UK Regulators Demand Action Against Harmful Social Media Algorithms Targeting Children

Regulators across the United Kingdom have finally spoken up against popular social media apps and how their algorithms are targeting young kids in a harmful manner.

The new draft called upon leading tech giants to tame algorithms that come under the term ‘toxic’ due to the spread of viral content relating to themes such as the likes of adult-content, self-inflicted harm, and hazardous eating conditions.

Such services were said to be restricted as they could lead to the spread of dangerous ordeals in today’s society, not to mention a rise in bullying, the spread of hate, and material that markets dangerous acts. And out of those leading the orders included Ofcom says it’s about time action was taken to protect underage users.

This latest order entails close to 40 kinds of practical endeavors entailing age-checks that are of robust origin and also orders for enhanced moderation of content published online.

As mentioned time and time again, the top telecom regulators have repeatedly argued how social media is designed to spread fun and learning but some aspects of society cannot be denied and they are ugly.

Kids are not aware sometimes of what they are getting into and it’s about time leading social media platforms to take accountability for such actions and do better with more responsible behavior.

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This is not something new and parents have been expressing great frustration on this front for quite some time now. They wonder if keeping kids safe is even possible on social media or not, due to such algorithms in place today.

These latest rules are said to come into play by the latter part of next year as per reports published by the BBC. And anyone that opts to break the law would be highlighted and shamed.

As per the latest draft, such regulations are created for services having a huge number of kids that use the service, and therefore their main target audience has been them for a while.

Top tech giants that fall in this category will be required to fulfill risk assessments for kids that showcase the kind of harm they provide and also which amendments they hope to make to provide safer services online.

The news comes after serious criticism from leaked sources such as the Facebook Files where top tech giants are forced into making serious changes in terms of how younger audiences must be handled better to remain safe. Across America, those below the age of 13 were not allowed technically on several platforms such as Instagram and even Facebook. But such limitations were easy to cross over.

As mentioned by the top UK regulator, it’s about time such actions were taken in the better interest of kids against social media apps and algorithms that have been allowed to function for too long without any sort of regulation in place today.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Charting Crypto's Path: Countries at the Forefront of Digital Asset Adoption

Crypto payment gateway, Triple-A, ranked the top countries with highest cryptocurrency ownership rates. The data is as of 2023 and highlights the major countries with highest cryptocurrency ownership rates as well as how many people own cryptocurrency in these countries. The top country with highest rates of crypto ownership is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 30.4% people in UAE own cryptocurrency and there are a total 3 million crypto owners.

Followed by UAE is Vietnam with 21.2% of its population owning cryptocurrency. Vietnam has 21 million people who own crypto and has the second highest crypto rates overall. The US is third with 53 million or 15.6% cryptocurrency owners. With 13.5% of its population owning crypto, Iran is fourth with 12 million crypto owners. The Philippines and Brazil have 13.4% and 12% of the population owning crypto.

11.4% of the total population in Saudi Arabia owns crypto with 4 million people having ownership of cryptocurrency. Singapore has 11.1% who own crypto while the total number of these owners is 665K. 10.6% in Ukraine own crypto which makes about 4 million people with crypto ownership. Venezuela has 10.3% of the population who owns crypto and there are 3 million crypto owners.

If we rank the countries according to their actual population, India would come first with 93 million people, China second with 59 million people and the US would rank third with 52 million people. UAE has the highest rates of crypto ownership in the world while Vietnam is leading Southeast Asia in terms of cryptocurrency ownership rates.

Country	Number of Crypto Owners	Percentage of Population Who Own Crypto
United Arab Emirates	3M	30.40%
Vietnam	21M	21.20%
U.S.	53M	15.60%
Iran	12M	13.50%
Philippines	16M	13.40%
Brazil	26M	12%
Saudi Arabia	4M	11.40%
Singapore	0.665 million	11.10%
Ukraine	4M	10.60%
Venezuela	3M	10.30%

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

AI's Threat to Jobs and Wages, OpenAI CEO Expresses Concern

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently expressed significant concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy. Speaking at a Brookings Institute panel, Altman emphasized that the socioeconomic changes driven by AI could be profound.

His concerns are rooted in the potential for AI to replace jobs and lead to lower wages, which could disrupt the economy on a large scale.

Despite some views that AI may not drastically affect the economy—reflected in the lack of noticeable economic upheaval from advancements like GPT-4—Altman believes the threat remains substantial.

He pointed out that discussions around the economic effects of AI have decreased this year, which worries him as he thinks the public might be underestimating the issue.

Recent studies support Altman’s concerns. Research by the International Monetary Fund indicated that AI could influence about 60% of jobs in advanced economies, with many of these jobs being susceptible to automation.

