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If you’re tempted to give up running or hit the gym in the winter, think again. Whether you’re heading out for some fresh air and sunshine on a crisp blue-sky day, or blowing away cobwebs in the rainy darkness after work, running outdoors can make winter more bearable.
A few changes to your outfit and some clever accessories can help you stay warm, dry, and safer. Not all of the following are required. It depends on where you’re going, how far you’re going, and what time of day you’re going. Everything featured is unisex or has versions for women and men.
best winter running gear
protective headgear
Arc’teryx Norvan balaclava
£65 at Arc’teryx
Buff reflex DryFlx beanie hat
£21.07 on Amazon
£21.95 in buff
Wearing proper headgear can save you a run when the wind is blowing strongly or the temperature is very cold. The Arc’teryx Merino Balaclava can be worn around the neck, pulled up over the mouth, or as a balaclava that wraps around the ears and forehead. The top is open for ventilation. If you want full head coverage, you can also wear a Buff beanie. Both are highly reflective, breathable, and quick drying.
chest light
Provis chest light
£29.99 at Provis
£34.99 on Amazon
Wearing a chest light gives you the chance to see bikes, cars, and people long before they can reach you in the dark. This is especially important in areas without street lighting. It has super-bright 500 lumen front and backlights (white full, half, or low beam on the front, slow blinking red on the back), and a USB rechargeable battery that lasts 3 hours. The elastic, adjustable strap has Proviz 360 reflectance, which creates a dazzling shine when the light hits it.
bone conduction headphones
Shokz OpenPro2 headphones
£169 at Shokz
£169 on Amazon
If you can’t live without music or podcasts while running, but don’t want to lose awareness of your surroundings in the dark, bone conduction headphones are the perfect solution. Sound is conducted through the temporal bones at the sides and bottom of the skull, so you can hear cars, bikes, and people while immersing yourself in listening. This also eliminates the problem of earphones falling from sweaty ears.
If you’ve never tried it before, you’ll be amazed at the magic of hearing music as clearly as if it were through earphones. The sound quality on this wireless pair is great.
backpack cover
Provis backpack cover
£34.99 at Provis
£45.50 at Decathlon
If you’re a running commuter, you could buy a high-vis reflective backpack for those dark mornings and evenings, but this reversible cover is an inexpensive hack that you can slip over your existing backpack and enjoy its benefits. With its high reflectance, it lights up your body like a Christmas tree. Keeps the bag and its contents dry even when it rains.
technical base layer
love bridge line Long sleeve base layer for women
£59.99 on sports shoes
£59.99 at Base Camp Gear
love bridge line men’s long sleeve base layer
£59.99 on sports shoes
£60 on Amazon
Layering is key when running in the winter. A good quality technical baselayer and midlayer for the first few miles, combined with a running jacket (see below) if it’s wet or very windy, will keep you warm and sweat-free. can. You can delete either of the top two if you wish.
These baselayers are designed for mountain running, but are equally useful for urban runs. It’s made from breathable fabric with small vents in well-placed locations to quickly wick away sweat and moisture, and a deep chest zipper if you get too hot.
running jacket
asics metalan mens waterproof jacket
£142.99 in sports shoes
£151 at Asics
ASICS Metalan Women’s Waterproof Jacket
£120 at Sports Direct
£151 at Asics
If you’re going for a short 20-minute run in the rain, you can probably do without a running jacket. However, if you’re running long distances, a flexible, breathable technical running jacket is a wise investment for rainy and windy days.
This well-designed jacket packs into its own chest pocket, making it easy to store away when you don’t need it. It’s completely waterproof, so you can go out even during long downpours. It also switches around the bottom and hood to create a seal around the body. It’s also made from 50% recycled materials. A good running jacket will last for years if properly cared for.
running gloves
Limb Maze Runner gloves
£22.95 at Outdoor Action
£25.50 at Mountain Warehouse
Sealskins Wolferton running gloves
£40 at Sealskins
Cold hands and feet can ruin your winter run. Even if your face and body are hot, the wind will keep your hands cold. Regular gloves are cumbersome and make your hands sweaty, but running gloves are breathable and flexible.
These Extremities gloves feature superior insulation and reflective details. Sealskinz are water-repellent and have nifty retractable mittens that you can wear over your fingers on especially cold days. Both are touchscreen compatible, so you can keep your gloves on while using your smartphone.
warm socks
Sealskins Hillgay running socks
£18 at Sealskins
£18 on Amazon
For the other extremities, merino running socks will keep your feet comfortable without overheating and will quickly wick away moisture if they get wet. These are thicker than summer socks and reach mid-calf. In winter you can’t bare your ankles.
tracker device
Tile Pro
£34.99 on Tiles
£27.99 on Amazon
Running before and after work inevitably means running in the dark, but this Tile Bluetooth tracker gives you some peace of mind. Tile has partnered Life 360 is a safety app that shows your loved ones exactly where you are, so you can now use tiles to discreetly trigger SOS alerts. Press the button three times and your contacts will be asked to confirm their location. and Gold or Platinum membership Life360 allows you to dispatch emergency services to your exact location.
The tiles are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, so you can run with them or shove them in your pocket, and they have a range of 500 feet. Adding tiles can also save you tons of time spent looking for your keys or phone before heading out for a run.
hybrid running shoes
Actually, you can downgrade your device and live without a smartphone: A practical guide
I I’ve spent many years of my life online. I almost crashed my car because I was composing a message. Losing my data connection caused me to have a panic attack. I scrolled for hours and couldn’t remember anything I saw during that time. I chose screens over conversations, scenery, books, a good night’s sleep, and moments of quiet reflection.
I mean, I owned a smartphone.
In my early 20s, I worked as an online art influencer. That was my job. I documented every aspect of my life on Instagram for an audience of about 200,000 people. Nothing was off-limits: creative endeavors, mood swings, love affairs, hospitalization.
My life was a one-woman tabloid generating traffic for my art business. As much as I needed money, I also needed attention. I had very few friends. I had a lot of followers. That balance was not sustainable.
I became isolated and addicted to social media, two conditions that lasted forever. One day I broke down and deactivated my account. Everything changed when I ordered my old Nokia.
The impact of giving up my smartphone was immeasurable and truly life-changing. It takes sober judgment to know how distracted you are, how anxious you are, how easily you get bored, and how much you resist silence, presence, pain, and other natural human states did.
The benefits of the downgrade accumulated gradually over many months of withdrawals and adjustments. Years after my downgrade, I am still noticing new advantages in myself that have finally emerged from beneath the shadow of my technology addiction.
Now you will never be bored. All of them are interesting. I read long books. I go for long walks without headphones. When I have to wait, like when the bus is late or a friend goes to the bathroom, I just sit there. When I’m at my computer, I check my email etc. I’ve found that I don’t really care about the Internet when it’s out of reach.
The most easily quantifiable benefit of downgrading is time. When you stop scrolling, your daily time returns. You can use that time to be healthy, social, or productive, or you can use it to do nothing. Laziness is a lost art, and in my opinion, laziness is essential to mental health and creativity. I spend a good portion of my day flipping through periodicals, drinking tea, and awkwardly pecking away at the piano. I believe that if you give your all, you won’t be able to waste your time.
If you’re interested in switching to a dumbphone, you may have questions about how practical or even possible it is. How do we live without Google Maps, calls over Wi-Fi, and two-factor authentication? These questions can make downgrading difficult to understand.
But remember that people have lived without smartphones for thousands of years. With time, patience, and smart workarounds, we can all find our way back to normal.
Here are my answers to some of the most common questions I receive.
How do I use two-factor authentication?
For security reasons, certain online platforms may require you to confirm your login through a smartphone app. There are several ways to deal with this depending on the platform you are using.
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Purchase a physical security device Connect to your computer during authentication. One popular option is Ubikey.
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Ask if you can receive SMS verification, If you work or study somewhere with an IT department. This means that you can get an authorization code sent to your dumb phone, and in some cases you can even enable this manually, but be aware that this is a less secure method.
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some stupidMobile phones have a browser function One that supports two-factor authentication.
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Use a spare phone (This may seem to defeat the purpose of downgrading at first; more on this later).
If you find yourself stuck on this particular problem, you are not alone. This is one of the most difficult and most important smartphone features to recreate. You can also check online forums such as: danphon subreddit) See more ideas.
How can I stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues?
After downgrading, you can still send text messages and make calls on your new phone. The only potential complication is that many of us use online messaging to keep in touch, especially internationally.
Luckily, you can access almost all of them from your desktop computer, including iMessage, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram. And while laptops are internet-connected devices, they don’t prey on your attention like smaller handheld devices.
In my experience, the only people you really need to contact while you’re out are the people you’re coordinating with. What time are you there? or I’m going to be late – That’s emergency information.
Less urgent are group chats, messages to friends and family overseas, and DMs to social media acquaintances. These things may be feel But once you step away from them, you may realize that that sense of urgency was a product of software engineering, your own insecurities, or a combination of both.
How do you get around without a map app?
You may not realize it, but most Danphones come with a map app. In fact, unlike the bricks of the early 2000s, some modern Danphones come with Bluetooth, MP3 players, and even tiny, hard-to-use search engines.
If you feel you need these amenities, be sure to find a Danphone that offers them. (I used to have a flip phone with Google Maps, but I recently downgraded to an even less capable phone because I use the map feature obsessively and my estimated walking time is I was checking the arrival time every few blocks to see if it was going to happen.
But it’s also possible to live without digital navigation tools. I personally look up directions before leaving home, check posted traffic maps, ask for help from strangers, and get to know the area well enough to navigate intuitively. I like to move things in combination.
Interestingly, I found that I almost never needed to refer to the hand-drawn map. The process of writing down directions helps embed them in your brain. Over time, knowledge of local geography and transportation has accumulated, allowing you to travel without a map in most cases.
What about listening to music or podcasts?
Even before the advent of smartphones, people were listening to audio on the go. Older MP3 players are available cheaply online, and certain dumbphones come equipped with audio players.
However, you’ll need to find a way to download what you want to listen to. The library is a great resource for CDs and audiobooks. Podcasts are free to download and listen to offline through Apple. If you’re looking for more recent releases, I highly recommend buying them on Bandcamp and using the money you save on your phone plan (not to mention the phone itself) to support musicians.
That being said, downgrading will certainly reduce your need for audio stimulation. You will soon find that you can happily move through the world with only recreational thoughts.
What about taking photos?
I carry a film camera with me wherever I go. Receiving film scans is the highlight of my month. The photos are of high quality and feel much more special than the 60,000 photos I took on my phone before I downgraded.
The film is not the only important difference. You may prefer a digital camera, and I know many dumbphone users who prefer digital cameras. Either way, using a real camera is a completely different experience for two reasons. One, the friction of ejecting another device makes taking a photo a more intentional act, and the single-purpose nature of the camera makes it distracting and intrusive while in use. That never happens. that.
Are there any things you can’t use without a smartphone?
Although I am a strong advocate of the feasibility of living without a smartphone, it is my opinion that there are some things that are simply not possible without a smartphone, namely when you are on the go, away from your computer and internet connection. I have to admit that. .
These include WhatsApp, Spotify, tickets to certain concerts and sports matches, electric car charging, location sharing, and more. It’s easy to obsess over these losses, but instead, I encourage you to think about all the things you gain in the process: time, presence, and peace of mind. Is there anything wrong with such things?
…Do you need a backup phone?
A spare phone is a smartphone that should ideally be turned off and put away except in special circumstances. Many dumbphone users keep their smartphones in a drawer or at a friend’s house in case they need them for authentication. There are certain services and applications that rely on everyone having access to a smartphone, and the complexity involved in getting around these obstacles may not be worth it.
So if you feel like you need a spare phone, there’s no shame in keeping it for the moment you need it (for example, if you own an electric car and need to charge it. ).
However, for other mundane tasks, the less accessible they are, the less urgent they will feel. Do you really need to check your email on the train? Do you really need to buy concert tickets at the hospital? Or can these things wait until you’re in front of your computer?
It’s easy to tally up the inconveniences associated with downgrading. Instead, I recommend thinking about what you can gain, although it is difficult to quantify. Isn’t your newfound presence, attention, and free time worth missing an email or being late to an event every once in a while?
There are certainly downsides, and you might be tempted to see that as a good reason to go back. In such a case, think back to your original motivation for downgrading. Who did you want to be? Isn’t it worth it?
It’s been years since I downgraded, but I was so completely adapted to Danphone that I forgot all about it until someone reminded me of it. “Do you miss your smartphone?” they ask, and I remember the height of my addiction. How could I miss that moment? I was hardly there.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Amazon purchases UK’s largest electric truck to decrease carbon footprint
Amazon is set to deploy nearly 150 electric heavy goods vehicles in the UK to reduce carbon emissions from its delivery operations. The company has purchased over 140 electric Mercedes-Benz HGVs and eight Volvo trucks, marking the UK’s largest order for electric trucks. These vehicles will join Amazon’s fleet over the next 18 months, increasing its current electric HGV fleet from nine vehicles.
The switch to electric logistics is being supported by government funding under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Program (ZEHID). Amazon plans to set up fast-charging points across its UK network to keep its electric trucks operational.
Amazon’s investment in green transport is part of a £300m initiative announced in 2022 to increase its electric HGV fleet to 700 vehicles by 2025. However, challenges such as a lack of public infrastructure, high costs, and range concerns are hindering the industry-wide transition to electric HGVs.
Amazon Logistics European vice president Nicola Fyfe stated that the company’s commitment to electric vehicles aligns with its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The move includes large-scale deliveries by rail and foot in city centers, expanding Amazon’s green delivery options.
