide array of other media-related ventures: program syndication, film production, music publishing and distribution, set design, audio-visual production, and new media.

Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data from January to September 2024, GMA Network including GTV and other digital channels tallied a combined people net reach of 92 percent or 67 million viewers in Total Philippines. Headquartered in Quezon City, GMA operates a network of 115 TV stations and 21 radio stations throughout the country.

Officially listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2007, GMA Network, Inc. is regarded as one of the most notable organizations that promote sustainability in the country, being the first media and broadcasting company in the Philippines to sign with the United Nations (UN) Global Compact.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.

About Globe

Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines and publicly listed in the PSE with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunications and technology needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed services. It offers innovative digital solutions in the areas of fintech, healthtech, adtech, climate tech, shared services and venture capital. In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to implementing universal sustainability principles. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region.

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SOURCE Motion Picture Association

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Tabono Capital Announces Strategic Partnership with Invesco to Deliver Enhanced Investment Solutions for UHNW Clients

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tabono Capital today has announced a strategic partnership with Invesco that enhances investment solutions for ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Tabono Capital, a multi-family office based in Singapore, collaborates with Invesco, a global investment management leader with over US$1.7 trillion in assets under management. This partnership merges Invesco’s institutional-grade investment expertise, cutting-edge portfolio solutions, and comprehensive research capabilities with Tabono Capital’s strong relationships with ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families across the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions.

This collaboration enables Tabono Capital’s clients to benefit from the extensive resources and scale of Invesco’s capabilities. For Invesco, the partnership provides enhanced access to sophisticated investors in key growth markets.

Key elements of the partnership include:

Implementation and construction of model portfolios and asset allocation frameworksAccess to institutional-grade investment research and comprehensive market insights for UHNW clientsKnowledge sharing and collaboration on market intelligence and investor insights

Nirish Unni, CEO & Co-Founder of Tabono Capital, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy. By leveraging Invesco’s world-class investment research and asset allocation capabilities, we can provide our clients with institutional-grade investment solutions while maintaining the personalized service they expect from a boutique multi-family office.”

Santosh Rao, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Tabono Capital, added: “Our clients increasingly seek institutional-quality investment solutions with global reach. This collaboration with Invesco allows us to deliver exactly that, while maintaining our personalised approach to client service. Together, we will create portfolios designed to capture opportunities in key global markets while effectively managing risk.”

Christopher Hamilton, Asia Pacific Head of Client Solutions for Invesco, stated: “We’re proud to partner with Tabono Capital to bring our industry-leading offerings and capabilities to Asia’s expanding family office and UHNW segment. This is a compelling platform for investors to access comprehensive strategies that can help them meet their financial goals.”

About Tabono Capital

Tabono Capital is a multi-family office headquartered in Singapore, licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to provide Fund Management services. Co-founded by industry veterans and former private wealth managers Nirish Unni and Santosh Rao, the firm caters to ultra-high-net-worth families across the Asia Pacific and MENA regions, offering comprehensive wealth management and family office solutions. For more information, visit https://tabonocapital.com

Contact: team@tabonocapital.com

About Invesco

Invesco Ltd. (NYSE: IVZ) is a global independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. With offices in more than 20 countries, our distinctive investment teams deliver a comprehensive range of active, passive and alternative investment capabilities. For more information, visit www.invesco.com/corporate.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2566576/Tabono_Capital_Logo.jpg

 

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RedDrop Wins the $1 Million Dollar Grand Prize from Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition to Empower Period Care Innovation in Teen-Focused Wellness

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ATLANTA, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — RedDrop, a rising star in the wellness industry for its innovative period care products for tweens, is proud to announce that it won the $1 Million Dollar Grand Prize from Black Ambition.

In 2020, Pharrell Williams founded the non-profit organization Black Ambition to support Black and Hispanic Entrepreneurs to fuel future founders. This year celebrates its 4th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day, where over 250 guests gathered to hear eight finalists’ pitches and celebrate the brilliance of Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. The event was supported by Visa, Comcast, Lennar Foundation, Louis Vuitton and Adidas. The panel of four judges, which included Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter; Pinky Cole, Founder of Slutty Vegan; Matt Story, Vice President, Global Brand Integrated Marketing at Visa; and Erik Moore, Founder & Managing Director, Base Ventures determined the top winners to an enthusiastic audience.

As one of the few brands chosen for this highly competitive program, RedDrop will benefit from Black Ambition’s extensive mentorship network, funding, and resources to amplify Black and Hispanic founders and their brands. With a focus on providing personalized wellness solutions and empowering tween girls, RedDrop is excited to partner with industry leaders to scale its impact and reach new audiences. 