This shift could result in fewer job opportunities and reduced salaries. Another study by McKinsey predicted that nearly 12 million US workers might need to find new jobs by 2030 due to AI's impact.

The effects of AI on employment are already being felt by some workers. There are reports of CEOs replacing their staff with AI systems and professionals losing work to AI tools like ChatGPT.

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However, there is also a more positive outlook among some experts who believe that AI can enhance productivity and offer career advancement opportunities for those who adapt to using the technology.

Altman has previously shared his apprehensions in various interviews, stating that the AI technology developed by his company could potentially "eliminate" many jobs.

He expressed a personal concern about this possibility, suggesting that his apprehension about AI's impact on the labor market is a significant reason for caution in its development and deployment.

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by Mahrukh Shahid via Digital Information World

Understanding Biotech: The Fundamentals of Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology, a field at the forefront of scientific innovation, has become synonymous with the future of healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. At its core, genetic engineering acts as the cornerstone of biotech advancements, enabling scientists and researchers to modify organisms at the molecular level. This transformative technology offers unprecedented opportunities to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. Among the leaders in this field, Wheeler Bio stands out as a beacon of innovation and excellence, providing critical services that propel the industry forward.

The Science Behind Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, or gene editing, involves the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It encompasses a range of techniques, including recombinant DNA technology, CRISPR-Cas9, and gene therapy, each offering unique approaches to modify genetic material. These methods allow scientists to add, remove, or alter genetic material at particular locations in the genome, paving the way for disease resistance, increased productivity, and therapeutic applications.

Applications in Healthcare

In healthcare, genetic engineering is revolutionizing the development of treatments and therapies. From gene therapy, which corrects defective genes responsible for disease development, to the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for the production of insulin, growth hormones, and vaccines, the implications are profound. Companies like Wheeler Bio are instrumental in this process, utilizing their expertise in genetic engineering to develop and manufacture biopharmaceuticals that save lives and improve patient outcomes.

For the latest developments in genetic engineering and biotech, readers are encouraged to explore reputable news sources such as Nature Biotechnology and Science Daily. These platforms provide insights into the cutting-edge research and innovations that are shaping the future of medicine and healthcare.

Impact on Agriculture

The agricultural sector also benefits significantly from genetic engineering. By altering the genetic makeup of crops, scientists can create varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions. This not only boosts crop yields and food security but also reduces the need for chemical pesticides, contributing to more sustainable farming practices. Genetic engineering is thus a key player in the global effort to feed an ever-growing population while preserving natural resources.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

Despite its potential, genetic engineering raises important ethical and environmental questions. Concerns about GMO safety, biodiversity loss, and the ethical implications of modifying human embryos are at the forefront of public debate. Addressing these concerns requires a balanced approach, combining scientific innovation with rigorous regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations. Initiatives and research by organizations like Wheeler Bio contribute to this dialogue, ensuring that advancements in genetic engineering are pursued responsibly and with the greater good in mind.

The Future of Genetic Engineering

Looking ahead, the future of genetic engineering holds immense promise. With ongoing advancements in gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, we are on the cusp of a new era in biotech. These innovations have the potential to cure genetic diseases, enhance food security, and mitigate environmental challenges. As we navigate this future, companies like Wheeler Bio will continue to play a pivotal role, driving the research and development necessary to realize the full potential of genetic engineering.

Conclusion

Genetic engineering is a foundational element of biotechnology, offering revolutionary solutions to challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. As we delve deeper into the possibilities it presents, it's essential to foster a collaborative environment that balances innovation with ethical responsibility. In this endeavor, the contributions of companies like Wheeler Bio are invaluable, exemplifying the best of what biotech has to offer. Through continued research, development, and dialogue, we can harness the power of genetic engineering to create a healthier, more sustainable world for generations to come.

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by Asim BN via Digital Information World

Passkeys Vs SMS Based Multi-Factor Authentication: Security Experts Claim Any Method Is Better Than None To Prevent Cyber Attacks

The latest trend to adopt advanced Passkeys as your tool of choice for authentication of devices has emerged. But security experts want you to know that if you’re not keen on modern technology, going old school and sticking with SMS-based MFA is still advised.

Yes, Passkeys are recommended as the top tool by experts thanks to the many advantages they provide. But if you haven’t been able to get around it, sticking to the basics brings no harm and some kind of protection is always better than none, as explained by Eric Skinner who is the VP for Trend Micro.

Many users feel comfortable with SMS MFA because it’s to the point and almost all devices entail it, he added during this year’s RSA Conference. Yes, the vulnerability factor cannot be ignored where hackers could break into the system due to the emergence of SIM Swapping ordeals. But wait, some people are overreacting just a tiny bit over here.

Sim Swapping technology has actors wishing specific victims focus and carry out a carefully modified social engineering experiment and that does need some type of effort.

