Beware of Online Dangers …

Although the internet is an excellent resource that can help users learn, and share information, it is used by some people for illegal purposes.

For example, 1 of 3:

Cyberbullying

“is the activity of using the internet to harm or frighten another person, especially by sending them unpleasant messages” – Cambridge Dictionary

Staying Safe Online for Older People

Online safety concerns all users because the risks are real and could be very costly. I am sharing the following post by Age UK which I believe has some useful information for older users.

Share it with a relative, friend or colleague.

“Getting online can make life easier for older people in many ways, but also comes with the risk of scams and fraud. Online scams are becoming increasingly common, but you can protect yourself by knowing what to look out for, and what to do if you suspect a scam.” – Age UK

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/internet-security

Save legal cost … use Generative AI?

Most people, businesses and organisations

I recently was contacted to give my initials thoughts on the drafting of a legal document by a non-lawyer.

I reviewed the short document, and asked one question. Once they answered I suggested that they engage a qualified lawyer to draft the legal document because in my view it was poorly drafted and not fit for purpose.

It was obvious to me that the legal document was not drafted by a qualified lawyer. In fact, the person had used one of the generative AI platforms to draft the legal document.

My suggestion if that if you are using generative AI platforms e.g. as a litigant in person then take steps to understand the risks e.g. hallucinations.

Photo by Zach M on Unsplash

US Social Media case – K.G.M. v Meta et al

This article is a follow-up to the article, Online Safety for Children, published on this website on 25 August, 2025.

The issue of Online Safety has become pervasive among internet users. Below are a few issues related to Online Safety:

  • Inappropriate content;
  • Cyberbullying;
  • Frauds/Scams;
  • Inciting violence; and
  • Privacy and data breaches
Photo by Khaleelah Ajibola on Unsplash

On Wednesday 25 March, 2026, a landmark court case K.G.M. v Meta et al filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, USA (Social Media cases, JCCP 5255) was decided. Please see the link below for a short summary of the case and its implications to you, your children and policymakers.

Summary and implications

Online Safety for Children

Below is a short article on the importance of online safety for children. This is the first of several articles which will culminate in a project concerning online safety. Let’s stay in touch.

The internet is a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and staying connected which can can also bring risks to children if used carelessly or incorrectly. Online safety is important for multiple reasons including teaching children how to use the internet responsibly while protecting their personal information and wellbeing.

Children often spend time online for schoolwork, games, and social media to name a few. While these activities can be educational and fun, they may also expose children to dangers such as cyberbullying, strangers pretending to be friends, or websites that share inappropriate content. Without guidance, children may not always recognise these risks.

Protecting children online is vital because their digital choices can have long-lasting effects. Sharing too much personal information could put their privacy at risk, while negative online experiences may affect their mental health and confidence. Teaching children about safe passwords, respectful communication and use, and how to report concerns helps them build healthy digital habits.

Parents, teachers, and guardians can all play a role in guiding children toward safe online usage. By learning how to spot risks and encouraging open conversations, we can help children explore the internet in a way that is safe, positive, and empowering.

Sources: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (UK), and ChatGPT

Training Webinar: AI opportunities and challenges

On Saturday 3 May, 2025, I helped moderate and presented in the webinar shown on the flyer below.

Hellen Mukiri-Smith, PhD was the featured speaker/presenter.

She has expertise in the regulation of data, emerging technologies including fintech, artificial intelligence and  biometrics identity systems.

The topic of this capacity building webinar was “Artificial Intelligence (AI) opportunities and challenges”

Her research interests are in transnational law-making processes in the regulation of data and AI to protect human rights and the rule of law, and the use of strategic litigation as a tool to regulate the use of data and AI.

During the presentation, Mukiri-Smith, PhD covered multiple topics including the following:

  • Introduction to relevant AI terms;
  • Global trends in AI;
  • Opportunities and challenges;
  • Sectoral AI applications; and
  • AI case studies

It was a pleasure to contribut to the webinar by presenting on selected case studies involving Generative AI namely Large Language Models (LLMs).