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Amazon’s shift towards electric vehicles represents a significant step in its sustainability efforts and commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Call center employees of a major Greek technology company go on strike: “Don’t let me use the toilet”
CCenter staff at some of the world's biggest tech companies, including Apple, Google, Microsoft and Netflix, have all accused the employer of retaliating against union organizers, constantly monitoring staff and denying them even bathroom breaks.
In the United States or Europe, if you're looking for technical or customer support from a major technology company, you might end up talking to an employee at Tele Performance's call center in Greece.
Teleperformance, the world's largest call center operator, Approximately 12,000 workers Based in Greece, we serve over 140 markets around the world in 43 different languages and dialects. The company is 7 multilingual hubs In Greece, it takes place in Athens, Chania and Thessaloniki.
Workers in Greece who have been seeking a collective agreement with Teleperformance say that the company has recently retaliated Targeted firings of union leaders, etc.
they say wages have increased unchanged Since 2010, Greece has been hit by creditor austerity measures despite high inflation and rising costs of living in recent years.
Mr. Nikos Spilleris, a call center worker at Teleperformance, Setep, The union representing teleperformance workers in Greece explained that its efforts began in early 2024 in response to years of no wage increases and increased production pressures placed on workers.
Setep Teleperformance call center employees go on strike in Greece. Photo: SETEP/Courtesy of SETEP
“They judge you on dozens of productivity metrics, and depending on the project, you have to be on the phone multiple times. Not being allowed to go to the bathroom even if you want to. is common,” Spilleris said. “If an employee is sick or absent for any reason, that is considered counterproductive and is grounds for renewing or not renewing the employee’s contract.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
Reportedly, Chinese officials are discussing selling TikTok in the US to Elon Musk.
Reports suggest that Chinese authorities have initiated discussions regarding the potential sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to billionaire Elon Musk if the app cannot avoid a ban. Authorities prefer TikTok to remain under the control of Chinese parent company ByteDance but are exploring other options, including a sale to Musk.
A TikTok spokesperson dismissed the report as “pure fiction” and reiterated the company’s stance of not selling its U.S. operations. TikTok has become one of the largest social networks globally, surpassing other popular platforms in app downloads and user numbers.
Concerns over potential Chinese influence led to U.S. lawmakers passing a bill requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s platform or face a ban. The Supreme Court has also mandated a decision on TikTok in the U.S. by January 19th.
The report suggests that TikTok’s U.S. operations could be sold through a competitive process or a government deal, indicating ByteDance may no longer have sole control over TikTok’s future. Chinese government involvement in ByteDance gives rise to regulatory concerns.
One scenario proposes Musk’s social media platform X taking control of TikTok US jointly, although no final agreement has been reached yet. Details regarding ByteDance’s awareness of discussions and Musk’s involvement remain unclear.
A sale to Musk would grant him greater influence over the U.S. information ecosystem, following his acquisition of Twitter and subsequent rebranding. Concerns over regulatory scrutiny and big tech censorship have also been raised.
If TikTok faces a ban, users may express concerns, as seen in jest from popular influencer Mr.Beast. TikTok has clarified government investment does not impact its global operations outside of China.
There has been no immediate response from Musk, Mr. X, Chinese authorities, or Commerce Ministry to requests for comments.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Tom Hanks Shows Off His Typewriter, Just Like a Box of Chocolates
SSome celebrities have unique collections, like art, rare film prints, or old-fashioned action figures. (Leonardo DiCaprio is included.) Tom Hanks, on the other hand, is known for collecting typewriters, which may seem practical yet cumbersome. A portion of Hanks’ typewriter collection is now on display in a church in Sag Harbor, Long Island.
Hanks has personally selected 35 typewriters from his collection of over 300, including the electric typewriter used on the set of Mad Men. The exhibit features a variety of typewriters, from the classic 1969 Olivetti to a modern translucent model designed for an imprisoned writer in the 1980s. The display also includes some simpler typewriters for a hands-on experience, highlighting the physical presence that is integral to the typewriter’s allure.
Hanks shares a fictionalized account of his typewriter’s origins in his short story “These Are the Meditations of My Heart,” included in his collection “Uncommon Type.” The physical act of typing on a typewriter holds a special significance for him, as he often carries one with him and uses it daily for various tasks, like note-taking or making lists.
The exhibition design for Hanks’ typewriter collection was entrusted to Simon Doonan, a renowned creative director known for his work on various projects. Doonan’s approach to the exhibit reflects the interactive nature of collecting typewriters and highlights the historical significance of these machines in the 20th century.
Doonan emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of typewriters, describing them as visually engaging and immersed in design language that reflects their respective eras. While acknowledging the historical significance and practical use of typewriters, he also recognizes their potential for conveying both love letters and sinister messages, much like their portrayal in various movies over the years.
The physical experience of using typewriters, especially older models, is highlighted by the manual adjustments, satisfying key presses, and carriage movements that define the process. For those who appreciate the tactile nature of typewriters, Tom Hanks’ collection offers a glimpse into a bygone era filled with unique stories waiting to be told.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Is the EU Prepared to Take a Stand for Truth on Facebook and Instagram? |Meta
Fact-checkers were confident about the target audience for this week’s news, which was delivered through Mark Zuckerberg’s selected medium. The awkward video message announced Meta’s plan to transition from professional third-party fact-checking to a user-driven “community notes” model similar to X, starting in the US.
Upon hearing the news, one fact-checker expressed concerns about Meta’s intention to please President Trump. Their public response on the matter was more tactful but conveyed the same sentiment.
Across the Atlantic, questions arose about how the European Union would respond to Mr. Meta’s decision, especially if the next US president was watching. The implications could extend beyond Europe’s borders for fact-checkers globally.
Meta’s fact-checking program, which spans 130 countries and is a significant source of funding for fact-checking worldwide, was established shortly after the 2016 US election. Despite Meta’s investment of $100 million in fact-checking efforts since then, concerns remain among fact-checkers about potential changes in the future.
The EU’s new policies will have varying effects on fact-checkers globally depending on Meta’s rollout outside the US. The company’s plans for the EU remain unclear, but there are currently “no immediate plans” to suspend fact-checking within the EU.
The EU’s regulatory framework for digital platforms, including Meta, is being tested through initiatives like the Code of Practice on Disinformation. However, enforcement and interaction with fact-checkers remain unresolved issues.
The European Commission’s response to Meta’s decision will be crucial in testing DSA principles and influencing Meta’s policies worldwide.
Overall, fact-checkers anticipate Meta will phase out third-party fact-checking globally after implementing the new system in the US. The impact on the fact-checking movement, which relies heavily on Meta’s funding, could be significant.
The future of fact-checking remains uncertain, with potential consequences for fact-checkers worldwide. Many organizations may need to scale back or close operations if Meta discontinues its support, impacting efforts to combat misinformation.
Rappler, a Philippine news site, warned that the challenges faced in the US could signify a larger struggle to preserve truth and individual agency in the face of increasing dangers.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Review of Ballionaire – An addicting, pinball-inspired strategy game | Games
FFrom pinball to pachinko, humanity has spent billions of hours fascinated by the whimsical effects of physics on metal balls. it's entertainment, barionaireperhaps reached its zenith. The premise is childishly simple. You drop the ball onto the pyramid-shaped course and watch helplessly as it clatters towards the gutter at the bottom. Along the way, the ball bounces off pins and bumpers it encounters along the way, causing special effects and gradually accumulating dollar-based points along the way.
Some bumpers, colorfully rendered as anthropomorphic characters, are straightforward in nature. They might add a little cash to the pot or produce a second ball. Others are more complex, such as reversing gravity or teleporting a ball to another location. Initially the board is mostly empty, but each time you roll you have the opportunity to strategically add one of three new bumpers to your layout, thereby increasing the amount of points you can earn on your next run.
Here lies the challenge. It takes 5 attempts to build a cash pot that meets or exceeds a level's financial goals. If this goal is not achieved, the game is over. Once you address a challenge, your next goal will increase exponentially. You'll soon need to make virtually tens of thousands of dollars per ball just by strategic bumper placement and the luck of the bounce. At first it's a pedestrian-only Bagatelle-esque board game, but it soon becomes a carnival of firework-like effects, with fountains of coins and balls cascading down, setting off dizzying chain reactions.
It's a simple joy to watch your score accumulate through outlandish multipliers, and while the physical aspects of the game are completely passive, you'll be able to find the most beneficial bumper placements in the game's 55 spaces. There is a world of strategies to find out. board. The year begins with a seemingly simple yet obsessive challenge.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Experts Warn X’s New AI Software Enables Racist Abuse Online: It’s Only the Beginning
Experts in online abuse have warned that the increase in online racism due to fake images is just the beginning of the problems that may arise following a recent update of X Company’s AI software.
Concerns were first raised in December last year when numerous computer-generated images produced by Company X’s generative AI chatbot Grok were leaked on social media platforms.
Signify, an organization that collaborates with leading sports bodies and clubs to monitor and report instances of online hate, has noted a rise in abuse reports since the latest update of Grok, warning that this type of behavior is likely to become more widespread with the introduction of AI.
Elaborating on the issue, a spokesperson stated that the current problem is only the tip of the iceberg and is expected to worsen significantly in the next year.
Grok, introduced by Elon Musk in 2023, recently launched a new feature called Aurora, which enables users to create photorealistic AI images based on simple prompts.
Reports indicate that the latest Grok update is being misused to generate photo-realistic racist images of various soccer players and coaches, sparking widespread condemnation.
The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) expressed concerns about X’s role in promoting hate speech through revenue-sharing mechanisms, facilitated by AI-generated imagery.
The absence of stringent restrictions on user requests and the ease of circumventing AI guidelines are among the key issues highlighted, with Grok producing a significant number of hateful prompts without appropriate safeguards.
In response to the alarming trend, the Premier League has taken steps to combat racist abuse directed towards athletes, with measures in place to identify and report such incidents, potentially leading to legal action.
Both X and Grok have been approached for comment regarding the situation.
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘AI Integration in Britain: Labor Announces Extensive Public Implementation’
Billions of pounds are set to be invested in enhancing Britain’s computing capacity, with ministers unveiling plans to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into the country’s operations, despite widespread public concerns about the repercussions of using AI.
Keir Starmer has introduced an ambitious scheme to boost AI computing power under public ownership 20-fold by 2030 and leverage AI in various applications, ranging from identifying potholes to supporting educators. The initiative is in the works.
Labour’s strategy to ‘unleash’ AI involves the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to position the UK as a ‘world leader’ in this rapidly advancing sector. The government’s proposals include potentially contentious measures to release public data to foster the growth of AI firms. This includes offering anonymized NHS data to “researchers and innovators” for training AI models. The government assures the presence of “robust privacy protections”, ensuring the data remains beyond the control of private entities.
Ministers are optimistic that AI could combat Britain’s sluggish economic expansion and generate an economic injection of up to £470 billion over the coming decade, based on their internal forecasts. The action plan signals a shift from the UK government’s earlier emphasis on addressing critical challenges.
The administration’s commitment to nurture the AI sector has been well received by tech giants like Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Mr. Starmer emphasized the necessity for governmental support in the AI domain. Regulatory bodies are tasked with “actively backing innovation,” a stance that may clash with individuals advocating for public protection.
However, experts caution about the societal, employment, and environmental impacts of AI. Recent government research underscores that the terms “robot,” “scary,” and “worry” are top-of-mind for the average person regarding AI.
The political initiative also aims to expedite investments in new small-scale nuclear reactors to power energy-intensive technologies.
Susie Alegre, an expert in technology and human rights, mentions the Post Office scandal as a stark reminder of the perils of overreliance on technology without sufficient oversight mechanisms.
Mr. Starmer urged all cabinet members to prioritize the integration of AI, stating that AI’s transformative potential can enhance various facets of daily life. He stressed the need for swift and decisive action, recognizing the fierce global competition in the realm of AI.
Endeavors to bolster the UK’s AI hardware could position cloud computing as vital to the country’s economy, society, and security as internet access, electricity, oil, and gas. This strategic move is propelled by the belief that…
Source: www.theguardian.com
Mastering Technology: How to regain control with these 5 strategies, from email to AI
Enhancing AI’s Efficiency
Innovations in AI have come a long way since I first used ChatGPT to generate emails two years ago. Take Google’s experimental “AI research assistant,” notebook LM, for example. This tool goes beyond text prompts by allowing users to upload various types of content like videos, links, and PDFs. It organizes your original sources and notes, provides content overviews, answers questions, and even creates podcast-like summaries. As AI tools evolve, we can anticipate more advanced features integrated into everyday software. However, it’s crucial to remember to fact-check and verify the information generated by AI.
Escape Algorithmic Constraints
If you find yourself trapped in a repetitive cycle of music or TV recommendations, it’s time for a change. Platforms like Netflix offer options to reset your viewing history, allowing you to start fresh with new recommendations. Similarly, diversifying your listening habits on Spotify can broaden the range of choices offered to you. Utilize features like Private Session mode or Exclude from Preference Profile to customize your content recommendations based on your preferences.
Identifying AI-Generated Videos
As text-to-video tools become more prevalent, the rise of AI-manipulated videos, known as “deepfakes,” is inevitable. Keep an eye out for watermarks indicating AI generation and be cautious of anomalies like incorrect anatomy or physics in videos. Contextual clues are key in spotting AI-generated content, so stay alert for any content that seems too outlandish or suspicious.
Verify, Watch, and Backup
Incidents of “snatch theft” are on the rise, with thieves targeting mobile phones for resale overseas. While prevention is challenging, ensure to backup important data on your device to mitigate potential losses. Enable automatic syncing to cloud services or manually backup media files through device settings to safeguard your data. In the event of theft, having backup copies ensures that vital information is not lost.
