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Watchdog Raises Alarm on Face Recognition Technology

The chief data protection regulator in the UK has expressed grave concerns over the inappropriate use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology in public places.

Unlike CCTV, LFR and its algorithms can automatically identify who you are and infer sensitive details about you.

It can be used to instantly profile people to serve up personalised adverts or match their images against known shoplifters as they do their weekly grocery shop.

“I am deeply concerned about the potential for live facial recognition (LFR) technology to be used inappropriately, excessively or even recklessly. When sensitive personal data is collected on a mass scale without people’s knowledge, choice or control, the impacts could be significant,” Elizabeth Denham, UK Information Commissioner, said in a statement.

In future, there’s the potential to overlay CCTV cameras with LFR, and even to combine it with social media data or other “big data” systems — LFR is supercharged CCTV.

The UK Information Commissioner has also published a detailed opinion on the use of LFR in public places by private companies and public organisations.

It explains how data protection and people’s privacy must be at the heart of any decisions to deploy LFR.

“And it explains how the law sets a high bar to justify the use of LFR and its algorithms in places where we shop, socialise or gather,” Denham said.

In the US, people did not trust the facial recognition technology. Some cities banned its use in certain contexts and some major companies (like Microsoft and Amazon) have paused facial recognition services until there are clearer rules.

“Organisations will need to demonstrate high standards of governance and accountability from the outset, including being able to justify that the use of LFR is fair, necessary and proportionate in each specific context in which it is deployed,” the UK watchdog emphasised.

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-Top News Technology

India refutes UN concerns on IT rules

The Rapporteurs from the Special Procedures Branch of the Human Rights Council had said that the new IT rules do not conform to human rights norms…reports Asian Lite News.

Highlighting that India’s democratic credentials are well recognised, India’s Permanent Mission to United Nations in Geneva on Sunday strongly refuted concerns raised by UN Special Rapporteurs on India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Noting that the right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under the Indian Constitution, the Indian Mission said that an independent judiciary and a robust media are part of India’s democratic structure.

The mission was responding to a joint communication from the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy.

The Rapporteurs from the Special Procedures Branch of the Human Rights Council had said that the new IT rules do not conform to human rights norms.

According an official Indian statement quoting a letter from the Indian Permanent Mission to UN in Geneva, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting undertook broad consultations in 2018 with various stakeholders.

This included individuals, civil society, industry association and organizations and invited public comments to prepare the draft Rules, the Indian Mission told the UN Council.

Thereafter an inter-ministerial meeting had discussed in detail the comments received in detail and, accordingly, the Rules were finalized, it added.

Discussing the salient features of India’s IT Rules, 2021, Indian Mission said the rules are designed to empower ordinary users of social media.

The victims of abuse at social media platforms shall have a forum for redressal of their grievances, it said drawing attention of the concerned special rapporteurs.

The Indian Permanent Mission to UN in Geneva recalled the enactment of new IT Rules had become necessary due to widespread concerns about issues relating to increased instances of abuse of social media and digital platforms.

Such abuse included inducement for recruitment of terrorists, circulation of obscene content, spread of disharmony, financial frauds, incitement of violence, public order etc. it added.

The Indian Mission to UN in Geneva called the concerns alleging potential implications for freedom of expression that the new IT Rules will entail as highly misplaced.

On the traceability of the first originator of the information, it may be noted that the new IT Rules seeks only limited information, it explained.

Criticise us but don’t lecture us on democracy: Ravi Shankar Prasad on Twitter’s non-compliance with new IT Rules. (ANI)

Only when a message already in public circulation is giving rise to violence, impinging on the unity and integrity of India, depicting a woman in a bad light, or sexual abuse of a child and when no other intrusive options are working, only then the significant social media intermediary will be required to disclose as to who started the message, clarified the Indian Mission.

The concern that the Rules may be misused deliberately to make a large number of complaints so as to overwhelm the grievance redressal mechanisms created by social media platforms is also misplaced, exaggerated and disingenuous and shows lack of willingness to address the grievances of the users of these media platforms while using their data to earn revenues, it added.

The Government of India fully recognises and respects the right of privacy, as pronounced by the Supreme Court of India in K.S. Puttusamy case, India’s Permanent Mission informed in the letter.

Privacy is the core element of an individual’s existence and, in light of this, the new IT Rules seeks information only on a message that is already in circulation that resulted in an offence, it added.

The Rules have framed in exercise of the statutory powers of the IT Act, fully taking into account the principles of reasonableness and proportionality, the Indian High Commission said in the letter.

It may be recalled that the UN Special Rapporteurs had written to Indian government saying that the IT Rules, 2021 notified by India do not confirm to the human rights norms.