Thankfully, the latest technology is gaining plenty of traction and that is why experts have come to the conclusion that you do what you feel is best and if passkeys are your thing, nothing is better. But if not, stick to whatever you have got.

When compared to the usual hardware security systems, Passkeys are more beneficial as they can utilize common devices for authentication purposes.

Passkeys guard against the likes of attackers in the middle of incidents. And yes, little to no skills are required on this front. Codes are published and you can install them from GitHut and even attain kits from there.

Way back in 2018, phishing email attacks were so common but today, it’s not the case with modern security systems. Attackers are now able to produce emails that are much better and more comprehensive.

These end up convincing others to press in certain areas or log in and it’s perfect.

When a false website gets the credentials from a user, it ends up passing them along to the actual site. This would give rise to MFA messages which are based on text only. However, when victims add in codes, this causes the attacker to capture it and then make use of it for logging-in purposes.

• Related: Try our unique password generator that allows users to create strong, random passwords with one click!

As mentioned by Skinner, this would also be working as authenticator platforms or through physical tokens that display changing codes. But can fake webpages bypass antivirus software too? If yes, how?

The answer by Skinner is yes. And that’s because fake variants run across servers without any presence seen on local machines. These attacks keep growing and to prevent yourself from being caught in the middle, plenty of explainers are provided on setting up passkeys through Amazon, Google, and Apple.

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OpenAI Makes New Product Announcements Including New Media Manager And Deepfake Image Detector

Tech giant OpenAI just made several announcements that happen to be linked to a wave of new tools based on generative AI.

For starters, the company has spoken about a new media manager. This is designed to ensure content creators inform the firm about any material that’s under their sole ownership so their copyrights stay protected.

In the same way, it helps to ensure their content isn’t used for training purposes without consent and that’s a big deal because many have been robbed of their work ever since the revolution of generative AI.

The firm released a new statement on this front including how it would now require state-of-the-art learning research to produce its first tool of this kind to better highlight text, audio, pictures, and even videos coming from different sources. It would seemingly also ensure the creator’s voices are heard and not just ignored.

For now, the tool is just in its trial phase and we don’t see a launch coming before early next year. But seeing the company even speak about such a product has fans excited as OpenAI has been at the center of a lot of controversy and legal woes including those arising from big media firms like NYT.

In case you didn't know, the latter accused the tech giant of using content for AI training purposes.

In other news, the company has shed light on how it’s working on other offerings including an innovative tool created to detect pictures generated via the DALL-E art creator. Their goal seems to be more related to ensuring independent research is conducted where it examines how effective a classifier really is, provides considerations, and also determines where it could be used in the real world. Did we mention the characteristics that the content produced includes?

For a while now, deepfake images seem to be circulating with no checks and balances. But seeing OpenAI make efforts toward identifying real from fake is the way things need to be done. And let’s not forget how the tool at hand could differentiate real from fake and during trials. And it was miraculously how it could do that 98% of the time.

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For now, it’s under an experimentation phase and no clues about when we might get to benefit from it were made public.

The tech giant added through a similar blog post how it hopes to join new groups to produce more standards so that online content could be better certified. Additionally, the tech giant and its top partner are collaborating for a whopping $2 million in funding which is dubbed Soicetal Resilience Fund.

This would be used for funding purposes that are allocated toward AI education and better comprehension. So as you can see, OpenAI is really moving full throttle in terms of ensuring it's answering the many questions surrounding its technology.

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New Chrome Feature, Video Chapters Mimics YouTube's Functionality, Aiding Navigation on Websites

According to a new post on Chrome’s status page, Google is going to add a new feature to its Chrome browser that will make videos break into chapters for easy navigation on websites. This feature is similar to how video chapters work on YouTube videos. This ‘Video Chapters’ feature is a based on Media Session API which is a part of the MediaMetadata interface. This API collects all the data used by a device’s user interface and helps in showing different artists, titles and other information to the user.

The advantage of adding video chapters in videos is that users can easily watch specific parts easily without wasting their time finding the parts they want to watch. When a video is transformed into chapters, each chapter of the video has its own preview and title, making it easy to find and rewatch the parts users want. The video chapters on YouTube work in a way that creators can either break the video in chapters manually or the YouTube does that for them automatically. Google Chrome will use the interface of MediaMetadata to get the same features on websites that will help in breaking videos into video chapters.

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Google also wrote on the Chrome status page that video chapters will be added with the W3C API update on the platform. The feature will be added to the blink layer after adding ‘ChapterInformation’ to MediaMetadata. The ChapterInformation will be applied to audio as well as video as MediaMetadata works for both. Google will add this feature in Chrome for Desktop 126 and this will help in the easier navigation of videos.

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