Weekly Roundup 6/3/2020

By Grace Chimezie | March 06, 2020

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Tech and Governance
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Photo Credit: MIT Tech Review

The novel coronavirus outbreak, which has spread to several countries with health workers looking for ways to stem the spread of the virus, has resulted in an "infodemic," according to The World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO, defines an infodemic as "an overabundance of information- some accurate and some not, that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy source and reliable guidance when they need it." 

Following the spread of COVID-19, false claims online have spiked with misinformation on  how the disease began or promises of magical cures. The WHO has cautioned that misinformation online has spread more than the virus, and is working with tech companies such as Google and Tencent to combat the rumor and myth to ensure correct information is available.

Top weekly tech articles curated for you:

Disinformation

Artificial Intelligence

  • Singapore is creating a smart city, through its Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB) to make it inhabitable for its large and growing population (approx 6M). Part of its critical framework is to recognize that emerging technologies pose new challenges, such as when an autonomous bus breaks down, and incorporate a plan that ensures safety with a framework for the regulation. 
  • The United States (U.S) and European Union (EU), share overlapping principles in their approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforming how economies grow, generate jobs, and conduct international trade, such as the need to develop an "ecosystem of trust" in AI. The recently published white paper on AI and data strategy provides a platform for collaboration.

Cybersecurity

  • When addressing cybersecurity fraud, "AI and other technologies may boost an enterprise's defenses, but they often remedy symptoms and not cure the disease." learn more on advanced cybersecurity fraud and how to fight it
  • Wired had a piece on how to find out what’s online about yourself - and thereby to make it harder for abusers to track down private information for 'doxing'. This increasing technique – often used against politically marginalized voices – brings online harassment to the real world.
  • The current law criminalizing cybersecurity crimes in Mali undermines the data privacy rights and pose a potential threat to freedom of expression online, "especially given Mali's democracy deficits and low press freedom ranking."
  • Critical vulnerabilities were found in 'PayPal' –what it means and how the company's inefficient approach to criticism has affected its reputation. 
  • Grindr has introduced a discreet app icon feature, which provides users the option of replacing the Grindr app image on their phone, with another symbol, to protect them in countries where they are susceptible to attack. The feature is developed, in collaboration with The Guardian Project, and Grindr for Equality

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