Human rights principles

Calls for ‘digital vaccination’ of children to combat fake news

A recently published report by the University of Sheffield and its research partners proposes implementing a ‘digital vaccination’ for children to combat misinformation and bridge the digital divide. The report sets out recommendations for digital upskilling and innovative approaches to address the digital divide that hampers the opportunities of millions of children in the UK.

The authors warn that there could be severe economic and educational consequences without addressing these issues, highlighting that over 40% of UK children lack access to broadband or a device, and digital skills shortages cost £65 billion annually.

The report calls for adopting the Minimum Digital Living Standards framework to ensure every household has the digital infrastructure. It also stresses the need for improved school digital literacy education, teacher training, and new government guidance to mitigate online risks, including fake news.

Zuckerberg alleges Biden admin pressured Meta on COVID censorship

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg has disclosed in a recent letter that senior Biden administration officials pressured his company to censor COVID-19 content during the pandemic. The letter, sent on 26 August to the US House Judiciary Committee, reveals Zuckerberg’s regret over not publicly addressing this pressure sooner and his acknowledgement of questionable content removal decisions made by Meta.

You can read the letter by clicking on X post

Zuckerberg detailed in the letter that, in 2021, the White House and other Biden administration officials exerted considerable pressure on Meta to suppress certain COVID-19-related content, including humour and satire. According to Zuckerberg, this pressure led to frustration when Meta did not fully comply.

The letter, which the Judiciary Committee on Facebook shared, highlights Zuckerberg’s criticism of the government’s actions. He expressed regret for not being more vocal about the situation and reflected on the decisions made with the benefit of hindsight.

The White House and Meta have not commented on the matter outside regular business hours. The Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, has labelled the letter a ‘big win for free speech,’ noting Zuckerberg’s admission that Facebook censored some content.

Additionally, Zuckerberg announced that he would refrain from contributing to electoral infrastructure for the upcoming presidential election. The approach follows his controversial $400 million donation in 2020 through his Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which faced criticism and legal challenges from some groups who perceived it as partisan.

Elon Musk pushes for AI safety law in California

Elon Musk has urged California to pass the AI bill requiring tech companies to conduct safety testing on their AI models. Musk, who owns Tesla and the social media platform X, has long advocated for AI regulation, likening it to rules for any technology that could pose risks to the public. He specifically called for the passage of California’s SB 1047 bill to address these concerns.

California lawmakers have been busy with AI legislation, attempting to introduce 65 AI-related bills this season. These bills cover a range of issues, including ensuring algorithmic fairness and protecting intellectual property from AI exploitation. However, many of these bills have yet to advance.

On the same day, Microsoft-backed OpenAI supported a different AI bill, AB 3211, which requires companies to label AI-generated content, particularly in light of growing concerns about deepfakes and misinformation, especially in an election year.

The push for AI regulation comes when countries representing a broader portion of the global population are holding elections, raising concerns about the potential impact of AI-generated content on political processes.

Pavel Durov detained in France amid crime probe

According to French authorities, Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging app Telegram, was detained in France as part of an ongoing investigation into several serious crimes, including child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraud. The arrest occurred at Le Bourget airport near Paris, and French President Emmanuel Macron later confirmed the news, stressing that the arrest was not politically motivated.

The arrest is tied to an investigation launched in July by the Paris prosecutor’s office, focusing on Telegram’s alleged role in facilitating illegal activities, including running an online platform for illicit transactions and refusing to provide information to authorities. The probe also includes allegations of money laundering and giving cryptographic services to criminals. Durov, who holds several citizenships, including the French, could be detained further as the investigation progresses.

Telegram, which boasts nearly a billion users worldwide and is especially popular in Russia and Ukraine, responded by stating that it complies with the EU laws and maintains industry-standard moderation practices.

The company dismissed claims that the platform or Durov himself was responsible for criminals’ app misuse.

