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Welcome to AI Decoded, Fast Company’s weekly newsletter that breaks down the most important news in the world of AI. You can sign up to receive this newsletter every week via email here. Is ‘AI slop’ code here to stay? A few months ago I wrote about the dark side of vibe coding tools: they often generate code that introduces bugs or security vulnerabilities that surface later. They can solve an immediate problem while making a codebase harder to maintain over time. It’s true that more developers are using AI coding assistants, and using them more frequently and for more tasks. But many seem to be weighing the time saved today against the cleanup they may face tomorrow. When human engineers build projects with lots of moving parts and dependencies, they have to hold a vast amount of information in their heads and then find the simplest, most elegant way to execute their plan. AI models face a similar challenge. Developers have told me candidly that AI coding tools, including Claude Code and Codex, still struggle when they need to account for large amounts of context in complex projects. The models can lose track of key details, misinterpret the meaning or implications of project data, or make planning mistakes that lead to inconsistencies in the code—all things that an experienced software engineer would catch. The most advanced AI coding tools are only now beginning to add testing and validation features that can proactively surface problematic code. When I asked OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during a recent press call whether Codex is improving at testing and validating generated code, he became visibly excited. Altman said OpenAI likes the idea of deploying agents to work behind developers, validating code and sniffing out potential problems. Indeed, Codex can run tests on code it generates or modifies, executing test suites in a sandboxed environment and iterating until the code passes or meets acceptance criteria defined by the developer. Claude Code, meanwhile, has its own set of validation and security features. Anthropic has built testing and validation routines into its Claude Code product, too. Some developers say Claude is stronger at higher-level planning and understanding intent, while Codex is better at following specific instructions and matching an existing codebase. The real question may be what developers should expect from these AI coding tools. Should they be held to the standard of a junior engineer whose work may contain errors and requires careful review? Or should the bar be higher? Perhaps the goal should be not only to avoid generating “slop” code but also to act as a kind of internal auditor, catching and fixing bad code written by humans. Altman likes that idea. But judging by comments from another OpenAI executive, Greg Brockman, it’s not clear the company believes that standard is fully attainable. Brockman, OpenAI’s president, suggests in a recently posted set of AI coding guidelines that AI “slop” code isn’t something to eliminate so much as a reality to manage. “Managing AI generated code at scale is an emerging problem, and will require new processes and conventions to keep code quality high,” Brockman wrote on X. Saas stocks still smarting from last week’s ‘SaaSpocalypse’ Last week, shares of several major software companies tumbled amid growing anxiety about AI. The share prices of ServiceNow, Oracle, Salesforce, AppLovin, Workday, Intuit, CrowdStrike, Factset Research, and Thompson Reuters fell so sharply that Wall Street types began to refer to the event as the “SaaSpocalypse.” The stocks fell sharply on two pieces of news. First, late in the day on Friday, January 30, Anthropic announced a slate of new AI plugins for its Cowork AI tool aimed at information workers, including capabilities for legal, product management, marketing, and other functions. Then, on February 4, the company unveiled its most powerful model yet, Claude Opus 4.6, which now powers the Claude chatbot, Claude Code, and Cowork. For investors, Anthropic’s releases raised a scary question: How will old-school SaaS companies survive when their products are already being challenged by AI-native tools? Although software shares rebounded somewhat later in the week, as analysts circulated reassurances that many of these companies are integrating new AI capabilities into their products, the unease lingers. In fact, many of the stocks mentioned above have yet to recover to their late-January levels. (Some SaaS players, like ServiceNow, are now even using Anthropic’s models to power their AI features.) But it’s a sign of the times, and investors will continue to watch carefully for signs that enterprises are moving on from traditional SaaS solutions to newer AI apps or autonomous agents. China is flexing its video models This week, some new entrants in the race for best model are very hard to miss. X is awash with posts showcasing video generated by new Chinese video generation models—Seedance 2.0 from ByteDance and Kling 3.0 from Kuaishou. The video is impressive. Many of the clips are difficult to distinguish from traditionally shot footage, and both tools make it easier to edit and steer the look and feel of a scene. AI-generated video is getting scary-good, its main limitation being that the generated videos are still pretty short. Sample videos from Kling 3.0, which range from 3 seconds to 15 seconds, feature smooth scene transitions and a variety of camera angles. The characters and objects look consistent from scene to scene, a quality that video models have struggled with. The improvements are owed in part to the model’s ability to glean the creator’s intent from the prompts, which can include reference images and videos. Kling also includes native audio generation, meaning it can generate speech, sound effects, ambient audio, lip-sync, and multi-character dialogue in a number of languages, dialects, and accents. ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0, like Kling 3.0, generates video with multiple scenes and multiple camera angles, even from a single prompt. One video featured a shot from within a Learjet in flight to a shot from outside the aircraft. The video motion looks smooth and realistic, with good character consistency across frames and scenes, so that it can handle complex high-motion scenes like fights, dances, and action sequences. Seedance can be prompted with text, images, reference videos, and audio. And like Kling, Seedance can generate synchronized audio including voices, sound effects, and lip-sync in multiple languages. More AI coverage from Fast Company: We’re entering the era of ‘AI unless proven otherwise’ A Palantir cofounder is backing a group attacking Alex Bores over his work with . . . Palantir Why a Korean film exec is betting big on AI Mozilla’s new AI strategy marks a return to its ‘rebel alliance’ roots Want exclusive reporting and trend analysis on technology, business innovation, future of work, and design? Sign up for Fast Company Premium. View the full article

Russia has attempted to fully block WhatsApp in the country, the company said, the latest move in an ongoing government effort to tighten control over the internet. A WhatsApp spokesperson said late Wednesday that the Russian authorities’ action was intended to “drive users to a state-owned surveillance app,” a reference to Russia’s own state-supported MAX messaging app that’s seen by critics as a surveillance tool. “Trying to isolate over 100 million people from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” the WhatsApp spokesperson said. “We continue to do everything we can to keep people connected.” Russia’s government has already blocked major social media like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and ramped up other online restrictions since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said WhatsApp owner Meta Platforms should comply with Russian law to see it unblocked, according to the state Tass news agency. Earlier this week, Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said it will introduce new restrictions on the Telegram messaging app after accusing it of refusing to abide by the law. The move triggered widespread criticism from military bloggers, who warned that Telegram was widely used by Russian troops fighting in Ukraine and its throttling would derail military communications. Despite the announcement, Telegram has largely been working normally. Some experts say it’s a more difficult target, compared with WhatsApp. Some Russian experts said that blocking WhatsApp would free up technological resources and allow authorities to fully focus on Telegram, their priority target. Authorities had previously restricted access to WhatsApp before moving to finally ban it Wednesday. Under President Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in deliberate and multipronged efforts to rein in the internet. They have adopted restrictive laws and banned websites and platforms that don’t comply, and focused on improving technology to monitor and manipulate online traffic. Russian authorities have throttled YouTube and methodically ramped up restrictions against popular messaging platforms, blocking Signal and Viber and banning online calls on WhatsApp and Telegram. In December, they imposed restrictions on Apple’s video calling service FaceTime. While it’s still possible to circumvent some of the restrictions by using virtual private network services, many of them are routinely blocked, too. At the same time, authorities actively promoted the “national” messaging app called MAX, which critics say could be used for surveillance. The platform, touted by developers and officials as a one-stop shop for messaging, online government services, making payments and more, openly declares it will share user data with authorities upon request. Experts also say it doesn’t use end-to-end encryption. —Associated Press View the full article

