Latest news with #algorithm
News24
a day ago
- Business
- News24
R370 grants: Faulty bank account scans cause ‘catastrophic' rejections
South African street vendor and widow Brenda Mtshali is furious that an automated message on her phone means she will have to skimp on food for her six children. She is one of an estimated 10 million eligible South Africans excluded from welfare payments due to administrative obstacles, including problems with an algorithm-based income verification check, recent research has found. Mtshali, who sells tomatoes in the Soweto township, had her online application for a Social Relief from Distress (SRD) grant rejected more than half a dozen times, receiving an automated message that said "means income source identified." She said the automated means test - which scans bank accounts for a poverty line threshold of R624 - likely took into account money she was occasionally loaned by family members, which does not qualify as monthly income. But sometimes she was rejected when she had no extra funds in her bank account. She has travelled to her local branch of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) several times to query her rejection, only to be told to lodge her appeal online. "We don't want to speak to a computer or an automatic message ... it's like shouting into an empty room and only hearing your echo," Mtshali, 58, said. Responding to emailed questions, SASSA said people who were rejected could appeal online to the Department of Social Development (DSD). DSD did not respond to requests for comment. From Britain to Togo, algorithms are being used to help distribute social grants and welfare payments, but digital rights experts warn they can be inaccurate and biased in some cases. The SRD grants are vital in South Africa, where unemployment stands at about 33%, one of the highest rates in the world. "We know the extent and depths of poverty in the country," said Kelle Howson, a social scientist at the Institute for Economic Justice and co-author of the research on SRD grant exclusion. "There needs to be a move from this restrictive poverty targeting to a system that's much more inclusive," Howson said. 'Failing to reach those in need' The SRD grant programme was rolled out to support unemployed and working-age South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. It is worth R370 per month. In April 2022, a formal means test was introduced that involved monitoring potential beneficiaries' bank accounts to see if they had more than the minimum threshold of R624. After the new means test was introduced, some 8 million beneficiaries were approved, down from 10.9 million in 2020, according to the IEJ report. This is despite there being an estimated 17 million to 18 million eligible people, the report said. The IEJ surveyed 900 people and found only 10.3% of eligible respondents received the grants - an erroneous exclusion rate of 89.7%. Eighty percent of all rejections were based on the bank verification test, which the IEJ said should only cover 24% of cases. It said all financial inflows - including child maintenance, loans, one-off donations, funds held for others - were incorrectly classified as "means." In May, the national treasury made SASSA's operating budget conditional on the means tests being applied to all social grants, including child support and pensions, the IEJ said. The Ministry of Finance in emailed comments said: "In the age of large data, it is increasingly necessary to build social security registries and cross-checks across multiple databases to avoid incorrect payments and double dipping where it is inappropriate." It also said no grant rejection is permanent, and clients are called in to "verify their income and explain the situation" to ensure public funds are appropriately spent. Applying the means tests so broadly could cause "catastrophic harm to vulnerable groups," the IEJ said, describing bank account surveillance, flawed government data and biometric profiling as "invasive" verification methods. The IEJ report also found only 5% of those surveyed had successfully appealed over two years. Data from SASSA shows 98% of 10 million appeal applications were unsuccessful in the 2024 financial year. With the SRD grant system fully online, "even if you walk into an office for help, you will be redirected to use their online system to appeal," said Kgothatso Sibanda, a helpline manager with the Black Sash human rights charity that assists grant applicants. Surveillance and survival Howson said data collection was also a rights concern as regulations stipulate that any grant applicant must allow government agencies to verify eligibility through algorithmic checks. This means government agencies can cross-check personal information with credit bureaus or banks, said Howson. "So basically you sign away all your rights to privacy and data protection by applying for a grant," she said. SASSA said its actions were governed by the Social Assistance Act and that "checks and balances are a prerequisite to ensure that we safeguard (the) public purse." The IEJ report said applicants should be allowed to submit supporting documents and means tests should be done over a longer period to rule out inconsistencies. Sibanda said "beneficiaries do not fully understand what they are consenting to" and argued that a hybrid system - online and in-person - would help people with limited digital literacy. "Yes to digitisation, but no to leaving people behind, and this system is leaving people behind," said Sibanda. In January, the High Court in Pretoria ruled that some SRD regulations were unconstitutional, but the government has lodged an appeal. In the meantime, Mtshali, her brother and her working-age children, all of whom were rejected, are stuck. They cannot afford to travel to job interviews or print their CVs. When funds are low, Mtshali feeds her family from her stock of tomatoes. "It's now just about getting food on the table, it's about survival," she said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Spotify revamps its Discover Weekly playlist after ten years
Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist, which shares new listening recommendations every Monday, is getting an update. Ten years after the debut of Discover Weekly (yes, we feel old, too), Spotify Premium users will see new controls at the top of the playlist, which allow them to push their recommendations toward certain genres. So, if you mostly listen to 80s rock, but you're starting to develop a soft spot for K-pop, you can select different genre filters to push the algorithmic curation in the right direction. This feature is intended to give users a bit more control over what kinds of new music they most want to hear from their Discover Weekly playlists. According to Spotify, users have streamed over 100 billion tracks on Discover Weekly, with 77% of Discover Weekly listens being from emerging artists. To access the new-and-improved Discover Weekly, Spotify Premium subscribers can navigate to the 'Made for You' hub, then navigate to their Discover Weekly playlist. There, if the latest Spotify version is installed, users will be able to see the new genre controls. For an app that can feel overwhelmingly dominated by algorithmic recommendations, Spotify has recently announced features geared toward giving the listener input over their listening algorithms. The queue was revamped, showing what Spotify recommendations are coming up and allowing users to choose in advance what stays on deck. Listeners can also 'snooze' songs that they're tired of so that the song won't be played for thirty days, but also won't be hidden for good. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
TechCrunch
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- TechCrunch
Spotify revamps its Discover Weekly playlist after ten years
Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist, which shares new listening recommendations every Monday, is getting an update. Ten years after the debut of Discover Weekly (yes, we feel old, too), Spotify Premium users will see new controls at the top of the playlist, which allow them to push their recommendations toward certain genres. So, if you mostly listen to 80s rock, but you're starting to develop a soft spot for K-pop, you can select different genre filters to push the algorithmic curation in the right direction. Image Credits:Spotify This feature is intended to give users a bit more control over what kinds of new music they most want to hear from their Discover Weekly playlists. According to Spotify, users have streamed over 100 billion tracks on Discover Weekly, with 77% of Discover Weekly listens being from emerging artists. To access the new-and-improved Discover Weekly, Spotify Premium subscribers can navigate to the 'Made for You' hub, then navigate to their Discover Weekly playlist. There, if the latest Spotify version is installed, users will be able to see the new genre controls. For an app that can feel overwhelmingly dominated by algorithmic recommendations, Spotify has recently announced features geared toward giving the listener input over their listening algorithms. The queue was revamped, showing what Spotify recommendations are coming up and allowing users to choose in advance what stays on deck. Listeners can also 'snooze' songs that they're tired of so that the song won't be played for thirty days, but also won't be hidden for good.
CNET
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
Netflix Feels 10x Bigger When You Use These Secret Codes
Netflix homepage starting to feel stale this summer? You're definitely not the only one. Even with new content dropping all the time, the algorithm still seems stuck on the same old suggestions. Supposed nail-biting thrillers you've already watched, docuseries you're not interested in, or that one show Netflix keeps pushing no matter how many times you skip it. After a while, it feels like you're spending more time scrolling than actually watching. Then it's time to go to bed and repeat the cycle all over again. But there's a simple trick that can completely change the game. Netflix has hidden category codes that let you access specific collections by theme, genre or mood. Whether you're craving a summer camp slasher, a nostalgic '90s comedy or something totally offbeat, there's a code for that. Once I started using them, I finally stopped the endless scroll and started finding shows I actually wanted to watch. Here are the best secret Netflix codes to try right now. For more, check out our favorite sci-fi movies on Netflix and learn how to share your favorite Netflix clips via text message or social media. What are Netflix secret category codes? Netflix codes are a set of unique numerical identifiers that can help you find specific genres or sub-genres in the Netflix library on the streamer's website (not the app). Typically, you're constrained to the genres available to you via the main Netflix menu. There's no way to choose by specific category other than what's been chosen for you when you log on. Using these codes opens up an entire library of options for you to choose from that can help you better settle on what to watch for the night. It can even help you discover shows and