BY KAHA GEDI

We all knew technology would someday get out of hand, however what we should be focusing on is whether it already has. From people using AI generators as life support to the point where we can’t easily distinguish AI from RI (real intelligence). It’s even being used in finance and banking for fraud detection.

The use of AI has definitely tilted to both sides of the balancing scale of how beneficial, or bad it is for us. Now, let me ask you a question, what if AI were to get into the wrong hands? The hands of people who are supposed to protect you from harm, and let’s say they use it through a faulty algorithm with the intent to improve basic living standards for citizens who may be: unemployed, disabled, elderly, or otherwise unable to support themselves through work, or other means. In this article, I will discuss what is currently going on in the Danish welfare authority, or the Udbetaling Danmark (UDK).

According to Amnesty International, “Fraud detection algorithms, paired with mass surveillance practices, have led people to unwillingly–or even unknowingly–forfeit

their right to privacy and created an atmosphere of fear.” Hellen Mukiri-Smith, who is a researcher on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights states that “this mass surveillance has created a social benefits system that risks targeting, rather than supporting the very people it was meant to protect.”

The Danish welfare authority (UDK) has partnered with ATP (Denmark’s mandatory labor market pension system, designed to provide financial security for workers after they retire) and private corporations (like NNIT) which is a Danish IT services/consulting company that specializes in providing IT solutions/technology services to businesses. They did this in order to develop fraud detection algorithms aimed at identifying social benefits fraud. The UDK uses up to 60 algorithms to flag potential fraud, but these systems are highly invasive and not transparent.

In order to feed these algorithms, the Danish government collects massive amounts of personal data about its citizens (such as: residency, citizenship, family ties, and travel history). This includes sensitive information that can be used to track and monitor individuals’ lives, raising major privacy concerns.

Furthermore, Amnesty International found that the algorithms unjustly affected marginalized groups such as migrants, low-income people, and those in non-traditional living arrangements. For example, one algorithm flags people with “unusual” living patterns like families living far away from each other, such as in care facilities due to disability.

Helen Mukiri-Smith argues that the way UDK and ATP are using AI for fraud detection closely resembles a social scoring system, which is prohibited under the new EU law (AI Act), and that it should be banned.

For those who don’t know what the social scoring system is, it’s a way of evaluating people based on: their behavior, financial habits, and other personal information. It gives people a score that could impact their access to things like loans, services, or opportunities. These systems use data such as your activity on social media, payments, and sometimes criminal records to determine how people are scored. The main issue with social scoring is that it can be unfair, especially if it’s based on biased, or incomplete information. This can influence your access to critical services, such as healthcare, or housing.

Moreover, the surveillance and constant questioning of these individuals will take a toll on them mentally. They’re constantly being investigated by case workers and fraud investigators, and undoubtedly it will make them live in fear, and prevent them from living stable lives.

Amnesty International pushes for the Danish authorities to stop using discriminatory data in fraud detection. They also urge that Denmark make sure its fraud detection systems actually follow the human rights laws, including the EU’s AI Act, which bans practices like social scoring.

Nobody deserves to live in fear, especially at the expense of things so crucial for their well-being. AI makes mistakes. I remember I used ChatGPT, and it gave me the wrong answer and when I told it that it was wrong, it said “Oh sorry.” I know that AI is evolving for “better,” but there are no “Oh, sorry’s,” when these algorithms are making mistakes and screwing with people’s livelihood. This begs the question, should we be using AI in fields so important as pensions, unemployment aid, or childcare support?

BY KHADIJA KARIM

One of the most famous online gaming platforms in the world, Roblox, has recently introduced new security guidelines and measures to help keep its younger users safe. Roblox is taking steps to make it safer, especially for players under the age of 13, as the platform has millions of users, many of whom are children and teenagers.

The ability of the platform for children under 13 to communicate is one significant shift. These younger players will no longer be able to send, or receive messages outside of games, according to Roblox. This implies that they are no longer able to use the platform’s messaging feature to have private conversations with friends, or strangers. Roblox is reducing the possibility of inappropriate talks, or unwanted contact from strangers by limiting communications within the game chats only. Roblox claims that these changes will protect children while keeping the ability to use the platform.

Why is Roblox doing all this? Safety has always been a challenge for big online platforms, and Roblox is no exception. Even though it’s a fun and creative space for players, there have been reports of inappropriate behavior, scams, and other dangers. By making these changes, Roblox hopes to protect kids while still allowing them to enjoy the platform.

These updates are part of Roblox’s bigger effort to balance safety with fun. They want everyone to have a great time exploring the game, but they also want to make sure kids are protected while they do it. With these new rules, Roblox is showing that it cares about its players and is willing to take big steps to keep them safe.

If you’re a kid who loves Roblox, these changes might feel a little strange, or different at first. It might take some time to get used to not being able to message outside of games. In the long run, these updates are going to make Roblox a much safer and more enjoyable place for everyone. It’s all about making sure you can keep having fun and being creative while staying safe at the same time. Roblox is proving that safety and fun can go hand in hand!

BY YAHYA KARIM

Art has been a part of human history for thousands of years, from ancient cave paintings to art pieces in museums. Today, technology is changing the way we create and sell art. One of the biggest changes is the rise of NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, which are transforming the art world. But what exactly is an NFT?

An NFT is a digital item that is unique and proves that by something called blockchain. A blockchain is a secure, digital record that tracks all transactions. It’s like a list that can’t be changed or erased. It’s the same technology that powers cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Bitcoin. When you own an NFT, the blockchain shows that you own the original version of a digital item, like a piece of art, even though others can copy or share it online.

To buy or store NFTs, you need a crypto wallet. This is a digital wallet where you can keep your cryptocurrency, (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), and your NFTs. Think of it as an online wallet for digital items or currency.

The rise of NFTs is also affecting traditional art. The NFT market is currently worth around $7.7 billion, and it’s expected to grow to $125 billion by 2027. Some NFTs have sold for more than $10 million. NFTs share many qualities with modern art, but they also have some unique advantages. Since they exist on a blockchain, they can’t be destroyed by accidents, or hacking, unlike physical art.

The excitement around NFTs comes from several factors. People are fascinated by this new digital art and are wanting to take part in it. Whether you love the works of Picasso or Banksy, it’s clear that the art world is changing. In the future, the art world might just completely become digital.

In conclusion, NFTs are changing how art will be perceived from now on. While traditional art may always have its own level of respect, digital art is becoming more important, and NFTs are leading the way in this era for the art world.