Daniel Kokotajlo predicted the end of the world would happen in April 2027. In “AI 2027” — a document outlining the impending impacts of AI, published in April 2025 — the former OpenAI employee and several peers announced that by April 2027, unchecked AI development would lead to superintelligence and consequently destroy humanity. The authors, however are going back on their predictions. Now, Kokotajlo forecasts superintelligence will land in 2034, but he doesn’t know if and when AI will destroy humanity. In “AI 2027,” Kokotajlo argued that superintelligence will emerge through “fully autonomous coding,” enabling AI systems to drive their own development. The release of ChatGPT in 2022 accelerated predictions around artificial general intelligence, with some forecasting its arrival within years rather than decades. These predictions accrued widespread attention. Notably, JD Vance, U.S. vice president, reportedly read “AI 2027” and later urged Pope Leo XIV — who underscored AI as a main challenge facing humanity — to provide international leadership to avoid outcomes listed in the document. On the other hand, people like Gary Marcus, emeritus professor of neuroscience at New York University, disregarded “AI 2027” as a “work of fiction,” even calling various predictions “pure science fiction mumbo jumbo.” As researchers and the public alike begin to reckon with “how jagged AI performance is,” AGI timelines are starting to stretch again, according to Malcolm Murray, an AI risk management expert and one of the authors of the “International AI Safety Report.” “For a scenario like ‘AI 2027’ to happen, [AI] would need a lot of more practical skills that are useful in real-world complexities,” Murray said. Still, developing AI models that can train themselves remains a steady goal for leading AI companies. Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, set internal goals for “a true automated AI researcher by March of 2028.” However, he’s not entirely confident in the company’s capabilities to develop superintelligence. “We may totally fail at this goal,” he admitted on X, “but given the extraordinary potential impacts we think it is in the public interest to be transparent about this.” And so, superintelligence may still be possible, but when it arrives and what it will be capable of remains far murkier than “AI 2027” once suggested. —Leila Sheridan This article originally appeared on Fast Company‘s sister publication, Inc. Inc. is the voice of the American entrepreneur. We inspire, inform, and document the most fascinating people in business: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters that represent the most dynamic force in the American economy. View the full article

Contract closings decreased 8.4%, the biggest drop since February 2022, to a 3.91 million annualized pace in January, according to National Association of Realtors data released Thursday. View the full article

For most of modern finance, one number has quietly dictated who gets ahead and who gets left out: the credit score. It was a breakthrough when it arrived in the 1950s, becoming an elegant shortcut for a complex decision. But shortcuts age. And in a world driven by data, digital behavior, and real-time signals, the score is increasingly misaligned with how people actually live and manage money. We’re now at a turning point. A foundational system, long considered untouchable, is finally being reconstructed by using AI—specifically, advanced machine learning models built for risk prediction—to extract more intelligence from existing data. These are rigorously tested, well-governed systems that help lenders see risk with greater nuance and clarity. And the results are reshaping core economics for lenders. THE CREDIT SCORE WASN’T BUILT FOR MODERN CONSUMERS Legacy credit scores rely on a narrow slice of information updated at a pace that reflects the black-and-white television era. A single late payment can overshadow years of financial discipline. Data updates lag behind real behavior. And lenders are forced to make million-dollar decisions using a tool that can’t see volatility, nuance, or context. A single, generic credit score is a compromise by design. National credit scores are designed to work reasonably well across thousands of institutions, but not optimally for any specific one. That becomes clear when you compare regional differences. A lender in an agricultural region may see very different income seasonality and cash-flow patterns than a lender in a major metro area—differences that a universal score was never designed to capture. Financial institutions need models built around their actual membership that can adjust to different financial histories and behaviors. That rigidity has created the gap we’re now seeing across the economy. Consumers feel squeezed, lenders feel exposed, and businesses struggle to grow in a risk environment that looks nothing like the one their scoring tools were built for. Modern machine-learning models give lenders something the score never could—a panoramic view instead of a narrow window. HOW AI CHANGES THE GAME The data in credit files has long been there. What’s changed is the modeling—modern machine learning systems that can finally make full use of those signals. These models can evaluate thousands of factors inside bureau files, not just the static inputs, but the patterns behind them: How payment behavior changes over time Which fluctuations are warning signs versus temporary noise How multiple variables interact in ways a traditional score can’t measure This lets lenders differentiate between someone who is truly risky and someone who is momentarily out of rhythm. The impact is profound: more approvals without more losses, stronger compliance without more overhead, and decisions that align with how people actually manage their finances today. For leadership teams, this also means making intentional choices about who to serve and how to allocate capital. Tailored models let institutions focus their resources on the customers they actually want to reach, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all score. AI FIXES SOMETHING WE DON’T TALK ABOUT ENOUGH There’s widespread concern about AI bias, and rightly so. When algorithms aren’t trained on a representative set of data or aren’t monitored after deployment, this can create biased results. In lending, these models aren’t deployed on faith; they’re validated, back-tested, and monitored over time, with clear documentation of the factors driving each decision. Modern explainability techniques, now well-established in credit risk, can give regulators and consumers a clearer view into how and why decisions are made. Business leaders should also consider that there is bias embedded in manual underwriting. Human decisions—especially in high-volume, time-pressured environments—vary from reviewer to reviewer, case to case, hour to hour. Machine learning models that use representative data, are regularly monitored, and make explainable, transparent decisions, giving humans a dependable baseline. This allows them to focus on exceptions, tough cases, and strategy. THE NEW ADVANTAGE FOR BUSINESS LEADERS The next era of lending will be defined by companies that operationalize AI with discipline, building in strong governance, clear guardrails, and transparency. Those who do will see higher approval rates, lower losses, faster decisions with fewer manual bottlenecks, and fairer outcomes that reflect real behavior, not outdated shortcuts. For the first time in 70 years, we’re able to bring real, impactful change to one of the most influential drivers in the economy. THE FUTURE ISN’T A SCORE, IT’S UNDERSTANDING If the last century of lending was defined by a single, blunt number, the next century will be defined by intelligence. By the ability to interpret risk with nuance, adapt to fast-moving economic signals, and extend opportunity to people who have long been underestimated by the system. AI won’t make lending flawless. But it gives us the clearest path we’ve ever had toward a credit ecosystem that is more accurate, more resilient, and far fairer than the one we inherited. And for leaders focused on growth, innovation, and long-term competitiveness, that shift is transformational. Sean Kamkar is CTO of Zest AI. View the full article

Departure comes after months of turmoil in Pam Bondi’s justice departmentView the full article

The income needed to afford a home had been rising on an annual basis nearly every month for five years, but affordability has been improving since the summer. View the full article

