Category Archives: Technology

Anti-AI: Disruption Has Officially Disrupted Disruption

Disruptive technology has been so ingrained in tech culture that it’s been celebrated as a rallying cry for tech innovation for over 100 years now. But can we handle what our artificial intelligence engineers are offering us? Apparently not.

Apparently, being Anti-AI is the new cool. And if you aren’t on the “oh my god, artificial intelligence is going to take over the world and kill of us humans” train then you just don’t get it, according to some of the top leaders in the field.

In a dramatic recent development, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called for a moratorium on the development of new artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Musk argues that the rapid pace of AI development poses a threat to the safety and stability of modern society, saying that “we need to be super careful with AI”, and that “it’s a rare case where we should be proactive in regulation instead of reactive”.

Musk’s comments come amid growing concerns about the potential risks of advanced AI systems, which could theoretically be capable of unexpected and highly destructive behaviors. Some experts fear that AI could be programmed to cause harm to humans, or that it could ultimately outstrip human intelligence, leading to disastrous consequences. But, while some in the tech industry agree with Musk’s concerns, others have criticized his comments as alarmist and exaggerated. Some point to the potential benefits of AI, such as improved healthcare and more efficient manufacturing, and argue that any negative effects will be outweighed by the positive.

After everything that’s happened in the past 20 years alone, we have to admit that disruptive technology has its place in society. After all, disruptive technology completely transforms or revolutionizes the existing market, business model or industry. It often creates a new market and value network that eventually disrupts the existing market with its competitive advantages. The internet, mobile phones, and social media are some classic examples of disruptive technologies that are here to stay, regardless of their controversy and augmentations over the years.

With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there have been many discussions about how it is going to disrupt various industries. From healthcare to manufacturing, AI is expected to streamline processes and make businesses more efficient. However, there is a growing movement of people who believe that AI is not the solution to all problems and, in fact, may cause more harm than good. This movement is known as Anti-AI, and it is gaining traction around the world.

Anti-AI proponents argue that the technology may not be able to achieve what it is being hyped as. They believe that the current hype is misplaced and that AI cannot simply disrupt every business model. The Anti-AI movement argues that humans hold unique skills that are still unmatched by robots, and that AI should not pose a threat to employment. They suggest that AI should be used as a tool to complement human skills, rather than replace them.

One area in which AI disruption has been questioned is the job market. According to the Anti-AI movement, AI technology has the potential to replace human workers in various industries, leading to a loss of jobs. Analysts predict that AI could lead to the loss of over 3 million jobs in the United States alone. This has raised concerns among Anti-AI advocates, who believe that AI should not lead to unemployment.

The Anti-AI movement has also expressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI. According to them, the unregulated use of AI technology can lead to various ethical issues. For example, autonomous vehicles could potentially harm human life if they malfunction, and biased algorithms could cause injustice in decision-making processes.

Another area of concern is data privacy. According to the Anti-AI movement, the data used by AI algorithms could potentially be misused or stolen. This could lead to security breaches and data loss, which would have significant implications.

The Anti-AI movement has also raised concerns about the exaggerated benefits of AI. They believe that many businesses and governments are overestimating the potential of AI to solve global problems. According to them, AI is not a magical solution that can instantly solve complex issues, such as climate change or poverty. Instead, they suggest that we should focus on developing sustainable solutions that take into account the ethical and social implications of AI technology.

While some may view the Anti-AI movement as reactionary or even luddistic, it is important to take their concerns seriously. AI technology is still in its early stages, and it is crucial that we consider the ethical and social implications of its development. By doing so, we can create a future where AI is used to complement human skills and create meaningful change, rather than simply causing disruption for its own sake.

One way to address the concerns raised by the Anti-AI movement is to develop regulations around AI. We need to ensure that AI technology is developed in a way that is safe, ethical, and responsible. Governments could also incentivize businesses to prioritize ethical and social considerations when developing AI technology, rather than simply focusing on profitability.

Another approach is to focus on developing AI that is transparent and accountable. We need to ensure that the decisions made by AI algorithms can be explained and that the data used is unbiased. This could involve creating open-source algorithms and data sets that are accessible to the public.

