Editor’s Note
With today’s edition of WeeklyTech, we have officially been live for four months! Thank you for your continued support and space in your inbox. I would love to hear any feedback you have on the newsletter in order to make it better for you to begin each week. Is there an issue or aspect of technology that is of particular interest to you? Something that you are wondering about? Feel free to send any feedback, requests, or recommendations to Jason at weeklytech@erlc.com.
In early 2018, Google was under intense pressure from its own employees to drop a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. Google was working with the DoD on an artificial intelligence (AI) systems called Project Maven, which uses AI to process video data captured by drones for use in identifying potential targets for future engagement. Employees at Google protested their involvement in this program and how it might be used by the military in combat situations. Employees claimed that they did not want to be in the business of war and that the project went against the values of the company. Google relented and canceled the contract. Soon after Google released a set of guiding principles that it described as a filter for the company to use in AI development and research moving forward.
Interesting technology stories
Apple removes app used by Hong Kong protesters to track police movements – CNN Business
A real-time mapping app that Hong Kong protesters have been using to track police movements is no longer available for download on iPhones. Apple decided to take down HKmap.live from its App Store after complaints from several people in Hong Kong, the company said in a statement Thursday.
New Research Finds 96% of Deepfakes Are Pornographic – Morning Brew
Deeptrace Labs, which builds synthetic media detection tools, recently found that 96% of online deepfake videos are pornographic. Across an ecosystem of websites, anonymous users are creating and spreading these videos, which are mainly shots of female celebrities’ faces stitched onto the bodies of adult entertainment stars.
Skirt or Jeans? Now an AI Can Offer You Styling Tips – WIRED
A machine-learning model from Facebook’s AI Research Group suggests tweaks to your outfit. It also points to the future of algorithm-based fashion advice.