Source: www.theguardian.com
An AI Discusses Its Metal Origins with Michael Parkinson on a Podcast
If you ask anyone who regularly conducts interviews, they will tell you that being the one interviewed is a strange experience. It becomes even more bizarre when the interviewer has been deceased for a year and a half. Virtually Parkinson is a new podcast where celebrities are interviewed by an AI model trained to mimic the late Michael Parkinson. The announcement of this podcast last year caused quite a stir, with some calling it blasphemous and others questioning its purpose in the realm of AI innovation.
The podcast requires a team of engineers, researchers, and producers to ensure that the AI model accurately replicates Parkinson’s style of interviewing. However, despite the technological advancements, there are concerns about the ethical implications of using AI in this manner. The producers of Virtually Parkinson are conscious of these concerns and ensure that all interviews are conducted responsibly.
The podcast aims to explore the relationship between AI and humans, sparking discussions on the future of technology in entertainment. While some may find the concept exploitative, others see it as a way to preserve a national treasure’s legacy. The series continues to evolve, with each interview improving the AI model based on feedback.
During an interview with the AI Parky, the experience was both intriguing and uncanny. The AI model’s rigid format and lack of emotional response made the interaction feel artificial. Despite this, the interview showcased the potential of AI technology in the entertainment industry.
As technology continues to advance rapidly, the future of AI in entertainment looks promising. The creators of Virtually Parkinson are constantly refining the AI model to enhance the user experience. Whether you agree with the concept or not, it’s clear that the future is already here with AI-driven interviews like Virtually Parkinson.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Canada’s election on the brink of eruption as Prime Minister Trudeau withdraws over Elon Musk issue
TCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision this week to resign as leader of the Liberal Party brings the impending general election, which will be held amid political turmoil caused by President Donald Trump's “America” policies. The race for leadership has begun against the backdrop of the Deaf general election. First, there is “economic nationalism.” It also gave Tesla CEO Elon Musk an opportunity to insert himself into yet another country's political turmoil.
Since Prime Minister Trudeau's resignation on Monday, Mr. Musk has repeatedly posted about Canadian politics on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, which he acquired for $44 billion in 2022. He celebrates Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's ouster, interacts with Canada's right-wing influencers, and has praised a video by Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poièvre.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk have promoted the idea of Canada becoming part of the United States, but all major Canadian party leaders, including Mr. Poilievre, reject this idea. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on Tuesday that there is “no snowball effect” for President Trump's proposal to become a reality.
“Miss, you're no longer the Governor of Canada, so it doesn't matter what you say,” Musk tweeted late Tuesday night.
Musk's post symbolizes a widening of his attempts to influence global politics over the past year, during which he has allied himself with a number of right-wing populist leaders and sought to influence far-right influence. It has expanded its power and persistently voiced conservative dissatisfaction. After spending more than $200 million to support President Trump's reelection campaign, he positioned himself as a key figure in determining U.S. policy and forcing foreign leaders to take Trump's provocations seriously. Ta.
Outside the United States, most of Mr. Musk's attention has been focused on the United Kingdom, where he has recently reignited the uproar over a child sex abuse scandal while promoting anti-immigration views, calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer a “rapist.” “I'm doing it,” he accused. British”. Mr. Musk is also exerting influence on Germany's upcoming elections. Supports far-right, anti-immigration AfD party In an editorial, he hosted leader Alice Weidel for a livestream interview on his platform.
Musk's meddling in European politics has prompted leaders in Britain, France and Germany to speak out against his election interference and misinformation. Now it looks like it's Canada's turn to deal with the world's richest man.
While Musk remains in the background, Prime Minister Trudeau's Liberal Party is likely to hold a leadership election to replace Musk as prime minister, followed by a general election soon after.
Enliven Poièvre
In a series of posts after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned, Musk expressed support for Poièvre, whose Conservative Party is widely expected to dominate Canada's general election after three years in Liberal government. There is. Musk's posts to his more than 200 million followers have already drawn comments from major political party leaders, highlighting how important he is as the country faces this year's political turmoil. Indicates whether it has the potential to become an element.
Canada's left-wing NDP leader Jagmeet Singh responded to Musk's tweet, saying, “Elon Musk and other billionaires support Pierre Poièvre because if he wins, they will… Because it will make you richer,” he posted.
In the days of Poilievre Asked about support for Mr. Musk “It would be great if we could convince Mr. Musk to open some factories here in Canada,” he said at a press conference Thursday. He also mentioned Musk's ambitions for space travel.
“My 3-year-old son wants to go to Mars, so I think Mr. Musk is the right person to reach out to him,” Poièvre said. “If I had a chance to meet with Mr. Musk, I would say, 'How can we create an economy that brings hundreds of billions of dollars of investment back to Canada?'”
Mr. Poièvre fits the mold of other conservative politicians who have appealed to Mr. Musk. He was once known as a combative, baby-faced lawmaker nicknamed “Skippy” by other members of Congress, but in recent years he has ditched his glasses and tie and taken on a more populist personality. Poilievre, an Alberta native, has positioned himself as an opponent of “Prime Minister Trudeau's woke authoritarian policies.” used for conspiratorial rhetoric About “Globalist Elite” and Promises to reduce immigration While blaming the Liberal Party for economic inflation.
Many of Poièvre's points revolve around the adoption of virtual currencies, cuts to government funding, and a new punitive government position with the power to withhold government subsidies to universities that don't protect free speech. It's reminiscent of ideas that Musk himself might promote, such as creating a “guardian of the world.” We are committed to protecting freedom of speech on campus. Poilievre also Support ban on trans women It promised to cut funding from women's bathrooms, locker rooms and sports, and cut funding to Canada's national public broadcaster and news organizations.
Musk posted a 2023 clip of Poièvre eating an apple while disdainfully answering questions from a local news editor, calling it a “masterpiece.” The billionaire also praised Poièvre's video talking about spending cuts and inflation. In a third post, Musk tweeted, “Great interview,” sharing Poilievre's remarks. Talking with right-wing commentator Jordan PetersonIn it, the Conservative leader promised “the biggest crackdown on crime in Canadian history.” Mr Poièvre's interview with Mr Peterson drew condemnation from both the Liberal Party and the NDP over the fact that it was sponsored by a US-based Christian anti-abortion group.
According to opinion polls taken before Prime Minister Trudeau resigned, the Conservative Party has great advantages And Canada this year, even if Last month's survey It has been shown that only 37% of Canadians view Poièvre himself favorably.
Despite Musk's support, Poièvre may also face a balancing act over how closely to work with Trump, who remains an unpopular figure in Canada. According to a public opinion poll during the US presidential election, Only 21% of Canadians support it While Trump was re-elected, another poll in November showed that About 19% of Canadians trust Musk's opinion. about their country's politics.
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Musk amplifies Canadian ideologues
As in the U.S., many of the Canadian political accounts Musk is associated with tend to be respected conservative media influencers, which Musk spreads to his millions of followers. are.
In one post this week, Musk shared misleading claims about Trudeau from far-right media entrepreneur Ezra Levant, which were later corrected by a community note. Levant publishes the website Rebel News, whose contributors include British anti-Muslim extremist Tommy Robinson, Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and former top commentators. face goldiewas fired after appearing on a neo-Nazi podcast. Musk also exchanged tweets with Lauren Southern, an early “alt-right” Canadian influencer and former Rebel Media host who gained notoriety by creating anti-immigrant YouTube videos. promote of white supremacist “The Great Successor” conspiracy theory.
Jordan Peterson is another Canadian touchstone for Musk. In addition to sharing Peterson interviews with Poièvre and exchanging the occasional tweet, Musk appeared on Peterson's show last year. In it, the tech mogul claimed that his transgender child “died” after receiving gender-affirming care and was “killed by a wake-up mind virus.” . Vivian Wilson, Musk's transgender daughter, responded that Musk's characterization was wrong and that her father was absent.
Musk also frequently interacts with Canadian marketing professor Gad Saad at X. Gad Saad has developed an online following through his books and podcast appearances attacking what he calls “the parasitic ideas that are destroying the Western world.”
“I read your insightful book on the parasitic wake-mind virus,” Musk tweeted on Third last year. “It gave me nightmares.”
Musk celebrates Prime Minister Trudeau's resignation
While Mr. Musk has expressed support for Mr. Poièvre, he is relishing Mr. Trudeau's fall from grace. On Wednesday, he shared an AI-generated meme of Donald Trump playing a sad violin in the background of Trudeau's resignation speech, and also responded to an old tweet of his own in which he predicted Trudeau would lose power. did.
Musk has expressed opposition to Trudeau multiple times in recent years over issues such as COVID-19 safety restrictions, most notably in 2022 when he shared a meme comparing Trudeau to Hitler. It was. Musk deleted the tweet after being criticized by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Holocaust Museum, but as recently as December he again called for Trudeau's political ouster.
Prime Minister Trudeau had been a target of right-wing media long before the Musk attack, with far-right commentators such as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson portraying him as some kind of socialist dictator and of Canada as a dystopian hellscape. He dedicated a corner to drawing like this.
Within Canada, the reasons for Trudeau's resignation are more complex. Although he maintained a progressive glow internationally, many Canadians across the political spectrum came to find Mr. Trudeau's personality sinister and hypocritical. domestic scandal. Rising cost of living, inflation and fatigue with the minority Liberal government lost significant support from his party. The recent collapse of the cabinet, the failure of last year's by-elections and the threat of a no-confidence vote ended up being a death sentence for his leadership.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Resisting the Pressure: Saying No to the Internet’s £500 Jumper Temptation | Emma Beddington
I I'm concerned that I wrote that this time last year, my urge to acquire material things had subsided somewhat. thing In the world. Unfortunately, the internet seemed to see it as a challenge I couldn't refuse, and in recent months I found myself wanting something again, lots of things.
Perhaps that's not surprising. Everything whispers or screams at us from every screen we stare at. “The constant barrage of ads on Instagram is exhausting,” my best friend said gloomily just last week, and she was right. My eyes are constantly bombarded with offers of miracle goop, health equipment, expensive knitwear and green-tinted “disruptors” perfect for mature skin. Almost everything. Just a minute or so of scrolling reveals “calfPRO” (completely unintelligible, amazing), kombucha, cleanser, eco-frying pan, a jumper “reminiscent of Phoebe Philo-era Celine,” and, inexplicably, Canadian waters. were provided in succession. Sea urchin.
There are bigger problems in this new lawless age of social media than the relentless onslaught of targeted advertising, but everything the internet wants, in addition to the urgent upskilling of critical reading that the world needs. We need to find a way to counter it. we buy it. Otherwise, to take a random example, you might end up awkwardly receiving the candy-colored bra you bought in a fugue state after seeing it on your phone 800 times a week. This bra, apparently made of satsuma net and wrap film, provides no support to the wearer at all, instead fighting tirelessly to reposition everything I do – Sorry, but their – Breast tissue is attached to the armpits. It's destined for landfill, where it will strangle seabirds and break down into microplastics that will poison generations of our descendants.
Deinfluence is now a genre of online content where creators fight back against consumer culture by explaining how they are content with a pair of trainers and basic shampoo. That's great, but it's inevitably common. I think we need to take matters into our own hands because the scale and targeting of the data-driven, algorithmic discontent industry is so granular. Because who better to eliminate its influence on you than yourself? Only you know your desires and weaknesses better than an all-powerful algorithm. Only you can fight effectively. I've been trying to de-influence myself for the past few weeks and it's been quite a struggle. I'm weak-willed and getting stupider by the minute by internet nonsense. And algorithms are tireless. But I have a secret weapon. It helps you call out your deepest and most ridiculous desires because you know them so well. Now, when I'm tempted, that's exactly what I do. Similarly:
perfect reusable coffee cup: Let's see what happened to the last perfect reusable cup you bought. I left it on the bench on my second outing. It's very ecological. I drink too much coffee anyway.
“parallel”Gymnastics bar “te”: Do you really believe that you can train your tired, unsteady body to do a handstand with this length of wood? Having two big babies has chopped your core and strengthened your shoulders. It will be about the size of a sparrow. This is why people over 35 can't use TikTok (unless you understand the very relevant concept of “delulu”).
500 pound jumper with a crow on it: You think you look like Alexa Chung or Björk or some other quirky-chic style icon. You'll look like Giles Brandreth. If you're lucky.
“The last charger you need to buy”: Can I rephrase that? “I need the last charger until I leave it on the train, like the last three,” would be more accurate.
Miracle cleanser: Unless by some miracle it actually crawls out of the tube and applies automatically, you won't use it – you're too lazy.
Innovative “plant-based” electric toothbrush: Remember that destructive plant-based deodorant you bought? It's still unpleasantly accusing you of your bathroom drawer? Try getting really destructive do not have I bought this with some skepticism.
It's cruel, but at least in my case, it's absolutely necessary and almost a full-time job. Think Canadian sea urchin is rich, creamy, and limited in availability? Hmm.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Tick-tock: The resurgence of traditional timepieces | Watches
FFirst, Mark Zuckerberg removed his gray hoodie. Then he let his curls grow. Now, he is shifting his styling focus to his left wrist, sporting a $900,000 (£740,000) watch by Swiss brand Greubel Forsey, made of white gold and limited to only three pieces per year. This addition to his watch collection includes a $1.2 million rose gold Patek Philippe watch and the thinnest watch ever made.
The trend of mechanical watches is on the rise, driven by Generation Z, who are embracing traditional aesthetics for a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Depop has reported a 34% increase in watch searches, attributing the shift to analog watches exuding a classic style and functionality.
Despite predictions that smartwatches would eliminate traditional Swiss watches, there has been a decline in sales as consumers opt for old-fashioned timepieces. TikTok showcases a variety of watch styles and brands, from high-end Rolex to more affordable options like Casio and Swatch.
Luxury watches have also found their place on the red carpet, with celebrities accessorizing their outfits with iconic timepieces. Watches of Switzerland Group notes a growing interest among Gen Z customers in Swiss-made watches, emphasizing brand recognition and sustainability.
