Tag: personal

AI, Wearables, and Virtual Trials: The Future of Technology in Personal Injury Law

Technology is reshaping every industry, and the legal field is no exception. In personal injury law, cutting-edge advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), wearable technology, and virtual courtrooms are revolutionizing how attorneys handle cases. These innovations improve case preparation, enhance evidence gathering, and streamline legal proceedings.

Personal injury lawyers are leveraging these tools to strengthen their arguments, improve client advocacy, and navigate the legal system more efficiently. As digital solutions continue to evolve, they are transforming the way legal professionals approach litigation, ultimately leading to better outcomes for accident victims.

The Digital Transformation of Personal Injury Law

Technology has always played a role in legal work, but recent advancements are accelerating the pace of change. According to Brown, Bass and Jeter, AI-driven legal research, predictive analytics, and automation are enabling lawyers to handle cases more efficiently than ever before. These tools not only save time but also enhance accuracy in case assessments and legal documentation.

Beyond AI, wearable devices and virtual reality (VR) are redefining how evidence is collected and presented. Wearables provide real-time health data that can support injury claims, while VR and 3D reconstructions create compelling visual presentations for judges and juries. Together, these innovations are reshaping personal injury litigation.

AI in Case Preparation and Legal Research

AI-powered legal research tools are transforming the way personal injury lawyers prepare cases. Traditionally, attorneys had to manually sift through thousands of case files, court rulings, and legal precedents. Now, AI-driven platforms can analyze vast amounts of data within minutes, identifying relevant case law and predicting potential legal strategies.

Machine learning algorithms also play a key role in evaluating the likelihood of case success. By analyzing past settlements and court rulings, AI can predict compensation amounts, allowing lawyers to develop more effective strategies. This not only benefits attorneys but also helps clients set realistic expectations for their claims.

Wearables as Evidence in Personal Injury Cases

The rise of wearable technology has introduced a new form of digital evidence in personal injury cases. Devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers collect valuable health data, including heart rate, physical activity levels, and sleep patterns. These records can provide objective proof of how an injury has affected a person’s daily life.

For example, if an accident victim’s fitness tracker shows a drastic reduction in mobility following an injury, this data can support their claim for compensation. Additionally, wearables can refute false claims made by insurance companies, ensuring that victims receive fair settlements based on concrete evidence.

Beyond personal injury claims, wearables can also be crucial in determining liability. A smartwatch with GPS capabilities can provide location data that verifies a victim’s movements at the time of an accident. In cases involving car crashes or workplace injuries, this information can corroborate witness statements or security footage, strengthening a lawyer’s argument. As wearable technology continues to evolve, its role in legal proceedings will only become more significant.

Virtual Reality and 3D Reconstructions in Courtrooms

Courtroom presentations are evolving with the integration of VR and 3D reconstructions. Instead of relying solely on witness testimonies or static images, lawyers can use immersive technology to create dynamic accident reconstructions. These visual aids allow judges and juries to experience the events leading up to an accident in a way that traditional evidence cannot provide.

For instance, in a car accident case, a 3D reconstruction can illustrate the impact of speed, road conditions, and driver behavior. This technology enhances understanding, making it easier for legal teams to establish fault and liability. As VR tools become more accessible, their use in legal proceedings will likely increase.

Virtual Trials and Remote Legal Consultations

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual trials and remote consultations. Today, many courts allow hearings to be conducted via video conferencing, reducing the need for physical appearances. This shift benefits personal injury lawyers and their clients by minimizing delays and improving accessibility.

Remote consultations also make legal services more convenient for clients who may be recovering from serious injuries. Digital case management platforms enable seamless communication between attorneys and clients, ensuring that case updates, documents, and legal strategies remain easily accessible. Virtual legal proceedings are not just a temporary solution—they represent the future of law practice.

Beyond convenience, virtual legal services level the playing field for individuals with limited resources. Clients who previously struggled to attend in-person meetings due to financial constraints, transportation issues, or health concerns can now connect with experienced attorneys from anywhere. This increased accessibility not only empowers victims to seek justice but also enables legal professionals to serve a broader range of clients, ultimately making the legal system more inclusive and efficient.

The Future of Technology in Personal Injury Law

As technology continues to advance, personal injury lawyers must stay ahead of the curve. AI will become even more sophisticated, providing deeper insights into case law and legal strategy. Wearable devices will offer more detailed biometric data, strengthening injury claims with real-time health monitoring. Meanwhile, VR and digital simulations will continue to revolutionize courtroom presentations.

