Notes on AI Bias
By: Benedict Evans September 15, 2019 Machine learning finds patterns in data. ‘AI Bias’ means that it might find the wrong patterns – a system for spotting skin cancer might be paying more attention to whether the photo was taken in a doctor’s office. ML doesn’t ‘understand’ anything – it just looks for patterns in […]
We need a reskilling revolution. Here’s how to make it happen
By: Børge Brende April 15, 2019 As the world faces the transformative economic, social and environmental challenges of Globalization 4.0, it has never been more important to invest in people. Valuing human capital not only serves to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond to systemic shifts, it also empowers them to take […]
The white paper on online harms is a global first. It has never been more needed
By: John Naughton April 14, 2019 On Monday last week, the government published its long-awaited white paper on online harms. It was launched at the British Library by the two cabinet ministers responsible for it – Jeremy Wright of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the home secretary, Sajid Javid. Wright […]
One Month, 500,000 Face Scans: How China Is Using A.I. to Profile a Minority
By: New York Times April 14, 2019 The Chinese government has drawn wide international condemnation for its harsh crackdown on ethnic Muslims in its western region, including holding as many as a million of them in detention camps. Now, documents and interviews show that the authorities are also using a vast, secret system of advanced […]
The true cost of corruption is higher than you might realise
By: World Economic Forum April 11, 2019 No country is immune to corruption. The abuse of public office for private gain erodes people’s trust in government and institutions, makes public policies less effective and fair, and siphons taxpayers’ money away from schools, roads, and hospitals. While the wasted money is important, the cost is about […]
An Australian start-up is using robots to pull weeds and herd cattle
By: Anmar Frangoul April 10, 2019 An Australian start-up that develops robots which use artificial intelligence is hoping to soon sell its technology to the wider market. The company, called Agerris, specializes in both “air and ground field robotic systems” for agriculture. It uses tech that has been developed at the University of Sydney’s Australian […]
Google’s world-first drone delivery business wins approval in Canberra
By: Lisa Martin April 09, 2019 A world-first drone delivery business has been granted approval to take to the skies over the Australian capital. For the past 18 months, Project Wing, an offshoot of Google’s parent company Alphabet, has been trialling drone delivery of food and drinks, medication and locally-made coffee and chocolate. The aviation […]
Online Harms White Paper
By: GOV.UK April 8, 2019 Consultation description The Online Harms White Paper sets out the government’s plans for a world-leading package of online safety measures that also supports innovation and a thriving digital economy. This package comprises legislative and non-legislative measures and will make companies more responsible for their users’ safety online, especially children and […]
Facebook are ‘morally bankrupt liars’ says New Zealand’s privacy commissioner
By: Eleanor Ainge Roy April 08, 2019 New Zealand’s privacy commissioner has lashed out at social media giant Facebook in the wake of the Christchurch attacks, calling the company “morally bankrupt pathological liars”. The commissioner used his personal Twitter page to lambast the social network, which has also drawn the ire of prime minister Jacinda […]