movies. Adding these codes to the ends of Netflix URLs lets you directly access collections of movies and TV shows that fall under your chosen category. For example, if you're short on time and want to queue up a shorter movie, you could check the 90-Minute Movies category with the code 81466194. Looking for something for your entire brood to enjoy? The "Family Movie Night" collection, accessed with code 2013975, is chock-full of favorites even Grandma can get into. There are more than 36,000 codes to choose from so don't worry about memorizing them or trying random sequences. Resources like have an entire directory to sift through so you can search for what you'd like to watch there and find corresponding codes in no time. The Netflix-Codes site has a full directory of all the available categories on Netflix. by CNET How do I find Netflix's secret menus of movies and shows? There isn't an all-encompassing Netflix secret menu per se. Instead, you will use URLs with special codes to display certain curated collections of movies and shows. has a good list of the streaming platform's hidden genre categories and subcategories. In total, there are about 20 top-level categories covering genres like animation, foreign films and classic movies. Within those main genres are many more hyper-specific subgenres denoted by numeric codes. All you need to do is find the category you want, copy the related code and append it to the end of a Netflix URL. What kinds of categories does Netflix offer? There's much more to Netflix than what you've been scrolling through. At last count, there were more than 36,000 unique categories to explore. The entirety of the categories available on Netflix starts with broad main genres like Action, Comedy and Drama, but they get more specific as you dive even deeper. There are straight-to-the-point collections like Movies Directed by Women (code 2974953), or more specifically targeted curated lists, like Supernatural Soaps (code 81238162), just in case you like your werewolves with a side of angst and romance. Feeling "Very Demure, Very Mindful?" The very queen of that TikTok trend, Jools Lebron, has a collection just for you. Likewise, if you're missing football in the off season, check out Touchdowns, Triumphs & Trials. Rather than relying solely on the standard homepage categories or Netflix's algorithm, you can use these secret codes to pinpoint and explore different nooks and crannies of the catalog to find hidden gems. Netflix codes for award-winning movies and shows Netflix secret codes are exactly that -- secret. There's no official directory, and it's hard to get a full list, as categories will go empty as movies and shows move on and off Netflix. The names of categories will also change often as well so you'll want to be vigilant when you go searching for what you want to watch. To make it easier for you, there are even categories that you can use to find all the award-winning movies and shows to be discovered on the streamer. Award-winning movies: 89844 Award-winning TV programs: 89814 Award-winning documentaries: 93108 How do I find more Netflix codes? If you're not comfortable with editing Netflix URLs, you can use a browser extension to access the secret menus. The Better Browse for Netflix extension for Chrome is a great choice. Here's how to use it: 1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for "Better Browse for Netflix." (Note that this extension is unavailable for Firefox users.) 2. Click Add to Chrome. 3. Click Add Extension. 4. Log into your Netflix account in a new tab. If the extension is installed, you'll see a Browse All option at the top of your Netflix home screen next to My List. Click it to scroll through the subgenres or to search through specific categories. Adding the Better Browse for Netflix extension to Chrome gives you a drop-down menu with Netflix categories. Screenshot by CNET Alternatively, you can use the FindFlix: Netflix Secret Category Finder browser extension for Chrome or Firefox. This add-on will create a drop-down menu complete with Netflix categories for your browser that you can scroll through by clicking on the FF icon that will appear on the top right of your screen. There's no need to scroll Netflix natively with this add-on and it features 7,500 categories alphabetized for your convenience. A third way is through the Netflix Codes website. Here's how: 1. Visit in any PC or mobile browser. 2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore. 3. Tap the code next to the genre or subgenre you want. 4. If you're on a device that has the Netflix app installed, the app should open and take you directly to the genre or subgenre you chose. If you don't have the app installed, it'll open Netflix through the browser and you can view the specific movies and shows available. 5. Tap the title you want to watch and it'll start playing. Finally, if you're comfortable with creating custom URLs, you can use Netflix codes manually in your browser. Here's how: 1. Visit on any PC or mobile browser. 2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore. 3. In another tab, type in but replace INSERTNUMBER with the specific genre or subgenre code. For instance, will take you to "90-Minute Movies." 4. If done correctly, you'll be taken to Netflix to peruse the titles available in that section. Simply repeat this process the next time you find a code for a Netflix category you'd like to explore. You can do this as many times as you'd like. For more Netflix tips, learn how to get the most out of Netflix on your phone or mobile device and how to improve picture quality on streaming services.
