Dozens Of Leading EU Firms Push Back On New AI Legislation

A new EU legislation related to the world of AI is up and running but it’s not quite getting the response that many had hoped for.

So many business leaders in the region have opted to take a step back and have even sent out warnings that such laws could end up causing more harm than good in terms of limiting competition and reducing growth and investments.

To mark the news further, a letter was sent out by lawmakers in this area on Friday where they spoke about firms such as Airbus, Carrefour, and even Siemens putting out major concerns regarding this new AI Act. And for those who might not be aware, it’s deemed to be one of the most comprehensive rules out there today.

Other leading names were seen arguing about how such rules are designed to serve as roadblocks more than anything else. And it’s better to protest now than show regrets later.

Another assessment of the case revealed how such legislation is jeopardizing the region’s technical rights and making it less competent to tackle major challenges that are about to come it's way.

Many people argue that the rules end up going too far and while the goal seems to be regulating the world of AI, such models are literally going way ahead than they should in this manner.

It’s not exactly shocking to hear this news because ever since the world of generative AI has come into existence, people have been expressing major concerns about the ordeal. They’ve been speaking about how technology is soon going to make humans extinct while top experts even stated how pausing the development and training of AI further should come to a pause or else it would provide major risks that go as far as starting new nuclear wars and perhaps another pandemic.

The new EU regulations are pushing forward for major change and preventing innovation from taking place across Europe as they would cause a huge rise in compliance expenses with major liability risks too.

As a result, it could give rise to a major gap in terms of productivity between both sides of the world.

Today, executives want people to know that policymakers need to make amendments to the bill before it’s too late. And that is something that ended up being agreed upon among different states of the European Union.

Photo: Freepik
Read next: Senators Want Meta To Explain Why Instagram Is Failing To Prevent The Circulation Of Child Abuse Material
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Senators Want Meta To Explain Why Instagram Is Failing To Prevent The Circulation Of Child Abuse Material

Senators are demanding that tech giant Meta should provide an explanation as to why the company’s leading Instagram app is failing to stop the circulation of child abuse material.

The Senators mentioned that such content is serving as prime targets for pedophiles on the app. And therefore, that’s why lawmakers are now demanding answers from the company.

They further elaborated upon how the app’s algorithms brought so many users together based on such disturbing content and now they wish to know how exactly something of this nature was able to occur at this pace without any action being taken.

A letter was launched by them which was signed by 10 senators including a meeting chaired by Dick Durbin. They revealed how they were so gravely concerned about the app’s behavior and how it failed to do so much despite knowing this.

They also boldly delineated how this behavior was not due to them not realizing the truth but in fact it was due to their own negligence and lack of support and motivation to bring about change.

The Senators are worried and shocked to see how Meta failed to look at Instagram’s wrong actions as a top priority and instead was more focused on earning more funds. They even stated how the app directly assists and boosts the black market in this regard and that was not acceptable by any means.

Now, the group wants answers as to why the platform failed to detect the content dubbed explicit in nature and what else it was doing to prevent such happenings from taking place. They similarly wish to know more in terms of which task force Meta has started to help overcome such issues because, by the looks of it, there is not a lot being done in this respect.

The date outlined has been July 12th and now a copy of the letter is being issued to media outlets.

So far, Meta is yet to provide any answer on the subject and how its own app is sharing such content that pedophiles are taking advantage of.

But this is not the first time that we’re hearing more about how the company’s algorithms are being questioned. Reports continue to suggest how pedophiles continue to purchase and sell content of this nature on the platform. But Meta has mentioned time and time again that it hopes to solve such issues soon but when is the question.

Read next: Meta Enhances Understanding of Feed Algorithms with AI Integration
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

AI Based Tools Might Increase Global GDP By $1.5 Trillion

The rise of AI has created multiple ripple effects that are still playing out and can therefore be difficult to predict the impacts of. In spite of the fact that this is the case, GitHub recently released a new study that shed some light on the GDP impact of AI based tools such as their very own GitHub Copilot.