Finally, we need to prioritize education and training in AI technology. As AI evolves, it will become increasingly important for individuals to have a strong understanding of the technology and its ethical implications. We need to ensure that everyone has access to the education and training they need to participate in the development and implementation of AI technology.

In conclusion, while AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for solving some of the world’s most pressing problems, we must take the concerns of the Anti-AI movement seriously. By developing regulations, prioritizing transparency and accountability, and focusing on education and training, we can create a future where AI is used in a responsible and ethical way. Ultimately, this will help us create a fairer and more sustainable world for everyone.

Experts call for a Pause on AI Development

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Technology pioneers, including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak, have signed an open letter urging a “pause” on artificial intelligence (AI) development, citing concerns over the potential dangers it could pose.

The letter, released by the Future of Life Institute (FLI), a research organization aimed at mitigating existential risks facing humanity, highlights the risks presented by integrating AI into various industries, including warfare, cybersecurity, and transportation.

The letter states that the risks associated with AI are enormous and that there is a pressing need for the scientific community and policymakers to come together to discuss the implications of AI.

Leading AI developers have also signed the open letter, including Demis Hassabis of Google’s DeepMind, Stuart Russell of UC Berkeley, and Yoshua Bengio of the University of Montreal.

The FLI statement calls for more research into how AI can be designed to ensure it remains safe and offers benefits to society.

The letter acknowledges that AI has the potential to bring many benefits to humanity, including improving healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. Still, the researchers argue that we need to take a more measured approach that ensures that the technology is developed in a way that avoids unintended consequences.

While AI has developed rapidly in recent years, experts warn that we have yet to realize its full potential, it is still subject to many unknowns.

One of the primary concerns is the possibility of AI systems acting unpredictably or developing biases. If left unchecked, these problems could have catastrophic consequences if AI is used in critical systems like medical equipment, transportation, or navigation systems.

The letter also notes the potential for hackers or malicious actors to exploit AI systems for their own gain, as some have already demonstrated with DeepFakes and other AI technologies.

The risks posed by AI could also extend to areas like autonomous vehicles, where the software controls the car’s actions. In the event of an accident, who would be held accountable? It is vital that we have clear regulations in place to ensure that developers are held responsible for any negative outcomes.

The researchers argue that we need to take a different approach to AI development, with a focus on ensuring that it remains transparent and explainable. This means that we must be able to understand how AI systems work and why they make specific decisions.

The letter concludes by calling upon researchers and policymakers alike to take a more measured approach to AI development, focusing on the risks as well as the benefits of the technology.

The FLI has been working on promoting the safe development of AI, with a focus on ensuring that the technology is designed in a way that protects human values and dignity.

The organization has been working with researchers in the field of AI, as well as policymakers, to promote safer practices for developing AI technologies.

In June 2021, the European Commission released its proposed regulations on AI aimed at setting legal guidelines for the development and use of AI in Europe.

The legislation focuses on creating a trustworthy and transparent framework that ensures that AI is used responsibly and in a manner that respects human rights and dignity.

The regulations would require companies to comply with safety, transparency, and accountability standards to ensure that AI is developed in the right way.

While there is a growing consensus that we need to take a more measured approach to AI development, there is no denying that the technology has the potential to bring many benefits to humanity.

Ultimately, the key to safe and effective AI development is to create a transparent and accountable framework that ensures that the technology is being used in a responsible and ethical manner.

It is crucial for policymakers and researchers to work together to overcome the risks associated with AI development and help bring about a more secure and positive future for humanity.

AI Chatbots Pose a Growing Threat of Disinformation

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As the use of AI chatbots becomes more prevalent, concerns are growing about their potential to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion.

While chatbots have been used for years to automate customer service and sales, they are now being employed for more nefarious purposes. Chatbots can be programmed to mimic human conversation and generate convincing text and audio, making them ideal for spreading propaganda, fake news, and other forms of disinformation.

Experts warn that chatbots could be used to create the impression of widespread public support for a particular candidate, policy, or viewpoint. By flooding social media with automated messages, chatbots can create the illusion of a groundswell of grassroots support, which can then be amplified by human users.

Chatbots are also being used to target vulnerable populations with false or misleading information, such as vaccine hesitancy or conspiracy theories. This can have serious consequences, as it can lead to decreased vaccine uptake and other harmful behaviors.