On the other side, the Kremlin has expressed concerns that France’s accusations against Telegram founder Pavel Durov could be an attempt to limit freedom of communication unless supported by substantial evidence. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Russia is prepared to assist Durov due to his Russian citizenship, though his French citizenship presents additional challenges. Peskov emphasised that the gravity of the charges requires equally serious evidence to avoid perceptions of an effort to curtail communication freedoms.

Peskov also suggested that the case might be used to intimidate a prominent business leader and questioned French President Emmanuel Macron’s assertion that Durov’s detention was free from political motives. Russia has previously faced challenges in blocking Telegram and has fined the company for not removing content it deemed illegal.

The UAE has also called for clearer information about the arrest and investigation. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that it is closely monitoring Pavel Durov’s case and has requested the French government to urgently provide consular services. The ministry emphasized prioritising its citizens’ care, safeguarding their interests, and ensuring comprehensive support are key commitments for the UAE.

Ultimately, Elon Musk confronted Emanuel Macron by responding directly to his post on X, claiming that ‘It would be helpful to the global public to understand more details about why he was arrested’, as he described it as an attack on free speech.

Video game actors fight for job security amid AI’s impact on the industry

In the world of video game development, the rise of AI has sparked concern among performers who fear it could threaten their jobs. Motion capture actors like Noshir Dalal, who perform the physical movements that bring game characters to life, worry that AI could be used to replicate their performances without their consent, potentially reducing job opportunities and diminishing the value of their work.

Dalal, who has played characters in the most popular video games like ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,’ highlights the physical toll and skill required in motion capture work. He argues that AI could allow studios to bypass hiring actors for new projects by reusing data from past performances. The concern is central to the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which represents video game performers and other media professionals. The union is demanding stronger protections against unregulated AI use in the industry.

Why does this matter?

AI’s ability to generate new animations and voices based on existing data is at the heart of the issue. While studios argue that they have offered meaningful AI protections, performers remain sceptical. They worry that the use of AI could lead to ethical dilemmas, such as their likenesses being used in ways they do not endorse, as seen in the controversy surrounding game modifications that use AI to create inappropriate content.

Video game companies have offered wage increases and other benefits as negotiations continue, but the debate over AI protections remains unresolved. Performers like Dalal and others argue that AI could strip away the artistry and individuality that actors bring to their roles without strict controls, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how AI is regulated in the entertainment industry, impacting the future of video game development and beyond.

Prince Harry and Meghan visit Colombia to discuss AI’s impact on society

Prince Harry, alongside his wife Meghan, emphasised the need for caution regarding artificial intelligence during their visit to Colombia. Speaking at a panel in Bogota, the Duke of Sussex expressed concerns about AI’s impact on society, highlighting the fear and uncertainty surrounding the technology. He also pointed to social media’s role in creating division, warning that misinformation is driving a wedge between people.

The couple arrived in Colombia at the invitation of Vice President Francia Marquez. During their visit, they engaged with students at a local school and enjoyed a traditional dance performance, showcasing their support for Colombian culture. Harry’s remarks on AI were part of a broader conversation about the challenges posed by new technologies and their influence on social dynamics.

Harry and Meghan, founders of the Archewell Foundation, are expected to continue their tour with a visit to Cali, where they will participate in the Petronio Alvarez festival, celebrating Afro-Colombian music and culture. Their visit reflects a commitment to addressing global issues such as cyber-bullying, online violence, and discrimination.

Vice President Marquez thanked the couple for their visit, acknowledging their efforts to forge connections and work on pressing global challenges. The royal couple’s engagement in Colombia underscores their ongoing dedication to social causes and global humanitarian efforts.

California’s child safety law faces legal setback

A US appeals court has upheld an essential aspect of an injunction against a California law designed to protect children from harmful online content. The law, known as the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, was challenged by NetChoice, a trade group representing major tech companies because it violated free speech rights under the First Amendment. The court agreed, stating that the law’s requirement for companies to create detailed reports on potential risks to children was likely unconstitutional.

The court suggested that California could protect children through less restrictive means, such as enhancing education for parents and children about online dangers or offering incentives for companies to filter harmful content. The appeals court partially overturned a lower court’s injunction but sent the case back for further review, particularly concerning provisions related to the collection of children’s data.