Embracing these innovations will not only enhance case outcomes but also improve the overall legal experience for clients. The intersection of technology and law is no longer a distant possibility—it is already shaping the future of personal injury litigation. By integrating these tools into their practice, attorneys can provide more effective, data-driven representation, ensuring that justice is served in the digital age.

 

The Role of Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Defense Cases

Did you know that insurance premiums in the US exceed one trillion dollars annually? This highlights the central role that insurance companies play in many sectors.

When a personal injury claim is made, several parties are involved. However, the insurance company plays the most important role.

Understanding this role can make the process clearer. It can also help claimants navigate the process more effectively.

In this article, you will learn about the essential role of insurance companies in personal injury defense cases. Read on to examine their strategies and effects on case resolutions.

Evaluating Claims

One key role of insurance companies is evaluating claims. They check if the injury was caused by their client’s actions. This involves:

  • gathering evidence
  • speaking to witnesses
  • reviewing medical reports

The company may also consult experts to understand the extent of the injury. They look for any signs of fraud or exaggeration in the claim.

If there is enough evidence to support the claim, they may offer a settlement. If the evidence is weak, they may choose to challenge the claim in court. A thorough evaluation helps the company decide whether to fight the claim or settle.

Legal Representation

Insurance companies provide legal representation for their clients in personal injury cases. Once a claim is filed, they engage attorneys well-versed in such matters. This is to protect the interests of their policyholders.

These legal experts navigate the complexities of the legal system. They offer strategic advice and craft compelling defenses. This often leads to more favorable outcomes.

To learn more about this intricate field, check out https://stevedimopoulos.com. They offer legal representation and expert guidance.

Settlement Negotiations

After assessing a claim, insurance companies play a key role in settlement negotiations. They aim to reduce the financial impact on their clients or defend injury claims.

By settling, they can avoid long court battles. This saves time and resources. Settlements are also faster resolutions than going to trial.

Insurance companies also help ensure that their clients are not burdened by prolonged legal proceedings. They may offer a settlement that is lower than what could be awarded in court. This approach helps prevent uncertainty and additional costs.

Risk Management

Insurance providers also focus on risk management. They analyze claims history and study common injury trends. This helps them improve their policies and cover acceptable risks.

It protects their clients and strengthens their financial position. By doing this, they can make better decisions in legal defense strategies.

Underwriting Policies

Insurance companies are responsible for underwriting policies. These policies set the coverage provisions for their clients. In personal injury defense, understanding the policy language is important.

The terms decide coverage limits and the scope of protection. This affects how defense strategies are planned. Insurers must make sure policyholders know their coverage to avoid surprises during claims.

Public Relations and Reputation Management

Insurance companies play a key role in public relations during personal injury disputes. A well-handled case can improve their image.

They communicate effectively and stay involved in the community. They also work to maintain a positive reputation, even in tough cases.

Managing Personal Injury Defense Cases

Insurance companies play many roles in personal injury defense. They evaluate claims, provide legal representation, negotiate settlements, and manage risks.

These actions help resolve cases efficiently. For those dealing with personal injury claims, understanding the role of their insurance provider can be very helpful.

Don’t stop here, there’s so much more to learn about on our website. Browse our other blog posts for more information.

Strengthening Brand Connection with Personalized Merchandise

As it has been mentioned, in the current market environment, it is highly important to address the clients personally. Consumers are not just being offered products, but they are being offered stories from lives, feelings, and tribes. This link can be obtained through the use of personalised merchandise as one of the most influential methods. Whether it is a t-shirt that has been ordered to be designed or a mug or office products that have been branded for an organisation, customers are likely to become ambassadors for that brand. It gives something physical which can represent not only the company’s brand but also the personality of the consumer.

The Power of Personalization in Brand Marketing

Personalised merchandise is especially useful in print on demand business strategies. These businesses enable brands to sell customised products while not having to hold stock. This flexibility helps brands to easily adapt to trends, customer demands or occasions, giving customers a feeling that they are using something rare. Also, because the products are manufactured on-demand there is little waste and overproduction which is in line with the current trend of sustainable production.

Hence, for organisations, which seek to improve the brand association, it makes sense to invest in the branded products. People don’t just care about the objects but the history behind them and the connection they make. The targeted consumers will feel like they are valued and will always be associated with the brand hence promoting word of mouth.