Wearing a watch can convey status and personal style, reflected in popular television shows and public figures showcasing their timepiece choices. Even high-profile individuals are opting for more modest watch brands, signaling a shift towards less conspicuous displays of wealth.
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This shift towards authenticity and understated luxury resonates with Gen Z, who look for genuine expressions of style rather than ostentatious displays of wealth. The appeal lies in something real and meaningful, rather than a symbol of affluence.
Source: www.theguardian.com
As tech companies spread more lies, why is the BBC reporting less truth?
○On August 4, 2024, the riots and unrest following the murder of three children in Southport, Merseyside, escalated further. That day, violence struck Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Bolton, where people tried to set fire to hotels housing asylum seekers, amid chaos amid far-right misinformation and rumors. Elon Musk showed a renewed interest in British affairs, posting a photo of the violence in Liverpool on X with the characteristically cautious caption: “Civil war is inevitable.” And 24 hours later, a wave of unrest reached the city of Plymouth.
It struck the city center throughout the evening of August 5th. To quote the Guardian, “150 police officers in riot gear and with dogs tried to separate the far-right mob and anti-racism demonstrators.” Others defended the mosque. Bricks, bottles and fireworks were thrown. Six people were arrested, several police officers were injured, and two civilians were taken to hospital. local civil servant He said the events were “unprecedented.”
Where should the city's 260,000 residents turn for reliable information? As ever, people's social media feeds are filled with falsehoods and provocations, making more traditional media the obvious choice. But if you had been listening to your local BBC radio station while the riots were going on, you might not have known anything about them. BBC Radio Devon ran reports of the violence on the 6 o'clock news, but Plymouth was not mentioned at all on the 7pm and 9pm news. Other breaking news stories mentioned what was happening but failed to make it into a major story. The violence was horrifying and very important, but the attention of the city's supposedly most reliable news sources was clearly elsewhere.
We now know all this thanks to BBC reaction to Complaint by David LloydHe is a radio veteran who has worked in both corporate and commercial stations. The relevant official document written by the company's complaints manager is very easy to read. It included an admission that “there was little evidence that the BBC was present at the scene” and that some of the content related to “some logistical issues” on the day. . Issues include “securing journalists with the necessary riot training'' and “technical problems with broadcasting kits.''
there were, The report says:“Elements of System Failure.” Even online, where modern businesses say they need to focus most of their efforts, there is no dedicated live coverage of the Plymouth riots, and as the report suggests, major social media platforms lack sufficient updates. Not posted. Regarding the latter point, he said, “If it weren’t for staff vacations, we could have done more.”
A spokesperson said: The BBC accepted the findings of its complaints department and had “already made adjustments to its working practices” before the Plymouth complaint was investigated. But the mix of excuses and admitted shortcomings remains mind-boggling. And the larger story of this corporate degradation of local broadcasting and how it fits into similar changes in commercial radio and the dire state of Britain’s local press is left untouched. As Mark Zuckerberg abandons meta fact-checking and Musk becomes endlessly radicalized by his platform, the result is a growing vacuum in local news. There is a growing susceptibility to online lies that may soon surpass people’s ability to fully understand what is going on in their immediate lives. someone's control.
The story of Plymouth is a case study in the impact of change, which still appears to be chronically overlooked. These include the forced cuts to BBC Radio’s broadcasts in 2023, and the fact that many local stations now only broadcast regionally specific programs until the afternoon. Share produce locally or nationally until breakfast time the next day. Number of spectators This drastic cut has further diminished an already fragile part of the national media landscape, further reduced listeners and hastened the decline of local radio, while our nation’s public broadcasters have The obvious question is whether the survival of such a major broadcasting station can be guaranteed. Grassroots news, who will do it?
It’s certainly not commercial radio. Eight years ago, broadcasting regulator Ofcom announced a relaxation of rules allowing commercial station owners to reduce the minimum hours of daytime local programming from seven hours a day to three. In 2019, radio giant Global consolidated more than 40 independent breakfast shows featuring local news and takeaways into three nationally broadcast programs, exposing its newsroom to fluctuations in efficiency. Since then, a single reporting team has been assigned to cover an area stretching from Cornwall to Gloucester.
And then there is the terrible fate of local newspapers that may have successfully transitioned into the online world, but have been repeatedly mismanaged, cut and wiped out, especially by online giants. Between 2009 and 2019, more than 320 such titles closed in the UK. Just over a year ago, Reach, the owner of Mirror, Express and a number of local titles grouped online under the “Live” banner, announced its third job cuts in a year. This reduced the total number of roles lost. The company's local and regional news websites drew a healthy audience of about 35 million people per month, but its reliance on siphoning digital advertising revenue put its long-term survival at risk. As one anonymous Reach official stated, the results were clear. “Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Liverpool, Cardiff and many other major cities will soon no longer have a local newspaper, and it is increasingly likely that they will no longer have a well-known local newspaper.”Local authorities and others Accountable news website. ”
In some areas, nimble local news outlets are beginning to fill the gap. In Hull, a start-up company called story of the hull It was founded in 2020 as an online operation by two former Hull Daily Mail employees and expanded into print last year. Last week's headlines reflected the city's experience with the 2024 riots: “Shame, Resilience, Justice.” won an award On this year’s cover. Bristol Cable has long pioneered a new kind of investigative and political reporting, driven by the fact that its titles are owned by its readers. Manchester has a Substack newsletter The Millis currently setting up branches in Liverpool, Birmingham, Sheffield and London. Former Guardian staffer Jim Waterson has also started up to fill the void left by the retrenchment of the Evening Standard. central london. All of these projects highlight one stark point: a place not only needs its own journalism, but can provide an audience to support it.
The problem is that they still outnumber some parts of the country, let alone the world, where the worst kinds of news cycles are unfortunately a reality. Something happens, but what do people read or hear about it? Is it nothing at all, plucked from the corners of the internet by some foreign billionaire, or amplified by an algorithm, true or false? It’s such a bad version that the question of whether or not is gone and the deceptive narrative creates its own shockwaves. If that is the future we all need to avoid, then local reporting should be our first antidote.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Exploring the Dark World of Sexual Deepfakes: Women Fighting Back against Fake Representations
IIt started with an anonymous email. It read, “That's true. I'm sorry to have to contact you.” Below that word were three links to internet forums. “HUGE trigger warning…they contain vile photoshopped images of you.”
Jody (not her real name) froze. The 27-year-old from Cambridgeshire has had problems in the past with her photos stolen to set up dating profiles and social media accounts. She called the police, but was told there was nothing they could do and pushed it to the back of her mind.
However, I couldn't ignore this email that arrived on March 10, 2021. She clicked on the link. “It was like time stood still,” she said. “I remember screaming so loud. I just completely broke down.”
Forum, an alternative porn website, has hundreds of photos of her alone, on holiday and with friends and housemates, alongside a caption labeling them as 'sluts'. The comments included calling her a “slut” and “prostitute,” asking people to rate her, and asking her what kind of fantasies she had. they will.
The person who posted the photo also shared the invitation with other members of the forum. It involved using artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit “deepfakes,” digitally altered content, using fully clothed photos of Jodi taken from her private Instagram.
“I've never done anything like this before but I love seeing her being fake…happy to chat and show more of her too…:D,” they wrote. Ta. In response, users posted hundreds of composite images and videos of the woman's body and Jodi's face. One posted an image of her wearing high school girl clothes and being raped by a teacher in a classroom. Others showed her full “nude”. “I was having sex in every room,” she said. “The shock and devastation still haunts me.”
The now-deleted fake images show that a growing number of synthetic, sexually explicit photos and videos are being created, traded and sold across social media apps, private messages and gaming platforms in the UK and around the world. Masu. As well as adult forums and porn sites.
Inside the helpline office. Photo: Jim Wileman/Observer
Last week, the government announced a “crackdown” on blatant deepfakes, expanding current laws that make it a criminal offense not only to share images, but also to create them without consent, which will be illegal from January 2024. I promised. Someone making them for you – is not going to be covered. The government will also ask whether the crime was consensual (campaigners say it must be) or whether the victim can prove that the perpetrator had malicious intent. I haven't confirmed whether it is necessary or not yet.
At the Revenge Porn Helpline's headquarters in a business park on the outskirts of Exeter, senior practitioner Kate Worthington, 28, says stronger laws with no loopholes are desperately needed.
Launched in 2015, the helpline is a dedicated service for victims of intimate image abuse, part-funded by the Home Office. Deepfake incidents are at an all-time high, with reports of synthetic image abuse increasing by 400% since 2017. However, it remains small compared to overall intimate image abuse. There were 50 incidents last year, accounting for about 1% of the total. caseload. The main reason is that it's vastly underreported, Worthington says. “Victims often don't know their images are being shared.”
The researchers found that many perpetrators of deepfake image abuse appear to be motivated by “collector culture.” “A lot of times it's not with the intention of the person knowing,” Worthington said. “Buyed, sold, exchanged, traded for sexual gratification or for status. If you are finding this content and sharing it alongside your Snap handle, Insta handle, or LinkedIn profile. , you may receive glory.'' Many are created using the “Nude'' app. In March, a charity that runs a revenge porn helpline reported 29 such services to Apple, which removed them.
There have also been cases where composite images have been used to directly threaten or humiliate people. The helpline has heard cases of boys creating fake incestuous images of female relatives. A man addicted to porn creates a composite photo of his partner engaging in non-consensual sex in real life. Stories of people who were photographed at the gym and deepfake videos made to make it look like they were having sex. Most, but not all, of those targeted are women. Approximately 72% of the deepfake incidents identified by the helpline involved women. The oldest was in his 70s.
There have also been cases where Muslim women have been targeted with deepfake images of themselves wearing revealing clothing or without their hijabs.
Regardless of intent, the impact is often extreme. “Many of these photos are so realistic that your coworkers, neighbors, and grandma won't be able to tell the difference,” says Worthington.
Kate Worthington, Senior Helpline Practitioner. Photo: Jim Wileman/Observer
The Revenge Porn Helpline helps people remove abusive images. Amanda Dashwood, 30, who has worked at the helpline for two years, says this is usually a caller's priority. “It says, 'Oh my God, help me. I need to delete this before people see it,'” she says.
She and her colleagues on the helpline team, eight women, most under 30, have a variety of tools at their disposal. If the victim knows where the content was posted, the team will issue a takedown request directly to the platform. Some people ignore the request completely. However, this helpline has partnered with most of the major helplines, from Instagram and Snapchat to Pornhub and OnlyFans, and has a successful removal rate of 90%.
If the victim doesn't know where the content was posted, or suspects it's being shared more widely, they can send a selfie to be run through facial recognition technology (with their consent) or vice versa. Ask them to use image search. tool. Although this tool is not foolproof, it can detect material being shared on the open web.
The team can also advise you on steps to stop your content from being posted online again. They plan to direct people to a service called StopNCII. The tool was created by online safety charity SWGFL, which also runs a revenge porn helpline, with funding from Meta.
Users can upload real or synthetic photos, and the technology creates a unique hash and shares it with partner platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Pornhub, and Reddit (but not X or Discord). If someone tries to upload that image, it will be automatically blocked. As of December, 1 million images had been hashed and 24,000 uploads were proactively blocked.
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Alex Wolff was found guilty of a derogatory nature. I'm posting images, not soliciting them. Photo: Handout
Some people call the police, but responses vary widely depending on the force used. Victims who try to report fraudulent use of composite images are told that police cannot cooperate with edited images or that prosecution is not in the public interest.
Helpline manager Sophie Mortimer recalls another incident in which police said: “No, that's not you. It's not you.” It’s someone who looks like you,” and refused to investigate. “I feel like police sometimes look for reasons not to pursue these types of cases,” Mortimer said. “We know it's difficult, but that doesn't negate the real harm that's being caused to people.”
In November, Sam Miller, assistant chief constable and director of the violence against women and girls strategy at the National Police Chiefs' Council, told a parliamentary inquiry into intimate image abuse that police lacked a “deep understanding of violent behavior”. I'm worried,” he said. Discrepancies in laws and precedents. “Yesterday, one victim told me that out of the 450 victims of deepfake images she has spoken to, only two have had a positive experience with law enforcement,” she said. Ta.
For Jodi, it is clear that there is a need to raise awareness of the misuse of deepfakes, not only among law enforcement but also the general public.
After being alerted to her deepfake, she spent hours scrolling through posts trying to piece together what happened.
She noticed that they were not shared by strangers, but by her close friends alex wolf, a Cambridge University graduate and former BBC Young Composer of the Year. He had posted a photo of her with a cut out of him. “I knew I hadn't posted that photo on Instagram and only sent it to him. That's when the penny dropped.”
#10 Reminder: Online safety is not one-size-fits-all. – John Norton
London fixed gear and single speed (LFGSS) is a great online community of fixed gear and single speed cyclists in and around London. Unfortunately, this columnist is not eligible for membership. He doesn’t live in (or near) a big city and needs a lot of gear to climb the gentlest slopes. That’s why we admire more rugged cyclists who disdain Starmie’s assistance. Archer or Campagnolo hardware.
But bad news is on the horizon. As of Sunday, March 16th, LFGSS will be retired. Dee Kitchen is a core developer at Software Wizards (and Cyclists).
microcosm is a platform for operating non-commercial, privacy-friendly, and accessible online forums such as LFGSS.
announced On that day, he announced that he would “remove the virtual servers hosting LFGSS and other communities, effectively immediately terminating the approximately 300 small communities I run, as well as a small number of larger communities such as LFGSS.” said.