California’s law, modelled after a similar UK law, was set to take effect in July 2024. Governor Gavin Newsom defended the law, emphasising the need for child safety and urging NetChoice to drop its legal challenge. Despite this, NetChoice hailed the court’s decision as a win for free speech and online security, highlighting the ongoing legal battle over online content regulation.

Social media Bluesky gains popularity in UK after Musk’s riot remarks

Bluesky, a social media platform, has reported a significant increase in signups in the United Kingdom recently as users look for alternatives to Elon Musk’s X. The increase follows Musk’s controversial remarks on ongoing riots in the UK, which have driven users, including several Members of Parliament, to explore other platforms. The company announced that it had experienced a 60% rise in activity from UK accounts.

Musk has faced criticism for inflaming tensions after riots in Britain were sparked by misinformation surrounding the murder of three girls in northern England. The Tesla CEO allegedly used X to disseminate misleading information to his vast audience, including a post claiming that civil war in Britain was ‘inevitable.’ The case has prompted Prime Minister Keir Starmer to respond and increased calls for the government to accelerate the implementation of online content regulations.

Bluesky highlighted that the UK had the most signups of any country for five of the last seven days. Once supported by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, the platform is among the many apps vying to replace Twitter after Musk’s turbulent takeover in late 2022.

As of July, Bluesky’s monthly active user base was approximately 688,568, which is small compared to X’s 76.9 million users, according to Similarweb, a digital market intelligence firm. Despite its smaller size, the recent surge in UK signups to Bluesky appears to be a growing interest in alternative social media platforms.

Polish billionaire couple targets Meta in fake Ad lawsuit

Polish billionaire Rafal Brzoska and his wife plan to take legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, due to fake advertisements circulating on these platforms. These ads falsely feature Brzoska’s image and spread misinformation about his wife. The couple has yet to decide where to file the lawsuit, which is part of a broader effort to hold Meta accountable for allowing such ads to persist even after being alerted to the issue.

Brzoska, known for founding the Polish parcel locker company InPost, stated that he first notified Meta about the problem in early July but has yet to see a resolution. He and his wife are considering various legal jurisdictions, including possibly filing a lawsuit in the United States if they don’t see action in Europe. They intend to demand that Meta cease profiting from misleading content that infringes on their rights and seek substantial compensation, which they plan to donate to charity.

The situation has prompted action from the President of the Personal Data Protection Office in Poland, who recently mandated that Meta Platforms Ireland Limited stop displaying false advertisements featuring the Brzoskas on Facebook and Instagram in Poland for three months.

A Meta spokesperson responded that the company removes false ads when discovered and collaborates with local authorities to combat scammers. They acknowledged the ongoing challenge of scammers who constantly adapt to evade detection, reaffirming their commitment to working with businesses, local governments, and law enforcement to address these issues.

Russia blocks Signal messaging app

Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has announced a nationwide block on the encrypted messaging app Signal. The restriction, reported by Interfax, is attributed to Signal’s failure to comply with Russian anti-terrorism laws aimed at preventing the use of messaging apps for extremist activities.

Users across Russia, including Moscow and St Petersburg, experienced significant disruptions with Signal, which approximately one million Russians use for secure communications. Complaints about the app surged to over 1,500, indicating widespread issues. While Signal appeared to function normally for some users with a VPN, it was inaccessible for others trying to register new accounts or use it without a VPN.

Mikhail Klimarev, a telecom expert, confirmed that this block represents a deliberate action by Russian authorities rather than a technical malfunction. He noted that this is the first instance of Signal being blocked in Russia, marking a significant escalation in the country’s efforts to control encrypted communication platforms.

Roskomnadzor’s action follows previous attempts to restrict other messaging services, such as Telegram, which faced a similar blocking attempt in 2018. Despite these efforts, Telegram’s availability in Russia remained relatively unaffected. Signal still needs to comment on the current situation.

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