Geek Vibes Nation
23-06-2025
- Geek Vibes Nation
Need For YouTube Views To Grow A Channel Faster And Smart Ways To Buy Them
In the competitive world of online video content, YouTube views have become the lifeblood of success. But in today's saturated platform with over 500 hours of video uploaded every minute, simply creating great content is not enough. You need a strategy that not only attracts organic viewers but also leverages paid options like buying YouTube views to give your content a head start. Why YouTube Views Matter for Channel Growth 1. YouTube Views Influence Visibility The more views a video receives, the more likely it is to be: Promoted by YouTube's algorithm Featured in the Suggested and Explore sections Ranked higher in search results Essentially, views tell the algorithm that your content is worth watching. A video with momentum tends to gain even more momentum thanks to this algorithmic loop. 2. Views Act as Social Proof In the digital world, numbers equate to trust. When users see a video with thousands of views, they naturally assume: The content is valuable or entertaining The creator is credible It's worth their time This social proof directly impacts whether someone clicks on your video or keeps scrolling. 3. More Views Lead to More Subscribers While subscribers are the long-term goal, views are the gateway. High view counts create a larger funnel for: Exposure Engagement Conversion to loyal subscribers Every new view is a potential subscriber, and more subscribers mean future videos are more likely to gain traction. 4. Views Contribute to Watch Time (Critical for Monetization) To monetize your YouTube channel, you need: 1,000 subscribers 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months More views increase watch time, which accelerates your journey toward monetization and revenue generation. 5. Brands and Sponsors Value View Counts If you're aiming for brand deals or sponsorships, companies often use view metrics to assess your reach. A channel with consistent views: Looks more professional Demonstrates influence Attracts higher-paying sponsorships In essence, views help build your creator reputation in the eyes of the market. Why Organic Growth Alone Is Not Always Enough Growing organically on YouTube is possible, but very slow. You're competing with: Established creators with millions of followers Paid ads and promoted content Constantly changing algorithm dynamics Even high-quality content can go unnoticed without a boost in early exposure. This is why many creators explore buy YouTube views as part of a broader marketing strategy. The Right Way to Buy YouTube Views Buying YouTube views isn't about cheating the system it's about investing in visibility when done right. But not all services are equal, and some can do more harm than good. Let's explore how to buy YouTube views safely, ethically, and effectively. Best Practices for Buying YouTube Views 1. Always Buy Real and High-Retention Views Avoid services that provide fake or bot-generated views. These might temporarily inflate numbers, but can: Get your video flagged or removed Decrease your engagement rate Damage your channel's credibility Look for services that offer: Real human views High-retention views (people who watch most of your video) Traffic from actual websites, social media platforms, or ad networks These types of views contribute to algorithm-friendly metrics like watch time and engagement. 2. Choose Reputable Providers Countless websites are offering YouTube views, but very few are trustworthy. When choosing a provider: Check customer reviews and ratings Look for money-back guarantees Avoid suspiciously cheap offers Ensure they don't require your channel password Services that integrate with Google Ads or use safe traffic methods are usually more reliable. 3. Use Drip-Feed Delivery Buying 10,000 views in one hour looks suspicious to YouTube. It may even result in: Views being removed Account warnings Reduced algorithmic trust Instead, choose drip-feed options that gradually deliver views over days or weeks. This looks natural and keeps your channel safe. 4. Combine Paid Views With Organic Promotion Bought views should only be a part of your growth plan. To maximize ROI: Share your video on social media Use relevant keywords in your title, tags, and description Create attractive thumbnails and catchy titles Engage with your audience through comments and replies 5. Target Your Ideal Audience Some platforms allow you to purchase geo-targeted or niche-targeted views, meaning your content is shown to people more likely to watch and subscribe. This is particularly useful if your channel is focused on: A specific country or language A niche like tech, fitness, or education Local business promotions Targeted views increase quality, not just quantity. Top Benefits of Buying YouTube Views Strategically Boosts Initial Exposure Give your video the push it needs during the critical first 24–48 hours. Improves Ranking and Discoverability More views help your video appear in more searches and recommendations. Builds Trust and Social Proof Higher views make your content appear more authoritative. Speeds Up Monetization Increases watch time and can help reach the 4,000-hour requirement faster. Attracts Organic Engagement Real views can lead to likes, comments, shares, and subscribers. What to Avoid When Buying YouTube Views Bot Traffic or Automation Tools These offer no value and can get your video removed. Unrealistic Offers If someone offers 100,000 views for $5, it's too good to be true. No Customer Support or Transparency Reputable companies will have clear contact information and refund policies. Instant Delivery in Large Volumes This looks artificial and can hurt your reputation. Legal and Ethical Considerations YouTube doesn't ban buying views, but it does penalize fake engagement. If your views come from bots, click farms, or manipulated devices, you're violating YouTube's terms of service. To stay within guidelines: Use legitimate traffic sources Never fake likes, comments, or subscribers Focus on quality engagement and audience retention Buying views should amplify your growth, not replace it. How to Tell If a Provider Is Legit Here are some quick checks to determine if a service is safe: They provide real user views (with proof) No need to share your YouTube login Drip delivery option Transparent FAQ section Verified payment gateways Positive online reviews If even one of these boxes is unchecked, consider it a red flag. Final Thoughts: Growing on YouTube is a challenge, but not an impossible one. Views are the first step toward discovery, engagement, and loyalty. Without enough views, your content, no matter how brilliant, may never be seen. Buying YouTube views, when done correctly, is a powerful promotional tool to increase visibility and give your channel a head start.
