Chat GPT might not remain free for long

Feb 2 2023

OpenAI has launched a new subscription plan for ChatGPT, its popular text-generating AI which is currently taking the world by storm as many utilise it for a multitude of reasons.

Called ChatGPT Plus, the service aims at monetising the viral success of the AI and to provide faster response times as well as priority access to new features and improvements over the base-level ChatGPT.

The service is currently only available to customers in the US and starts at $20 per month. OpenAI plans to refine and expand the offering based on user feedback and is also exploring options for lower-cost plans, business plans and data packs, as well as an API.

Despite controversy and several bans, ChatGPT has proven to be a hit, attracting major media attention and boasting over a million users as of early December.

It has raised worries but also opportunities, with students resorting to it to write their own assignments and people from all business sectors finding a range of utilities for the AI.

With operating expenses “eye-watering” and a multi-billion-dollar investment from Microsoft, OpenAI is under pressure to turn a profit and is expected to make $200 million in 2023. The company is also planning to introduce a mobile ChatGPT app in the future.

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Jean Paul Sofia’s mother speaks out as support for family mounts

Feb 2 2023

Jean Paul Sofia’s mother, Isabelle, told MaltaDaily stating that her broken heart is currently full following the support her family has garnered after the tragic death of her son.

‘As Jean Paul’s mother, I wish to privately meet with Prime Minister Robert Abela’ she said.

She said that she wishes to ensure that justice will be served appropriately; that those who were negligent with their work and those who, due to financial greed, did everything recklessly will pay for their deeds.

‘We who are innocent and loved him are paying much more than they could possibly pay’ she said. ‘The loss of the only child due to recklessness and loss of discipline in the security sector when it comes to the workplace is the highest price one could pay for!’

‘I have the duty to work so this does not happen to any other mother. I need all of your support so that together with the strength of a lion possessed by a mother in such circumstances, justice can take place in Jean Paul Sofia’s name’ she said.

Speaking to MaltaDaily, PN MP Jerome Caruana Cilia said that the public is shocked that the Prime Minister does not want to hear the cries of Jean Paul’s mother, whose son ended up dead beneath concrete.

‘Why are you afraid Prime Minister’ asked the PN MP. ‘Why don’t you want a public inquiry? What is bothering you and who are you defending?’

The MP pledged to keep working for the full truth and get justice for Jean Paul, for his family and for the public. ‘I will not let another family undergo this tragedy’.

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6% of SMEs are planning to expand their business overseas in 2023

Feb 2 2023

According to a Business Performance Survey conducted by the Malta Chamber of SMEs, it was discovered that 6% of SMEs are planning to expand their business overseas in 2023. The survey found that 39% of respondents said 2022 was better than 2019 (pre-pandemic), with 53% of small and medium businesses registering an increase in sales when comparing festive season of 2021 vs festive season of 2022.

It was also reported how 35% reported satisfaction with their turnover during 2023 so far. 39% of respondents remain hopeful and report how they think that 2023 will be better. However, 18% of respondents are fearing it will be worse when compared to 2022.

Still, 21% are planning to expand their business in Malta during 2023 to reach out to new markets. If you wish to read the full study, follow this link.

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Cyrus Engerer has urged for an immediate prostitution law reform

Feb 2 2023

Reacting to an article published by Malta Daily, MEP Cyrus Engerer has urged for an immediate prostitution law reform.

Speaking on social media, the Maltese MEP said that “it is unacceptable that women (or others) who resort to this type of work end up criminalised.”

He said that “illegality leads to everything being done ‘behind closed doors’ and this leads to these women (or others) having no protection from violence, theft and intimidation.”

When speaking about the Malta Daily published article of 13 people arraigned in court over prostitution in Malta during 2022, Cyrus Engerer said that “the right of autonomy of each individual must be respected.”

The MEP explained that on a European level he works closely with ESWA, the alliance that works for the rights of these workers, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on this subject. This whilst also working against all abuse, human trafficking, and difficulties faced sex work.

Replying to a parliamentary question, Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri revealed that, in 2022, 13 people were arraigned in court over prostitution in Malta. 7 of these were Colombian women, 2 were Spanish women and others hailed from Honduras, Morocco, Peru and Venezuela.

They were handed a suspended prison sentence after admitted to allowing a place to be used for prostitution, with the sentences ranging from one year suspended for two and 18 months suspended for 4.

The question posed was tabled by the PN’s Karol Aquilina.

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