Shortage of high-quality data threatens the AI ‘boom’

Shortage of high-quality data threatens the AI ‘boom’

A number of fundamental issues, including a shortage of high-quality data with which to ‘train’ the technology is threaten the AI ‘boom’, according to a new white paper from the Open Data InstituteA number of fundamental issues, including a shortage of high-quality data with which to ‘train’ the technology is threatening the AI ‘boom’, according to a new white paper from the Open Data Institute. The paper Building a better future with data and AI is based on research carried out by the Institute in the first half of 2024. It claims to identify significant weaknesses in the UK’s technological infrastructure that threaten the predicted potential gains – for people, society, and the economy – from the surge of interest in artificial intelligence and its applications. It also outlines the ODI’s recommendations for creating diverse, fair data-centric AI. More →

Generative AI is scraping vast amounts of regulated sensitive data from organisations

Generative AI is scraping vast amounts of regulated sensitive data from organisations

According to a new study published by Netskope, regulated data (data that organisations have a legal duty to protect) makes up more than a third of the sensitive data being shared with generative AI (genAI) applicationsAccording to a new study published by Netskope, regulated data (data that organisations have a legal duty to protect) makes up more than a third of the sensitive data being shared with generative AI (genAI) applications—presenting a potential risk to businesses of costly data breaches. The new Netskope Threat Labs research claims to reveal that three-quarters of businesses surveyed now completely block at least one genAI app, which reflects the desire by enterprise technology leaders to limit the risk of sensitive data exfiltration. More →

Is it fair that AI defines if you deserve a job?

Is it fair that AI defines if you deserve a job?

As AI continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, impacting not just personal endeavours but also professional pursuits, one important question emerges: is it fair that AI defines if you deserve a job?The rise of AI-driven hiring processes has undoubtedly transformed the recruitment landscape, and we know it. But is it fair that AI defines if you deserve a job? Ultimately, the answer to this question is not just a technical or logistical issue, it is a profoundly ethical one. AI (artificial intelligence) has revolutionised the way we interact with technology, increasingly permeating various aspects of our lives, from virtual assistants to complex algorithms shaping our online experiences. More →

People are cautiously optimistic about the impact of AI and other tech

People are cautiously optimistic about the impact of AI and other tech

both employers and employees are optimistic about the impact new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will have on their workplace – even though decision makers feel more optimistic than staffEmployers and staff are optimistic about impact of new technologies, despite uncertainty about safety according to a new British Safety Council survey. The YouGov survey commissioned by British Safety Council among 4018 UK employers and employees claims that both employers and employees are optimistic about the impact new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will have on their workplace – even though decision makers feel more optimistic than staff. More →

How AI will transform the way we design and manage the places we work

How AI will transform the way we design and manage the places we work

The future of work is here. It's AI-powered, human-centered, and brimming with possibility. Are you ready to shape it?The integration of Artificial Intelligence into the workplace is not just a technological shift; it’s a fundamental reimagining of how we work, interact, and manage our professional environments. As AI capabilities rapidly evolve, they promise to transform every aspect of workplace design and management, from physical layouts to organizational structures and employee experiences. More →

Why AI is not getting the green light for sustainability

Why AI is not getting the green light for sustainability

We think of digital solutions such as AI as being more sustainable and eco-friendly. Nothing could be further from the truthWe might think of online and digital solutions such as AI as more sustainable and eco-friendly. We have email signatures reminding us to think before hitting print and are encouraged to send e-cards with seasonal greetings to save the trees. Our overall preference to switch to all things online means that we rarely question, or even consider, the environmental impact of our computers. It’s also how the truly enormous impact of AI has, thus far, stayed off our radar. More →

People are increasingly comfortable with – and scared of – AI

People are increasingly comfortable with – and scared of – AI

The sentiments of employees around the world about AI and GenAI are evolving significantly, but cautious optimism endures, with 42 percent reporting confidence about the technologies’ impact on their work, compared to 26 percent at around this time last year. However, anxiety about the technologies is also on the rise, by 5 percentage points, and 49 percent of regular users believe their job may disappear in the next ten years, a view shared by only 24 percent of workers who do not use them. More →

AI could save the public sector millions of hours of time each week, claims report

AI could save the public sector millions of hours of time each week, claims report

A new report from Microsoft argues AI could save more than four hours per week on administrative tasks - per staff member across all public sectorsA new report commissioned by Microsoft claims that the scale of administration required of the UK’s public sector is drawing front line workers away from delivering frontline services, and impacting the motivation, engagement and even mental health of large proportions of the public workforce. The research, developed by Dr Chris Brauer, Director of Innovation at Goldsmiths University and Symmetry features in a new report from Microsoft, Harnessing the Power of AI for the Public Sector and argues AI could save more than four hours per week on administrative tasks per staff member across all public sectors. More →

Europe lacks skills in key technologies such as AI, quantum and space

Europe lacks skills in key technologies such as AI, quantum and space

Critical gaps have formed across the technology sector in Europe, with skills, investment and innovation being stunted in vital areas such as AI, quantum computing and space technologyCritical gaps have formed across Europe’s technology sector, with skills, investment and innovation being stunted in vital areas such as AI, quantum computing and space technology, according to a report from DIGITALEUROPE. The study titled ‘The EU’s Critical Gap: Rethinking Economic Security to Put Europe Back on the Map,’ claims that Europe is significantly lagging in key technologies. Among 8 technologies that were analysed, Europe was shown to be lagging behind in 7, only leading in advanced connectivity, with major investments and profits in this sector are being led primarily by the US. More →

Secret AI cameras have been tracking the emotions and demographics of rail passengers

Secret AI cameras have been tracking the emotions and demographics of rail passengers

Thousands of unsuspecting train passengers in the UK have had their emotions and demographics recorded by hidden AI camera systems at major stations, a new report revealsMany thousands of unsuspecting train passengers in the UK have had their emotions and demographics recorded by hidden AI camera systems at major stations, a new report reveals. The news, raising serious privacy concerns, comes after a freedom of information request by Big Brother Watch. For over two years, Network Rail, the company overseeing Britain’s railway infrastructure, conducted a covert trial program at key stations like London’s Waterloo and Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, and others across the country. More →

Generative AI could rewrite history, including that of the Holocaust

Generative AI could rewrite history, including that of the Holocaust

A UNESCO report published today warns that unless decisive action is taken to integrate ethical principles, AI could distort the historical record of the Holocaust and fuel antisemitismA UNESCO report published today warns that unless decisive action is taken to integrate ethical principles, AI could distort the historical record of the Holocaust and fuel antisemitism. The report cautions that not only can Generative AI enable malicious actors to seed disinformation and hate-fueled narratives, but it can also inadvertently invent false or misleading content about the Holocaust. More →

The adoption of GenAI has major benefits for project management, report claims

The adoption of GenAI has major benefits for project management, report claims

hose who transform the perceived threat of GenAI into an opportunity will undoubtedly be in demand for their innovative leadershipA new report [registration] published by the Project Management Institute claims “those who adeptly transform the perceived threat of GenAI into an opportunity for their project teams and organisations will undoubtedly be in demand for their innovative leadership.” According to the report, 91 percent of project managers who use AI in more than 51 percent of their recent projects (Trailblazers) experienced a significant impact on project quality management. Compared to just 40 percent for project managers who use AI in 15 percent or less of their recent projects (Explorers). More →