- TECHSWU
- Posts
- TECHSWU #104
TECHSWU #104
TECHSWU
September 18, 2024
In a remarkable crackdown, Australian authorities arrested 38 individuals linked to an encrypted messaging app dubbed "Ghost," allegedly designed for organized crime activities worldwide. Among those arrested is Jay Je Yoon Jung, a 32-year-old who reportedly created the app, using it for drug trafficking, money laundering, and even orchestrating murders.
Sold with specialized smartphones, Ghost was utilized by hundreds of criminals across countries including Italy, South Korea, and the Middle East since its inception in 2017. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) highlighted the operation, named Operation Kraken, has not only disrupted criminal communications but also seized 25 illegal weapons and prevented significant drug imports.
This successful infiltration of the Ghost network echoes a previous victory with the FBI's trojan horse app ANOM, showcasing the sophisticated methods law enforcement agencies employ to tackle global crime.
A recent study by Common Sense Media reveals a troubling trend: Black teenagers in the U.S.
are twice as likely as their white and Latino peers to be falsely accused of using AI tools for their homework. This alarming finding highlights ongoing racial biases in AI detection algorithms and how they’re applied by educators.
The research, based on surveys of over 1,000 teens and their parents, suggests that flawed AI tools and teacher biases may worsen disciplinary disparities among marginalized students. Factors contributing to this issue include the unreliability of AI detection software, which struggles to differentiate between various writing aids, and systemic biases that assume white students possess a higher level of language skills.
As a result, Black students, often burdened by underdiagnosed learning disabilities, are unfairly penalized, impacting their academic success. This study underscores the urgent need for educators to reconsider their approaches to AI in the classroom.
Elon Musk's Neuralink is making waves with its groundbreaking "Blindsight" implant, recently awarded the FDA's "breakthrough device" designation. This innovative technology aims to restore the ability to see, even for individuals who have lost both their eyes and optic nerves.
Musk envisions a future where this device aids not only those with vision impairments but also supports paralyzed patients in regaining movement and communication through a sophisticated brain-chip interface. As details remain sparse about the timeline for human trials, the potential of Blindsight has created a buzz in the tech and medical communities.
Neuralink, established in 2016, is at the forefront of merging technology with human health, striving to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities. The excitement surrounding this development highlights the ever-evolving landscape of medical technology and its promise for the future.
)
Meta is taking a strong stand against Russian state media, banning prominent outlets like RT for alleged foreign interference. This decision, which affects platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, comes as part of ongoing efforts to diminish the influence of Kremlin-controlled media since 2022.
The ban follows recent U.S.
allegations claiming these outlets engage in deceptive tactics to manipulate viewers globally. Prior to the ban, RT had amassed significant followings, including 7.
2 million on Facebook and 1 million on Instagram. U.
S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have classified RT's operations as covert intelligence activities, calling for increased scrutiny of Russian media's role in spreading propaganda.
In response, RT has dismissed the U.S.
actions as an attempt to suppress journalistic work, while the Kremlin remains silent on the ban. As Meta implements this global ban, the battle over information control intensifies.
At EA's recent Investor Day, the gaming giant unveiled its exciting adoption of artificial intelligence to revolutionize game development. COO Laura Miele highlighted how AI will streamline access to 100 million developer assets, making it easier for teams to discover and utilize existing resources, effectively “supercharging” the development process.
This innovation isn't limited to behind-the-scenes enhancements; EA Sports will incorporate a tactical AI system that mirrors real-world team dynamics. This means gamers can experience more authentic gameplay, reflecting the evolving teamwork and chemistry during a season.
With AI permeating both development and player engagement, Electronic Arts is poised to redefine the gaming landscape, paving the way for a more immersive and dynamic experience. It's clear that the future of gaming at EA is not just being built; it's being intelligently crafted.
At the recent Workday Rising event, Workday unveiled its innovative AI platform, Illuminate, alongside four specialized AI agents designed to enhance HR and financial processes. This move positions Workday among the frontrunners in AI integration within enterprise applications.
The AI agents—Recruiter, Expenses, Succession, and Optimize—aim to automate and streamline tasks, leading to increased efficiency. For instance, the Expenses Agent virtually eliminates manual expense reporting, saving companies time and money.
Workday's approach emphasizes real-time, user-friendly AI assistance, letting employees interact with the system using natural language. Analysts praise Workday's "cloud-native" status and strategic deployment of AI, asserting that its robust data architecture will drive successful outcomes.
With a dedicated three-year AI roadmap and a focus on improving user experience, Workday looks set to distinguish itself in a competitive landscape, offering transformative solutions that empower employees and optimize business operations.