Benefits of Personalized Merchandise for Businesses

Personalised merchandise has numerous advantages for companies, from customer loyalty to the interaction with the clients.Here’s why you should consider adding personalised products to your marketing strategy:

  • Enhanced Brand Recognition: People engage with products with your branding and when they put them on or use them it becomes visible. Each time a person employs that item, your brand gets a little publicity. It’s an unobtrusive and repeated reinforcement of your brand in the customer’s daily routine.
  • Customer Loyalty and Engagement: Having personalised merchandise is a good sign to the customers as it shows that you care for them. It makes them feel special and this makes it easier for them to come back to the brand in the future. For instance, a t-shirt designed for a customer with his or her name or a t-shirt that is designed and meant to capture the customer’s interest will evoke emotion.
  • Cost-Effective Marketing: Personalised merchandise is not the same as traditional advertising techniques where the advertisement lasts for a short time only. An item, if designed properly, can remain with a customer for several years thus giving repeated visibility. Also, using print on demand platforms, companies are free from the necessity to buy large amounts of stocks and can produce merchandise only if there is demand, thus, reducing the costs and risks involved.

Integrating Personalised Merchandise into Your Brand Strategy

To ensure that you incorporate the personalised merchandise into your brand, you need to ensure that the merchandise highlights your brand’s values and messages. First, define what your audience is most interested in: sustainability, creativity or exclusivity. From there, design products that not only embody these values but also provide the consumers with something that is unique to them. Use information from the customers’ preferences and buying habits to design products that belong to them.

Furthermore, incorporate tools that make the print on demand business easy, ensuring that you can sell many products on demand without having to store them. Incorporating such customised products into your advertising messages will therefore help you to promote brand recall, engagement and loyalty among your target consumers.

Steps to Launch a Successful Personalized Merchandise Campaign

Launching a successful personalised merchandise campaign involves several key steps:

  1. Understand Your Audience: Investigate your customers and their needs and wants. What kind of products do they apply in their everyday life? Adapt the products to their life and preferences.
  2. Choose the Right Products: Choose items that are relevant to your brand and will be appreciated by the target audience. When it comes to clothing and accessories or stationery and office needs, the products should be of good quality and useful.
  3. Leverage Print on Demand Platforms: Use platforms to sell numerous products that can be customised while not having to stock anything. This cuts down the initial cost and gives more freedom in designing.
  4. Promote Effectively: Advertising one’s customised product should be done through social media, emails, and collaborations with key opinion leaders.

 

Conclusion: Building Lasting Connections Through Personalization

Custom products are not just a promotional product; they are a tool for creating relationships with your audience. In this way, it is possible to provide the products that would correspond to the values of the brand and the needs and wants of the specific customer, which will help to develop the positive associations and, therefore, the loyalty of the client. Print on demand services can be easily integrated into the overall branding plan because it is flexible and cost effective when it comes to offering customised products. When properly implemented, these custom products will create brand loyalists out of customers leading to lasting business success.

 

Evolve IP Launches Anywhere Mobile – Putting The Power Of A Desk Phone Into The Hands Of Mobile Users

Evolve IP has launched a new Fixed Mobile Convergence [FMC] mobile solution, which seamlessly combines desk phone functionality within a personal mobile device, to further accelerate its ‘work from anywhere’ strategy.

The leading UCaaS collaborations provider has announced Anywhere Mobile which uses innovative eSIM technology, designed to streamline business communication into one personal device in a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario.

Powered by technology partner, Tango Networks, the service enables Evolve IP EMEA partners to have flexibility in device usage and encourages a BYOD (bring your own device) culture across a host of industries. This drives efficiencies and convenience by turning any employee’s personal mobile phone into a fully-featured business extension.

Making Business Mobile 

Evolve IP Solutions Director, Scott Rixon says the new addition gives a business direct control over a second line on an employee’s phone, whilst personal communications remain private and secure. All business communications use the existing UC platform and business number.

“This represents a major step forward and offers a host of benefits to organisations and their staff,” he explained. “For example, it allows employees to use the mobile phones they like and are familiar with. It’s about working smarter and more effectively in an increasingly mobile-driven world. As it’s a full extension the presence of a user is visible, and the calls can be recorded and fully reported with reports and on dashboards. This should be thought of as just another way to take a call, supporting all our platform features.”