Upwards and Onwards to other capacity building events.

I am excited to organising my next AI capacity building event. If you are looking for a thoughtful organiser or a compelling presenter then let’s connect at kean@smithkas.com.

Arbitration – resolving disputes with speed

There are many advantages of arbitration when compared to litigation in State Courts.  The following advantages mainly are related to commercial disputes:

Speed;

Flexibility;

Quality expertise;

Finality; and

Enforceability

In this short summary that follows, I will focus on the benefit of the speed of arbitration when compared to litigation. 

Whether you are reading this from the perspective of a business, an organisation or an individual you would prefer commercial disputes to be addressed and resolved quickly.  The sooner such disputes are resolved then the sooner you and your enterprise or organisation can return or focus your energy on the operations of your business or project.

The shorter the distraction caused by the commercial dispute the less time needed to be allocated to the dispute.  The less time allocated to the dispute will result in less financial and opportunity costs to you and/or your enterprise or organisation. 

Litigation

Litigation can be slow.  State Courts in most jurisdictions are suffering from back logs with hearing dates in excess of 52 weeks away once cases have advanced to the stage of a pre-hearing review.  In some jurisdictions a wait of 3 to 4 years for a hearing date is not unusual.  One of the reasons for the back log is because multiple parties demand the courts’ time and that time is very limited because the number of Judges are limited and the Court operates during normal business hours during weekdays. 

Pre-Conference Venue

Arbitration

Arbitration moves faster than Litigation because of its procedure.  Arbitration is not limited or restricted to the Civil Procedure Rules used in State Courts.  As a party to an arbitration you can implement your own procedure once all parties agree because it is your arbitration and a private process.  Your hearing can start and finish whatever time you wish providing that the other party and the arbitrator(s) agree.  Additionally, you may decide and be able to get the other parties to agree to have the arbitration be determined on the documents only.  This will of course avoid oral arguments and oral submissions which can save you additional time.

Its faster to use arbitration to resolve commercial disputes.  One of the reasons is because you and the other parties to the arbitration can draft your own procedure to govern the arbitration and avoid the Civil Procedure Rules of State Courts.  In fact, you and the parties to the arbitration can take the necessary steps to ensure that your arbitration process is tailor-made to mitigate against your arbitration being protracted.  This cannot be done in State Courts.

If you have a commercial dispute on your hands and desire that the dispute is resolved quickly then I recommend that you consider arbitration. 

Investing for Individuals – Index Funds

Please note: The information below is not investment advice or not intended to be used as investment advice. The information below is being shared for education purposes only.

Following my blog posted on 19 May, 2024, I organised an online meetup to discuss basics of value investing. Below is a short post on index funds.

Investing in an index fund ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a cost-effective strategy for individual investors with smaller amounts to invest. Index fund ETFs track a specific market index, such as the S&P 500 or FTSE 100, offering exposure to a broad range of stocks with a single investment. This diversification is believed to reduce the risk of significant losses, as your money is spread across various companies and sectors.

One of the main benefits of index fund ETFs is their low cost. Management fees, or expense ratios, are typically lower compared to actively managed funds, which means more of your money stays invested and is likely to grow over time.

Value investing 101 for individuals

Please note: The information below is not investment advice or not intended to be used as investment advice. The information below is being shared for education purposes only.

On 19 May, 2024, in one of my blogs I mentioned that I was in the process of organising a meetup on “Value investing 101 for individuals”.

The meetup was successfully organised and held virtually.

One of the topics discussed was the long-term strategy of value investing. For example, value investing avoids frequent trading but instead focuses on the company’s long-term prospects.

Photo of some global currencies

If you are an individual investor then value investing is an interesting strategy to learn more about.

Happy learning and I wish you all good trades.