Weekly Roundup 1/9/18

Happy New Year, and welcome back to our weekly roundup! This past week, Spectre and Meltdown--flaws in computer chips that can allow an attacker to access sensitive data in the chip’s memory--dominated the news. An estimated three billion chips in phones, computers, and tablets are vulnerable to Spectre. Thankfully, there is currently no indication that these vulnerabilities have been exploited, but be sure to update your devices when new updates are released.

Authorities in India are also investigating a possible leak in Aadhaar--India’s biometric database. Indeed, cyber threats remain a significant concern in 2018.

In other news:

Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial Intelligence and International Development
• New York City’s AI Transparency Bill

Blockchain

• Startups use blockchain to transform industries
• Russia and Venezuela consider virtual currencies
• Blockchain and Bitcoin in Africa

Disinformation

• Researchers look at false news consumption

Open Internet

• Iranian authorities restrict access to social media tools during recent protests

Tech News

• African Tech Trends in 2018