“We’re beyond thrilled to be the grand prize winners of this year’s Black Ambition Prize Competition! Having $1 million to invest in our business is life-changing and will give us opportunities to grow and continue to impact our community,” said Dr. Monica Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of RedDrop. “And while the prize money is great, the mentorship and network provided by Black Ambition is priceless and will allow us to open doors that were previously closed and to start building our own table so we can invite others to have a seat.”

One of Black Ambition’s key initiatives is to encourage and support Black and Hispanic founders with funding, mentorship, and network support as each founder develops their footprint in their industries. Black Ambition has awarded over $2.7 million to 30 trailblazing founders across AI, Consumer Products and Services, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, and Tech. In addition to the $1 Million grand prize, RedDrop will have access to industry veterans, office hours with investors and senior leaders, exclusive invitations to retail partnership meetings, wellness and executive coaching, and more for the next six months. 

Through access to industry veterans, strategic insights, and capital support, RedDrop is poised to take its mission to new heights while promoting wellness solutions that resonate with diverse and underrepresented communities. RedDrop’s inclusion in the Black Ambition network marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to revolutionize how tween girls connect with wellness products that align with their unique needs and values.

To connect and learn more about RedDrop, please visit www.tryreddrop.com. Follow us on  Instagram (@reddrop), Facebook (@reddropco), Youtube (@tryreddrop), X (@reddrop) and TikTok (@reddropco) to stay up to date with us.

About RedDrop
RedDrop is a wellness brand committed to creating inclusive and innovative period products for tween girls to feel their best during their new stage of life. With a focus on properly sized period products and education-backed solutions, RedDrop is revolutionizing the way consumers approach health, wellness, and self-care.

Media Contact
Sterling Jones
Marketing and Communications Specialist
media@reddrop.co
www.tryreddrop.com

Photos: Getty ImagesJason MendezBlack Ambition

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SOURCE RedDrop

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Chaaat.io to Release Bookingz, a Booking Personal Assistant to Streamline Appointment Scheduling

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HONG KONG, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Chaaat.io, an emerging leader in providing user-friendly tools for customer acquisition, engagement, and retention, is excited to announce the launch of its latest feature: Bookingz.

Designed to deliver a seamless booking experience, Bookingz allows users to schedule appointments entirely through WhatsApp. This launch arrives at a time when businesses and individuals are increasingly seeking efficient ways to interact with customers on platforms they use daily, as communication channels like email are dwindling in performance. WhatsApp, with its 2 billion active users, has become a central communication hub for both individuals and businesses. Bookingz enables businesses of all sizes to offer efficient, convenient appointment booking directly through WhatsApp.

Simplifying Making Bookings

Bookingz transforms the customer journey in several key ways. Businesses that sign up with Bookingz can send a WhatsApp link to their customers, who can then experience a fully streamlined booking process that stays within WhatsApp, eliminating the friction of switching between apps or websites.

Bookingz manages the process on behalf of the business, eliminating the need for the business owner or representative to tediously go back and forth suggesting availabilities. Users can simply request availabilities and then confirm a booking, all from the safety of WhatsApp.

Bookingz also delivers a much higher click-through and booking rate than email. The platform leverages WhatsApp’s high open rates – roughly 80-90%, compared to the meager 5% standard open rates offered by email, to send reminders and follow-ups that customers are more likely to see, ensuring appointments are top-of-mind and helping avoid no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

Keeping things in one place

Beyond streamlining the booking process, Bookingz enhances customer engagement by staying within the familiar and trusted space of WhatsApp. This user experience approach increases booking rates by reducing the enormous friction that business owners will see with alternative booking solutions that force customers to download apps, sign up and/or log in.

End users can make a booking with businesses by sending a WhatsApp message, with the assistant guiding them through each step in real time. Whether booking an appointment, scheduling a consultation, or arranging a meeting, customers can request and secure bookings without leaving the app. For businesses, this user-friendly design requires no technical skills and can be launched with just a few clicks.

The Future of Customer Interaction

With the launch of Bookingz, Chaaat.io is setting a new standard for customer engagement and service. By simplifying the process of offering booking services through WhatsApp, Chaaat.io is reshaping the accessibility of booking automation. This democratization of business tools allows even the smallest companies to leverage advanced features and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

As businesses prioritize customer experience and seek personalized, convenient interactions, Chaaat.io‘s innovations are poised to influence how SMEs communicate with customers around the world. Bookingz is just one of many Chaaat.io features designed to help companies strengthen customer relationships, enhance engagement, and drive revenue growth.

In today’s evolving digital landscape, tools like Bookingz are essential for any modern, customer-focused business to keep up with modern customer behavior.

For more information or to join the wait list, contact James Hogan at support@chaaat.io

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/chaaatio-to-release-bookingz-a-booking-personal-assistant-to-streamline-appointment-scheduling-302315375.html

SOURCE chaaat.io

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