Tech Beat by Namecheap – 11 August 2023

In this week’s lead story, we look at the struggles online platforms such as Substack, Reddit, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter) face when balancing free speech with user protection. While Substack’s hesitance to address harmful content raises questions, Reddit’s volunteer moderation model showcases its own challenges. And as the long-standing rivalry between Meta and X intensifies, the legal questions around moderation issues see both platforms walking the tightrope of censorship.

In tech news:

• Google Street View car leads high-speed police chase. Police in Indiana pursued a vehicle driving above 100mph close to Indianapolis that could be identified as a Google Maps car due to the 360° camera mounted on the roof, according to The Register. The chase continued for several miles until the driver lost control and ended up in a creek. After he was taken into custody, the driver told officers he worked for Google and was afraid to stop. He faces charges that could result in up to two and a half years in prison if convicted. 
• Question mark noticed in deep space. What did the James Webb Space Telescope capture? Exactly! Gizmodo reports that a pair of actively forming stars 1,470 light years from Earth appears as a celestial question mark. These stars, named Herbig-Haro 46/47, could be a message from some distant civilization looking for answers — but realistically, they’re probably just a coincidental form of galactic structures. Still, imagining alien life sending us a message is always fun! 

• Supermarket tries to help customers — by watching them shop. In Japan, the Aruk Mitajiri supermarket monitors its customers while they shop, allowing an AI-powered system to make suggestions about what they might want to buy, according to The Register. The supermarket Hofu is trialing tech from Fujitsui that gives the friendly “avatar concierge” an idea of what shoppers want from the time they spend looking at different products. Fujitsu believes this will help improve the customer experience, but the idea of being followed may not appeal to everyone. 

• Hackers find a way to break into Tesla cars. A security researcher and three Ph.D. students from Germany have hacked into Tesla’s AMD-based car systems for what may be a first, according to The Drive. The jailbreak uses a hardware exploit against the media control unit (MCU) that enables access to the systems controlling in-car purchases. Using this technique, owners can activate paid services for free, such as heated steering wheels and footwell lighting — and according to the researchers, Tesla can’t prevent the jailbreaks even with software patches. 

• Korean music label uses AI to overcome language barrier. The K-pop label that brought the world the boy band BTS will use artificial intelligence to release a Korean language song in five other languages, Reuters reports. The music label HYBE will release “Masquerade” by MIDNATT in Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and Vietnamese, using artificial intelligence to render the voice of a native speaker in each language. HYBE claims this is a first for the music industry, as well as a new way to reach fans from different backgrounds. 

• It’s getting easier to remove private information from Google. Ever Google your name only to discover more information available about yourself than you want online? It should soon be easy to remove with Google’s recent “results about you” tool update. According to Engadget, the tech giant has released a new dashboard that will alert users when new personal information about them appears in search results. Relatedly, Google is also updating the system that helps users remove explicit images of themselves from search results, as well as parental controls and SafeSearch.

• PayPal gets more into crypto with a new USD-pegged stablecoin. PayPal has announced its entry into the cryptocurrency market with the launch of its stablecoin called PayPal USD. According to Gizmodo, the stablecoin is pegged to the US dollar and is fully backed by US dollar deposits. Users can purchase or sell the stablecoin for $1.00 on PayPal’s website or app. PayPal believes that its digital currency can reduce friction for in-experience payments in virtual environments and facilitate remittances and money transfers between family and friends. PayPal USD is being issued by Paxos Trust Co and will be built on the Ethereum blockchain.

Previously in Tech Beat: The carbon footprint of generative AI 

Generative AI, while revolutionary, poses significant environmental challenges, with data centers already contributing to at least 1% of global electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Training large AI models can emit substantial amounts of CO2. As tech giants integrate AI into their platforms, the environmental impact is set to increase, prompting a call for cleaner energy solutions and strategic training practices. Read the full article for a deeper dive into the environmental impact of generative AI.

Tip of the week: How to engage in effective and safe online discussions 

Navigating the world of online discussions can be challenging. While you may wish to express controversial opinions or wade into heated conversations from time time, it’s a good idea to be smart about it when you do. By refraining from being too impulsive and taking steps to protect yourself and ensure you operate within the rules, you’ll live to argue another day. Here are some tips to help you successfully participate in digital conversations.

• Be mindful of personal information. When you’re active in online discussions, especially on platforms with minimal moderation, it’s wise to avoid sharing details like your full name, location, or workplace. By being circumspect about the information you provide, you can protect yourself if someone disagrees with your position and wants to make trouble.

• Use pseudonyms or avatars. For those times when you’re diving into sensitive or potentially controversial topics, a pseudonym or avatar can be beneficial. This approach lets you share your views without directly linking them to your real-world identity.

• Stay updated on platform policies. Make it a habit to read and understand the terms of service and community guidelines of the platforms you frequent. On Facebook, Reddit, and similar platforms, the rules may vary from community to community. This knowledge can guide you in discussions and help you avoid unintentional rule violations.

• Engage constructively, not combatively. Passion is commendable, but it’s also important that you aim for constructive dialogue over aggressive debates. Avoiding inflammatory language and knowing when to step back can make online interactions more pleasant for everyone involved. Remember that there are rarely “winners” in Internet disputes.

• Report and block when necessary. If you come across harmful content or face harassment, don’t hesitate to use the platform’s reporting tools. Most online spaces offer ways to report inappropriate behavior or block disruptive users. Most platforms also allow you to hide or block people who harass or annoy you. Remember, your online safety and peace of mind come first.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy the benefits of online discussions while minimizing potential risks and fostering a positive digital community.

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