Perusing the grocery aisle in the Westside Market on 23rd Street in Manhattan, you might not even notice the screens. They look just like paper price labels and, alongside a bar code, use a handwriting-style font we’ve come to associate with a certain merchant folksiness. They’re not particularly bright or showy. The only clues that they’re not ordinary sticky shelf labels are a barely distinguishable light bulb and, on some, a small QR code. These are electronic shelf labels, chip-enabled screens that some stores are now using to display product prices. Unlike their paper predecessors, the prices aren’t printed in ink but rendered in pixels, and they can change instantaneously, at any time. The labels also come with additional features. An LED light can switch on to flag something, perhaps a product that needs restocking, explains Vusion, the company that made the labels Westside Market is now using. The QR codes are designed to help customers find more information about a product, or integrate with a personalized shopping list someone might have. Of course, these labels aren’t just labels, but end-points of a much larger effort to digitize every way we now interface with products. “You have a network in the store. You send the information that you want to transmit to the labels, and there you go,” says Finn Wikander, the chief product officer at Pricer, another company that’s manufacturing ESLs with the hope of making them a fixture of 21st century shopping. Unsurprisingly, electronic shelf labels have become a flashpoint for consumer anxiety. The companies selling the devices, and the stores buying them, say the technology isn’t about screwing people over but about making their businesses easier to run. Automating price changes eliminates hours spent replacing labels. It also makes it simpler to respond to new tariffs or account for rising inflation. But in a world spooked by dynamic pricing, electronic shelf labels can look to some like a goblin of digitization—a symptom of late-stage Silicon Valley campaigns to streamline and optimize seemingly all elements of commerce. Even members of Congress have raised suspicions about the technology, arguing that it enables price gouging and discrimination, particularly as it becomes more common in the United States. “Historically, when we thought about brick and mortar stores, prices were relatively stable,” Vicki Morwitz, a Columbia Business School professor who focuses on marketing and consumer behavior, tells Fast Company. “These electronic shelf tags break that assumption which makes pricing feel less stable. Even if average prices aren’t necessarily going up, that shelf instability can become a psychological flash point.” Screenified everything A handful of companies sell this technology as part of broader enterprise software packages. There’s Pricer, a Swedish firm, and Vusion, headquartered in France. Solum operates out of South Korea, and Opticon, known for barcode scanners, is also in the mix. Electronic shelf labels can also be bought, ahem, off the shelf and integrated into a store’s Bluetooth network—no enterprise startup required. The pitch for these devices is exactly what unsettles so many shoppers: Electronic shelf labels make it much easier for stores to change prices dynamically and more frequently. The companies that manufacture and deploy these tools say there are legitimate reasons to do so. For example, a store might raise prices if suppliers increase costs, or cut them quickly when a product is nearing its expiration date. ESLs also allow chains to keep prices consistent across locations and respond more quickly to competitors (especially valuable at a time when shoppers are already carrying smartphones to compare prices between stores). “Most consumers today are used to either doing their own scanning or use ChatGPT or Gemini to find the best offer or use price comparison sites,” says Pricer’s Wikander. Then there’s labor. Employees might spend hours replacing labels for a price surge or sale. ”The idea is to liberate people from very tedious tasks in a store. Changing prices could be one. Launching promotions could be one,” argues Loïc Oumier, a marketing executive with Vusion. There are also regulatory considerations: France, for instance, passed a law mandating that prices at checkout match advertised prices on aisles, which pushed stores in that country to adopt the technology, says Wikander. They are now rolling out more broadly in the United States, especially at large chains. Vusion says its labels are in use at Fresh Market, Mattress Firm, and Leon’s in Canada. Walmart, which declined to comment for this story, announced in 2024 that it would begin installing electronic shelf labels, with plans to bring Vusion’s technology to more than 2,000 stores by the end of 2026. Tests or deployments have appeared in Whole Foods, Schnucks, and even smaller retailers like Westside Market. The reception can be frosty. While there are some scenarios, like from Uber rides and airline tickets, where consumers have come to accept rapidly changing costs, the practice often feels jarring. That tension was evident in 2024, when Wendy’s faced backlash after announcing plans to install digital menu boards and later promised it wouldn’t introduce surge pricing for burgers. Shoppers also worry about price gouging, where retailers spike prices during emergencies. “Exploiting consumers when they have no real alternatives or limited alternatives,” says Columbia’s Morwitz. “The problem is consumers may feel exploited long before an economist would say they are.” There is also the understandable anxiety that the technology is designed to cut jobs. Some workers, as reported in The Nation, say the labels do not simplify their work but replace one kind of labor with another form of algorithmic babysitting. Unlike paper tags, screens can break, and computer programs fall victim to bugs and internet outages. Employees at one chain store operated by Kroger, which has also deployed the tech, have apparently complained that the labels “heat” up stores. (Kroger did not respond to Fast Company‘s request for comment.) Concerns reach D.C. Lawmakers have taken notice. Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania wrote to Kroger after the company announced it would introduce the technology, amid accusations that it was using facial recognition to show different customers different prices. In a letter of response obtained by Fast Company, Kroger defended the rollout, saying ESLs helped it manage the 1.3 billion price changes it implements each year and freed up associates to assist customers. Paula Walsh, Kroger’s director of retail operations, denied in the letter that the company was using facial recognition or collecting personal information from customers through the tags. “Kroger dodged my questions but confirmed my key concerns: It’s using electronic shelf labels to change grocery prices in real-time and collect data that could be used to jack up grocery prices for Americans,” Warren tells Fast Company. ”I’ll keep pushing to make sure consumers aren’t being exploited while they work hard to put food on the table.” Wikander, for his part, dismisses the idea that retailers would use the technology that way. “Just because you have the possibility of screwing your customers doesn’t mean that retailers will do that,” he says. “I don’t think retailers would typically do it, because the consumers are smarter than that.” Wikander says it takes a typical business around a year or two and that, while the investment upfront is big, the labels last for many years. Indeed, for all the eeriness surrounding the labels, research shows that it might not be much of a change, price wise, for either consumers or businesses. Ioannis Stamatopoulos, a business professor at the University of Texas at Austin, says there is little evidence that digital shelf labels lead to significant price swings. He pointed to a 2025 study involving an American grocery store that found no evidence of the practice, and another involving an international grocery store that showed that prices tended to decline, particularly for items with short shelf lives. Much of his research, at least, suggests that the labels are most effective at stopping food waste, since it makes it easier for stores to offer sales on products like bananas and strawberries when they’re about to go bad. For now, the future of grocery shopping may look almost exactly like the past—except the price tag is oh-so-faintly glowing. View the full article

Mortgage tech's speed is undermined by flawed credit data, causing costly fallout. Lenders must treat data accuracy as a pipeline risk, not a peripheral issue, according to the founder of Consumer Attorneys View the full article

More than half of respondents in a National Mortgage News survey predict AI-backed underwriting will fundamentally change mortgage processes in 2026. View the full article

James Van Der Beek was one of the biggest stars of the late 1990s and early 2000s. His family still couldn’t afford the cost of cancer. The actor, 48, best known for his portrayal of Dawson Leery in the ’90s hit Dawson’s Creek, died Wednesday. Van Der Beek’s passing comes a little more than a year after he announced on social media that he was battling colorectal cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2023. And while the actor and father’s untimely death is undeniably tragic, there’s another heartbreaking piece of the story to be told. His family was desperately struggling to afford the cost of his cancer treatment. Despite Van Der Beek’s successful career, which included hits like Varsity Blues (1999) and The Rules of Attraction (2002), as well as playing the lead role in a popular TV drama for six seasons, the actor still spent the final years of his life struggling financially. Last year, he teamed up with the auction house Propstore to sell his personal collection of memorabilia, wardrobe items, and set pieces from Dawson’s Creek and his most notable films to raise money for his treatment. “I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now,” Van Der Beek told People magazine at the time. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the auction raised around $47,000. His plight begs the question: If one of the most successful actors of the late 1990s and early 2000s can’t afford cancer treatment in the United States, who can? According to a 2022 survey from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), almost no one. Per the survey, more than 70% of respondents said they made significant lifestyle changes in order to afford their care. And more than half (51%) went into medical debt due to treatment. The statistics were worse for certain groups, with women more likely to report medical debt than men (57% versus 36%), and Black Americans were more likely to go into debt than white Americans (62% as opposed to 52%). Likewise states with fewer people enrolled in Medicaid had higher rates of medical debt due to cancer (58% compared to 49% in states with expanded Medicaid offerings). But overall, almost three-quarters of the cancer patients surveyed were worried about being able to afford the cost of their current care, or the costs which may stack up in the future (73%). On Wednesday, amid the tributes and heartfelt words, a GoFundMe page dedicated to the actor’s family, also showed up online. The page, which GoFundMe told Fast Company has been verified, explained that the family has been under “significant financial strain” due to Van Der Beek’s medical expenses. “In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” it said. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.” At present, the page has raised over $1.4 million for the family. The efforts being made for the actor’s family may be touching. They are happening, in part, because the actor was well-loved. Shortly after his passing was made public, the tributes from friends and colleagues began pouring in. One belief, which seemed to be shared by those who knew him, was how deeply genuine and kind he was, with many describing him as the antithesis to everything Hollywood actors are known to be. “There are people in this industry who are talented. Some who are charismatic. A few who are generous,” wrote actress Alyssa Milano. “And then there were the rare ones — the truly kind and thoughtful. James was the rare kind. He showed up for his people. He listened. He cared.” She went on to call him a “unicorn of a man.” The sentiments were echoed by other actors he grew up alongside, like Katie Holmes, Melissa Joan Hart, and countless others. In the end, the outpouring of love for Van Der Beek underscores both how deeply he was valued and how precarious illness remains in the United States, even for those who seem outwardly successful. That his family needed to rely on auctions and crowdfunding to survive a cancer diagnosis is not an anomaly, but a reflection of a system where serious illness often comes with financial ruin attached. View the full article