Anywhere Mobile is simple to use and requires no special apps, phone clients or training. It supports eSIM and physical SIMs. Furthermore, a business can reduce administrative overheads by eliminating personal phone expenses, according to Rixon.

“They can prevent employees from making business calls with personal numbers and retain business contacts when employees leave. Routing calls correctly means having proper call treatment, fewer missed calls and ultimately higher customer satisfaction.”

Work Anywhere Technologies 

He says Anywhere Mobile offers the best of both worlds with added cost savings and convenience.

Rixon concluded: “This is another innovative addition to our Anywhere UCaaS Solutions. Anywhere Mobile is the latest UC solution we are excited to be offering to partners across EMEA after seeing a clear demand and understanding that mobile services should sit within the essential part of any UC offering. Empowering teams to have the tools that allow them to work anywhere.”

Lee Essex, SVP Global Sales and Marketing, Tango Networks, is equally enthusiastic and emphasised: “We are thrilled to partner with and support Evolve IP with their launch of Anywhere Mobile. As leaders in fixed mobile convergence, we want to work with fellow leaders in UCaaS. Evolve IP continue to show themselves as innovators in both technology and their approach to delivering customer focused outcomes. This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to delivering seamless communication solutions on a global scale.”

To learn more, resellers can register to attend a webinar on August 7th by clicking here.

 

Half of Irish people have used AI in their personal life but are hesitant to use it in the workplace

Almost half of Irish people (44%) say they have experimented with AI or use it regularly for personal use, according to a new report by Dye & Durham, the leading provider of practice management solutions to legal professionals. The Dye & Durham Ireland Pulse Report for Q4 2023, a survey of 1,001 adults in Ireland conducted by YouGov, explores trends in technology, the economy and the property market.

While Irish consumers are embracing AI in their personal lives, they are more hesitant to use it in their professional lives, with 35% saying they have experimented with or regularly use AI for professional reasons. The remaining 65% say they have never used AI for professional use.

Despite hesitant adoption of AI for professional use, more than three quarters of Irish workers (79%) say technology plays an important or critical role in their day-to-day work. Nearly half (44%) expect AI to become important to the way they do their jobs in the next five years while less than a quarter (23%) are of the opposite opinion. Other technologies expected to emerge as key to their jobs include cloud computing (59% say it will be important), analytics (57%), and 5G (56%).

When it comes to technology’s role in the provision of government services, more than half (58%) of Irish consumers say government agencies would benefit from incorporating more technology into their services when asked to choose from a list. Similarly, 53% say the same of doctors / medical practitioners, while 44% and 38% say financial services and lawyers/conveyancers would benefit, respectively.

David Nash, Chief Product Officer at Dye & Durham, says: “We’re seeing an interesting adoption pattern when it comes to emerging technologies in Ireland. When it comes to AI, for example, there is broad recognition of its impact on the way we do our jobs, but people are taking an incremental approach to using it themselves, especially for professional purposes.”

“For our customers in the legal sector, this is a very important trend to watch. Their clients are engaging with new technologies and expecting them to take on a bigger role in their lives over time. That has clear implications for how legal services will be delivered in the future.”

 Near-term economic outlook is positive but nearly half expect a recession in next 12 months

 The Q4 2023 Ireland Pulse Report also reveals that Irish consumers have a generally positive economic outlook over the near term, with just over half (51%) saying they don’t expect a recession in the next six months. They are also more optimistic about their financial situations than they were in Q3 2023. More respondents (26%) say they’re in a better financial position than they were a year ago (vs. 19% who said the same in Q3 2023). At the same time, fewer respondents (39% in Q4 2023 vs. 48% in Q3 2023) say they are in a worse financial position than they were a year ago.

On the other hand, as they look further ahead, more consumers (48%) are expecting a recession in the next 12 months. But just 24% expect to be in a worse financial situation a year from now, and fewer (6% in Q4 2023 vs. 10% in Q3 2023) plan to hold off on property purchasing plans to wait for lower prices.

Martha Vallance, Chief Operating Officer at Dye & Durham, says: “Our Pulse Report for Q4 2023 shows encouraging signs when it comes to how Irish consumers are feeling about the economy as a whole. This is good news for small and medium-sized law firms who have been managing through reduced case volume. As consumer optimism grows, so too does the opportunity to capitalize on increased transaction activity. Forward-looking law firms who invest in operational efficiencies now stand to gain the most from these positive indicators.”