In the Mandates of the Special Rapporteurs, they also “recalled” in a report that restrictions to freedom of expression must never be invoked as a justification for the muzzling of any advocacy of multi-party democracy, democratic tenets and human rights. (INN)

ALSO READ-Govt refuses to exempt mainstream media from new IT Rules

READ MORE-UN experts voice concern over new IT rules

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Dubai Technology UAE News

Dubai firm uses solar power to make water out of air

The new technology uses solar energy to power a fan that draws in air, which then goes through a sponge-like material where water molecules are absorbed….reports Asian Lite News

A Dubai-based company is using solar energy to produce water out of air. Source Global, which was established in Dubai in 2017, recently introduced sun-powered hydro-panels to make clean drinking water.

It is aiming to get 75 percent of its energy use from clean sources by 2050, CNN reported.

“These hydro panels are effectively producing high quality drinking water day in, day out without requiring any infrastructure, any power or any type of grid,” the company’s Vice President Vahid Fotuhi told CNN in an interview.

The new technology uses solar energy to power a fan that draws in air, which then goes through a sponge-like material where water molecules are absorbed.

Source Global, which operates in 48 countries, chose Dubai to develop its biggest water farm because of the emirate’s keenness to invest in innovation, Fotuhi said.

“First of all, the fact that it is a hub for the Middle East Africa region, it also is a center for new innovations for key sectors, such as agriculture and water,” he explained.

Technologies that turn air into water are not new, but Fotuhi said they want to make it more sustainable by adopting a clean energy strategy.

Experts said the challenge with these technologies is distribution, but Source Global thinks getting people on board harder.

People here are accustomed to a staple solution for water generation and what we’re proposing is kind of diversified menu effectively,” he said. “As with most disruptive technologies, initially people are hesitant to change.”

ALSO READ: Dubai records real estate deals worth AED11.11 bn in May

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-Top News India News Technology

Modi invites investment into India at world meet

PM Modi called for a human centric approach to overcome the health challenges..reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited investment into India, based on what he dubbed were the “five pillars of talent, market, capital, ecosystem and a culture of openness”.

Delivering the keynote address at the fifth edition of ‘VivaTech Summit’, the PM said, “India’s strides in the world of tech and start-up are well-known. Our nation is home to one of the world’s largest start-up ecosystems. Several unicorns have come up in recent years. Indian tech-talent pool is famous across the world. Indian youth have given tech solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.”

“I invite the world to invest in India based on the five pillars of talent, market, capital, ecosystem, and culture of openness,” the PM added.

VivaTech is a digital and startup event that is held in Paris every year.

ALSO READ: BJP must help PM Modi in showing democracy in action

Modi said the emphasis should be on sustainable lifestyles that stop ecological degradation and that the focus should be on “repair and prepare” as the nation emerges from the devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. He added that there is a need to insulating the planet against the next pandemic. “We have to continue repairing health infrastructure and our economies,” he said.

In India, which is under the grip of second wave of Covid-19, the infection has been spreading at a fast pace, making new records almost daily in terms of the number of people infected.

TWITTER@VivaTech

The Prime Minister called upon the start-up community to take the lead in working with collective spirit and a human centric approach to overcome the health challenges. “The start-up space is dominated by youngsters. These are people free from the baggage of the past. They are best placed to power global transformation. Our start-ups must explore areas such as health care, eco-friendly technology, including waste recycling, agriculture, new age tools of learning,” he said.

On the issue of digital partnership from start-ups to quantum computing that have emerged as a key priority, Modi said, “History has shown that leadership in new technology drives economic strength, jobs and prosperity. But, our partnerships must also serve a larger purpose, in service of humanity. This pandemic is not only a test of our resilience, but also of our imagination.”

ALSO READ: Modi meets Nadda, senior BJP leaders

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Technology UAE News

ENOC Link to supply 1mn litres of fuel to Expo fleet

Earlier this year, the Group also launched its innovatively designed Service Station of the Future, located at the Expo 2020 site…reports Asian Lite News

ENOC Link, the digital mobile fuel delivery service for businesses in the UAE by ENOC Group, has signed an agreement with Expo 2020 Dubai to supply its fleet with more than 1 million litres of fuel.

Earlier this year, the Group also launched its innovatively designed Service Station of the Future, located at the Expo 2020 site, which will serve the public at District 2020, the smart human-centric community that will be Expo’s physical legacy after the event concludes on March 31st, 2022.

“Expo 2020 is a global event that Dubai has the privilege of hosting this year, and as the official integrated energy partner, we are proud to offer our innovative digital solutions to ensure smooth and seamless operations through uninterrupted access to fuel for the fleet,” said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC.

“We are committed to developing innovative technologies and solutions that enhance customer service and support the growth of the economy,” he added.