In addition to spreading disinformation, chatbots can also be used to amplify existing divisions within society. By targeting people with messages tailored to their existing beliefs and biases, chatbots can deepen existing political, social, and cultural fault lines, creating a more polarized and fractious society.

While AI chatbots are not inherently nefarious, experts say that their potential for harm must be taken seriously. To combat the spread of disinformation, social media companies and other platforms must take steps to detect and remove chatbots and other malicious actors. Additionally, education and media literacy efforts can help individuals better discern between real and fake information online.

As chatbot technology continues to advance, it is crucial that we stay vigilant about the potential for these tools to be used for malicious purposes. By taking proactive steps to address the threat of disinformation, we can help ensure that chatbots and other forms of AI are used for good, rather than for harm.

Google Tracks You Even If You’re Not Signed In

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A new lawsuit alleges that Google violates users’ privacy and data security by collecting and using private browsing information. Specifically, the suit states that Google systematically includes search queries in the URL of the search results page, even when the user is using private browsing mode. The researcher said this is an egregious violation of user privacy and demanded action from the Federal Trade Commission. The company has been sued by several groups, including Consumer Watchdog.

The lawsuit states that Google’s practices violate privacy laws and should be stopped. This is a significant step forward for users’ online privacy. The Internet giant’s private browsing option has been around for some time, but the suit claims that Google is violating California law by gathering personal information even when users use “private browsing” mode. The law requires consent before a company can monitor private communications, so the company must get consent before it collects any personal information.

Google’s data-collection practices have also been the subject of other lawsuits. This case is the latest in a series of similar actions. In 2012, the European Union imposed a fine of EUR50 million for violating the GDPR. The plaintiffs argued that Google failed to obtain clear consent from end users and did not make their actions transparent enough. Further, they alleged that Google did not disclose its partners’ elements. Furthermore, a private browsing mode does not offer additional information on a website.

Other lawsuits alleging that Google violates user privacy have not been successful, but the company is still facing a number of other cases regarding its data-collection practices. The suit says that the company collects browsing histories and search queries, even if users’ browsers are in private mode. The lawsuit further claims that Google intentionally deceives consumers by claiming that these actions are necessary for its business. If this lawsuit is successful, it would force Google to pay a huge sum of damages to its users.

The US government is currently suing the company for illegally invading users’ privacy. The suit is also claiming that Google has knowingly collected information about its users. It is unclear exactly how it collects such information. The data is collected when a person uses the search engines in private mode. However, this is not the only violation that Google has been accused of. The data is used to improve the quality of their search experience.

While Google does not explicitly deny that it collects this information, it does not mention that it also gathers information about its users through third-party tracking cookies. As a result, the company is not required to disclose the specific details of the third-party tracking cookies that it collects. The company has no plans to replace these cookies with anything that is less invasive. The phasing out of third-party tracking cookies, however, will not have a negative impact on its advertising business.

Despite the fact that these practices are illegal, a class-action lawsuit filed in the US alleges that Google has violated user privacy by collecting third-party tracking cookies. The class-action claims that the company violates California’s Computer Data Access and Fraud Act by violating privacy laws. In addition to these claims, it has also been cited as a violation of California’s Computer Data Access and Fraud Act.

The suit further alleges that Google’s privacy controls are deceptive, and the company collects information even without consumer consent. In addition, it is a requirement for third-party Android apps use the Firebase SDK, which is a third-party tool to allow advertisers to know the composition of their audience. This enables the company to analyze the content of the audience and use it for advertising purposes. It then uses the information to create hyper-personalized ads.

In a separate suit, the plaintiffs claim that Google has harmed the rights of millions of users by tracking their activities. This lawsuit has not been filed in the US courts, but it is still pending in the US. The Texas Attorney General’s office has previously filed a similar suit against the company, and the lawsuit is based on the company’s failure to follow the law. The company’s privacy policies are the subject of a class-action lawsuit against it, but the proposed settlement has been thrown out because they have been a major violation of user rights.

Snapchat’s new camera glasses cost $150 and come in 3 new colors

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Snap unveiled a new version of its Spectacles camera glasses on Thursday. The latest model is a bit slimmer, $20 more expensive, can take photos, offers prescription lenses for an additional fee, and is water resistant.