Brits are in the dark about the dark web despite having personal data leaked in the past year

New research reveals 1 in 7 Brits have had personal data leaked in the past year, equivalent to over seven million[1] Brits. Yet, more than three quarters (77%) still rarely, or never, check if their data has been stolen or leaked.

Millions of Brits[2] remain in the dark about the dark web – which among other things is a destination for cybercriminals to buy stolen personal data. While most Brits – 80% of those surveyed – have heard of the dark web, only 31% accurately answered that the dark web is a part of the Internet that can only be accessed using specialist browsers.

The research, conducted among 2,000 UK adults by Censuswide and commissioned by F-Secure,  a global leader in cyber security, found that Brits are unconcerned about the risks of the dark web with less than a quarter (23%) saying they worry about their data going on there, and 4%, the equivalent to two million[3] Brits naively believing they can remove their data from it. However, the reality is that once data is on the dark web, it’s impossible to get it off, leaving victims trapped in a constant cycle of their information being sold.

There is also a misperception that the dark web is monitored and policed for data leaks. A quarter of Britons (27%) would call the police if hacked – however, data being compromised isn’t always a police matter.

The research comes as a report by UK Finance found over £1.2 billion was stolen by criminals through fraud in 2022 – the equivalent to over £2,300 every minute.

While the dark web isn’t all crime and illicit behaviour, security experts at F-Secure are warning that consumers are not taking their data security as seriously as other aspects of everyday life. Many Brits are more likely to check their car’s oil and water (16%) and their boilers (14%), than they are to check if their personal data has been leaked online, despite the fact identity theft has real life consequences.

With increased digital transformation and high-profile data breaches happening with global brands the availability of personal data on the dark web is set to become even greater. F-Secure experts warn that consumer apathy about the dark web and data leaks could lead to financial and online identity difficulties for many if we don’t start checking our data security on a more regular basis.

Tom Gaffney, Principal Consultant at F-Secure, comments: “Data leaks can happen to anyone, leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime. This emphasises the need for individuals to be proactive in safeguarding their data and understanding the steps they can take to mitigate risks. Almost a third of Brits (29%) don’t know what action they can take to mitigate the risks of their data being on the dark web. We must work together to change that.”

The dark web uses technology that allows anonymity. Sites found on the dark web are not indexed by conventional search engines and when a data breach happens, personal details often end up on this part of the internet, where they are sold to criminals.  Once data is in the hands of a cybercriminal it means a heightened risk of identity theft and financial fraud. Often individuals are unaware of this until they are refused credit or a mortgage application, at which point it’s often too late.

To help Brits mitigate the risks, Tom offers three tips:

  • Regularly check to see if your data has been compromised using free online tools such as F-Secure’s ID Theft Checker. It takes less than five minutes to check if you’ve been compromised and it doesn’t cost a penny to do so.
  • After receiving your report, change the passwords for the sites that may have been compromised. Use a good password manager to create strong individual passwords for each site. Never use the same password for multiple sites.
  • Contact the companies where your data has been compromised, especially if it’s your credit or debit card.

To check if your data has been compromised visit F-Secure’s free ID Theft Checker tool here: https://www.f-secure.com/gb-en/identity-theft-checker

 

[1] 14.13% of those surveyed is equivalent to 7,680,172 of the UK adult population (54,353, 665)

[2] 14.28% of those surveyed is equivalent to 7,761,703 of the UK adult population (54,353, 665)

[3] 4.49% of those surveyed is 2,440,479 of the UK adult population (54,353, 665)

Top Tips for Securing a Personal Loan for Your Startup

Starting a new business is an exciting and daunting prospect. You often need access to money, either in the form of personal savings or credit, to get things off the ground. Taking out a personal loan can give you that additional boost you need for your venture; it can help with paying for start-up costs as well as provide working capital. However, the process isn’t always straightforward – so if you’re considering using a loan to fund your business plan, here are our top tips on securing one without any fuss!

Understand your credit history and score 

Understanding your credit history and score is crucial if you want to secure a loan in the future. Your credit score is a reflection of your creditworthiness and lenders use this information to evaluate the risk of lending you money. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for loans with better interest rates and terms. On the other hand, if your score is low, you may struggle to get approved for loans or may only qualify for high-interest loans. Knowing your credit score and understanding how it’s calculated can help you take steps to improve it over time, giving you better financial opportunities in the future. With things apps like Credit Builder Plus, it’s easier than ever to learn and improve your credit score. Make sure to consult credit reporting agencies to get the most up-to-date information and advice. 

