Category Archives: artificial intelligence

artificial intelligence, Internet, Social Media

The Alarming Consequences of Hate Speech: Why Brands are Deserting X

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In our current age, social media platforms have gained immense power over public discourse, and recent events have highlighted the dire consequences of allowing hate speech and discrimination to thrive without consequences. These reprehensible behaviors not only cause harm to individuals but also damage the fabric of society by perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fueling divisions. As such, we must work towards creating a safer online environment where all individuals can express themselves freely without fear of harassment or discrimination. The repercussions of such content are not limited to social harm alone; they extend to the corporate world as advertisers begin to distance themselves from platforms that tolerate such toxicity. One platform facing a mass exodus of advertisers is X, formerly known as Twitter, and the reasons are deeply concerning.

Recent revelations have exposed a disturbing trend of pro-Nazi content appearing alongside company advertisements. Even more disconcerting, the platform could have effectively prevented this from happening. In a world where corporate responsibility is paramount, this grave oversight threatens the reputations and values of companies that advertise on X.

Moreover, the actions of influential figures on X, like Elon Musk, supporting baseless antisemitic conspiracy theories, send shockwaves through the platform’s user base of millions. Musk’s actions amplify hateful narratives and contribute to an environment where disinformation and hatred can fester. Such actions by influential individuals can have socially and economically far-reaching consequences.

The response from corporations has been swift and resolute. IBM, a tech giant, has demonstrated its commitment to ethics and social responsibility by ceasing all advertising on X. Their stance echoes a “zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination” policy, which should serve as a benchmark for other companies. The European Commission, a governing body responsible for the well-being of millions across the continent, has suspended all advertising on X, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Hollywood studio Lionsgate Entertainment, a prominent name in the entertainment industry, has also taken a principled stand, immediately suspending all advertising on X. This bold statement aligns with their commitment to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

Even Apple, a tech behemoth, has noticed and halted all advertising on X, signaling the gravity of the issue. Such actions from leading companies serve as a reminder that the corporate world has a role in shaping the ethical landscape of social media platforms.

We should take into account the departure of these advertisers. It sends a powerful message to X and platforms like it, asserting the importance of accountability, ethical responsibility, and protecting societal values over profit margins. Companies that continue to advertise on platforms that allow hate speech and discrimination risk not only tarnishing their brand but also complicity in enabling harm.

In conclusion, the exodus of advertisers from X is not merely a business decision but a response to a grave moral and ethical concern. Hate speech and discrimination have no place in our society, and platforms that allow their propagation must be held accountable. The actions of companies like IBM, the European Commission, Lionsgate Entertainment, and Apple should serve as an inspiration to others. We can foster an online environment that promotes tolerance, diversity, and well-being.

Citation:

Allyn, B. (2023, November 17). Advertiser exodus grows as Elon Musk’s X struggles to calm concerns over antisemitism. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/11/17/1213836636/advertiser-exodus-grows-as-elon-musks-x-struggles-to-calm-concerns-over-antisemi

artificial intelligence, Biometric, Industry, Research, Science, Technology

Beware: AI Can Steal Your Passwords by Listening to Keystrokes with 95% Accuracy

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As highlighted in a recent report, researchers from Durham University in the United Kingdom have recently conducted a pioneering experiment that provides valuable insights into the advancing capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). The researchers utilized a 16-inch MacBook Pro laptop as their experimental platform, employing an artificial intelligence (AI) device to capture and analyze the auditory patterns produced by keystrokes, thereby acquiring knowledge of the distinct acoustic signature associated with each typed letter. The study’s findings have garnered attention due to the impressive performance of the AI model. Specifically, the model achieved an accuracy rate of 95% in accurately classifying recorded keystrokes. It is worth noting that the model achieved this high accuracy when positioned at a distance comparable to what one would typically find in a coffee shop setting.

The lead researcher, Joshua Harrison, conveyed his astonishment regarding the findings and underscored the potential ramifications for cybersecurity. Harrison disclosed that our developed and trained model achieved a classification accuracy of 95% when applied to the keystrokes recorded on a mobile device near a laptop. The disclosure of this information has raised apprehensions regarding the susceptibilities inherent in our routine digital engagements.

Nevertheless, it is essential to note that researchers are advising against the immediate onset of widespread panic. Harrison observed that preexisting countermeasures are available to safeguard against such attacks, necessitating individuals to be cognizant of these measures in their day-to-day activities. Using biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition technology, to unlock electronic devices provides additional security that effectively thwarts password-stealing attempts facilitated by artificial intelligence.

This report is presented in light of the growing discourse surrounding the exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and the associated risks it poses. In a recent gathering, technology industry leaders and senators came together in a private setting to discuss and deliberate upon the challenges artificial intelligence (AI) presented. The United States Congress and the Executive Branch have encouraged technology companies to adopt protective measures for this groundbreaking technology.

Michael Chertoff, the former United States Secretary of Homeland Security, underscored the importance of promptly establishing safety principles for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. He emphasized the urgency to tackle apprehensions about deepfakes and manipulated videos. AI stealing passwords serves as a reminder of the pressing need for proactive measures to safeguard our digital identities and personal information within an ever-expanding AI-dominated landscape.

In 2019, the Czech Republic’s Armed Forces, specifically the Czech Air Force’s 22nd Helicopter Base in Namest nad Oslavou, dispatched a Black Hawk helicopter to the prestigious Globsec Security Forum. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has been the subject of a comprehensive report.

Cited works
. https://www.coresecurity.com/blog/getting-inside-mind-attacker-part-5-final-words-advice

Czech Republic : The CSG Sends A Black Hawk Helicopter To The Globsec Security Forum. (2019). MENA Report.

Access Control Systems – 5 Common Misconceptions. https://www.tridon.com/5-common-misconceptions-about-access-control-systems-2/

Belgium : Middle East and refugees debates with Mogherini, Stoltenberg, MEPs and MPs. (2016). MENA Report, n/a.

Shafer, Brooke. “Study: AI Can Steal Passwords with 95% Accuracy.” NewsNation, September 15, 2023. https://www.newsnationnow.com/business/tech/study-ai-steal-passwords-95-percent-accuracy/?fbclid=IwAR2zl8kaCQgz2nwbMpL72mkOcTE2RLUDQWO5hZPCU10phpntFUiq2XwEO_o.