Manal AlBayat, Chief Engagement Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “Expo 2020 is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the largest event ever held in the Arab world. For an event of this scale, identifying ways to maximise efficiency behind the scenes is imperative. Thanks to ENOC Link and its cutting-edge digital technology, Expo’s back-of-house process will be safe, streamlined and seamless, supporting Expo’s goal to showcase ideas and innovations that are shaping the future.”

ALSO READ: New program prepares UAE students for higher studies in US

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-Top News Technology USA

Biden ends ban on TikTok, WeChat

The order also also instructs the Department to draft a report with recommendations on how to safeguard Americans’ personal data, including their genetic data…reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden has revoked and replaced executive orders targeting TikTok, WeChat and eight other software applications signed by his predecessor President Donald Trump.

“President Biden revoked and replaced three E.O.s (executive orders) that aimed to prohibit transactions with TikTok, WeChat, and eight other communications and financial technology software applications; two of these E.O.s are subject to litigation,” the White House said in a fact sheet released on Wednesday.

The new order signed by Biden on Wednesday directed the US Commerce Department to instead evaluate software applications connected with “foreign adversaries” under recent US supply-chain security rules “and take action, as appropriate”, according to the White House.

The order also also instructs the Department to draft a report with recommendations on how to safeguard Americans’ personal data, including their genetic data, as well as a second report containing additional policy proposals.

Citing national security concerns, Trump had sought to block new users from downloading TikTok and WeChat in the US, but his orders were blocked in federal district courts and never took effect.

The American Civil Liberties Union welcomed the move, saying: “President Biden is right to revoke these Trump administration executive orders, which blatantly violated the First Amendment rights of TikTok and WeChat users in the US.

“The Commerce Department’s review of these and other apps must not take us down the same misguided path, by serving as a smokescreen for future bans or other unlawful actions.”

ALSO READ: Trudeau condemns ‘targeted’ killing of Muslim family

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Bollywood India News Technology

Not against 5G, Juhi just wants clarity

Juhi’s remarks comes just a few days after the Delhi High Court dismissed the lawsuit filed by her against the setting up of 5G…reports Asian Lite News

Bollywood actress and environmentalist Juhi Chawla took to social media on Wednesday to claim that she is not against 5G technology but just wants to learn whether it is safe for all.

Juhi shared a video on Instagram on Wednesday where, speaking in Hindi and English she said: “There has been so much noise in the past few days that I almost could not hear myself too! And I feel that a very important message probably got lost in the middle of all this noise, which is that we are not against 5G. In fact, we are welcoming of it. Please bring it.”

“All we are asking is that the authorities certify that 5G is safe. Please certify it and publish your studies and research made on this on the public domain so that we get rid of this fear of ours. We just want to know that it is safe for children, for pregnant women, for unborn children, for people who are old, infirm, for flora fauna. That is all we are asking,” the actress said in her video.

Juhi’s video comes just a few days after the Delhi High Court dismissed the lawsuit filed by her against the setting up of 5G wireless networks in the country, and also imposed a fine of Rs 20 lakh for the abuse of the process of law.

The plea filed by Juhi Chawla, Veeresh Malik and Teena Vachani claimed that 5G wireless technology can be a potential threat to provoke irreversible and serious effects on humans and it could also permanently damage the earth’s ecosystems.

ALSO READ: 5G: Juhi blasts telecom regulators

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Technology USA

Bezos to fly to space next month

Jeff Bezos

While Blue Origin had, last month, announced to fly its first astronaut crew to space, it did not say that Bezos himself would be taking part…reports Asian Lite News

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said he will fly to the edge of space along with brother onboard his company Blue Origin’s tourism rocket — New Shepard — on July 20.

In a video uploaded on his Instagram profile, Bezos is heard saying that he and his brother Mark will be launching into space on July 20 aboard a rocket built by his space company Blue Origin, the Verge reported.

While Blue Origin had, last month, announced to fly its first astronaut crew to space, it did not say that Bezos himself would be taking part.

Bezos further said that taking a journey into space has been a lifelong dream for him, and that it will be “meaningful” to have his brother along for the ride.

“You see the earth from space and it changes you. It changes your relationship with this planet, with humanity. It’s one Earth,” he said.

“I want to go on this flight because it’s the thing I’ve wanted to do all my life. It’s an adventure. It’s a big deal for me,” he added.

The five-storey-tall New Shepard rocket is designed to launch a crew capsule with seats for six roughly 340,000 feet into the sky toward the edge of space. Paying tourists can experience a few minutes of weightlessness in microgravity and witness super high-altitude views of Earth.

The booster is topped by a gumdrop-shaped Crew Capsule with space for six passengers inside and large windows.

After reaching the Karman line, the internationally recognised boundary of Earth’s outermost atmosphere, which is 100 kilometres above sea level, the capsule will detach from the booster, allowing those inside to view the curvature of the earth and experience weightlessness.