Meta announced on February 10 that it’s introducing a new AI animation feature that lets users turn their still profile photos into AI-generated looping videos. It reads like an uncanny valley version of yesteryear’s Boomerang. The option to animate appears when users click “Animate profile picture” on their Facebook avatars, and the feature gives a limited set of animation options, including party hat, confetti, wave, and heart, in which a photo’s subject makes a heart shape with their hands. Meta says there will be additional options in the future for “seasonal moments and special events.” The tech is imperfect and can only work with what it’s got. Meta says for best results, photos should show a single person with their face clearly visible and holding no other objects. Some users may find it too uncanny valley to see a fake video of themselves, but there are other options, too. The company also launched the ability to restyle photos with Meta AI by filtering posts with aesthetics like “anime,” “illustrated,” or “glowy,” or by generating artificial backdrops on pictures. Text posts can also receive animated backdrops under the new updates. Response online to the idea of AI-animated Facebook avatars ranged from indifference to eye rolls over more AI content no one asked for. Some listeners have responded similarly to AI-generated animations applied to album artwork on Apple Music. For apps looking to integrate AI into their products, animating pre-existing content is low-hanging fruit, but whether or not it takes off remains in question. The new AI features, however, do fit in with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision for AI as laid out on last month’s earnings call. In short, he wants more of it. “Today our apps feel like algorithms that recommend content,” Zuckerberg said. “Soon, you’ll open our apps and you’ll have an AI that understands you, and also happens to be able to show you great content or even generate great personalized content for you.” Meta, which is now along with Google’s YouTube in a landmark trial over accusations their apps are engineered to be addictive for children, has integrated Meta AI into its apps through AI search bars and chatbots. Last year it launched a stand-alone app called Vibes that’s designed with an all-AI content feed. By adding an easy preset way to animate profile photos with AI, it’s bringing the technology to one of the most public-facing personal spaces for users on the platform. View the full article

It’s Valentine’s Day on Saturday so let’s talk about workplace romance. Did you spot coworkers having a secret affair without realizing how obvious they were being? Did your boss date your dad and try to get you to go to couples therapy with them? Did you spend a ton of time mediating between two employees who hated each other and then they ended up dating? Was your coworker always making out with his girlfriend at work? Did your colleague leave a rambling, drunken message for his secret office girlfriend — but accidentally leave it on the boss’s voicemail instead? Let’s discuss workplace romance gone both wrong and right. The post let’s discuss workplace romance gone wrong … and right appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Google clarifies campaign consolidation guidance, saying performance and business logic matter more than legacy granularity in AI-driven Google Ads accounts. The post Google Clarifies Its Stance On Campaign Consolidation appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Director-general Tim Davie tells staff broadcaster aims to trim annual budget by hundreds of millions of poundsView the full article

