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Month: October 2024

A Review of “Code Dependent: Living In the Shadow of AI” by Madhumita Murgia.

October 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

In Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI, Madhumita Murgia takes readers through artificial intelligence’s intricate and often unsettling world. As an AI Editor at the Financial Times, Murgia brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen journalistic eye to the subject, making this book a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of technology and its impact on society.

The narrative is woven around the lives of several individuals from different corners of the globe, each experiencing the profound effects of AI in unique ways. From a British poet grappling with the creative constraints imposed by algorithmic recommendations to an Uber Eats courier in Pittsburgh navigating the gig economy’s precarious landscape, Murgia paints a vivid picture of how AI reshapes human experiences, making the book’s content highly relatable to readers.

One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of human agency and free will. Murgia argues that AI systems, far from being mere tools, can significantly diminish our sense of control over our lives. This theme is poignantly illustrated through the story of an Indian doctor who relies on AI-driven diagnostic tools to serve remote communities, raising questions about the ethical implications of such dependence.

The book also delves into the darker side of AI, highlighting technologies that predict criminal behavior in children and apps that diagnose medical conditions with varying degrees of accuracy. These stories underscore the urgent need for ethical standards and better governance in developing and deploying AI technologies.

Despite the chilling implications of AI’s pervasive influence, Murgia offers a glimmer of hope. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming our humanity and moral authority from machines, urging readers to resist the passive acceptance of AI’s encroachment into every facet of life.

For privacy advocates and professionals, Code Dependent is particularly resonant. Murgia’s nuanced discussion on exploiting personal data by AI systems aligns closely with the ongoing debates about privacy and surveillance and actively contributes to these discussions. Her call for a more ethical approach to AI development is a timely reminder of the stakes involved and the need for active engagement.

How to Blur Your Home from Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide.

October 18, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Privacy is a growing concern for many families in today’s digital age. One area that often gets overlooked is the images of our homes available on Google Maps, specifically through Google Street View. While these images can be helpful for navigation, they can also pose privacy risks. In this article, we’ll explore why you might want to blur your home from Google Maps and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Why Blur Your Home from Google Maps?

Google Street View provides a 360-degree view of streets worldwide, including detailed images of homes. While this can be convenient for finding locations, it also means that anyone can see your home, potentially exposing you to various risks:

  • Security Concerns: Detailed images of your home can help burglars plan their entry points.
  • Privacy Invasion: Strangers can see personal details about your home, such as cars parked outside or even people in the yard.
  • Scams and Fraud: Scammers can use these images to gather information about you, making their schemes more convincing.

How to Request Image Removal

If you’re concerned about your privacy, you can request Google to blur the image of your home on Street View. Here’s how:

  • Search for Your Home: Open Google Maps and enter your home address in the search bar.
  • Enter Street View: To enter Street View, drag the little orange man icon (found at the bottom right of the screen) to your address.
  • Report a Problem: Click on the “Report a Problem” link at the bottom right of the screen.
  • Fill Out the Form: A form will appear where you can specify what you want to be blurred. Select “My home” and provide any additional details required, such as the color and model of your car if it’s visible.
  • Submit Your Request: Complete the form and submit it. Google will send a confirmation email and follow up if they need more information.

Important Considerations

Permanent Blurring: Once Google blurs your home, it cannot be undone. Make sure you are confident before making the request.

Other Platforms: This process only applies to Google Maps. Other mapping services, such as Apple Maps or Bing Maps, may still show your home.

Aerial Views: Removing aerial images from Google Earth is more complicated because Google sources these images from third-party providers. You would need to contact the source directly.

Conclusion

Taking control of your online privacy is crucial, and blurring your home from Google Maps is a significant step. Following the steps outlined above can help protect your family’s privacy and reduce the risk of unwanted exposure. Stay vigilant and proactive about your digital footprint to ensure your personal information remains secure.

Why Enabling Auto Updates is Essential for Your Family’s Digital Safety.