The booster and capsule will then land separately, with the capsule landing in the west Texas desert with the help of parachutes.

In addition to Jeff and Mark Bezos, one seat on the flight will be claimed by the winning bidder of an ongoing online auction. The auction ends on June 12 and currently has a high bid of $2,800,000, the report said.

New Shepard has flown 15 successful consecutive missions to space and back above the Karman Line through a meticulous and incremental flight programme to test its multiple redundant safety systems.

Bezos’ rival Elon Musk is also expected to launch one of his crewed SpaceX Dragonships later this year.

ALSO READ: Trump Tries Block Amazon Bids

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-Top News China Technology

Beijing clamps down freewheeling tech firms

Every week, Chinese regulators have been calling out tech companies for alleged offences…reports Asian Lite News

Claiming a crackdown on anti-competitive practices among Chinese internet giants, Beijing has ramped up a broader effort to clean up the operations of the country’s fast-growing and freewheeling tech sector.

Every week, Chinese regulators have been calling out tech companies for alleged offences, including inconsistent pricing, user privacy concerns and difficult working conditions, reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

In May, China’s cyber regulator accused 105 apps, including short-video and job-recruitment apps, of illegally collecting and using personal data and ordered the companies to fix their problems within three weeks or risk legal action.

Chinese regulators have also met with ride-hailing services for potential mistreatment of drivers, while internet firms have been ordered to reform their data and lending practices. Delivery platforms in China have also come under the scanner over what the authorities view as deceptive trading practices.

China continues to crack down on social media content it deems ‘controversial’. Xiaohongshu, a popular e-commerce startup, is the latest to be probed by internet regulators after it posted a message on the Chinese microblogging site Weibo on the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and had its account shut down, WSJ reported.

Beijing has been infamous for using antimonopoly rules to curb the market influence of foreign firms, As it sought to nurture its own tech company, the scenario changed when financial-technology giant Ant Group’s initial public offering (IP) was canceled last year, days after businessman Jack Ma made a speech that infuriated the government leaders.

In April, regulators imposed a whopping USD 2.8 billion fine upon Alibaba, stating that it had abused its dominant market position by engaging in a controversial practice,. Such accusations have dogged China’s e-commerce industry for years, resulting in several public complaints and lawsuits.

For some companies, placating Chinese authorities is a matter of tweaking some app features, while others could suffer more if much of their profits rely on data collection and sharing, WSJ reported citing employees of five app companies.

Some employees said they have grown more cautious about compliance and anything that could be seen as going against regulation. ByteDance, whose short-video app Douyin was among those targeted for improper data collection, has been hiring compliance and legal experts, tasking them with reviewing user terms and various app features to check for rule violations.

Chinese regulators have also called on the nation’s citizens to help supervise the behaviour of tech companies Tech companies have responded with pledges to be good corporate citizens. (ANI)

ALSO READ: China in the dock as Uyghur victims reveal plight at London probe

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Technology UAE News

First virtual campus on space station in orbit around Mars

The campus leverages state-of-the-art immersive technology to provide students unparalleled access to top-notch quality education, allowing them to develop innovative content….reports Asian Lite News

The New Media Academy on Monday announced the launch of the Middle East’s first virtual campus that will deliver an unrivalled learning experience.

The campus leverages state-of-the-art immersive technology to provide students unparalleled access to top-notch quality education, allowing them to develop innovative content.

The inauguration of the virtual campus drew the participation of several Academy members and alumni, including leaders from public and private sector institutions and independent content makers.

Immersive and virtual reality technology specialist and Forbes columnist Charlie Fink delivered a presentation on the role of AR and VR in business and accelerating the global transition towards digital learning in virtual and immersive environments.

The campus is a custom New Media Academy-branded Space Station in orbit around Mars. Users will be given the experience to transport down to the surface of Mars to explore the planet.

“VR and immersive technologies are shaping the learning experience of tomorrow. It is not a moment; it is a permanent movement. With the extensive set of tools that comes with immersive learning, accessibility becomes a possibility and is the next best thing to real life,” said Rashid Al Awadhi, CEO of the New Media Academy.

“Students become active participants in an elevated educational process, with exceptional multi-sensory 3D experiences, where they can interact with objects and each other. VR is not simply a supplement for other learning solutions – it is the future. Our students have access to the highest quality education, supported by the world’s best educators,” Al Awadhi added.

The launch event included a conversation between the participants and Charlie Fink. Fink answered questions about the future of virtual and interactive learning environments, and their role in empowering the leaders of institutions to contribute to building future smart societies.

It also cooperates with world-renowned experts and trainers to deliver its educational programs that cover various digital skills and grant the Academy’s members a competitive head start in communication, digital strategy design and content creation.

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