January filled our inboxes with productivity advice. Set stretch goals! Think bigger! Dream audaciously! What was conspicuously absent from all that exhortation was any practical guidance on how to move from grand vision to daily action without becoming paralyzed by the enormity of what we’ve committed to. And now, it’s February. Here’s a counterintuitive truth I’ve learned from decades of navigating complex creative challenges: The secret to tackling big, hairy, audacious goals (BHAG) isn’t summoning more willpower or grinding harder. It’s learning to approach complexity the way babies learn to eat solid food: one tiny, digestible bite at a time. I call it the Baby Food Method. Why your brain rebels against big goals When you declare a massive objective- launch a company, write a book, transform your organization’s culture- your brain doesn’t throw a parade. It throws up barriers! Neuroscience tells us that ambiguity and uncertainty trigger the same stress responses as physical threat. Your amygdala can’t distinguish between “I need to escape this predator” and “I have no idea how to execute this strategic pivot.” This is why so many January resolutions collapse by February. The goal itself becomes a source of anxiety rather than motivation. The solution isn’t to dream smaller. It’s to digest smarter. The Baby Food Principle Think about how infants transition from liquid to solid food. No parent hands a six-month-old a steak and says, “Figure it out.” Instead, they puree single ingredients into smooth, manageable portions. Carrots become orange mush. Peas become green paste. One new taste at a time, until gradually the palate, and the digestive system, can handle increasing complexity. Your audacious goals deserve the same graduated approach. The Baby Food Method works in three stages: puree, introduce, and integrate. Stage one: puree the complexity Before you can act on a big goal, you need to break it down into its most fundamental components, the equivalent of pureeing that carrot. This isn’t the same as creating a project plan or building a Gantt chart. It’s more elemental than that. Ask yourself: What are the irreducible units of this ambition? If your goal is to write a book, the puree might be: capture one idea worth exploring. Not “write Chapter One.” Not even “outline the book.” Just: find one compelling thought and get it out of your head. When I left a 16-year academic career to become an entrepreneur, I didn’t start by building a business plan. I started by having one conversation with someone who’d made a similar leap. One conversation. That was my puree. Stage two: introduce new elements gradually Babies don’t eat pureed carrots forever. Once they’ve mastered one food, they’re introduced to another. Then you start combining- carrots with sweet potato, apple with banana. The complexity builds incrementally, and each successful integration expands capacity for the next. Apply this to your BHAG. Once you’ve captured that one idea, introduce the next element: share it with someone whose perspective you trust. Then another: test it against a real-world problem. Each small introduction builds your tolerance for the ambiguity that initially triggered resistance. This is where I see leaders stumble most often. They puree beautifully, break their goal into components, and then they try to swallow everything at once! They mistake “understanding the pieces” for “being ready to execute them simultaneously.” Your nervous system doesn’t work that way. Neither does sustainable progress. Stage three: integrate toward solid food Eventually, a child graduates to actual table food. They’ve developed the motor skills, the digestive capacity, and the palate sophistication to handle complexity. The same progression applies to creative execution. Integration means combining your mastered elements into increasingly ambitious iterations. That one conversation becomes five conversations, which reveal patterns, which suggest a framework, which informs a proposal, which shapes a pilot project. At no point do you face the full weight of “build a business.” You face only the next natural increment of what you’ve already proven you can handle. A practical application Here’s how the Baby Food Method might work for a common goal: transforming your team’s approach to innovation. Puree: Host one 15-minute “what if” session with your team. No agenda beyond exploring one assumption you’ve never questioned. Introduce: Add a second element, perhaps a “So what?” follow-up the next week, where you examine whether any of those “what ifs” have practical relevance. Integrate: Combine the pattern into a monthly rhythm. Then invite a cross-functional colleague to join. Then pilot one small experiment that emerged from the discussions. Twelve months from now, you may find you’ve built an innovation culture. And not because you announced “We’re becoming innovative!” but because you fed your organization one digestible bite at a time. The gift of graduated ambition The Baby Food Method isn’t about lowering your sights. It’s about respecting the neuroscience of how humans actually change. We don’t transform through declarations. We transform through accumulated micro-actions that gradually rewire what we believe we’re capable of. Those early bites build what I call your inventory of courage. Each small success deposits evidence that you can handle complexity. When you eventually face the full weight of your audacious goal, you’re not starting from scratch. You’re drawing on months of proven capability. So remember, don’t just set the big goal. Puree it. What’s the smallest, most digestible first bite you could take this week? Start there. The steak can wait. The puree is where transformation begins. 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Sterling’s International Background Check is an essential service for organizations looking to hire globally. It provides thorough screening across over 240 countries, guaranteeing compliance with local laws. The service includes criminal record checks, education verifications, and employment history assessments customized to specific regions. By utilizing advanced technology and expert knowledge, Sterling guarantees accurate and timely results. Comprehending how this process works can greatly impact your hiring strategy, especially in today’s interconnected world. Key Takeaways Sterling’s International Background Check offers screening services in over 240 countries, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. The service includes comprehensive checks, such as criminal history, education verification, and employment history verification. Sterling combines regional expertise with technology to streamline the background check process and enhance candidate experience. Their global compliance team provides consultative support and regular updates on regional regulatory changes. Customized solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of different regions and industries, ensuring thorough and accurate results. The Importance of International Background Checks When you’re hiring employees from different countries, grasping the importance of international background checks is vital. Conducting these checks isn’t just a formality; it’s critical for risk management and ensuring potential employees are thoroughly screened, no matter where they’re located. Each region has unique laws and regulations that can greatly impact the screening process, so comprehending and complying with these is fundamental. By establishing consistent hiring standards through international background checks, you protect your company and stakeholders from potential liabilities. Moreover, a streamlined candidate experience during international background screening improves the overall hiring process, making it more efficient for global teams. Partnering with experienced providers simplifies the intricacies involved in global background checks, offering customized solutions that meet regional compliance and operational needs. As a result, investing in international background checks is a proactive measure that pays off in maintaining a trustworthy and effective workforce. Your Trusted Global Screening Partner In today’s interconnected world, finding a reliable partner for global screening is essential for organizations looking to navigate the intricacies of international hiring. Sterling stands out as a trusted provider for your foreign background check and international background search needs. Here are key reasons to choose Sterling: Comprehensive Coverage: Sterling offers screening services in over 200 countries and territories. Local Expertise: The company combines regional knowledge with operational efficiency to meet local compliance laws. Tech-Enabled Processes: Sterling streamlines background checks, enhancing the experience for both clients and candidates. In-House Operations: With operations in Latin America, Sterling guarantees high accuracy and compliance. Global Compliance Team Sterling’s Global Compliance Team is crucial for guaranteeing that international background checks comply with the diverse laws and regulations of over 240 countries and territories. This team consists of in-house experts who specialize in localized screening services, helping you navigate the complex compliance environment effectively. They understand the unique nuances of each region, allowing your organization to adhere to local laws during conducting background checks. Regular updates from the Global Compliance Team keep you informed about changes in regional regulations that could impact your hiring processes. Their collaboration with operational units guarantees accurate and timely screening results, all during respecting privacy rights and consumer reporting regulations. In addition, Sterling’s Global Compliance Team plays a critical role in establishing successful global screening programs, offering consultative support customized to your industry’s specific needs. This expertise guarantees that your international hiring practices remain compliant and efficient. Seamless Experiences When you use Sterling’s background check services, you experience a streamlined candidate path that simplifies the hiring process. With technology-driven tools and a user-friendly Candidate Hub, you can submit your information easily, reducing delays considerably. This efficiency not just speeds up the process but likewise helps employers make quicker hiring decisions, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved. Streamlined Candidate Journey A streamlined candidate pathway is essential for enhancing the hiring process, as it cultivates a more efficient and engaging experience for applicants. Sterling’s international background check process leverages technology to facilitate this expedition, ensuring clear communication and rapid data submission through the Sterling Candidate Hub. Key features include: Flexible identity verification using mobile devices or in-person options, smoothing onboarding. Quick delivery of background check reports, often within hours or days, enabling fast hiring decisions. Integration of automation with human outreach to verify education and employment, minimizing inaccuracies. Continuous engagement with candidates throughout the process, nurturing a user-friendly experience. These elements collectively contribute to a seamless and efficient candidate expedition, benefiting both applicants and clients alike. Efficient Hiring Processes Efficient hiring processes are crucial for organizations aiming to attract and retain top talent in today’s competitive job market. Sterling’s international background check services streamline hiring by delivering quick turnaround times, with many U.S. criminal searches concluding in as little as one day. Their technology integration promotes a seamless candidate experience, allowing easy information submission through the Sterling Candidate Hub. Candidates receive prompt requests for further information, ensuring the background screening process begins without delays. With mobile verification and in-person options at select locations, Sterling improves verification flexibility. Moreover, their thorough reporting delivers consumer reports to clients within hours or days, enabling quicker hiring decisions while emphasizing accuracy and compliance throughout the process. In-House Fulfillment Sterling’s in-house fulfillment model integrates regional expertise, guaranteeing that background checks are accurate and compliant with local laws. By managing processes internally, they streamline efficiency, which reduces turnaround times and improves the candidate experience. This approach not just guarantees compliance assurance but furthermore maintains high-quality control across their extensive global operations. Regional Expertise Integration When traversing the intricate terrain of background checks, integrating regional expertise through in-house fulfillment can greatly boost the accuracy and efficiency of the process. Sterling’s localized approach helps navigate complex screening environments as it ensures compliance with local laws and cultural nuances. This integration results in: Timely background checks customized to specific regions. Improved efficiency with quicker turnaround times. Personalized screening solutions for diverse industries. Seamless coordination and communication with regional teams. Streamlined Process Efficiency In-house fulfillment greatly improves process efficiency for background checks, allowing companies to streamline their screening operations. By leveraging in-house teams, Sterling boosts accuracy and reduces errors, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations across various global regions. This approach leads to faster turnaround times, with many checks completed within hours or days, enabling quicker hiring decisions for clients. Sterling’s extensive operational footprint covers over 240 countries and territories, facilitating seamless coordination of background checks. Furthermore, in-house experts provide localized screening services customized to the unique cultural and compliance requirements of different regions, which increases the overall reliability of the checks. This efficient process eventually supports businesses in making informed hiring choices while minimizing potential risks. Compliance Assurance Measures Compliance assurance measures are crucial for ensuring that background checks adhere to the myriad of local laws and regulations across global regions. Sterling’s in-house fulfillment processes are designed to maintain compliance as providing thorough screening solutions. Compliance experts keep you updated on regional regulatory changes. Localized expertise offers customized solutions that reflect cultural and legal nuances. In-house operations streamline screening in regions like Latin America, ensuring privacy rights are respected. Technology-enabled tools simplify complex hiring processes, ensuring legality at every step. Unrivaled Support Unrivaled support is a cornerstone of Sterling’s International Background Check service, designed to meet the diverse needs of organizations operating globally. With localized expertise in over 240 countries and territories, Sterling guarantees compliance with regional laws and regulations, making your screening process seamless. You’ll receive consultative support from in-house experts, helping you establish effective global screening programs customized to your specific requirements. Moreover, Sterling streamlines processes to improve the candidate experience during the upholding of rigorous standards for accuracy and compliance. If you have questions or concerns during the background check process, regional support teams are available across different time zones to assist you swiftly. Sterling’s commitment to technology-enabled solutions guarantees timely and efficient services, reducing hiring delays and boosting operational efficiency. This thorough support structure empowers your organization to navigate the intricacies of international hiring with confidence. Global Reach. Localized Expertise Sterling’s international background check services span over 240 countries and territories, offering clients a broad global reach combined with localized expertise. This extensive network guarantees that you receive accurate and reliable screening results, customized to meet local standards. Sterling’s in-house operations in key regions, such as Latin America, improve this process by leveraging a deep comprehension of regional compliance laws and regulations. Key advantages include: Comprehensive regional knowledge that guarantees compliance and effectiveness. Technology-enabled processes that streamline the candidate experience. Customized screening solutions designed to meet the unique needs of various industries. Support for over 80,000 clients globally, demonstrating their trustworthiness and reliability. With this combination of global reach and localized expertise, you can confidently navigate the intricacies of international hiring and guarantee thorough background checks, no matter where your candidates are located. Explore Services In relation to background checks, you have access to a range of services customized to guarantee a detailed review of potential candidates. Sterling’s international background check services include: Service Description Benefits Criminal Record Searches Extensive searches from local agencies Confirms accuracy and reliability Digital Identity Authentication Verifies candidate identities and right-to-work status Confirms employment eligibility Employment & Education Verifications Validates candidates’ credentials Improves trust in the hiring process Global Sanctions Checks Performs checks against government watch lists Ensures compliance and integrity Police Certificate Authentication Facilitates verification of applicant-obtained records Supports thorough cross-border checks These services work together to help you make informed hiring decisions as well as guaranteeing compliance with legal standards, ultimately promoting a safer and more trustworthy hiring environment. What Is an International Background Check? When considering candidates who’ve lived or worked abroad, an international background check is crucial for confirming their qualifications and background. This process screens individuals by verifying their identity, criminal history, education, and employment records across different countries. Key components of an international background check include: Criminal record searches in the relevant jurisdictions. Education verifications from institutions attended overseas. Employment history verification to guarantee accuracy. Compliance with local laws and regulations, which can vary greatly by region. The process typically involves multiple checks customized to the specific countries where the candidate has lived. This customized approach guarantees accurate and thorough results. Considerations for Conducting International Background Checks Conducting international background checks requires careful consideration of various factors that can influence the outcome of the process. You need to understand local compliance laws and regulations, as these can vary considerably by country and region. Partnering with experienced providers is crucial; their deep knowledge of regional screening practices guarantees accurate and reliable results. Be aware that privacy rights and consumer reporting regulations differ internationally, impacting the type of information you can obtain. Thorough criminal record checks may likewise vary, as some regions restrict the disclosure of certain criminal information for employment purposes. Furthermore, consider the potential need for applicants to provide police certificates or other documentation from specific countries where they’ve resided or worked previously. Compliance Laws in International Background Checks When you’re conducting international background checks, comprehending compliance laws is vital, as these regulations can vary markedly from one country to another. Each region may have its own privacy rights and consumer reporting laws, which dictate how you can gather and share information. It’s important to navigate these rules carefully to avoid penalties, ensuring that you have the proper consent from candidates before initiating any checks. Regional Compliance Variability Grasping regional compliance variability is vital for organizations conducting international background checks, as compliance laws differ greatly from one country to another. Comprehending these nuances helps guarantee that your screening processes are compliant and effective. Many countries have unique privacy rights that dictate what information can be disclosed. Certain regions may limit access to criminal history for employment purposes, affecting the scope of your checks. Regulatory environments can shift frequently, so staying updated on compliance changes is important. Partnering with experienced screening providers can simplify navigation through these intricacies, guaranteeing lawful practices. Privacy Regulations Overview Grasping privacy regulations is crucial for organizations involved in international background checks, as compliance laws can differ markedly from one jurisdiction to another. Many countries impose restrictions on disclosing specific criminal records for employment, emphasizing the need to understand local legal frameworks. Privacy rights and consumer reporting regulations vary considerably, meaning your screening processes must adapt accordingly. To guarantee continued compliance and mitigate legal risks, you must stay informed about regional regulatory updates. Partnering with experienced screening providers can facilitate maneuvering these complex privacy laws, guaranteeing adherence to compliance requirements across various jurisdictions. This partnership not only aids you in meeting legal obligations but similarly protects your organization from potential liabilities associated with non-compliance in international background checks. Establishing a Successful Global Screening Program Establishing a successful global screening program is vital for organizations looking to navigate the intricacies of international hiring. Comprehending compliance laws and regulations specific to each region is fundamental to guarantee adherence to local standards. Collaborating with experienced screening providers simplifies the challenges of international background checks and offers customized solutions. To establish an effective program, consider these key elements: Regularly update your screening processes to adapt to compliance changes. Utilize technology-enabled tools to improve efficiency and candidate experience. Engage consultative support from screening experts to develop effective strategies. Stay informed about the specific regulations in each country you operate in. Get Started With International Background Checks When you’re ready to begin international hiring, grasping the intricacies of international background checks is crucial for a successful recruitment process. Sterling’s International Background Check services cover over 240 countries and territories, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations throughout your hiring expedition. These checks provide a thorough comprehension of candidates by including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, and identity validation. Sterling offers customized solutions suited to different regions and industries, utilizing local expertise to navigate the challenges of international hiring. Their streamlined processes not only improve the candidate experience but also maintain a strong focus on compliance and accuracy. As you start this process, you can benefit from consultative support to establish effective global screening programs, ensuring a consistent and trustworthy hiring process across borders. With Sterling, you can confidently navigate international background checks and secure the best talent for your organization. Frequently Asked Questions What Does a Sterling Background Check Show? A Sterling background check shows various important details about an individual. It includes criminal record searches, identity verification, and employment and education history. You’ll likewise find international criminal history checks for over 240 countries, ensuring compliance with local laws. Furthermore, it verifies police certificates and confirms work eligibility. The process utilizes digital identity authentication, and you can typically expect results within hours or days, aiding in timely hiring decisions. Can I Fail a Sterling Background Check? Yes, you can fail a Sterling background check. Discrepancies between your provided information and the verification results, such as criminal records or employment history gaps, can lead to a negative outcome. Factors like felony convictions or falsified education credentials may likewise contribute. Employers have different criteria for what constitutes a “fail,” and you’re typically informed about any adverse findings, allowing you to dispute inaccuracies before a hiring decision is made. What Does an International Background Check Show? An international background check shows a candidate’s criminal history, employment, and education verifications across various countries. It verifies identities through passport and address authentication, ensuring personal information’s accuracy. The check often includes global sanctions assessments against government watch lists to reduce hiring risks. Moreover, it may reveal adverse media related to pending legal issues that could impact a candidate’s suitability for employment, reflecting the candidate’s overall background and credentials. Does Sterling Do International Background Checks? Yes, Sterling does offer international background checks. They screen candidates who live or have lived abroad, providing services like criminal record checks, employment verifications, and education verifications across over 240 countries and territories. Their in-house experts guarantee compliance with local laws and improve the accuracy of the checks. Nevertheless, turnaround times and costs can vary greatly by country, reflecting the challenges involved in global screening processes. Conclusion In summary, Sterling’s International Background Check service is crucial for businesses seeking to hire globally. With a focus on compliance, in-house expertise, and technology-driven processes, you can trust Sterling to deliver thorough and accurate results. By comprehending local laws and tailoring screenings to meet specific needs, Sterling streamlines the hiring process and improves the candidate experience. Establishing a robust global screening program is fundamental for informed decision-making and safeguarding your organization’s reputation in an increasingly interconnected world. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Is Sterling’s International Background Check?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When considering the best franchises to buy, it’s crucial to focus on those with strong brand recognition and proven business models. Franchises like Jersey Mike’s Subs and CMIT Solutions are examples that thrive in their respective industries. Each franchise offers unique opportunities, but not all are created equal. Comprehending the key characteristics of successful franchises can guide your investment decisions. Let’s explore the top contenders and the factors that could influence your choice. Key Takeaways Established brands like Jersey Mike’s Subs and Firehouse Subs offer strong investment potential in the food service sector. Low-cost franchises, such as CMIT Solutions, provide affordable entry points with startup costs between $106,450 and $159,450. Emerging industries, particularly technology services and health/wellness, present lucrative opportunities due to increasing consumer demand. Strong support systems and training programs enhance franchisee success and operational efficiency. Reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is crucial for understanding fees, risks, and obligations before investing. Overview of the Best Franchises to Buy When considering the best franchises to buy, it’s essential to recognize the promising environment of franchise opportunities that continue to grow. The International Franchise Association projects a 2.5% growth in franchises by 2025, indicating strong investment potential in established brands. Among the best franchises to own, low-cost options like CMIT Solutions are appealing for first-time owners, with startup costs ranging from $106,450 to $159,450. The food and beverage sector consistently ranks highly on the Franchise 500 list, featuring popular names like Jersey Mike’s Subs and Firehouse Subs. Furthermore, emerging industries, such as technology services and home services, present attractive investment choices, offering robust growth opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for the best franchise to buy. Key Characteristics of Successful Franchises Successful franchises often share key characteristics that contribute to their viability and growth in the competitive market. These traits improve the likelihood of franchisee success and brand strength. Characteristic Description Strong Support Systems Extensive training and ongoing assistance for franchisees. Established Brand Recognition Builds consumer trust and loyalty, attracting customers easily. Proven Business Models High return on investment with strong financial performance. High Owner Satisfaction Effective communication and community engagement within the network. Effective Marketing Strategies Combines national and local advertising for visibility and sales. Top Food Service Franchises for 2025 The food service franchise sector is a standout within the franchise industry, driven by persistent consumer demand and evolving dining preferences. For 2025, several franchises are rising to the top, offering solid opportunities for new franchisees. Here are three key options to evaluate: Coffee Shops: With low initial investments, these franchises attract daily customers and nurture loyalty. Smoothie Bars: Capitalizing on health trends, these concepts cater to health-conscious consumers as they provide quick service. Takeout-Only Concepts: As dining habits shift, these franchises provide convenience and efficiency, meeting modern consumer needs. These franchises are backed by strong brand recognition and support systems, ensuring a consistent customer experience and enhancing revenue prospects for franchise owners. Emerging Industry Franchises to Consider As you explore your franchise options, consider emerging industries that align with current market trends. Technology services, a focus on health and wellness, and sustainable business practices are gaining traction, providing opportunities for growth and investment. Technology Integration Trends With businesses increasingly turning in the direction of technology for solutions, the trend of technology integration within franchising has gained remarkable momentum. As you explore franchise opportunities, consider the following key points: Growing Demand: Companies like CMIT Solutions are thriving by providing crucial IT services to small and medium-sized businesses, highlighting the demand for tech support. Recurring Revenue: Many tech franchises offer stable income through recurring revenue models, ensuring predictable financial performance for owners. Accessible Investment: The average investment for franchises in this sector ranges from $106,450 to $159,450, making them viable options for new franchisees. With consumer behavior shifting in the direction of digital solutions, franchises aligned with technology integration are well-positioned to benefit from increased market demand. Health and Wellness Focus Investing in health and wellness franchises presents a compelling opportunity, especially as consumers increasingly prioritize their physical and mental well-being. The health and wellness industry is swiftly growing, driven by a rising focus on fitness, nutrition, and mental health. Franchises like boutique gyms and wellness centers utilize a membership-based revenue model, promoting customer loyalty and ensuring steady income. Furthermore, emerging franchises such as smoothie bars and organic food shops cater to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious options. As the market expands, there’s a noticeable shift toward services that promote holistic well-being, including stress management. Sustainable Business Practices Sustainable business practices are becoming increasingly vital in today’s market, as consumers actively seek out eco-friendly options. Emerging industry franchises focusing on sustainability are thriving, driven by this demand. Consider these three sectors that align with consumer values: Renewable Energy: Franchises in solar and wind energy are capitalizing on the shift toward greener energy sources. Sustainable Food Production: Brands offering organic and locally-sourced products are gaining traction, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Eco-Friendly Home Services: Franchises that provide green cleaning and energy-efficient home solutions are meeting the growing need for sustainable living. Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities Low-cost franchise opportunities present a viable path for aspiring entrepreneurs who may not have substantial capital to start a business. With initial investments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, these options are accessible to a broader audience. Many franchises offer extensive training and support, increasing your chances of success compared to starting independently. You can find affordable franchises across various sectors, catering to different interests and skills. Franchise Type Investment Range Home-based Services $10,000 – $50,000 Business Consulting $15,000 – $75,000 Technology Services $106,450 – $159,450 Retail and Food Service $25,000 – $100,000 The International Franchise Association anticipates a stable growth of 2.5% in the franchise sector by 2025. Assessing Profitability and ROI How can you effectively evaluate the profitability and return on investment (ROI) of a franchise opportunity? Start by considering these key factors: Initial Investment: Understand the total costs, which can range widely, as seen with low-cost franchises like CMIT Solutions, requiring between $106,450 and $159,450. Operational Costs: Analyze ongoing fees and royalties. These expenses can greatly affect your profit margins and overall financial health. Financial Performance Representations (FPR): Review the FPR in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for insights into expected earnings and profit margins. Established franchises often report lower failure rates, increasing your chances of achieving a positive ROI. Steps to Get Started With Your Franchise Investment When you’re ready to initiate your franchise investment expedition, selecting the right franchisor is an important first step that can greatly influence your success. Choose a franchisor that aligns with your values and goals. Next, complete the application process, ensuring you meet their minimum qualifications, which often include financial criteria and relevant experience. Then, explore financing options like SBA loans or franchise-specific programs to secure the necessary capital for your investment, which can vary widely. After that, sign the franchise agreement, making sure to thoroughly review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for vital information about operations and fees. Finally, attend the franchisor’s training programs to prepare for managing daily operations effectively and maximizing your franchise’s potential for success. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Buy? Determining the most profitable franchise involves evaluating various sectors. Technology services franchises typically generate consistent monthly revenue by addressing vital business needs. Healthcare franchises thrive because of ongoing demand, driven by an aging population. Business services franchises, like consulting, offer substantial profit margins. Home services franchises guarantee stable income through crucial household tasks, whereas automotive services benefit from regular vehicle maintenance requirements. Each sector presents unique opportunities based on market demand and service necessity. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any contracts or make payments. This rule gives you time to review critical information about the franchise, including financial performance and obligations. Which Franchise Is Best for Beginners? If you’re a beginner looking for a franchise, consider those that offer robust training and support, like CMIT Solutions. These franchises typically have proven systems and clear guidelines, making it easier for you to navigate ownership. Look for opportunities with ongoing assistance and mentorship. Low-investment options, such as home-based or technology services, can likewise provide significant growth potential without requiring large financial commitments, which is ideal for first-time entrepreneurs. What Is the #1 Franchise in the US? The #1 franchise in the US is McDonald’s, known for its extensive global presence and strong brand recognition. It operates primarily through franchisees, which allows for rapid growth and consistent revenue. McDonald’s boasts an impressive success rate of 80-90%, making it a top choice for franchise owners. You’ll benefit from thorough training, marketing support, and operational resources, ensuring a standardized customer experience across all locations. Their ongoing investment in technology keeps them competitive. Conclusion In conclusion, investing in a franchise can be a lucrative opportunity if you choose wisely. Focus on well-established brands with strong market presence, such as food service and technology franchises. Emerging sectors like health and wellness likewise show promise. Evaluating profitability and comprehending the investment process are essential steps in your path. By doing thorough research and weighing your options, you can find a franchise that aligns with your goals and offers potential for success in 2025. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best 7 Franchises to Buy" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Labour is expected to lose votes in Gorton and Denton by-election to Greens on the left and Reform on the rightView the full article