Why does the kitchen do this? Answer: he read
statement
It was announced on December 16 by Ofcom, the regulator appointed by the government to enforce the provisions of the Online Safety Act (OSA). “Providers are currently obliged to assess the risk of unlawful harm to their services, with a deadline of March 16, 2025. Following the Code, which has completed a parliamentary process, providers will be required to assess the risk of unlawful harm to their services from March 17, 2025. “We must take steps to protect our users from illegal content and activity as set forth in our Terms and Conditions or use other effective means. If a provider does not act quickly to address service risks, we are prepared to take enforcement action. ”
Please wait a moment. OSA isn’t just about protecting children and adults from harmful content, bullying, pornography, etc. It’s not just about discussions about fixed gear bikes, cancer support, dog walking, rebuilding valve amps, etc. Is it? It may sound strange, but the answer seems to be no. of
act requires
Services that process user-generated content have baseline content moderation practices and use those practices to remove reported content that violates UK law and to prevent children from viewing pornography. And that applies to every Services that process user-generated content and have “links to the UK”.
Mr. Kitchen believes the online forums he hosts fall within the scope of this practice and, as he is based in the UK, there is “no way around it”. “I can’t afford to spend probably tens of thousands of dollars to get through the legal and technical hoops here for an extended period of time…The site itself barely gets in a few hundred donations each month, and it takes a little more to run it. It costs money…this is not a venture that can afford the compliance costs… If I did, what would remain is a disproportionately high personal liability for me that could easily be used as a weapon by disgruntled people banned for egregious behavior. ” That is why he believes he has no choice but to shut down the platform.
Some may think that he is overreacting, that common sense will prevail and that legal precedent will eventually emerge. But the OSA is a new piece of legislation, a meandering evolution of the 2019 White Paper on Online Harms and the chaotic passage of Parliament at a time when the Conservative Party was busy mismanaging the country. (One grizzled political insider described this to me as a “dog’s breakfast.”) In such a situation, the cost of being an early test case would give anyone pause. . I’ve been a blogger for decades, and from the beginning I decided not to allow comments.
my blog Partly because I didn’t want the burden of moderation, but also because I was worried about the legal ramifications of what people posted. So instead of the kitchen, I would like to do what he has decided.
Many years ago, I had an exchange with Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, at a Royal Society conference. From a conversation with a new Labor Minister, I realized the following: This guy thinks the web is the internet! And I told Tim that. “It’s much worse than that,” he replied, “and millions of people around the world think so.” facebook It’s the internet. ”
The root of the problem with OSA is that it was framed and enacted by legislators who believe that the “internet” consists only of the platforms of a few big tech companies. So they passed laws supposedly to deal with these corporate thugs, without imagining the unintended consequences for the actual internet of people using technology for purely social purposes. And in doing so, they inadvertently raise the famous question posed by Alexander Pope in a letter to Dr. Arbuthnot in 1735: “Who breaks the butterfly on the wheel?” It will end up being put away.
what i was reading
British students at risk
Nathan Heller’s long, thoughtful new yorker essay On the plane from the American University of Humanities.
After newsletter promotion
don’t entrust your life
It’s really subtle LM Sacasas article What we can learn from 20th century cultural critic Lewis Mumford in the age of AI.
Musk meets Ross Perot
Incisive work by John Ganz Two engineers who thought they understood politics.
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Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a letter of up to 250 words for consideration for publication, please email observer.letters@observer.co.uk.
Source: www.theguardian.com
UK online safety laws are ‘non-negotiable,’ declare tech giants | Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In the wake of Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg’s pledge to team up with Donald Trump to pressure countries he deems as “censoring” content, efforts to enhance online safety have been emphasized. A government official has cautioned that Britain’s new law addressing hate speech is firm and non-negotiable.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, in an interview with observer, expressed optimism that recent legislation aimed at safeguarding online platforms for children and vulnerable individuals would attract major tech companies to the UK, supporting economic expansion without compromising safety measures.
As Keir Starmer prepares to unveil a significant tech initiative positioning the UK as an ideal hub for AI technology advancement, the government is under scrutiny from Elon Musk, a vocal Trump loyalist.
Mark Zuckerberg’s recent decision to lift restrictions on topics like immigration and gender on meta platforms has stirred controversy. He emphasized collaboration with President Trump to combat governmental attacks on American businesses and increased censorship worldwide.
Despite not mentioning the UK specifically, Zuckerberg criticized the growing institutionalized censorship in Europe, hinting at potential clashes with the UK’s online safety law.
Peter Kyle, who is set to reveal the government’s AI strategy alongside Keir Starmer, acknowledged the overlap between Zuckerberg’s free speech dilemmas and his own considerations as an MP.
However, Kyle assured that he would not compromise on the integrity of the UK’s online safety laws, emphasizing the non-negotiable protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
Amid discussions with tech conglomerates and the unveiling of an AI Action Plan, the UK government aims to leverage its reputation for online safety and innovation. The plan emphasizes attracting tech investments by positioning the UK as a less regulated and more conducive environment for technological advancements.
As big tech leaders engage with President Trump nearing the inauguration, meta is changing its fact-checking approach to a “community notes” system similar to Company X, owned by Musk.
Elon Musk’s vocal criticisms of the UK government, particularly targeting Keir Starmer, have sparked controversy within the Labor Party and raised concerns about safety. Despite disagreements, the government remains committed to enacting robust measures against harmful online content.
While open to discussions with innovators and investors like Musk, Peter Kyle remains steadfast in prioritizing the advancement of technology to benefit British society both now and in the future.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Postponing the gift of a cell phone annually offers significant advantages: Managing screen time for children everywhere.
Despite the availability of affordable cell phones, parents have new ways to stay connected with their children. However, this development has also sparked debates on screen time, safety, and social media.
As worries about phone usage rise and the age at which children get their first mobile phone decreases, countries worldwide are considering ways to address this issue in schools and homes.
While there’s no single solution, various action plans and suggestions are being explored, ranging from strict laws to grassroots initiatives.
Our correspondent delves into some of the noteworthy solutions to screen time as Australia and Spain gear up to implement stringent laws to combat the problem.
Australia: “Ensuring our children have a good childhood.”
In a significant move, Australia recently passed a law prohibiting social media use for under-16s, although specifics regarding its implementation and application are unclear.
While some Australian states already ban mobile phones in schools, a new federal ban aims to completely restrict social media usage for children under 16 by year-end. The law grants the communications minister authority to determine which platforms are restricted, likely including Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
YouTube is expected to be exempt due to its claimed educational benefits.
The legislation mandates platforms to verify users’ ages and take necessary steps to ensure compliance, with penalties of up to A$50m for non-compliance. Trials for age verification technology are ongoing, including facial age estimation and other authentication methods.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the ban aims to offer children “a childhood”, encouraging them to engage in outdoor activities and sports instead of being glued to their phones.
Josh Taylor, Melbourne
Spain: “You can use ours.”
Spain’s government is proposing a bill to raise the minimum age for social media account registration from 14 to 16, along with mandatory age verification measures for tech companies.
Additionally, the bill suggests default parental controls on smartphones and a national education campaign to educate children and teens on responsible social media usage.
An expert panel has recommended including warning labels on digital devices sold in Spain to inform consumers of the health risks associated with social media and technology.
In Barcelona’s Poblenou district, parents initiated a campaign to delay children’s access to mobile phones until age 16. This movement quickly spread across Catalonia, emphasizing the importance of holding off on phone ownership until a later age.
Major project spokesperson Nuria González Rojas noted the significant impact of delaying mobile phone ownership, with over 72% of Spanish children owning smartphones by age 12.
In another initiative, Basque parents’ organization Archa Brua is piloting schemes to delay mobile phone ownership with support from schools, families, and local businesses.
Sam Jones, Madrid
France: “Take back control of your screen”
French President Emmanuel Macron commissioned a report urging a reassessment of screen usage to safeguard children’s well-being and democracy’s future.
The report advocates for delaying smartphone usage until age 13, restricting access to social media until 18, and banning mobile phones with internet access until after school hours.
Experts stress the need to shield children from profit-focused tech influences due to adverse effects on vision, sleep, and overall health.
Macron urges ministers to consider and implement the report’s recommendations.
Angelique Chrysafis (Paris)
Italy: school ban
Italy has issued a blanket ban on smartphones and tablets in primary and middle school classrooms, citing disruptive incidents like physical altercations between students and teachers.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara supports efforts to ban mobile phones for children under 14 and social media profiles for those under 16.
Angela Giuffrida (Rome)
Germany: “The longer we can delay children from using smartphones, the better.”
German schools can’t outright ban cellphones, but restrictions on their use in classrooms and during breaks are in place.
Efforts to enhance digital literacy among youth are encouraged, with calls in some regions for total bans on mobile phones in elementary schools.
Pediatric experts advocate delaying smartphone ownership until age 11 to protect children’s development, noting adverse effects on mental health and well-being from early exposure to social media.
Despite concerns surrounding smartphones, Germany’s decentralized governance system means a national policy remains elusive.
Deborah Cole, Berlin
Source: www.theguardian.com
Tech Titans Bowing Down to President Trump in Silicon Valley
On January 28, 2017, I hurried to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). That evening, protests were gaining momentum across the United States against President Donald Trump’s travel ban on visitors from seven Muslim-majority countries. The night was unusually cold, and I had not brought a proper jacket. Luckily, the train to the airport was warm and filled with nervous and chatty protesters. The airport itself was chaotic. Angry demonstrators blocked roads, causing taxis and Ubers to be stranded with meters still running. A hijab-wearing protester prayed next to a protest sign in the baggage claim area, while others shouted at travelers collecting their luggage. At that time, Trump was the most controversial figure in America, and his election had shocked the world.
Later that night, rumors of a $150 billion face in the crowd started to circulate. Sergey Brin, the founder and co-founder of Google, was present. At that time, he was the president of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, which also owns YouTube. The impact was electrifying. One of the wealthiest and most influential men in the world was publicly expressing his displeasure with Trump by participating in a protest against him. Brin, originally from Moscow and immigrating to the United States at the age of 6, stated he was at SFO that night “because I’m a refugee,” delivering a personal rebuke to Mr. Trump, whom he described as a complete xenophobe.
Following Brin’s lead, Google and other tech giants condemned Trump’s travel ban. Nearly 100 technology companies, including Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and Uber, supported a lawsuit challenging the measure.
However, today’s protests against President Trump’s reelection have had minimal impact. Silicon Valley is shifting its stance to show more deference to Mr. Trump. This week, the tech industry finished its nominations for the upcoming president.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the cessation of the company’s fact-checking operations in the United States. In 2022, Meta had claimed to have built the largest global fact-checking network and spent $100 million on it.
A few days later, Mr. Zuckerberg revealed a reduction in efforts to enhance workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) – a move met with controversy. These policies had been disdained by Trump and faced criticism from his prominent supporter, Elon Musk. Zuckerberg, seemingly driven by ambition rather than personal beliefs, took actions such as promoting Dana White to Meta’s board of directors after dining with Trump and supporting his inaugural committee.
Mr. Zuckerberg’s actions seemed to be influenced by Trump’s threats, as the president-elect had warned of dire consequences if Zuckerberg interfered in the election. Mehta, like others, stood to benefit from a friendly Trump administration, particularly concerning Meta’s antitrust lawsuit.
Several tech CEOs, including Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella, also demonstrated support for President Trump, each contributing in different ways. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi donated $2 million to Trump, and even Google made a substantial donation despite being targeted by Trump’s campaign.
The president-elect, noticing his newfound popularity, remarked on the change in attitude towards him. Meanwhile, Musk’s threats loomed over tech leaders like Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, and Jensen Huang, demonstrating the power dynamics at play in the tech industry.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Meta announces end of DEI program just days before Trump’s inauguration | US News
Effective immediately, the company will be discontinuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program as of Friday, following Meta’s announcement that fact-checking would be eliminated by Mark Zuckerberg.
An internal memo from Meta acknowledged the changing legal and policy landscape surrounding DEI efforts in the United States, referencing recent Supreme Court decisions and the concept of DEI. It also highlighted the “reprehensible” views held by some individuals. Axios and Business Insider initially reported on the memo. Mehta confirmed the termination of DEI practices but did not provide further comment on how this decision aligns with the company’s overarching goals.
Janelle Gale, vice president of human resources, mentioned in the memo the discontinuation of various programs targeting underrepresented groups, such as the Diverse Slate Approach and Representation Goals, which are currently facing challenges. These programs were utilized to promote diverse employment practices.
Despite Meta’s efforts to increase diversity in the workforce, the company will no longer implement certain diversity employment practices, as stated in a new announcement.
Furthermore, the company will be ending its equity and inclusion training program and permanently disbanding its DEI-focused team.
The decision to terminate diversity efforts contradicts Meta’s AI-powered Instagram and Facebook profiles, which highlighted the need for a more representative team.
The termination of DEI initiatives follows Meta’s alignment with Donald Trump and the addition of Trump ally Dana White to the company’s board of directors. Meta joins a list of companies, including McDonald’s, Walmart, Ford, and Lowe’s, that have voluntarily halted their diversity initiatives or have been targeted by far-right groups.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Tech giants Google and Microsoft donate $1 million each to President Trump’s inaugural fund
Google and Microsoft each contributed $1 million to President Donald Trump’s Inaugural Fund, along with companies like Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, and Uber.
“Google is supporting the 2025 Inauguration with a live stream on YouTube and a direct link to the homepage. We are also donating to the inaugural committee,” said Google Government Affairs & Public Policy global head Karan Bhatia in a statement to the Guardian on Thursday.
Google made the donation on Monday, as reported by CNBC. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda mentioned that the company had previously donated to the Inauguration Fund and hosted a livestream of the inauguration.
Microsoft confirmed its $1 million donation to President Trump’s inaugural fund in a statement to Bloomberg on Thursday. The company had also donated to Trump’s 2017 inauguration and Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration.
Many other major companies made significant donations to President Trump’s inaugural fund last month, including Toyota, Uber, Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI.