Based on the facts and figures that GitHub has presented in this announcement, it appears that the global GDP could increase by as much as $1.5 trillion. Just for reference, the global GDP as of 2023 happens to be around $105 trillion, which means that AI tools alone will create a 1% increase in this number with all things having been considered and taken into account.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that this increase is expected to happen in a relatively short timeframe as well. GitHub estimates that this $1.5 trillion increase in global GDP will occur by as early as 2030, and it will be largely due to a predicted 30% boost in worker productivity that AI based tools have the potential to create.

In a way, AI will be incorporating an additional 15 million coders into the industry by 2030, since it will be adding 30% to the productivity of the 45 million developers that are expected to be working by the end of the decade. GitHub Copilot in particular is helping developers get over imposter syndrome because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up stopping them in their tracks.

46% of the code that GitHub Copilot was used on ended up getting completed, and this can help developers to get more work done faster than might have been the case otherwise. This lends credence to the notion that AI will be an absolute changer, though it will be interesting to see what its full impact looks like by the end of the decade. The impact might also become more pronounced in subsequent decades that will come to pass.

Read next: When Will the First Thinking Machines Come Into Being
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Study Reveals Strong Link Between Anger and Belief in Conspiracy Theories

People with a propensity for anger are more inclined to embrace and believe in conspiracy theories, according to a recent study. The research, conducted by a team of psychologists, sheds light on the psychological factors that contribute to an individual's susceptibility to conspiratorial thinking.

The study, published in a renowned psychological journal, examined the relationship between anger proneness and conspiracy beliefs. The researchers recruited a diverse group of participants and administered a series of psychological assessments to gauge their levels of anger proneness and their endorsement of conspiracy theories.

The findings revealed a significant correlation between anger proneness and belief in conspiracy theories. Participants who scored higher on measures of anger proneness were more likely to endorse various conspiracy beliefs compared to those with lower levels of anger proneness.

Moreover, the researchers delved deeper into the underlying mechanisms that link anger proneness and conspiracy beliefs. They found that individuals prone to anger tend to experience a heightened sense of powerlessness and injustice. These feelings of powerlessness, in turn, fuel their belief in conspiracy theories as a means of restoring a sense of control over their lives.

The study also explored the role of cognitive biases in the relationship between anger proneness and conspiracy beliefs. It discovered that individuals prone to anger exhibited a greater tendency to engage in "confirmation bias," seeking out information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs and disregarding contradictory evidence. This cognitive bias reinforces their conviction in conspiracy theories, as they selectively perceive and interpret information in a way that confirms their angry worldview.

Furthermore, the researchers examined the impact of social factors on the association between anger proneness and conspiracy beliefs. They found that individuals with higher levels of anger proneness were more likely to be influenced by social networks and online echo chambers that perpetuate conspiracy narratives. These networks provide a sense of validation and belonging to individuals prone to anger, reinforcing their conspiratorial beliefs and fostering a cycle of confirmation bias.

The study has important implications for understanding the psychological processes underlying conspiracy belief and the potential risks associated with it. Conspiracy theories can have far-reaching consequences, from spreading misinformation and undermining trust in institutions to fueling societal divisions and even inciting violence.

By identifying anger proneness as a significant predictor of conspiracy belief, the study highlights the importance of addressing emotional factors in combating the spread of conspiracy theories. Developing strategies to manage anger and promote emotional regulation could help mitigate the appeal of conspiratorial thinking for individuals prone to anger.

The researchers also emphasize the need for critical thinking skills and media literacy education to equip individuals with the tools to evaluate information critically. By fostering a more discerning approach to information consumption, individuals may be less susceptible to the allure of conspiracy theories and more adept at distinguishing between credible information and baseless speculation.

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the psychological factors that contribute to belief in conspiracy theories. It underscores the role of anger proneness, cognitive biases, and social influences in shaping conspiratorial thinking. By addressing these underlying psychological mechanisms, society can take steps to counteract the allure of conspiracy theories and promote a more informed and rational discourse.