As the The President administration prepares to close the Kennedy Center for a two-year renovation, the head of Washington’s performing arts center has warned its staff about impending cuts that will leave “skeletal teams.” In a Tuesday memo obtained by the Associated Press, Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell told staff that “departments will obviously function on a much smaller scale with some units totally reduced or on hold until we begin preparations to reopen in 2028,” promising “permanent or temporary adjustments for most everyone.” Over the next few months, he wrote, department heads would be “evaluating the needs and making the decisions as to what these skeletal teams left in place during the facility and closure and construction phase will look like.” Grenell said leadership would “provide as much clarity and advance notice as possible.” The Kennedy Center is slated to close in early July. Few details about what the renovations will look like have been released since President Donald The President announced his plan at the beginning of February. Neither The President nor Grenell have provided evidence to support claims about the building being in disrepair, and last October, The President had pledged it would remain open during renovations. “Upon the completion of these upgrades, Americans and visitors from all over the world, for generations to come, will enjoy the Center and marvel at its spectacular features and design,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Wednesday. It’s unclear exactly how many employees the center currently has, but a 2025 tax filing said nearly 2,500 people were employed during the 2023 calendar year. A request for comment sent to Kennedy Center Arts Workers United, which represents artists and arts professionals affiliated with the center, wasn’t immediately returned. Leading performers and groups have left or canceled appearances since The President ousted the center’s leadership a year ago and added his own name to the building in December. The Washington Post, which first reported about Grenell’s memo, has also cited significant drops in ticket revenue, which—along with private philanthropy—comprises the center’s operating budget. Officials have yet to say whether such long-running traditions as the Mark Twain Award for comedy or the honors ceremony for lifetime contributions to the arts will continue while the center is closed. The Kennedy Center was first conceived as a national cultural facility during the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s. President John F. Kennedy led a fundraising initiative, and the yet-to-be-built center was named in his honor following his assassination. It opened in 1971 and has become a preeminent showcase for theater, music, and dramatic performances, enjoying bipartisan backing until The President’s return to office last year. “This renovation represents a generational investment in our future,” Grenell wrote. “When we reopen, we will do so as a stronger organization—one that honors our legacy while expanding our impact.” —Hillel Italie, AP National Writer View the full article

