Data danger
We need balance
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Friends,
Some personal news: I have left Quizlet - it was a great journey, but all good things come to an end - and I’m readying myself for a new adventure (in edtech again) that I’ll share in a few weeks. Onwards!
As with others - the conflict in the Middle East has dominated my every turn. And I have found it incredibly difficult viewing. The nuance behind the overall situation is such a fine line that I feel unqualified to talk about it - and the more I see, the less I want to read. I do recommend, however: Your Moral Equation Must Have Human Beings on Both Sides Ignoring universal humanity is the path to murder and I’m Going to War for Israel. Palestinians Are Not My Enemy. I will quote Gandhi, though - “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” - and pray for peace.
On to this week:
Throughout history, data has served as a catalyst for human progress, fostering the dissemination of knowledge and technological advancements. From ancient scrolls to Gutenberg's printing press, data has played an essential role in shaping our world. However, the digital age has brought both unparalleled progress and unanticipated challenges.
In today's digital era, data has transitioned from physical archives to the vast realm of the "cloud." Data centers house an abundance of personal information. The replication of these centers ensures data preservation, even in the face of unforeseen disasters, underscoring the significance of data in our time.
The year 2013 - yes, ten years ago- witnessed a watershed moment when Edward Snowden exposed the U.S. National Security Agency's surveillance practices. His revelations ignited a global debate on privacy in the digital age, revealing that the boundaries between government surveillance and individual privacy are not easily defined. It was before the age of AI that we are in. But AI was very much part of the picture that we are talking about.
Terrorist attacks in the twenty-first century have prompted tech companies to reconsider their privacy policies. The emergence of the digital age blurred the lines between personal privacy and national security. As governments expanded surveillance efforts, issues of transparency and accountability arose. Tech companies, including Microsoft, challenged government actions in the pursuit of protecting customer data. The resulting laws have set the stage for a constructive dialogue between technology firms and the government, acknowledging the need to strike a balance between accountability and privacy.
Global variations in data privacy policies are influenced by culture and history. Differences in data practices between regions, such as Silicon Valley's innovation-driven culture and Germany's caution due to historical experiences, underscore the complexities in the digital world. As technology continues to evolve, ensuring data ethics and responsible practices remains an ongoing challenge.
Moreover, the world remains largely unprepared for the profound consequences of cyberwarfare. The WannaCry cyberattack of 2017 exposed the vulnerabilities of digital infrastructure, highlighting the necessity for vigilance in protecting against future threats. The potential for more sophisticated cyberattacks poses risks that extend beyond data compromise, encompassing critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and even life support systems. What we have seen in Russia and Ukraine has been a mixed technology war. What we are seeing in the Middle East is a reversion to traditional war approach. But what we are seeing (or not seeing) is an underground war in the control of data - maybe of countries, or groups
In the realm of social media, while the internet promised global connectivity, it has also become a tool for sowing discord. Instances like the 2016 U.S. election and Russian disinformation campaigns show the power of online manipulation and its historical precedents in foreign influence. There’s ongoing worry that our brains are being manipulated from any number of sources, from TikTok to X to Instagram to general online advertising.
AI represents a promising frontier but brings its own set of challenges. Bias in AI, as seen in facial recognition technology, demonstrates the importance of inclusivity and diversity in technology development. Building technologies that reflect the diversity of the world is crucial in mitigating bias and ensuring equitable solutions.
As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, it is essential to find a balance between harnessing the benefits of technology and addressing the challenges it poses. Responsible data practices, privacy protection, and vigilant cybersecurity are paramount as we shape the digital future.
And we need to align humans with technology, humanity to AI to make sure we have a safe future.
Stay Curious - and don’t forget to be amazing,
Here are my recommendations for this week:
Now
News Without Motives: 1440 is the daily newsletter helping 2M+ people stay informed—it’s news without motives, edited to be unbiased as humanly possible. A five-minute read each morning, 100% free: Sign up now!
Young children who are close to their parents are more likely to grow up kind, helpful and ‘prosocial’. Study using data from 10,000 people in the UK found that those who had a closer bond with their parents at age 3 tended to display more socially-desirable behaviours like kindness, empathy and generosity, by adolescence.: Related: What Does It Really Mean to Dissociate?
Why BMI is flawed — and how to redefine obesity: The main diagnostic test for obesity — the body mass index — accounts for only height and weight, leaving out a slew of factors that influence body fat and health. Related: An hour-by-hour guide to your bedtime routine
Here’s What We Do and Don’t Know About the Effects of Remote Work. Three years into a mass workplace experiment, we are beginning to understand more about how work from home is reshaping workers’ lives and the economy. Related: Why aren't there more 80% jobs?
We Need to Know When to Opt Out of Optimizing: Great read on being over efficient in life. Related: How to feel less stressed
The Red Pill of Humility: To see yourself as you truly are is to discover the rewards of being more humble.
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Trends.vc: Join 50,000+ founders and investors discovering new markets and ideas. Our readers are saving 2,000+ hours of market research with free 5-minute reports on AI, Crypto and more. Sign up now!
The Path to AI Arms Control: America and China Must Work Together to Avert Catastrophe. Also see The New AI Panic
State of AI Report 2023: The State of AI Report analyses the most interesting developments in AI. If you have some technical understanding, you’ll know this is an annual must-read. Related: How to use ChatGPT to master the best of what other people have figured out
The AI 100 2023: The top people in artificial intelligence
‘If only a few people control the future, it’s not going to end well’: Airbnb’s CEO explains how he believes AI will change business. Related: Who Can Commercialize New Technologies?
Computers Are Learning to Smell: AI could revolutionize our understanding of one of the most mysterious human senses. Related: Woman's Experimental Bionic Hand Passes Major Test With Flying Colors
Free your newsletters from the inbox: Meco is a distraction-free space for reading newsletters outside the inbox. The app is packed with features designed to supercharge your learnings from your favourite writers. Become a more productive reader and cut out the noise with Meco - try the app today
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