Sony AI's research has identified additional layers of bias in AI algorithms related to skin color discrimination, beyond what the Monk Skin Tone (MST) Scale, developed by Google and sociologist Ellis Monk, has addressed. The study found that AI classifiers are influenced by skin color and hue, affecting the classification of emotions and gender. Sony is introducing the 'Hue Angle' to better represent skin color diversity and mitigate bias in AI datasets and models. The research was partly inspired by the Humanae project by photographer Angelica Dass, which matches people's skin colors with the Pantone chart to highlight diversity.

WhatsApp is challenging Zoom's dominance in the video call market by introducing a screen sharing feature, leveraging its vast user base of over 2.7 billion. Zoom, with 300 million daily meeting participants, is contending with a backlash over user data rights and potential AI model training without consent. Meta's financial strength, with a 16% profit increase to $7.8 billion, supports WhatsApp's expansion, offering free video call features for up to 32 users. Zoom's stock price and valuation have declined as companies move away from full remote work to a hybrid model.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman launched Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency using biometric imaging for proof of personhood, aimed at distinguishing humans from AI and addressing income inequality. The Orb device captures iris images to create unique IDs. Worldcoin has been tested in various countries and recorded over 2 million registrations. The WLD token surged 98% upon listing. Altman and co-founder Alex Blania envision Worldcoin facilitating global democratic processes and potentially AI-funded UBI. The World App, a crypto wallet, runs on Ethereum's Polygon blockchain. Altman is also involved in shaping AI regulation and has participated in a White House safety pledge.

OpenAI removed its AI classifier tool, designed to detect AI-generated text, due to low accuracy levels. Initially claimed to be reliable, the tool only correctly identified 26% of AI-written text and mislabeled human-written text 9% of the time. The removal follows concerns about ChatGPT-related cheating and a case where a US attorney faced charges for using misleading ChatGPT-generated citations. A Stanford University study also reported a significant drop in ChatGPT's accuracy in solving math problems from 97.6% to 2.4% with its latest versions, GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.

Amazon has filed a lawsuit in the European General Court, disputing its classification as a 'very large online platform' (VLOP) under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which subjects VLOPs to stricter content rules and data sharing requirements. Amazon argues that most of its profits are from North America and that it is not the largest retailer in any EU country. The DSA, effective August 25, imposes standards to combat hate speech, disinformation, and online counterfeits, with severe penalties for noncompliance. Amazon is the first US company to challenge the DSA, among others like Meta and Google. Zalando, a German retailer, has also contested its VLOP designation.

Chinese hackers, identified as Storm-0558 by Microsoft, breached the email systems of officials from over 20 agencies globally, including the email accounts of US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and other US officials. The cyber attack occurred ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's diplomatic visit to China in June, following a period of heightened tensions due to trade disagreements and the spy balloon incident. Microsoft reported that the hackers gained access through a token validation loophole, affecting around 25 organizations. Microsoft has since mitigated the attack for all customers.

Vodafone is collaborating with SandboxAQ to develop a quantum-safe VPN to protect smartphone networks from potential cyber attacks enabled by quantum computing. SandboxAQ, once part of Alphabet, is chaired by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and has raised significant funding to address quantum threats. Vodafone's cybersecurity director, Emma Smith, emphasizes the importance of preparing for quantum-empowered attackers. The company is testing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology to defend against Store Now, Decrypt Later attacks. Vodafone is also part of the GSM Association's PQTN task force, which advises on preparing for quantum risks. The urgency is underscored by advancements in quantum computing by companies like Google and Microsoft, and the US government's view of quantum computing as a national security element.

The Russell Group, comprising 24 leading UK universities including the University of Oxford, London School of Economics, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, has established five guiding principles for the ethical use of generative AI in academia. These principles aim to balance responsible use and prevent misuse, promote AI literacy, adapt teaching and assessment methods, support equal access, and maintain academic rigor. This move marks a shift from previous stances where AI use was warned against and banned due to plagiarism concerns. The universities now view the ethical use of AI as an opportunity to uphold academic integrity.

Sendai City in Japan and Nokia have successfully conducted the first test flight of a drone on a private LTE network, aiming to explore its use in disaster situations such as tsunamis. The test demonstrated the effectiveness of private LTE networks in controlling drones for enhancing situational awareness and communication during disasters. Nokia's Drone Networks, which include drones with HD and thermal cameras, a private LTE network, and a control center, have also been adopted by the Red Cross in the Philippines. The test in Sendai City involved issuing tsunami warnings and monitoring evacuation efforts using the drones, which proved to be a safe and efficient method for disaster prevention and mitigation. The technology offers secure connectivity and optimized coverage for drones, which is crucial for mission-critical operations and secure information processing.

The article discusses the importance of African countries taking control of their digital futures to capitalize on the Fourth Industrial Revolution. During the launch of The Digital Manifesto in Nairobi, Strive Masiyiwa, co-chair of the Pathways for Prosperity Commission, emphasized the need for visionary planning and skills training to leverage digital technologies for growth and inclusivity. Melinda Gates highlighted the gender gaps in digital access, while Stefan Dercon warned against being left behind as in the previous industrial revolution. The article also touches on the role of public-private partnerships, the potential return of the African tech diaspora, the importance of STEM education, and the need for venture capital. It concludes with a call for African unity in tech regulation and a share in the global AI market.

The article discusses the importance of Big Data and data science in the field of human resources. HR professionals are encouraged to adopt these technologies to improve recruitment processes and avoid hiring unproductive staff. The event organized by Predictive Analytics in Nairobi highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence to overcome challenges in corporate growth and high employee turnover. LinkedIn's talent solutions manager emphasized the platform's capabilities in aiding recruiters to find suitable candidates. The article also touches on the need for continuous learning and adaptation to emerging technologies, especially for Kenya's youth, in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Concerns about hiring based on hype and the necessity of proper vetting are also mentioned, along with the importance of internal employee training.

The article discusses the impact of blockchain technology on the car industry, particularly in Kenya. It highlights the potential for blockchain to revolutionize the transport sector by creating a decentralized and efficient system for managing data and transactions. Prof Bitange Ndemo, chairperson of the DLT and AI task force, believes blockchain can improve efficiency in the transport industry. Mr Ramah Rugut, CEO of Twende, and Mr Benjamin Arunda, author of 'Understanding the Blockchain', discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing blockchain in the motor industry. The article also explores how blockchain could support autonomous cars and the Internet of Things by providing a secure, shared database for transactions and interactions among manufacturers, government, and other stakeholders in the automotive ecosystem.

The article discusses the stalled progress of Konza Techno City, a project launched in 2013 with the aim of becoming Africa's 'Silicon Savannah.' Despite initial optimism and promises of rapid development, the project has been significantly delayed due to government red tape, land acquisition issues, and misaligned priorities, such as the focus on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. The author criticizes the lack of tangible progress and compares Konza's stagnation to other African tech city initiatives that are moving forward. The article calls for a reevaluation of economic progress and a renewed focus on technological advancement to realize the potential of Konza Techno City and maintain Kenya's competitive edge in technological innovation in Africa.