WhatsApp is taking its commitment to online security a step further with the introduction of a new feature aimed at enhancing user safety in the increasingly complex digital landscape. The messaging platform recently announced its upcoming rollout of “Strict Account Settings,” designed to protect users, particularly high-profile individuals such as journalists and public figures, from sophisticated cyber threats. For small businesses that increasingly rely on digital communication, this added layer of security could be a vital asset. The essence of the Strict Account Settings feature lies in its ability to strengthen user privacy immensely. With a few simple taps, business owners can enforce the most stringent privacy protocols available on WhatsApp. This includes automatic blocking of attachments and media from unknown senders, silencing incoming calls from unfamiliar numbers, and further refining how the app operates in terms of information sharing. Implementing these settings can mitigate the risk of cyber attacks, which can be disruptive and costly for small businesses. “Just like you would in person, we believe you should be able to have private conversations on your devices,” a WhatsApp spokesperson stated. The platform emphasizes that default end-to-end encryption is already in place, but this new feature adds another layer of protection, particularly for users who might be targeted more frequently. For small business owners, the ability to ensure safe communication is critical, allowing them to engage with clients and partners without the fear of falling victim to cyber threats. Accessing the Strict Account Settings is straightforward. Users simply navigate to WhatsApp Settings, click on Privacy, and then select Advanced. This user-friendly approach ensures that even those without extensive tech know-how can manage their account settings effectively. As small business owners can often be overwhelmed with multiple responsibilities, this ease of use facilitates better security without adding complexity to their daily routines. For practical application, small businesses that engage with clients via WhatsApp have much to gain. The function can significantly reduce unsolicited spam and potential phishing attempts, allowing owners to focus more on cultivating relationships rather than fending off threats. Particularly for freelancers and small companies that deal in sensitive information, this feature can prove invaluable in maintaining client confidentiality. However, while the Strict Account Settings present clear advantages, there are also potential challenges that small business owners should consider. The heightened security settings may inadvertently limit communication capabilities. For instance, automatically blocking unknown contacts could hinder outreach efforts or networking opportunities. It’s essential for small business owners to strike a balance between protecting their communications and remaining accessible to customers and industry contacts. Another consideration is the potential tech-savviness required to manage these settings effectively. While the feature is designed for ease of use, some users may find the array of customization options overwhelming. Small business owners might consider training for employees, ensuring everyone is equipped to handle the advanced settings properly. WhatsApp’s latest feature will begin rolling out in the coming weeks, and it promises to further fortify the service’s already robust security framework. Furthermore, small businesses looking to embrace the feature should stay abreast of updates directly from the platform. For details on how to utilize Strict Account Settings effectively, users can refer to WhatsApp’s official guide here. By integrating a proactive security approach into their communication practices, small business owners not only protect themselves but also foster trust with their clientele. As cyber threats continue to evolve, robust measures like WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings serve as essential tools in a business’s security toolkit, reinforcing the message that customer safety is a priority. Image via Google Gemini This article, "WhatsApp Introduces ‘Strict Account Settings’ for Enhanced User Security" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Interrupt harsh self-talk and replace it with supportive, useful guidance. Accounting ARC With Byron Patrick and Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