October 11, 2024 / / 0 Comments

In today’s digital age, our devices are more than just tools; they are gateways to our personal lives, holding everything from family photos to sensitive financial information. Managing these devices can be overwhelming for the casual family, especially regarding keeping software up to date. Enabling automatic updates can be a game-changer.

The Importance of Software Updates

Software updates are crucial for several reasons:

  • Security Patches: One primary reason for software updates is to patch security vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit software weaknesses. Regular updates help close these security loopholes, protecting your family’s digital identity from threats.
  • New Features and Improvements: Updates often come with new features and improvements that enhance your devices’ functionality and user experience. These can range from better performance to new tools that make your digital life easier and more enjoyable.
  • Bug Fixes: No software is perfect. Updates frequently address bugs and glitches that can cause your devices to malfunction. Keeping your software updated ensures that these issues are resolved promptly, maintaining the smooth operation of your devices.

Why Enable Auto Updates?

For many families, manually updating every device and application can be daunting. Here’s why enabling auto updates makes sense:

  • Convenience: Auto updates take the burden off managing updates manually. Once enabled, your devices will automatically download and install updates as they become available. This means you don’t have to remember to check for updates or worry about missing critical patches.
  • Continuous Protection: With auto updates, your devices are always protected with the latest security patches. This constant protection is essential in a world where cyber threats constantly evolve.
  • Time-savings: Manually updating multiple devices can be time-consuming. Auto updates save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on what matters most—spending time with your family.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that your devices are always up to date provides peace of mind. You can rest assured that your family’s digital identity is safeguarded against the latest threats.

How to Enable Auto Updates

Enabling auto updates is usually straightforward. Here are some general steps:

  • For Smartphones and Tablets: Go to your device’s settings, find the software update section, and enable automatic updates.
  • For Computers:  Go to your operating system settings, look for the update and security section, and turn on automatic updates.
  • For Applications: Many apps have their updated settings. Check the app’s settings menu to enable auto-updates.

By enabling auto-updates, you ensure that your family’s devices are always running the latest and most secure versions of their software. This simple step can protect your family’s digital identity and keep your devices running smoothly.

Essential Mobile Application Settings for Privacy Protection.

October 4, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Guarding Your Digital Gates: Essential Mobile App Settings for Privacy Protection

In today’s digital age, our smartphones are treasure troves of personal information. These devices hold the keys to our private lives, from photos and messages to contact lists and call logs. But with great power comes great responsibility, especially regarding mobile app permissions.

Why App Permissions Matter

When you download a new app, it often requests access to various parts of your phone. Some of these requests are essential for the app to function correctly. For instance, a messaging app needs access to your contacts to help you connect with friends and family. However, not all requests are as straightforward.

The Golden Rule: Need-to-Know Basis

Before granting any app access to your contact list or call logs, ask yourself: Does this app genuinely need this information to function? For example, does a mobile music application need access to your photos?  If the answer is no, it’s best to deny the request. Doing so protects your privacy and safeguards your contacts’ personal information.

Regular Check-Ups: A Must

It’s crucial to periodically review the permissions you’ve granted to your apps. This is especially important after every operating system upgrade, as many apps revert to their default settings, which might include permissions you had previously denied. Regularly checking and adjusting these settings ensures that your privacy remains intact.

Steps to Review App Permissions

Go to Settings: Open your phone’s settings menu.

Find App Permissions: Look for the section that lists app permissions. This might be under “Privacy” or “Apps.”

Review and Adjust: Review each app and review the permissions you’ve granted. Adjust them as necessary, keeping in mind the need-to-know basis.

Protecting Your Circle

Remember, checking your app settings protects your privacy and the privacy of your friends and family. By vigilance, you ensure their contact information isn’t unnecessarily shared or exposed.

Conclusion

In a world where data is the new gold, controlling your app permissions is a simple yet powerful step toward protecting your family’s digital privacy. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and guard those digital gates.

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