Smartphones empower people to do many things; including holding law enforcement accountable. In the cases of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Freddie Gray, justice has hinged on camera evidence from bystanders. Hands Up 4 Justice is an app that hopes to bring clarity to brutality.

Brazil’s high crime rates have many citizens looking to protect themselves – and their property – through technology. Me Appego is just one in a variety of safety measures available for drivers nationwide, letting users track their cars via an app and a small GPS device in their glove box.

Brazil is home to 21 of the 50 most violent cities in the world, with drug trafficking, gang wars, political instability and poverty all fuelling the country’s high crime rates. How are regular Brazilians reacting to persistent urban violence? And how does crime affect their lifestyles?

Private messaging is an ideal medium to do the obvious – open a dialogue and conduct a conversation. In fact, 59% of all US social sharing now occurs in private channels. But while people are happy to chat to their mates on platforms like Facebook Messenger, how can brands get involved?