Interrupt harsh self-talk and replace it with supportive, useful guidance. Accounting ARC With Byron Patrick and Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google Ads launched new AI Mode retailer ads...View the full article

It’s tempting to think that an LLM chatbot can answer any question you pose it, including those about your health. After all, chatbots have been trained on plenty of medical information, and can regurgitate it if given the right prompts. But that doesn’t mean they will give you accurate medical advice, and a new study shows how easily AI’s supposed expertise breaks down. In short, they are even worse at it than I thought. In the study, researchers first quizzed several chatbots about medical information. In these carefully conducted tests, ChatGPT-4o, Llama 3, and Command R+ correctly diagnosed medical scenarios an impressive 94% of the time—though they were able to recommend the right treatment a much less impressive 56% of the time. But that wasn’t a real-world test for the chatbots medical utility. The researchers then gave medical scenarios to 1,298 people, and asked them to use an LLM to figure out what might be going on in that scenario, plus what they should do about it (for example, whether they should call an ambulance, follow up with their doctor when convenient, or take care of the issue on their own). The participants were recruited through an online platform that reported it verifies that research subjects are real humans and not bots themselves. Some participants were in a control group that was told to research the scenario on their own, and not using any AI tools. In the end, the no-AI control group did far better than the LLM-using group in correctly identifying medical conditions, including most serious “red flag” scenarios. How a chatbot with “correct” information can lead people astrayAs the researchers write, “Strong performance from the LLMs operating alone is not sufficient for strong performance with users.” Plenty of previous research has shown that chatbot output is sensitive to the exact phrasing people use when asking questions, and that chatbots seem to prioritize pleasing a user over giving correct information. Even if an LLM bot can correctly answer an objectively phrased question, that doesn’t mean it will give you good advice when you need it. That’s why it doesn’t really matter that ChatGPT can “pass” a modified medical licensing exam—success at answering formulaic multiple choice questions is not the same thing as telling you when you need to go to the hospital. The researchers analyzed chat logs to figure out where things broke down. Here are some of the issues they identified: The users didn’t always give the bot all of the relevant information. As non-experts, the users certainly didn’t know what was most important to include. If you’ve been to a doctor about anything potentially serious, you know they’ll pepper you with questions to be sure you aren’t leaving out something important. The bots don’t necessarily do that. The bots “generated several types of misleading and incorrect information.” Sometimes they ignored important details to narrow in on something else; sometimes they recommended calling an emergency number but gave the wrong one (such as an Australian emergency number for U.K. users). Responses could be drastically different for similar prompts. In one example, two users gave nearly identical messages about a subarachnoid hemorrhage. One response told the user to seek emergency care; the other said to lie down in a dark room. People varied in how they conversed with the chatbot. For example, some asked specific questions to constrain the bot’s answers, but some let the bot take the lead. Either method could introduce unreliability into the LLM's output. Correct answers were often grouped with incorrect answers. On average, each LLM gave 2.21 answers for the user to choose from. People understandably did not always choose correctly from those options. Overall, people who didn't use LLMs were 1.76 times more likely to get the right diagnosis. (Both groups were similarly likely to figure out the right course of action, but that's not saying much—on average, they only got it right about 43% of the time.) The researchers described the control group as doing "significantly better" at the task. And this may represent a best-case scenario: the researchers point out that they provided clear examples of common conditions, and LLMs would likely do worse with rare conditions or more complicated medical scenarios. They conclude: “Despite strong performance from the LLMs alone, both on existing benchmarks and on our scenarios, medical expertise was insufficient for effective patient care.” Chatbots are a risk for doctors, tooPatients may not know how to talk to an LLM, or how to vet its output, but surely doctors would fare better, right? Unfortunately, people in the medical field are also using AI chatbots for medical information in ways that create risks to patient care. ECRI, a medical safety nonprofit, put the misuse of AI chatbots in the number one spot on its list of health technology hazards of 2026. While the AI hype machine is trying to convince you to give ChatGPT your medical information, ECRI correctly points out that it’s wrong to think of these chatbots as having human personalities or cognition: “While these models produce humanlike responses, they do so by predicting the next word based on large datasets, not through genuine comprehension of the information.” ECRI reports that physicians are, in fact, using generative AI tools for patient care, and that research has already shown the serious risks involved. Using LLMs does not improve doctors’ clinical reasoning. LLMs will elaborate confidently on incorrect details included in prompts. Google’s Med-Gemini model, created for medical use, made up a nonexistent body part whose name was a mashup of two unrelated real body parts; Google told a Verge reporter that the mistake was a “typo.” ECRI argues that “because LLM responses often sound authoritative, the risk exists that clinicians may subconsciously factor AI-generated suggestions into their judgments without critical review.” Even in situations that don’t seem like life-and-death cases, consulting a chatbot can cause harm. ECRI asked four LLMs to recommend brands of gel that could be used with a certain ultrasound device on a patient with an indwelling catheter near the area being scanned. It’s important to use a sterile gel in this situation, because of the risk of infection. Only one of the four chatbots identified this issue and made appropriate suggestions; the others just recommended regular ultrasound gels. In other cases, ECRI’s tests resulted in chatbots giving unsafe advice on electrode placement and isolation gowns. Clearly, LLM chatbots are not ready to be trusted to keep people safe when seeking medical care, whether you’re the person who needs care, the doctor treating them, or even the staffer ordering supplies. But the services are already out there, being widely used and aggressively promoted. (Their makers are even fighting in the Super Bowl ads.) There’s no good way to be sure these chatbots aren’t involved in your care, but at the very least we can stick with good old Dr. Google—just make sure to disable AI-powered search results. View the full article