These donations helped raise funds for President Trump’s inaugural committee, which received a $170 million donation. This appears to be an attempt by tech giants to gain favor with President Trump for his second term in office.
President Trump’s relationship with big tech companies has been contentious, but as his inauguration approaches, there seems to be a shift in tone from both parties.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai criticized the January 6 riot and praised President Trump’s victory. President Trump also noted a change in attitude towards him from various tech companies.
Mark Zuckerberg of Meta Inc. announced changes in the company’s approach to fact-checking and censorship, aiming to reduce censorship and recommend more political content across their platforms.
Experts believe that contributing to Trump’s inauguration is a way for tech companies to gain support from the new administration and avoid being targeted by President Trump in the future.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Resident Evil 4: The Horror Game That Breathed New Life Into the Genre – Celebrating 20 Years
IIt’s an interesting oddity in video game history that one of the greatest horror titles of all time debuted on the Nintendo GameCube, the toy-like console known for some of the cutest titles in the Zelda series and Animal Crossing. But in 2002, Capcom announced five exclusive titles to shore up the struggling platform. That included Resident Evil 4, which is technically the 13th title in the franchise. This title would be considered its pinnacle when released three years later. It was an exciting new breath of life for the survival horror genre.
You wouldn’t guess all this from the game’s very pedestrian setting. Six years after the collapse of Umbrella Corporation, smoldering police officer Leon Kennedy is sent on a mission to retrieve the kidnapped daughter of the U.S. president, who has been found in a small village in rural Spain. For some reason well known to the Secret Service, he is aboard alone.
But with this B-movie premise, the film fundamentally challenged the conventions of the Resident Evil series and the survival horror genre itself. By moving the action from the rainy Midwest of Raccoon City to the Spanish countryside, Capcom thrust Regifan (and Leon himself) into an entirely unfamiliar environment. This sense of chaos is amplified by the traditional limp zombies (obviously inspired by George A. This continued even when the nobles were infected with parasites and replaced by axe-wielding, savage, swift countrymen. These feisty creatures more closely resemble the infectious maniacs depicted in Danny Boyle’s modern zombie film 28 Days Later, and are no doubt an influence on “Register 4” director Shinji Mikami. there is no. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the obscure Lovecraftian horror film Dagon, which was actually set in Spain, have also been cited by fans as possible inspirations.
The action feels frighteningly close to… Resident Evil 4 (2005).
Photo: Capcom
Producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi said in an interview that the theme of this work is “collective fear.” Throwing swarms of ganados at players instead of small groups of zombies increased the pressure, causing outright panic on more than one occasion. The game’s rudimentary AI allowed enemies to sneak around behind the player instead of mindlessly tripping straight up.
But most importantly, Resi 4 pulled the player’s gaze downward from a floating third-person perspective to an intense over-the-shoulder perspective. This made it easier to aim at enemies compared to earlier Resident Evil games, which were frustratingly insensitive, but more importantly, it emphasized a sense of specificity and proximity. . The action is graphic, with teeth and ax blades coming terrifyingly close together. Mikami then said that while he never expected this to be such a revolutionary feature, it’s a feature that has inspired all generations of brawler adventures, including Gears of War (and 2018’s God of War reboot). He said he was an inspiration.
Also: Dead Space designer Ben Wanat
Referenced
EA’s Cosmic Horror Shooter Joins ‘Resident Evil 4 in Space’ and ‘The Last of Us’ Designer Ricky Cambia
talked about
And looking at it now, the sense of interdependence between Leon and Ashley certainly foreshadows the fragile relationship between Joel and Ellie.
The new shoulder camera has changed the tempo of the entire Resi experience, with an emphasis on action and gunfights. A tense silence still prevailed for several minutes as we explored the farm and castle grounds strewn with dank corpses. But then a bloody siege ensued as huge waves of warriors surged through muddy lanes and dimly lit industrial tunnels. The set-piece encounter became the stuff of legend. From ferocious dogs lurking in an ornate garden maze to giant snake beasts in a lake, this game has a thrilling menagerie of boss enemies to contend with. Surprisingly, players are even reminded of inventory management, with fond memories of relentlessly refilling attaché cases to contain more goods purchased from shadowy traders.
In 2023, Capcom released an amazing updated version, bringing thrilling Grand Guignol fun to a new generation. But going back to the original still works. Every now and then a video game comes along that fans love, but game designers love even more. And these games will ultimately change the approach of the entire industry. Super Mario 64 was one of them, and so was Doom. I have to add Resident Evil 4 to that list.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Mark Zuckerberg allegedly authorized Meta to use copyrighted books for AI training, author claims
A group of authors claimed that Mark Zuckerberg authorized Meta to use “pirated copies” of his copyrighted books to train the company’s artificial intelligence models. This claim was made in a filing in US court.
According to the filing, internal meta-communications revealed that the social network company’s CEO warned that the data set used was “known to be pirated” within the company’s AI executive team. The filing also mentioned support for the use of the LibGen dataset, an extensive online archive of books.
The authors suing Meta for copyright infringement, including Ta-Nehisi Coates and Sarah Silverman, made these accusations in a filing in California federal court. They alleged that Meta misused their books to train Llama, a large-scale language model powering chatbots.
The use of copyrighted content in training AI models has become a legal issue in the development of generative AI tools like chatbots. Authors and publishers have been warned that their work may be used without permission, putting their livelihood at risk.
The filing referenced a memo with Mark Zuckerberg’s approval for Meta’s AI team to use LibGen. However, discussions about accessing and reviewing LibGen data internally at Meta raised concerns about the legality of using pirated content.
Last year, a US District Judge ruled that Meta’s AI model infringed an author’s copyright by using copyrighted text. Despite rejecting claims of depriving the author’s name and copyright holder, the plaintiff was granted permission to amend its claims.
The authors argued this week that the evidence supports their infringement claims and justifies reinstating the CMI case and adding new computer fraud claims.
During Thursday’s hearing, Judge Chhabria expressed skepticism about the fraud and the validity of CMI claims but allowed the writers to file an amended complaint.
We have contacted Meta for comment.
Reuters contributed to this article
Source: www.theguardian.com
Are TikTok’s Health Tips Backed by Science? A Comparison of Autozen Picks and Mouth Taping
The influx of unrealistic health tips on TikTok signals the beginning of a new year. Let’s explore some intriguing suggestions and the evidence behind them.
Try wearing rubber bands around your ears to reduce facial swelling
A TikTok trend from South Korea suggests wrapping rubber bands around your ears for 10 minutes to combat facial swelling, claiming to facilitate lymphatic fluid movement. However, science does not support this theory. While lymphatic massage can temporarily reduce swelling by stroking outwards, there is no evidence to validate the rubber bands’ effectiveness.
Experimenting with garlic in your nose for sinus cleansing
TikTok showcases individuals showcasing giant mucus bubbles or a stream of snot expelled after inserting garlic in their nostrils, claiming it alleviates nasal congestion. However, experts like Simon, a consultant ear, nose, and throat specialist, refute this, stating that the mucus production is a response to the strong garlic odor, not a sign of congestion relief.
Exploring the benefits of applying castor oil in the belly button for bloating reduction
Dr. Gemma Sharp, an epidemiologist at the University of Exeter, highlights the lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of castor oil for weight loss or managing endometriosis symptoms. She warns against relying on unproven home remedies that may potentially trigger allergic reactions.
Consider the weight loss benefits of Oat Empic
Ozempic, a diabetes medication known for its weight loss effects, contains semaglutide, a compound that slows digestion. TikTok users have popularized Oatzempik, a mixture of oats, water, and lime juice, suggesting similar weight loss benefits. While the claim is unverified, weight loss ultimately depends on calorie balance. Oats, however, contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that may aid weight loss and BMI reduction.
Explore the concept of mouth taping for health benefits
Source: www.theguardian.com
Meta prioritizes a frictionless oligarchy over fact-checking, says Joan Donovan.
That week, Meta announced the discontinuation of its fact-checking program in the United States and a rollback to its content moderation policy regarding “hateful conduct.” These measures will undoubtedly open the floodgates to more hateful, harassing, and inflammatory content on Facebook and Instagram. Immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community are two of the groups most likely to be affected.
Last month, after Donald Trump won the election, Zuckerberg visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago and Mehta transferred $1 million to the presidential inaugural fund. When asked for comment on the meth policy change, Trump acknowledged that Zuckerberg said: “probably” Influenced by his threat to jail tech company CEOs.
This is the formation of a mafia state, where open threats are rewarded with lavish gifts and public praise.
Looking back at the history of content moderation, it is easy to conclude that social media companies are tailoring their products to the needs of those with the power to regulate them. This time is no different, but the impact on vulnerable groups will likely be even worse. By changing the meta policy on fact-checking to appease Trump, Zuckerberg is laying the foundations for a frictionless oligarchy. There, those with the most power and influence would no longer have to fight over facts and corrections.
It was during the first Trump administration that technology companies realized that social media was susceptible to domestic and international media manipulation campaigns. Because their products were being used to spread lies, complaints, conspiracies, and hatred to millions of people. Journalists exposed a massive media manipulation campaign carried out by Cambridge Analytica and Russia’s Internet Research Agency. The campaign used Facebook for political purposes during the 2016 US election and Brexit.
Instead of taking responsibility and aggressively removing abusers, Mr. Zuckerberg turned to advisers known in political circles as a cadre of cutthroat fixers. Most of them are Harvard educated and accustomed to political doublespeak. But controlling speech globally became their lifelong challenge.
In November 2016, in response to the growing public criticism of “fake news” on Facebook, Posted by Zuckerberg Facebook contacted “respected fact-checking organizations,” said it was working methodically to avoid becoming the “arbiter of truth,” and posted a lengthy message on its profile about the misinformation. . By December, Adam Mosseri, then the company’s vice president of newsfeed, said: new protocol For publishing the false story, responsibility for content management was transferred to third-party fact checkers who have signed the non-profit media organization Poynter’s International Code of Principles for Fact-Checking. Despite these efforts, Misinformation continued especially thrives among right-leaning audience.
In 2018, the company’s COO, Sheryl SandbergThe former chief of staff at the U.S. Treasury Department before leaving for Google, he supported Facebook’s “Oversight Board,” also known as its “Supreme Court,” which rules on and reviews controversial moderation decisions. did. In early 2021, former British Deputy Prime Minister and Director of Communications Mehta nick cleggwrote the decision to indefinitely expel President Trump after he used the company’s products to facilitate the attack on the Capitol. Zuckerberg said at the time that the “risk of allowing the president to continue using our services” was “simply too great.”
While Meta’s content arbitration system was expensive and unwieldy, on the plus side it forced some transparency into content moderation decisions and ensured that misinformation is a feature rather than a bug in the right-wing media ecosystem. provided conclusive evidence that there is.
Clegg will now be replaced by Meta’s new head of global policy, Joel Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan is a former senior staffer to George W. Bush. brooks brothers riot After Mr. Mehta’s announcement this week, Mr. Kaplan appeared on Fox News and spoke of his enthusiasm for policy change and lavished Mr. Trump with praise. His influence on the new direction of the meta is clear and troubling to him. defender of internet freedomthey don’t want social media platforms to continue to be pawns in a political chess match.
In remarks attributed to Trump himself, Zuckerberg claimed that “fact checkers are too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they’ve built, especially in the United States.” Importantly, academic research on fact-checking reveals the opposite of Zuckerberg’s claims. a Research by researchers at MIT Sloan School of Management Even among right-wing viewers who doubt the effectiveness of fact-checking, exposure to fact-checking has been shown to reduce beliefs in misinformation.
Meta never applied its rules equally to all users. Whistleblower Francis Haugen revealed that Meta maintained a high-profile list of accounts that were repeatedly allowed to violate the platform’s rules. Meta has historically excluded politicians from fact-checking eligibility, and the end of the fact-checking program is primarily a windfall for right-wing users of Meta products who are more likely to share misinformation on Facebook. That’s likely, according to a study conducted by academics in partnership with Meta and published in 2016. science.
A lack of fact-checking will likely lead to the aggressive spread of conspiracy theories and hateful content about meta products, testing advertisers and brand safety.
Instead of trained fact-checkers who are experts at detecting, documenting, and debunking misinformation, Meta employs a “community notes” system similar to Elon Musk’s We plan to set up a gallery of unauthorized users to control speech.
But moderation around X is also not going well. After facing a rapidly declining user base and an advertiser boycott, X was worth 20% of what Musk paid. A clear example of how moderation on the platform reflects Musk’s whims and preferences is when Musk was admonished last week by ardent MAGA supporters regarding issuing H-1B visas for foreign workers. It became clear when it was being done. Musk’s response is to optimize the platform for “unrepentant user seconds” by focusing on more interesting content, while banning and demonetizing many Maga heavyweights. It was.
Musk has previously criticized deplatforming and demonetization as censorship tactics only employed by the left. That argument doesn’t hold up now “Dark Maga” himself Play the algorithm and Zuckerberg will follow suit. Rather than criticize fact-checkers, Mr. Zuckerberg should admit that he is changing the rules to reflect Mr. Trump’s political agenda, and after Mr. Musk paved the way with will adjust the algorithm so that it can build a base on Facebook and Instagram.
“It’s time to get back to the basics of freedom of expression,” Zuckerberg declared. (It’s not a meta origin story. Facebook’s predecessor asked students at Harvard to rate the physical attractiveness of their female classmates, but Zuckerberg tried to commit it to memory at every opportunity.) ) However, freedom of expression refers to the human right to “seek and receive.” According to the United Nations, provide information.” universal declaration of human rights. It does not guarantee an audience or amplification of the speech. Furthermore, it does not provide protection against fact-checking or labeling of online speech. This is a power reserved only for companies that control the flow of content between platforms.