Read next: When Will the First Thinking Machines Come Into Being
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Pinterest Experiments With New Process For Enhanced Ad Targeting On The App

Pinterest is one app that never stops carrying out tests to bring more innovation to the app. And today happens to be no exception.

The social media giant says it hopes to include a solution for better ad targeting on the app. This includes scanning emails to better the whole Pinterest journey of users.

As per a recently published report by Patent Drop, this system was put on display by the company as an innovative means to scrape into someone’s inbox to get a better understanding of what users would like to see.

This whole system would scan email accounts that users used to remain connected to the app. It would highlight topics that bring about more interest, depending on the types of findings obtained.

The idea is for the platform to serve the most unique content of them all, all depending upon what they find in terms of the user’s preferences. This includes customized feeds, boards produced through auto-generation, and material that has to do with the user’s interest.

For instance, when a user signs up for newsletters about restaurants, it’s clear that they’re invested in eating out. Hence, you would profit from more content of that sort because it’s clear you have some sort of interest in it.

But some people are referring to this as a double-edged sword. This might be due to the fact that people really do value privacy and such measures are clearly crossing the line, in some people’s views.

To that, Pinterest was seen mentioning how the system is totally reliant upon machine learning. The model is designed to take on data and really update the system as per the user’s preferences and likes. Moreover, the system would be the one choice if the sentiment attained on something, in particular, is strong enough to be a part of the user’s likes depending on how frequently it shows up in their inbox.

We are not quite sure if this might be passing the test held by the GDPR but we do understand the concept being adopted by the company. When you take on user permission and vow to never misuse the data obtained while emphasizing how this is in their best interest, we do not see the issue here.

Whether or not people end up giving the app the green signal for such a purpose, only time can tell.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Up to 32-Person Group Video Call Unveiled by WhatsApp Beta for Windows

WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, has recently introduced an exciting new feature to its Beta version for Windows. Users can now enjoy group video calls with up to 32 people simultaneously, enhancing their communication experience and allowing for more inclusive conversations.

The introduction of group video calls on WhatsApp Beta for Windows is a significant development, as it expands the platform's capabilities and brings it closer to other video conferencing applications. With this feature, users can now connect with multiple contacts at once, whether it's for professional meetings, catching up with friends and family, or organizing virtual events.

By incorporating group video calls, WhatsApp aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience to its Windows Beta users. This addition aligns with the platform's commitment to continuously enhance its features and meet the evolving needs of its global user base.

To initiate a group video call on WhatsApp Beta for Windows, users simply need to select the "New Call" button and choose the "New Group Call" option. They can then select up to 32 contacts from their list to join the call. This streamlined process ensures that users can effortlessly connect with their desired participants and engage in meaningful conversations.

During group video calls, participants can enjoy a range of interactive features to make their communication more engaging and convenient. They can toggle between the front and rear cameras, mute or unmute their audio, and switch their video on or off. These controls allow users to adapt their video call settings to their preferences and optimize their experience based on their current environment or requirements.

WhatsApp Beta for Windows also provides a user-friendly interface that displays participants' video streams in a grid layout, ensuring everyone is visible on the screen. This arrangement allows for better visual interaction, making it easier for users to follow conversations and actively participate in group discussions.

Additionally, WhatsApp Beta for Windows introduces a chat feature during video calls, enabling participants to send text messages to the group. This functionality enhances the collaborative aspect of the video call, allowing users to share important information, links, or simply engage in side conversations while the call is ongoing.

The integration of group video calls on WhatsApp Beta for Windows aligns with the platform's commitment to privacy and security. WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption to safeguard user conversations, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the shared content. This encryption mechanism adds an extra layer of protection and instills confidence in users, knowing that their communications are secure and private.