Research different lenders and loan types 

Considering the vast amount of options available, researching different lenders and loan types can feel like a daunting task. However, taking the time to compare interest rates, repayment terms, eligibility requirements, and other important factors can end up saving you a significant amount of money in the long run. By doing your due diligence, you’ll be able to choose a loan that not only fits your current financial situation but also sets you up for success in the future. So grab a notebook and start taking notes – the effort you put in now will pay off down the line. In addition, you should also look into taking advantage of government-backed loan programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s always worth looking into the available options to see if you qualify.

Figuring out the right type of financial aid brings clarity and structure to your entrepreneurial plans. Starting a company requires taking out a small business loan that offers reasonable terms and aligns with your long-term goals. Whether you’re funding equipment, inventory, or office space, the right loan can make a major difference in your launch phase. Taking time to understand the application process and lender expectations will set a strong foundation for growth.

Have a plan for how you will use the funds and how you will repay the loan 

It’s exciting to think about the possibilities that come with obtaining a loan for a business venture. However, it’s important to have a solid plan in place before taking on any debt, whether through a bank or an alternative lender. A loan should be seen as an investment in your future, rather than a quick fix for financial trouble. So, take the time to carefully consider how you will use the funds and how you will repay the loan in a timely manner. This might involve creating a budget or timeline for the project or seeking financial advice from a trusted professional.

By having a clear plan in place, you’ll not only be more likely to secure the loan in the first place but also set yourself up for long-term success. It’s also wise to seek guidance from experienced professionals to optimize your financial strategy—whether it’s consulting with an accountant or working to find the best mortgage broker in Brisbane who can help you navigate financial products that align with your goals.

Talk to an accountant or financial advisor 

When it comes to starting up a business, there are countless factors to consider, and securing a loan is certainly high on the list. To ensure that you are making the right decision for your specific situation, it’s crucial to consult with an expert in the financial field, such as an accountant or financial advisor. These professionals have a deep understanding of the complexities of financing and can provide valuable insight into everything from loan options to payment plans. By seeking out their advice and guidance, you can feel confident in your ability to secure the funding you need to get your startup off the ground. If borrowing money is still not an option for you, there are other financing avenues to explore, such as venture capital or crowdfunding. 

Preparing to secure a loan for your startup is an important part of growing a successful business. You need to have a clear understanding of your credit history and score as well as what lenders/loan types might be the best fit and most beneficial for you. Having a plan for how you will use the funds and how you will repay the loan is key, as is gathering all the necessary documents any lender will require. It may even be worth exploring other financing options such as investor funding or crowdfunding, depending on your needs. Above all else, talking to an accountant or financial advisor to get advice on this important step is invaluable – knowing you’re making the right decisions can give you the confidence needed to take that next Giant Leap!

 

7 in 10 people feel uncomfortable about giving personal data to providers

Most Irish people (70pc) feel some level of discomfort around giving their personal information away to product and service providers. Of this group half say it makes them anxious to do so, while the other half say they are very guarded and will not give personal data away unless they “absolutely have to do so”.

Additional key outputs of Compliance Ireland’s ESG Consumer Survey revealed that:

  • Almost half of people aged 55+ (49pc) are extremely hesitant to share details about themselves unless absolutely necessary, compared with just a quarter of people aged 25 to 34.
  • Women are much more troubled by handing over their personal data than men at 77pc vs. 64pc.
  • Three times as many men than women don’t give it a second thought (16pc vs. 5pc).

The Compliance Institute say that, with Ireland being at the top of the EU league table for the aggregate fines imposed last year, these statistics give an insightful picture of people’s rightful protectiveness over their information.

Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute commented:

“The large volume of people expressing their reluctance to providing personal information is most likely a consequence of the many data leaks and breaches that have been given prominence  in recent Irish news stories. 

The younger generation have less reservations around providers accessing personal data, which is perhaps understandable given that they have grown up in an online world whereas the older generation are extremely hesitant to share details about themselves unless absolutely necessary.”

The Compliance Institute survey shone a light on the huge mistrust that exists amongst the general public around social media companies. These giants of the digital world topped the poll as the least trusted entities when it comes to guarding the personal information of users, with six in ten (56pc) people regarding them as the most untrustworthy. Those aged 18-24 were significantly more likely to feel this way at 74pc.