Far from enabling freedom of expression, Mehta’s changes to its “hateful conduct” policy signal a return to Facebook’s more misogynistic roots. In a blog post, Mehta pledged to align his moderate policies with “mainstream discourse,” particularly on gender and immigration, two issues championed by Trump and Musk during the 2024 campaign. It’s okay to refer to it now LGBTQ+ people Blaming immigrants as mentally ill when it comes to meth products.
It is a clear sign of techno-fascism that communication systems are disrupted by changes in political power after every election. The protection of vulnerable groups online continues to depend on the political ambitions of social media platform CEOs or owners.
This is further proof that social media is not about free speech. That was never the case. Instead, content moderation is the core product of social media, with algorithms deciding whether speech is displayed, how loud it is, and whether there is counter-speech. Contrary to Zuckerberg’s claims, it wasn’t the fact checkers who ruined the meta product. It was always insider political operatives, including Clegg, Sandberg, and Kaplan, who turned social media into a new frontier in the culture wars.
Source: www.theguardian.com
U.S. Supreme Court to Consider TikTok Ban or Sale Lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on Friday regarding the future of TikTok. This marks the latest development in an ongoing debate over whether to ban the immensely popular social media platform in the U.S. The judges will consider the balance between national security concerns and the preservation of free speech.
TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance have appealed to the Supreme Court after a lower court upheld a law banning the app in the U.S. The ban is scheduled to take effect on January 19th, unless ByteDance sells TikTok’s assets to a non-Chinese entity. ByteDance has argued that a sale is not feasible from commercial, technical, and legal standpoints.
The oral arguments are expected to last for two hours, with each side given the opportunity to present their case. The court has outlined that the discussion will focus on whether the ban infringes on the First Amendment.
TikTok boasts 170 million users, approximately half of the U.S. population, making the potential ban a contentious issue. While some believe the app could be exploited by the Chinese government, there is a coalition of influencers, civil rights groups, and even President Donald Trump advocating against the ban, citing concerns about free speech violations.
ByteDance has faced legal challenges from federal and state authorities, with legislation to ban TikTok passing in Congress last year. The company maintains that it operates independently from Chinese influence and handles U.S. user data through Oracle.
Federal law at the center of the case
The law in question, known as the Protecting Americans from Regulatory Applications by Foreign Adversaries Act, was enacted by President Joe Biden. It follows a previous ban on TikTok in federal devices and underscores concerns about national security risks associated with the app.
U.S. lawmakers have expressed apprehensions about China’s potential control over TikTok’s content and user data, citing security threats and propaganda dissemination. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to show that China or ByteDance have manipulated the app for espionage purposes.
Shortly after Biden signed the law, TikTok filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, arguing that the ban violates the Constitution and impinges on free speech rights. The company emphasized the importance of preserving communication and expression for its vast user base.
Supreme Court review and President Trump’s opinion
Following a recent ruling by a federal appeals court, TikTok sought an emergency motion from the Supreme Court to halt the ban. The court agreed to expedite oral arguments and has received numerous briefs from both sides of the debate.
Notably, former President Trump submitted an amicus brief requesting the court to suspend the ban to allow for negotiation. This stance contrasts with his previous efforts to ban TikTok over national security concerns.
President Trump’s involvement in the case underscores the complexity of the issue, with diverging viewpoints within the political landscape. The upcoming Supreme Court decision will have far-reaching implications for the future of TikTok in the U.S.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Ex-European tech leader accuses Elon Musk of lying during AfD interview
A former EU leader in the technology sector alleges that the EU attempted to prevent the owner of Company X from meeting with the co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party, branding Elon Musk as “outrageous.” He accused, “You’re lying.”
Thierry Breton, who spearheaded the passing of ambitious legislation to regulate big tech and stepped down as European commissioner in September, claimed that the EU was striving to censor Musk’s scheduled meeting with Alice Weidel. He asserted that it was deceitful to suggest otherwise.
The US billionaire asserted on his social media platforms: “First, the EU tried to hinder my online conversation with President @realDonaldTrump. Now they are trying to block people from hearing my discussion with Alice Weidel, a potential future German chancellor. It appears that these individuals truly detest democracy.”
His tweet referred to a letter Breton sent to Musk prior to a similar discussion with Donald Trump in August. In the letter, Breton reminded Musk of his responsibilities under the Digital Services Act (DSA) not to enable the “amplification of harmful content.”
Following Musk’s announcement of his intention to interview Weidel, whose party holds a 19% approval rating and is anti-immigration, Breton issued a similar caution to Weidel via a social media post. “I reached out to him, but it appears to have been a stunt.” This led to accusations against Musk on Wednesday.
In an interview with the Guardian, Breton stated: “[Musk] is trying to portray the EU as stifling conversations. We are distorting information here.”
When asked if Musk could be lying, Breton responded: “No one attempted to prevent him from speaking to Trump, or to Germany.”
The Frenchman mentioned that he has always had a positive and constructive relationship with Musk in person.
X did not provide any comments. Musk recently criticized Breton as “annoying,” and in August referenced a quote from the satirical film Tropic Thunder, telling the then-commissioner to “take a big step back and literally defecate on himself.”
The dispute is the latest in a series instigated by Musk in recent weeks, including hostile remarks towards British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, provoking outrage across Europe.
Breton called on leaders to denounce the propagation of misinformation and hatred. “Leadership is crucial, especially in these times. Europe can only thrive with strong leadership.”
X is currently under investigation by the European Commission under the DSA, partly initiated by Breton. The company mentioned that it is “collaborating with the regulatory process” and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive platform for all users while safeguarding freedom of expression.
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Insiders indicated that the verdict was expected in the fall of 2023, but X needed time to prepare a legal defense. Some anticipated that conclusions would be disclosed soon.
Breton declined to address the investigation but emphasized that the DSA is not intended to silence critics or curb the freedom of speech cherished by all European democracies. He reiterated that such a notion does not exist.
“Freedom of speech is of utmost importance in Europe, vital for democracy across all member states, and non-negotiable for the Court of Justice,” he affirmed.
However, he emphasized that it operates within a legal framework that also prohibits anti-Semitic remarks, racist hate speech, and terrorism apologists, which tech companies must be cautious of.
“These are forbidden by law in physical spaces, on streets, in media, and now in the digital realm,” he stated, pointing out that social media companies, unlike traditional media, wield immense power to disseminate content to audiences and must acknowledge the responsibility that comes with it.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Review: Grunn – A Unique Blend of Gardening Sim and Survival Horror Thriller Game
ILooks like it’s going to be a fun vacation. A week spent tending to the absentee landlord’s garden in a remote village in the Netherlands. Birds chirping in the trees, a picturesque church just across the path. But there’s something wrong with designer Tom van den Boogaart’s surreal and quietly creepy puzzle game. All the tools are missing and the villagers are strange and have been warned not to go out at night. Additionally, the sky is a hallucinogenic red and orange haze, and you can sometimes see someone watching you from behind a door or through a window. What the heck is going on?
Grunn is somehow part gardening sim, part point-and-click adventure, and part survival horror thriller. Once you’ve found your scissors and trowel, you can spend your time sorting hedges and digging up molehills, but you can also explore small hamlets and their lonely haunted places. You can often find discarded Polaroid photos that provide photo clues as to where the next tool is. You may find tools and puzzle items. There is a day/night cycle in the background, and as you venture out into the darkness, strange glitches and ghostly beings can be glimpsed at the edge of your vision. As you explore, you will have to fight against dangers that can cost you your life. Then I start all over again, relying only on my memories and photos.
As a result, you feel like you’re trapped inside an Alejandro Jodorowsky movie. Ominous and strange, yet beautiful and compelling. Everywhere you look, there are eerie images, from skeletons lying on riverbanks to strange children sitting alone in bus stops and ferry cafeterias. The puzzles are clever and challenging, and the blocky, discordant visuals make the entire environment feel like the uncanny valley of the mind. If you’re looking for a completely different kind of challenge in a decidedly unnatural open world, Grunn offers more than the gentle rural idyll it was initially promised.
Source: www.theguardian.com
“Exploring the Untold Tale: A Developer’s Battle to Create a Game on the 1948 Nakba Despite Taboos”
IIn the West Bank city of Nablus, Rashid Abueide operates a nut roaster to support his family. Additionally, he is an award-winning game developer. A decade ago, amidst the escalating 2014 Gaza war, he created a compelling video game titled “Lilya and the Shadow of War” which depicts a man’s quest for safety for his daughter and himself. However, amidst the falling missiles, it becomes evident that safety is unattainable. Initially rejected by Apple upon release in 2016 due to inappropriate content, the decision was eventually reversed after a week of protests.
Despite the acclaim and attention “Lilya” received, Abueide struggled to secure funding for his next game through conventional means. His envisioned game, “dream on the pillow,” narrates the story of the 1948 Nakba and reflects on the Arab-Israeli conflict through a mother’s folklore. Rejected nearly 300 times for being contentious and risky, Abueide’s games challenge the narratives surrounding the Palestinian experience, which has long been taboo.
Historical Background…The game’s timeline switches between the protagonist Om’s past and her horrifying present. Photo: Rasheed Abueide
Currently, as conflict rages in his homeland, Abueide is resolute in telling the Palestinian narrative. With the collaboration of a dedicated team, he initiated a crowdfunding campaign to bring “Dreams on a Pillow” to life.
Despite challenges, the team successfully reached its fundraising goal through Launch Good, a platform that acknowledges Muslim causes. This achievement covers a significant portion of the game’s development costs, paving the way for further funding opportunities as the project evolves. Abueide expresses gratitude for overwhelming support and emphasizes the importance of portraying the Palestinian plight in gaming.
“I want to send a message.” Rashid Abueide, who operates a nut roaster in Nablus. Photo: Rasheed Abueide
“The Dream on the Pillow” draws inspiration from a mother fleeing with her infant, inadvertently carrying a pillow and recalling her childhood in Palestine. The game interweaves her journey post-Tantura massacre with nostalgic dreams, using the pillow as a key element for progression but also triggering nightmares. Abueide anticipates a two-year development timeline, underscoring the project’s significance with contingency plans in place for potential interruptions.
Abueide’s ultimate goal is for players to empathize with the Palestinian experience, understanding the lasting impact of past conflicts on present realities. By shedding light on the ongoing struggles of the Palestinian people, he aims to prompt an informed and empathetic response from players.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Experts warn that Meta police policy changes will cause conflict between EU and UK
Experts and politicians are warning that significant changes to Meta’s social media platform are setting it on a collision course with lawmakers in the UK and the European Union.
Lawmakers in Brussels and London have criticized Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to remove fact-checkers from Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in the US, with one MP describing it as “absolutely frightening.”
Changes to Meta’s global policy on hateful content now allow users to refer to transgender people as “it,” and the guidelines state that “no mental illness or abnormality based on gender or sexual orientation shall be permitted.”
Chi Onwula, a Labor MP and chair of the House of Commons science and technology committee, has expressed alarm at Zuckerberg’s decision to eliminate professional fact-checkers, calling it “alarming” and “pretty scary.”
Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning American-Filipino journalist, has warned of “very dangerous times” ahead for journalism, democracy, and social media users due to Meta’s changes.
Damian Collins, the former UK technology secretary, has raised concerns about potential trade negotiations by the Trump administration that could pressure the UK to accept US digital regulatory standards.
Mehta’s move, revealed as a response to Donald Trump’s inauguration, has sparked predictions of challenges from the Trump administration on laws like the Online Safety Act.
Zuckerberg has hinted at extending his policy of removing fact-checkers beyond the US, raising concerns among experts and lawmakers in the UK and EU.
Regulatory scrutiny on Meta’s changes is expected to increase in the UK and EU, with concerns about the spread of misinformation and potential violations of digital services law.
Mehta has assured that content related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders will continue to be considered high-severity violations, but concerns remain about the impact on children in the UK.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Why is the proliferation of AI-generated content harming the internet unchecked? – Arwa Mahdawi
HWhat do you think, humans? My name is Arwa and I am a genuine member of this species homo sapiens. We are talking about 100% real people; meat space This is it. I am by no means an AI-powered bot. I know, I know. That's exactly what the bot says, isn't it? I think you'll just have to trust me on this matter.
By the way, the reason I have such a hard time pointing this out is because content created by real humans is becoming kind of a novelty these days. The internet is rapidly being overtaken by advances in AI. (It's not clear who coined the term, but “slop” is a sophisticated iteration of Internet spam: low-quality text, video, and images generated by AI.) recent analysis It is estimated that more than half of all English long-form posts on LinkedIn are generated by AI. Meanwhile, many news sites are secretly experimenting with AI-generated content, in some cases signed. Author generated by AI.
Slop is everywhere, but Facebook is actively sloshing strange AI-generated images, including bizarre depictions. Jesus was made of shrimp. Much of the AI-generated content is created by fraudsters looking to drive user engagement, rather than remove them from their platforms. fraudulent purpose – Facebook accepted it. A study conducted last year by researchers at Stanford and Georgetown found that Facebook's recommendation algorithm is accelerating. These AI-generated posts.
Meta also creates its own slops. In 2023, the company began introducing AI-powered profiles like Liv, a “proud black queer mom of two and truth teller.” These didn't get much attention until Meta executive Connor Hayes talked about them. financial times The company announced in December that it plans to fill its platform with AI characters. I don't know why he thought bragging that soon we'll have a platform full of AI characters talking to each other would work, but it didn't. Meta quickly deleted the AI profile after it went viral.
For now, people like Liv may be gone from Meta, but our online future looks increasingly sloppy. The gradual “ensitization” of the Internet, as Cory Doctorow memorably called it, is accelerating. Let's pray that Shrimp Jesus will perform a miracle soon. we need that.