Snap, Snapchat’s parent company, launched a new version of its camera glasses, Spectacles, on Thursday. The new model is slightly slimmer, can take photos, and they’re water-resistant, Snap said in a release.

“Tap the button to record video with new and improved audio, and now, you can press and hold to take a photo! Snaps you capture will transfer to Snapchat up to four times faster, and always in HD,” according to the Snap release.

Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini robot in 2019

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After 26 years, Boston Dynamics is finally getting ready to start selling some robots.

Founder Marc Raibert says that the company’s dog-like SpotMini robot is in pre-production and preparing for commercial availability in 2019. The announcement came onstage at TechCrunch’s TC Sessions: Robotics event today at UC Berkeley.

This Cryptocurrency Could Save The World

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The prospect of shifting gears from simply making money to being paid for performing scientific research with your computer is more than just enticing for most tech enthusiasts — and the idea is catching on fast

When most people first get interested in cryptocurrency, it’s for practical reasons — they’re looking for more control over their financial transactions, they’re intrigued by the idea of digital currency, they’re impressed by the price action of the trading markets — and these reasons all have one thing in common: people want to make money.

At a base level, the initial appeal of cryptocurrency is mining. Mining cryptos is like mining for gold with your computer — you research the asset to find the most profitable, you purchase tools for the mining itself, and you pay a fee towards the cost of workers (in this case, the power company), all in the hopes of making enough in return to claim a profit. The problem people immediately face, however, is how difficult it is to make a profit when the cost of equipment and electricity is so high. To make matters worse, all of that computational power is only going to one place: your pocket.

But what if you could donate your processing power while also making a profit in return? And what if that processing power were given to solving some of the most complex problems in the scientific community, problems that if solved could bring humanity to the next level such as mapping the Milky Way Galaxy, curing cancer, or finding life on other planets? Well, there’s a cryptocurrency for that, and it’s called Gridcoin.

Gridcoin is a cryptocurrency that rewards its users for contributing to scientific research through a software program called BOINC, or Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing, which was developed by the University of California, Berkeley to help the SETI project, or search for extraterrestrial intelligence. While it isn’t worth much at the moment (about 15 cents per coin), the price has indeed increased over the past two years, making it a contender against other low-priced cryptocurrencies that have been around longer. What’s more is that Gridcoin’s price, along with many other major cryptos, has increased due to Bitcoin’s increase in price, and is now beginning a life of its own much like Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Bitcoin Cash and other alternative currencies have in the past few years.

Current projections for Gridcoin are pointing towards an average of about 25 cents for coin for the beginning of 2018, and upwards of $2 – $3 by the end of the year. That means that buying Gridcoin now may even be more profitable than mining for the moment. You can purchase Gridcoin on a number of exchanges, including Poloniex and Bittrex, among others.

However, if you are interested in turning your unused processing power into a contributor to the BOINC network and earn your Gridcoin, you can get started by following the instructions on the Gridcoin website.

Make Calls Over Wifi Only With Your Outdated Smart Phone

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Outdated smart phones are still useful for making phone calls, and best of all it can be totally free! Skype is the first that comes to mind, then of course there is Facebook and Google Voice which are both 100% free, person-to-person phone calls anywhere in the world. So long as you have wifi access, you don’t need a cell phone plan anymore!

Use Your Old Smartphone As A Free Web Server

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There are all sorts of free web server apps, which are useful for hosting your own website from home without having to pay anything. Of course, you are limited to the resources your old smartphone has, but there is a surprising amount of services you can provide even without a lot of storage, such as a PHP server, a SQL database server, an FTP server, and even an ssh server. This can prove to be very powerful if done right!

Make Your Windows Phone a Gaming Phone

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Of course you could use your phone for gaming as well as other things, but a lot of apps can begin to clutter your phone up, and you only have so much room and memory. Separating your gaming from your normal everyday use can really help organize your phone usage, and your life.

If you like to play games on your phone, you may want to install your games on your old Windows phone only, especially if you find yourself only gaming on your phone at specific times of the day such as at night before bed or while waiting somewhere during a daily routine.