Saturday, May 01, 2021

Another tool for surveillance.

https://thenextweb.com/news/bat-sense-algorithm-could-be-used-to-monitor-people-and-property-without-cameras?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheNextWeb+%28The+Next+Web+All+Stories%29

Bat-sense’ algorithm could be used to monitor people and property without cameras

A “bat-sense” algorithm that generates images from sounds could be used to catch burglars and monitor patients without using CCTV, the technique’s inventors say.

The machine-learning algorithm developed at Glasgow University uses reflected echoes to produce 3D pictures of the surrounding environment.

The researchers say smartphones and laptops running the algorithm could detect intruders and monitor care home patients.

… The researchers believe their algorithmic recreation of this natural ability could greatly reduce the cost of 3D imaging.

You can read the research paper in the journal Physical Review Letters.





Once data enters the system, everyone can access anything?

https://governmentciomedia.com/ai-helps-identify-data-gaps-improve-interoperability-dhs

AI Helps Identify Data Gaps, Improve Interoperability at DHS

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and DHS at large, is working hard to establish common data standards and data interoperability to get the most out of AI.

With AI, having proper data accessibility is critical,” said ICE Chief Data Officer Ken Clark during the panel. “We have a very close relationship with the other components. We have a data governance council, I'm a member as CDO. That gives us a lot of opportunities to do collaboration, coordination. At ICE, we're developing a data analytics framework to identify the opportunities and technologies — we rely heavily on [NCITE].

… “I'm working with the other partner components on a law enforcement domain as it relates to data and synchronizing the needs and opportunities for using AI across the other nine component partners I have working with in the law enforcement area,” Clark said. “We're also looking at common guidance for the use of commercial data and consistent standardized use. As you develop one tool, that tool could have applicability for another component. We have app stores and ways to access various applications ourselves on personal devices, but how can we get some of these tools out to other components that are successful at ICE? We see these efforts as improving coordination and interoperability across the department.”





Cruel and unusual punishment or an effort to reduce social media pollution?

https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2021-03-25/judges-weigh-whether-to-ban-capitol-riot-suspects-from-internet

Uncharted waters.’ Judges are banning some Capitol riot suspects from the internet

Judges have long been reluctant to ban anyone from the internet, a restriction that essentially cuts a person off from much of modern society and has been reserved mostly for accused and convicted pedophiles. But as toxic disinformation becomes an increasingly dangerous threat, driving domestic terrorism and violence, the courts are facing vexing new questions around how often and under what circumstances those accused of taking part should be taken offline altogether.





This happens when you don’t understand the Internet or the law. (Have I mentioned that I am running for President in 2040?)

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/nod-donald-trump-florida-set-ban-big-tech-deplatforming-rcna784

In nod to Trump, Florida is set to ban 'deplatforming' by tech companies

Florida is on track to be the first state in the nation to punish social media companies that ban politicians like former President Donald Trump under a bill approved Thursday by the state's Republican-led Legislature.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican and close Trump ally who called for the bill’s passage, is expected to sign the legislation into law, but the proposal appears destined to be challenged in court after a tech industry trade group called it a violation of the First Amendment speech rights of corporations.



(Related)

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/04/isps-sue-new-york-to-block-law-requiring-15-broadband-for-poor-people/

New York requires $15 broadband for poor people, promptly gets sued by ISPs

The state law requires $15 broadband plans with download speeds of at least 25Mbps, with the $15 being "inclusive of any recurring taxes and fees such as recurring rental fees for service provider equipment required to obtain broadband service and usage fees."

ISPs can alternatively comply by offering $20-per-month service with 200Mbps speeds, and price increases would be capped at two percent per year.





Resources for geeks.

https://www.makeuseof.com/apps-to-help-you-learn-to-code-for-international-programmers-day/

8 Apps to Help You Learn to Code for International Programmers' Day

The following apps will help you gain the knowledge and skills of a programmer from the comfort of your own home, from your own device. There are a range of coding apps that include fun games, exercises and challenges that will help you gain all the necessary tools you need to become a programmer. Learn the fundamentals of programming and have fun in the process!



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