Source: www.theguardian.com
The New Rules for User Behavior on Meta Platform
MIta’s Rewritten policy on ‘hateful acts’ That means users will be able to say different kinds of things on that platform, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. After Mark Zuckerberg announced sweeping changes to how content is monitored on the platform, multiple edits were made to the policy.
Among them are:
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Certain injunctions against referring to transgender and non-binary people as “it” have been removed. A new section has been added to clarify that “mental illness or abnormality claims are permitted if based on gender or sexual orientation.” It said this was a reflection of “political and religious discourse around transgender and homosexuality, as well as the common use of non-serious terms such as ‘queer'”. Additionally, this policy is aimed at “those who seek exclusion, [using] Derogatory language in the context of discussing political or religious topics, such as when discussing transgender rights, immigration, or homosexuality. ”
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Meta’s policy is to target individuals and groups based on their protected characteristics or immigration status with dehumanizing language that users compare to animals, pathogens, and sub-life forms such as cockroaches and locusts. There is no change in the fact that content should not be posted. However, this shift suggests that it is now possible to compare women to household goods and possessions, and to compare people to feces, filth, bacteria, viruses, diseases, and primitive humans.
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Mehta removed warnings against avowed racism, homophobia, and Islamophobia. It also removed warnings against expressions of hate, such as calling people “shitholes,” “sluts,” and “bastards.”
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The change could also mean posts about the “China virus,” a term frequently used by President-elect Donald Trump in relation to the coronavirus, would be allowed.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Fact-checkers react negatively to Meta’s decision to transition to a scrappy role
Founder of Facebook
Mark Zuckerberg
His company Meta announced on Tuesday that it would scrap the facts.
He accused the US checkers of making biased decisions and said he wanted greater freedom of speech. Meta uses third-party independent fact checkers from around the world. Here, one of them, who works at the Full Fact organization in London, explains what they do and their reaction to Zuckerberg’s “mind-boggling” claims.
I was a fact checker at Full Fact in London for a year, investigating questionable content on Facebook, X and newspapers. Our diet is filled with disinformation videos about wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as fake AI-generated video clips of politicians, which are becoming increasingly difficult to disprove. There is. Colleagues are tackling coronavirus disinformation, misinformation about cancer treatments, and there’s a lot of climate-related talk as there are more hurricanes and wildfires.
As soon as you log on at 9am, you’re assigned something to watch. By accessing Meta’s system, you can see which posts are most likely to be false. In some cases, there may be 10 or 15 potentially harmful things and it can be overwhelming. But you can’t check everything.
If a post is a little wild but not harmful, like this AI-generated image of the Pope wearing a giant white puffer coat, we might leave it. But if it’s a fake image of Mike Tyson holding a Palestinian flag, we’re more likely to address it. We propose them in the morning meeting and are then asked to start checking.
Yesterday I was working on a deepfake video in which Keir Starmer said many of the claims about Jimmy Savile were frivolous and that was why he was not prosecuted at the time. We’re getting a lot of engagement. Starmer’s mouth did not look right and did not appear to say anything. It seemed like a false alarm. I immediately started doing a reverse image search and discovered that the video was taken from the Guardian newspaper in 2012. The original was of much higher quality. The area around his mouth is very blurry and you can see exactly what he’s saying when you compare it to what he shares on social media. We contacted the Guardian for comment on the original Downing Street. You can also get in touch with various media forensics and deepfake AI experts.
Some misinformation continues to resurface. There is a particular video of a gas station explosion in Yemen last year that has been reused as either a bombing in Gaza or a Hezbollah attack on Israel.
Fact checkers collect examples of how that information has appeared on social media in the past 24 hours or so, often times like the number of likes or shares, and how do they know when it’s incorrect? indicates.
Attaching fact checks to Facebook posts requires two levels of review. Senior colleagues question every leap in logic we make. For recurring claims, this process can be completed in half a day. New, more complex cases may take closer to a week. The average is about 1 day. It can be frustrating to go back and forth at times, but you want to be as close to 100% sure as possible.
It was very difficult to hear Mark Zuckerberg say that fact checkers are biased on Tuesday. Much of the work we do is about being fair, and that’s instilled in us. I feel it is a very important job to bring about change and provide good information to people.
This is something I wanted to do in my previous job in local journalism, go down rabbit holes and track down sources, but I didn’t have many opportunities. It was very Churnalism. As a local reporter, I was concerned and felt helpless at the amount of conspiracy theories people were seriously engaging with and believing in Facebook groups.
At the end of the day, it can be difficult to switch off. I’m still thinking about how to prove something as quickly as possible. When I see things like content stock prices constantly going up, I get a little worried. But when a fact check is published, there is a sense of satisfaction.
Zuckerberg’s decision was unfortunate. We put a lot of effort into this and we think it’s really important. But we renew our resolve to fight the good fight. Misinformation will never go away. We will continue to be here and fight against it.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Sales of boxed video games decrease in UK while digital revenues remain steady
With music sales and streaming revenue reaching a record high of £2.4 billion, the UK video games market has experienced consistent growth over the years, despite a 4.4% decrease. The most significant decline was seen in boxed video game sales, which dropped by 35%.
Data from the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) predicts that the UK video games market will reach £4.6 billion in 2024, making it the second-largest market after TV and film, which is valued at £5 billion.
The shift in consumer buying habits from physical games to digital downloads and in-game purchases is evident in the increasing popularity of games like Fortnite and Roblox. Currently, boxed games account for 27.7% of new game sales in the UK, according to ERA data.
According to an ERA spokesperson, several factors have contributed to the decline in physical sales, including the shift towards digital downloads, subscription access, the console cycle downturn, and the lack of new hit IPs in the market.
The decrease in physical sales also reflects a decline in brick-and-mortar video game retail, with Games being one of the last specialist video game retailers in the UK. The shift away from selling video games towards toys and other merchandise has left customers with limited options for buying boxed games in-store.
Global trends in the gaming industry indicate a decline in physical sales as digital distribution becomes more popular. While physical formats may still exist as collector items, digital distribution is expected to dominate the market in the future.
Download sales saw a slight decrease, while subscription revenue and mobile/tablet game revenue increased. Despite job losses and reduced investment, analysts anticipate a rebound in sales and profits in 2025 with new console releases and game titles.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Reviving Retro Games with Kids: A Surreal and Transformative Experience
TThe weather was distinctly Scottish during the holidays, so instead of attending the planned party, my family and I stayed home to celebrate Hogmanay. Our youngest son’s friends and their parents joined us for dinner. As the kids in our group started getting rowdy around 9pm, we decided to host a mini midnight countdown party in Animal Crossing.
I hadn’t played Animal Crossing since lockdown. Taking care of my virtual island kept me sane while stuck in my small apartment with a baby, toddler, and teenager. Our guests brought their Switch, so we created avatars for the kids to enjoy new games together at our year-end party.
They had fun chasing each other with bug nets for a while, then gathered in the plaza with other island residents to watch a giant countdown clock while Tom Nook, the raccoon king of the island, wore party gear. On New Year’s Eve 2021, a memory struck me. Even though I was alone on the couch, I felt accompanied by my Animal Crossing friends as we watched the countdown together. My youngest son had just started walking and was unsteady on his feet. Seeing him interact with his brother, eager to stay up late, felt surreal.
It’s always surreal to watch kids discover and enjoy video games. Their presence changes the game, reshaping my memories of playing it alone or with new save files. Last year we all started playing Pokemon together, which added a new layer of enjoyment to a game I loved as a child. Super Mario 3D World feels like a completely different game when played with my kids, with their reactions and interactions shaping the experience.
Recently, my youngest son wanted to try a Zelda game, so we played Link’s Awakening on Switch. Despite my past difficult memories associated with the game, it was heartwarming to see my son navigate the game with joy and excitement.
To my parents, video games were unfamiliar and slightly suspect. Now, I act as a guide for my kids, introducing them to the worlds within the screen that fascinate them.
In the future, if our gaming interests diverge, I may become a tourist in their gaming world. For now, Animal Crossing remains a constant. I resurrected our family island for the kids to manage, pulling out my old Switch Lite. The island served as a refuge for our children during lockdown, a product of hours of labor that is now in need of revitalization. Despite my hesitations, my kids want to return and create something new.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Since 2016, Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, has secured approximately £200 million in subsidies from the UK.
Analysis shows that since 2016, Elon Musk’s electric car company has received approximately £200m in subsidies from the UK government.
Tesla, led by a tech billionaire who is actively engaging with the UK government, has been granted £191m in funds from Westminster, as reported by Tassel, a public contract data analysis company.
The majority of this funding, £188m, came from the Department for Transport (DfT) over the specified period.
These subsidies were primarily related to the Plug-in car subsidy aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Initially introduced in 2011, this subsidy provided a discount on the purchase price of new plug-in cars, starting at £5,000, until its conclusion in June 2022.
Recent figures from DfT reveal that transportation subsidies peaked at £61.6m in 2020 and have since decreased, with Tesla receiving £49,000 in the first half of the previous year.
Additional grants for Tesla in the UK were provided by entities such as Stirling Council, South Central NHS Trust, and the Scottish Government.
The fact that Tesla has benefited from British government subsidies contrasts with Elon Musk’s statements about reducing government intervention and expenditure.
Musk was appointed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to co-lead the Office of Government Efficiency, with plans to streamline federal operations. He also mentioned plans to streamline X’s workforce after acquiring the company in 2022 and reducing the number of federal agencies in the U.S.
Tesla recently reported a decline in annual deliveries for the first time, as incentives failed to drive demand for its older models, missing quarterly targets several times in 2024.
As the world’s wealthiest individual, Musk has utilized X to criticize politicians such as Keir Starmer regarding recent scandals.
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Prime Minister criticized Elon Musk for his recent attacks on the government, denouncing his spreading of misinformation about gang raids.
Tesla has been contacted for a response.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Sexual Abuse Allegations Against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Made by Sister Lead to Lawsuit
The sister of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has filed a lawsuit alleging that he sexually abused her on a regular basis over several years as a child.
The lawsuit, filed Jan. 6 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, alleges the abuse began when Ann Altman was 3 years old and Sam Altman was 12. The complaint alleges that the last abuse occurred after he was an adult, but his sister, known as Annie, was still a child.
The CEO of ChatGPT Developers posted: Joint statement on X”, he signed alongside his mother Connie and brothers Max and Jack, denying the allegations and calling them “totally false.”‘
“Our family loves Annie and is extremely concerned about her health,” the statement said. “Caring for family members facing mental health challenges is incredibly difficult.”
It added: “Annie has made deeply hurtful and completely untrue allegations about our family, especially Sam. This situation has caused immeasurable pain to our entire family.”
Ann Altman previously made similar allegations against her brother on social media platforms.
In a court filing, her lawyer said she had experienced mental health issues as a result of the alleged abuse. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and more than $75,000 (£60,000) in damages and legal fees.
A statement from the family said Anne Altman had made “deeply hurtful and completely false allegations” about the family and accused them of demanding more money.
He added that they offered her “monthly financial assistance” and “attempted to receive medical assistance,” but she “refused conventional treatment.”
The family said they had previously decided not to publicly respond to the allegations, but chose to do so following her decision to take legal action.
Sam Altman, 39, is one of the most prominent leaders in technology and the co-founder of OpenAI, best known for ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot launched in 2022.
The billionaire temporarily stepped down as chief executive in November 2023 after being ousted from the company’s board for “failing to consistently communicate openly.” Although nearly all employees threatened to resign, he returned to his job the following week. Altman returned to the board last March following an external investigation.
Source: www.theguardian.com
Meta shuts down fact checker due to complexity.
The co-chairs of Meta’s oversight committee stated that the company’s systems had become “too complex” after deciding to eliminate fact-checkers, with Elon Musk’s X CEO welcoming the decision. ” he said.
Helle Thorning-Schmidt, co-chair of Meta’s oversight board and former Danish prime minister, agreed with outgoing international affairs chairman Nick Clegg, stating, “The metasystem is too complex.” He mentioned there was “excessive coercion.”
On Tuesday, Mark Zuckerberg surprised everyone by announcing that Facebook owners will stop using third-party checkers to flag misleading content in favor of notes from other users.
The 40-year-old billionaire revealed that Meta will “eliminate fact-checkers and replace them with community notes similar to `I will replace it with’. To the White House.”
Shortly after Mr. Clegg’s departure from Meta, the former British deputy prime minister who had been with the company for six years, Facebook Oversight Board was established under his leadership to make decisions about the social network’s moderation policies.
Helle Thorning-Schmidt told the BBC, “We appreciate the consideration of fact-checking. We welcome that message and are examining the complexity and potentially excessive enforcement.”
In replacing Mr. Clegg, Joel Kaplan, who previously served as deputy chief of staff for policy under former President George W. Bush, will take over the leadership role. Thorning-Schmidt mentioned that Mr. Clegg had been discussing his departure for a while.
Linda Yaccarino, X chief, expressed her approval of Meta’s policy change during an appearance at the CES technology show in Las Vegas by saying, “Welcome to the party.” The decision comes as a response to the positive reception from Mr. Yaccarino.
The shift will move the social network away from third-party checkers that flag misleading content in favor of user-based notes. This move has faced criticism from online safety advocates for potentially allowing misinformation and harmful content to spread.
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Yaccarino praised Meta’s decision as “really exciting” during a Q&A session at CES.
Describing X’s community notes as a positive development, Yaccarino emphasized its effectiveness in unbiased fact-checking.
Yaccarino added, “Human behavior is inspirational because when a post gets noticed, it becomes dramatically less shared. That’s the power of community notes.”
Mr. Zuckerberg, sporting a rare Swiss watch valued at about $900,000, criticized Meta’s current moderation system as “too politically biased” while acknowledging the potential impact on catching malicious content.
Source: www.theguardian.com
