University Of Miami Won't Commit To Ban On Facial Recognition Tech
(Miami New Times, Nov 16, 2020)
One month after news outlets reported that the University of Miami used video surveillance to track student protesters, the school's president has yet to address students' calls for a ban on facial-recognition technology, a measure supported by more than 20 civil-rights groups. On October 13, the UM Employee-Student Alliance (UMESA) tweeted that students who participated in a protest against the university's COVID-19 policies in September were called to a meeting with the dean of students and told they had been identified through video surveillance.
How Cities Are Defining The Rules Of Engagement For Emerging Technology
(Cities Today, Nov 16, 2020)
There’s plenty of hype about how COVID-19 is accelerating the roll-out of artificial intelligence (AI), drones, robotics, surveillance systems and more but alongside this a quieter, more fundamental shift is taking place. A growing number of cities are working to better define the rules of engagement to ensure technology deployed in their communities is fair, open and explainable. These considerations are not new – the rise and fall of the Sidewalk Labs initiative in Toronto, for instance, was a microcosm for debates about the use of data, privacy and the role of big technology companies in the public realm. The controversial project to create a smart neighbourhood in a disused area of Toronto’s Quayside district was shut down in May, with Sidewalk Labs CEO, Dan Doctoroff, citing “unprecedented economic uncertainty”.
Do Biometrics Represent The End Of The Humble Password?
(Dunya News, Nov 16, 2020)
We’re living in a climate where the risks posed by cybercriminals are constantly looming – last year broke records for the number of data breaches resulting in exposed records and this year shows no signs of slowing down. With Kylie Cosmetics and Blackbaud both suffering data breaches in the past month alone, it’s clear that the risks posed by these groups of unscrupulous individuals are here to stay.
Personal Data Protection: How Compliant Are Your Customer And Employee Onboarding?
(Your Story, Nov 16, 2020)
Onboarding is one of the first touchpoints in a customer’s or employee’s journey. It marks the beginning of a relationship. Most companies pour a lot of thought into designing the individual interactions through which customers and employees form their initial view of the business. We believe that onboarding is in need of an urgent rethink for two reasons. First, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition from physical, paper-based processes to online, digital-by-default processes. Second, in a few months from now, the forthcoming data protection legislation will likely regulate the acquisition, processing and handling of personal data—both customer and employee data enter a company’s data pipeline through the onboarding funnel.
Bill To Overhaul Canada's Privacy Laws Coming Soon
(CBC , Nov 16, 2020)
As the number of high-profile online consumer security breaches continues to grow, the federal government is expected to introduce a bill soon to shake up Canada's privacy laws — possibly as early as this week. Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains signalled plans to introduce the legislation late last week on the House of Commons notice paper. The bill — officially called "An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts" — would be the first major attempt to change Canada's privacy law in decades.
What Would Biden Bring For Big Tech & AI Companies
(Analytics India Mag, Nov 16, 2020)
While dealing with the COVID pandemic, climatic conditions, racial equity and economic recovery will be the critical agendas for the Biden administration once they take up the charge, it will be interesting to see his initiatives for the tech companies in the country. More so, because in his previous interactions with the media, he has shown his disagreement with the friendliness that the Obama administration has with Silicon Valley. While experts believe that technology may not be high on Biden’s list of priorities, he may not be totally ignorant towards it.
Cybersecurity at U.S. Ports: Clear Rules Require Rulemaking
(Maritime Executive, Nov 16, 2020)
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. Coast Guard led the way on maritime security by shaping new international rules, national laws, and domestic regulations to protect maritime shipping and infrastructure. These changes set the standard in the global fight against threats to port facilities and served as the template for new regimes negotiated at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
On U.S. Digital Rights, Biden Presidency Could Be 'a Real Opportunity'
(Reuters, Nov 16, 2020)
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden should move fast to protect digital rights by curbing the use of facial recognition and surveillance, regulating big tech and tackling discrimination perpetuated by algorithms, campaigners said this week. As the Democratic former vice president lays the groundwork for his administration, 10 U.S.-based digital rights and racial justice groups signed a statement setting out their policy proposals for his first 100 days in office.
The Hot New Covid Tech Is Wearable and Constantly Tracks You
(NY Times, Nov 16, 2020)
Sports leagues, large employers and colleges are turning to devices that could usher in more invasive forms of surveillancre
America’s Internet Has China Envy
(NY Times, Nov 16, 2020)
One of the big questions about the future of the internet is whether the world’s digital habits will eventually look like China’s. For some time, fresh digital trends — both dystopian and useful ones — have gotten started and become big in China. The country was one of the first places where digital payments and loans on smartphones transformed finance, online video streamers became superstars, food delivery apps swept cities, and online misinformation eroded people’s faith in facts. In the United States and some other countries, technology watchers have tried to borrow from some of China’s internet habits in the belief that they’re a preview of the future everywhere.