WhatsApp Beta for Windows continues to evolve with frequent updates and feature enhancements. Users who participate in the Beta program have the opportunity to test new functionalities before they are officially rolled out to the wider user base. This iterative development approach allows WhatsApp to gather valuable feedback and make necessary improvements to optimize the user experience.

In conclusion, the introduction of group video calls on WhatsApp Beta for Windows enhances the platform's capabilities and offers users a more inclusive and interactive communication experience. With the ability to connect with up to 32 participants simultaneously, users can engage in productive discussions, host virtual events, or catch up with loved ones in a seamless and convenient manner. WhatsApp's commitment to privacy and security, coupled with its user-friendly interface and interactive features, solidifies its position as a leading messaging platform in the digital landscape.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Meta Enhances Understanding of Feed Algorithms with AI Integration

Meta, the parent company overseeing Facebook and Instagram, has provided a new elucidation of its feed algorithms and the utilization of sophisticated AI systems to deliver pertinent content to its users. The objective is to augment transparency, empowering users to comprehend the variables impacting their feed and furnish marketers with valuable insights to foster stronger connections with their intended audience.

During a recent examination, Nick Clegg, Global Affairs President at Meta, underscored the importance of openness when employing AI in recommendation systems. Meta's AI assesses the significance of content to each user by taking into account factors like post distribution, user actions, and survey responses. By amalgamating these diverse predictions, Meta aims to deliver the most fitting content to its users.

Previously, Meta has provided information about its algorithms to clarify how users view particular content in their feeds. The system takes into account important factors such as user interaction with profiles or individuals, the timing of posts, and the potential to generate engagement. By incorporating AI technology, these fundamental aspects are reinforced, with the goal of enhancing the user experience in real time.

Meta has unveiled twenty-two "system cards" that elucidate the ranking of content in its feed algorithms. These cards function as a valuable resource for users and marketers to enhance their understanding of content performance and reach assessment. Although the explanations deliberately lack specificity to deter system manipulation, they provide valuable insights for improved comprehension.

Meta emphasizes its utilization of AI in its ranking process, utilizing enhanced content comprehension to interpret the semantic significance of diverse content formats, such as text, images, videos, and audio. Advanced AI models facilitate tasks like recognizing visuals, detecting objects, extracting text, recognizing audio, classifying topics, predicting hashtags, finding similar content, and grouping related items. Through comprehensive analysis of content, Meta's systems strive to present users with the most pertinent material aligned with their interests.

Similar to TikTok, Meta's algorithms prioritize visual cues over hashtags or keywords alone, making the content selection more compelling. Meta is also incorporating this approach into Reels, a feature that has driven engagement growth on Instagram and Facebook. However, Meta refrains from disclosing precise methods to increase one's reach, focusing instead on enhancing users' comprehension of the ranking system's factors and empowering them to impact their feed through their manual adjustments and actions.

Meta intends to improve transparency by updating the "Why Am I Seeing This?" feature in Reels, which will provide users with additional details on how their past actions influence the Reels they come across. Furthermore, Meta will introduce content control features on Instagram and Facebook, allowing users to exert more control over the content they view on both platforms. Users will have the ability to adjust feed preferences and access suggested content control centers, enabling them to personalize their overall experience.

Meta's transparency tools offer significant information about the ranking models and key factors taken into account, although they don't disclose all the undisclosed aspects of the algorithms. For marketers, having an understanding of the specific elements Meta emphasizes at different times can be advantageous. However, due to the ever-changing nature of the algorithms and the associated risks of exploiting the system, Meta is cautious about revealing intricate details.

In conclusion, Meta's transparency tools provide valuable insights into its feed algorithms and the utilization of AI systems. The objective is to enhance user understanding of content selection and empower marketers to better connect with their target audience. While not divulging all algorithmic secrets, Meta's transparency efforts contribute to a more informed user experience. The company aims to deliver relevant content through advanced content comprehension and user control features. While specific strategies for increasing reach are not disclosed, Meta's focus on transparency ensures a dynamic and evolving platform.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World