In an insightful discussion, Ramya Ganti, CEO of BabySteps, unveils how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the American healthcare system. With a focus on enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, Ganti emphasizes AI’s capability to streamline administrative tasks—potentially cutting these costs by 25-30%.
She highlights the power of AI chatbots, which provide round-the-clock, research-backed information, enabling patients to assess their symptoms and avoid unnecessary ER visits. Beyond immediate care, AI promises to enrich patient experiences through personalized data analysis and smoother hospital operations.
By integrating AI into healthcare, we are not just looking at cost savings; we’re moving towards a future where healthcare is more responsive and data-driven while fostering deeper patient-provider connections. Ganti believes that embracing these innovations today will pave the way for a more effective and affordable healthcare landscape tomorrow.
Join the fight against misinformation with the Newmark J-School's upcoming training on Visual AI, designed to equip journalists with the skills needed to identify fake images and videos. Led by John Smock, Director of Photojournalism, this session will focus on understanding generative visual AI and its implications for community newsrooms, especially ahead of the 2024 US elections.
As AI-generated content poses significant challenges to electoral integrity and public trust, this timely training will cover essential detection techniques, industry trends, and strategies for developing effective AI policies in newsrooms. Don't miss this opportunity to ensure your reporting remains accurate and reliable! Register now for this virtual event on September 19th and empower your journalism with cutting-edge knowledge.
In the age of quick digital transactions, UPI has made banking more accessible, but it also opens doors for scammers. This article sheds light on common UPI scams and how to avoid falling victim.
One tactic involves scammers calling to claim you've won money but asking for your UPI PIN—never share it, as you never need it to receive funds! Another scam includes receiving a message about unexpected funds followed by a call from someone claiming it was a mistake; always verify such claims before returning any money. Additionally, beware of counterfeit UPI apps that mimic legitimate services.
Always double-check transaction amounts and recipient details to protect your hard-earned cash.
)
Are smartphones and smartwatches prone to exploding? While rare, the risk exists primarily due to overheating or battery malfunctions, particularly with lithium-ion batteries. The recent explosions of modified pagers in Lebanon raised alarms about devices’ safety, but such dangerous incidents are often linked to manufacturing defects rather than design flaws or hacking attempts.
Events like these highlight the importance of safe charging practices; devices placed under pillows during charging can trap heat and increase the risk of overheating. Notable cases, like the explosion of a phone in Nashik that injured several people, serve as reminders to handle these gadgets with care.
To reduce risks, charge your devices on hard, ventilated surfaces and avoid overcharging.
Heading to Houston for AfroTech? Stay sharp and productive on your trip with the best business travel tech gadgets! The 2024 AfroTech Conference promises inspiring panels and networking opportunities from November 13-16, and these essentials will ensure you’re ready to roll. First up, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for top-notch sound quality and noise cancellation—perfect for work calls or unwinding.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite serves as your portable library, while the Rocketbook Core Smart Notebook blends old-school note-taking with modern tech. Stay connected anywhere with the Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro Wi-Fi Hotspot, and don’t forget the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter for seamless charging across the globe.
Microsoft and BlackRock are teaming up to launch an ambitious $30 billion fund aimed at revolutionizing AI infrastructure. This initiative, called the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership, will primarily focus on building energy-efficient data centers and supporting energy projects to meet the soaring demand for AI capabilities.
As AI technologies, especially deep learning, require enormous computational power, this funding will enhance supply chains and energy sourcing. Notably, Nvidia, a leader in AI chip manufacturing, will lend its expertise to the fund, which could potentially mobilize up to $100 billion when combined with debt financing.
The investments will mainly target the U.S.
, with additional opportunities in partnering countries, as both tech giants work to overcome capacity constraints and seize the burgeoning AI market. This partnership marks a significant step in aligning resources to support the next wave of technological advancements.
Unlock the future with a career in artificial intelligence (AI)! The Intuit Blog dives into the burgeoning AI industry, highlighting its potential to revolutionize workplaces and create millions of new jobs by 2030. While it may displace around 300 million jobs, opportunities abound for skilled professionals.
Explore in-demand roles like AI engineer, machine learning engineer, data scientist, and more, alongside their enticing salaries. As industries from finance to healthcare increasingly rely on AI, professionals are needed to ensure ethical practices, data privacy, and continuous adaptation.
Getting started requires a relevant degree, technical skills, and a willingness to learn—think coding in Python or becoming a research assistant for practical experience. Ready to embrace this tech-driven evolution? Discover AI careers at Intuit, where innovation meets financial empowerment for millions.
