The UK government has launched the application to track people-to-people contacts in England and Wales. The updated NHS COVID-19 application uses Bluetooth to track the time people spend near each other and the distances they have kept between them. When a person falls ill, they can report this to the app, which then warns anyone who has been around. If the algorithm determines that their contact was high risk, they will be asked to isolate themselves. To protect personal data, the system generates a random identifier for each application user. These identifiers are then frequently renewed to provide additional privacy. In addition, the application does not store personal information other than the first half of each user’s zip code, which is used for local alerts, and no personal information will be shared with the government or NHS. More information here.
Facebook removed the Chinese network of fake accounts that used AI generated faces and spread government propaganda on the platform. Fb announced that it has removed 155 accounts, 11 pages, 9 groups and 6 accounts on the Instagram for coordinated non-authentic behavior on behalf of a foreign or governmental entity. More here.
The new AI system running on Youtube, will block videos that are unsuitable for children, automatically adding age limits to the videos. Users will be able to appeal against this decision. More info here.
The recent survey by Kaspersky shows that the majority of Europeans (almost 2/3) would agree to “enrich” their bodies with technology. The survey was conducted among more than 14 000 people in 16 countries. Views vary greatly from one demographic group to another. The inhabitants of southern Europe and Morocco (the only non-European country surveyed) – were much more open to the prospect than their northern neighbors. Those in favour of “improving” people had the same priorities: improving physical health and quality of life. More info here.
Credit: KasperskyCredit: Kaspersky
The Library of the U.S. Congress has launched a tool equipped with AI, which allows to search 16 million old newspaper pages for historical images. The Data Collection contains more than 1.5 million newspaper images. The Newspaper Navigator shows how important events, or characters, have been presented in the press over the years. More information here.
Portland is the first city in the United States to prohibit both companies and government agencies from using face recognition technology in public places. Boston and San Franciso, banned the use of face recognition technology by public agencies, but Portland is the first city to extend restrictions to the private sector. The City Council passed the bill unanimously, even though Amazon spent $24,000 on lobbying Council members to ease the rules. The banks also called for an exception, arguing that technology helps them keep their customers and employees safe. The new rules come into effect immediately, while restrictions on private companies will come into effect on January 1, 2021. More information here.
Nvidia and ARM will open a world-class AI center in Cambridge. The new center will have five key elements: ARM/Nvidia-based supercomputer – one of the most powerful AI supercomputers in the world; Research Fellowships and Partnerships – Nvidia will use the center to establish new research partnerships in the UK; AI training – Nvidia will make its AI curriculum available throughout the UK; the Startup Accelerator will help start-ups achieve success by providing access to the supercomputer, connections to NVIDIA researchers and partners, technical training and marketing promotion; industry collaboration – the new research facility will be an open center for industry collaboration. More info here.
The EU has prepared the document – European framework on ethical aspects of Artificial Intelligence, robotics and related technologies. It aims is to facilitate the adoption of EU standards on a global scale and to ensure that the development, implementation and dissemination of the AI is based on the values, principles and rights protected in the EU. The document can be read here.