Online retailers came in second place with almost one in five (18pc) saying they would be least likely to trust these businesses with their personal information.

Mr. Kavanagh, added: “Social media platforms such as Facebook and Tik-Tok have exploded in recent years with a huge amount of people, both young and old, sharing personal details and minute-by-minute updates of their lives with their world of followers which results in a large volume of personal data being in the hands of social media companies. From a GDPR perspective, information is considered personal when it can identify an individual either directly or indirectly.”

Other notable findings from the survey include:

  • Just over one in ten (12pc) say they are least likely to trust government agencies such as HSE, Dept of Social Protection, Revenue Commissioners etc. with their personal data.
  • Over one in five of those who view Government agencies as the least trustworthy with their data were aged between 25 and 34.
  • 7pc claim they don’t trust banks with their data.
  • Telecoms providers such as mobile phone or broadband providers as well as, utility providers such as gas and electricity providers came in lowest at 4pc and 2pc respectively meaning, people tend to trust these entities the most with their information.

Mr. Kavanagh concluded, “Cybercriminals are either keeping pace with, or advancing ahead of, the cyber-security measures being put in place and people are acutely aware of the menacing risk of identity theft being on the rise.

Product and service providers collect a vast array of information on people, and even if one piece of data alone doesn’t identify someone, when paired alongside other pieces of data, a person’s identity can quickly become known.”

Tech Review – Watchovers Assure 4G Personal Alarm Watch For Seniors

I have many watches and probably too many like smartphones trainers headphones and earbuds but it is what I do and when we go to a store or look online we can see a myriad of these at all price points which is a good thing but as I have said before it can be a convoluted mess for the consumer and not only that on how to use them and this is where Watchovers comes in keeping it simple for those seniors in our lives with a watch that is kinda smart and easy to use that is robust and looks current.

There is one or two caveats which I will get out of the way and that is you need a sim card be it a subscription or you can pay monthly but if you do subscribe you can cancel anytime which is good and a not a tedious operation like it is with our networks which has been in the news enough times and a fine example of that when a family member passes away they get bills and hassle they do not need and you have to jump through hoops to get things fixed and it is a personal bearbug with me and many out there but with Watchovers it is not and the signal sometimes is not the best, Perhaps I would have liked the option to have more watch faces but this is a simple update that can be applied but nonetheless they are keeping to their ethics keeping it simple.

I will not get into to much technical speak here as this is for seniors and granted there is many out there that do have knowledge with smartphones and watches but there is plenty that do not and want a simple product that has no convoluted menu and that is easy to use, I also go through this in the video review below and some of it in the unboxing and walkthrough here.

The watch is simple to use and has a large enough face and looks current you could say it is similar to some Fitbits or Apple watches in looks but this has ONE button on the side which is enough and one touch button on screen, the screen is touch screen with a simplified menu to use and no subfolders as such when you go into it bar the settings one which again is simple to use and see what is in there and does not bring you off on another tangent with other features to set up and get friendly with.

The owner can download and app get things set up for you and the job is done it is a simple operation after that for the person wearing the watch. This can locate call message and more for the app user but some might have issues here privacy, it is not a spy watch as such, but think about the elderly people at home alone your sick relatives your child and much more, if there is an issue they can get in touch with you very fast if the watch does not do it itself with fall detection for example , you can video call and message the user and there is more in there for the user such as geolocation and so on and it is also a great communication device. You have Heart rate Blood pressure and steps monitoring which is consistently accurate alongside other watches I have and wore this whilst using one of my other daily drivers.

Another thing I can standby on is their customer service over the years and that is a vital component in any business which seems to lack aplenty these days.

Check the video review for more below. If you have any other questions do ask in the comments

5 Point Customer Promise:
• Quality Guaranteed
• Safe payments via PayPal®
• 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
• Help when you need it – Full Customer Support
• We got you! Tracking number for every order

 

Features
• SOS Emergency Alarm • Two Way Voice Communication • Fall Alert with Automatic Calling • GPS Location • GEO-Fence
• Health Monitors • Activity Monitor • Reminders • Alarms • Long Battery Life • Low Battery Alert • Route Recording & Playback
• Watch Finder • Listen Safety Monitor • Remote Camera Photo • Caller Approval • Watch Function • Pre-fitted Sim Card
• Multi-Users • Multi Alert Messaging Methods

BUY

Video Review