SME Digital World

Category: Technology

Is Meta using your data? Can you stop it?

Instagram may be using your photos to train their AI

If you use Facebook or Instagram, you have probably heard of Meta, their parent company. Meta is planning to train their artificial intelligence, or AI, tools. How they are planning on doing that, though, is drawing in some criticism.
They are planning on using users public photos and posts to train their AI by updating their privacy policy from June 26th. This move has ignited concerns among digital rights groups who argue it constitutes a significant breach of user privacy.
Noyb, a prominent European campaign group advocating for digital rights, has taken a strong stance against Meta’s plan. The organization has filed complaints with data protection authorities across Europe, vehemently arguing that Meta’s approach is a blatant “abuse of personal data for AI.” Noyb contends that Meta should be obligated to obtain explicit user consent rather than relying on a system that requires users to actively opt-out.
In defense of its actions, Meta maintains that its data use practices fully comply with all relevant privacy laws and regulations. The company argues that its approach is consistent with how other major technology companies utilize data to develop and refine their AI products. Meta further emphasizes the importance of this data in creating AI experiences that are tailored to the specific cultural nuances and languages prevalent within European communities.
Beyond the core issue of data usage, Meta has also come under fire for the way it has informed users about the upcoming changes and the opt-out process itself. Critics have slammed the process as convoluted and deliberately designed to discourage users from exercising their right to opt-out.
The controversy has reached the desks of data protection authorities, with the Irish Data Protection Commission confirming that it is investigating the matter after receiving a formal complaint from Noyb. The commission is headquartered in Dublin due to Meta’s European base being located there.

Can I prevent this from happening to me?

It’s possible to opt out, but Meta has made sure it will be just a little difficult to do so. Here is a step by step guide:

1. On Instagram, you need to go to profile settings and keep scrolling until the very bottom.
2. You will see an about icon; click it, then click privacy policy
3. Then you need to click on the right to object link, which takes you to a form that you need to fill out to explain why you don’t want your data to be used.

June 7, 2024
75% of Indian B2B Marketing Leaders Already Using GenAI Applications

75% of Indian B2B Marketing Leaders Already Using GenAI Applications

Three out of four Indian B2B (business-to-business) marketing leaders are already leveraging generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications in their marketing strategies, according to a new report released on Wednesday. GenAI has been instrumental in accelerating content creation (43 percent), creating cost efficiencies (39 percent), and improving productivity (38 percent).
The professional networking platform LinkedIn revealed a 142-fold increase in LinkedIn members globally adding AI literacy skills to their profiles, with marketers leading this trend. AI has become the fastest-growing digital skill for Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) worldwide based on the skills added to their LinkedIn profiles in the past year.
“A competitive B2B landscape and growing buyer influence have made it crucial for marketers to target larger groups. Building collective confidence is essential for brand recognition and sustained engagement,” said Sachin Sharma, Director of LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, India.
The report surveyed over 2,000 B2B marketing leaders globally and found that while 76 percent of Indian B2B CMOs have faced challenges in reaching buyers due to competing demands, the majority (94 percent) agreed that relationship building is crucial for success.
Additionally, 93 percent of Indian B2B CMOs are optimistic about their team’s ability to drive revenue in the coming year, and 85 percent expect their budgets to increase.

June 7, 2024
DoT Launches Baseline Survey for MSMEs, Emphasizing Digital Evolution with 5G

DoT Launches Baseline Survey for MSMEs, Emphasizing Digital Evolution with 5G

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has invited proposals from organizations and startups to develop a comprehensive Industry 4.0 baseline survey focused on the digital transformation of India’s MSME sector through 5G technologies. This survey aims to evaluate the current readiness of MSMEs in the manufacturing sector for Industry 4.0, identifying areas for improvement and prioritizing investments.
Industry 4.0 represents a major transformation in manufacturing, driven by advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing to boost efficiency, productivity, strategy, and competitiveness. The Telecom Centre of Excellence India, a public-private partnership initiative, is spearheading the survey to understand the challenges MSMEs face in adapting to these technologies.
“The survey aims to establish a robust ecosystem that can leverage the capabilities of 5G and 6G networks. This includes identifying sector-specific needs in at least 10 sectors, recognizing the diverse landscape of MSMEs, and providing targeted support to foster innovation and competitiveness,” the department stated.
The survey is designed to address immediate barriers to digital transformation and pave the way for the integration of cyber-physical systems through 5G and 6G technologies, driving sustainable growth across sectors. It will cover five sectors each in the northern and southern parts of India over a 60-day period. The key recommendations from the survey will inform policy interventions to achieve the transformative adoption of Industry 4.0, enhancing the competitive positioning and survivability of MSMEs.

June 6, 2024
OpenAI and Google DeepMind Employees Warn About AI Risks

OpenAI and Google DeepMind Employees Warn About AI Risks

An open letter from a group of current and former employees at AI companies, including OpenAI and Google DeepMind, has raised concerns about the risks posed by emerging AI technology. This letter adds to the growing calls for addressing safety concerns around generative AI, which can rapidly produce human-like text, images, and audio at low cost.
The letter, signed by 11 current and former OpenAI employees and one current and another former Google DeepMind employee, asserts that the financial motives of AI companies hinder effective oversight. “We do not believe bespoke structures of corporate governance are sufficient to change this,” the letter states.
The signatories warn of risks associated with unregulated AI, including the spread of misinformation, loss of independent AI systems, and deepening inequalities, potentially leading to “human extinction.”
Researchers have identified instances of image generators from companies like OpenAI and Microsoft producing voting-related disinformation despite policies against such content. The letter criticizes AI companies for having “weak obligations” to share information with governments about their systems’ capabilities and limitations, suggesting that these firms cannot be relied upon to voluntarily share such information.
The group urges AI firms to establish processes for current and former employees to raise concerns about risks and to refrain from enforcing confidentiality agreements that prevent criticism.
Separately, OpenAI reported that it disrupted five covert influence operations that attempted to use its AI models for deceptive activities online.

June 5, 2024
Pharma and Electronics Manufacturing to Receive Boost in Modi 3.0

Pharma and Electronics Manufacturing to Receive Boost in Modi 3.0 Era

With the BJP anticipated to secure a significant portion of seats in UP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, industry leaders foresee a continued emphasis on local manufacturing. These states serve as major manufacturing hubs for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and electronic goods.
As the exit poll results indicate a clear victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the center, stakeholders from sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and electronics manufacturing anticipate a substantial push for local production.
According to the India Today-Axis My India exit poll, the BJP is expected to sweep all seats in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, as well as over 60 percent and 70 percent of Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra and Telangana, respectively. These states play a pivotal role as manufacturing hubs for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Additionally, the BJP is predicted to secure over 85 percent of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, two states along with Telangana that are crucial for electronics manufacturing in the country.
Boost for Pharma:
A robust performance is anticipated by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in key states, driven by a manifesto emphasizing the manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and advancing research. Raj Prakash Vyas, President-Corporate Affairs at Cadila Pharmaceuticals, highlighted potential benefits such as the expansion of PLI schemes to encourage domestic manufacturing and stringent quality control measures to combat spurious drugs.
Vyas proposed the establishment of an Innovation Task Force (ITF) dedicated to pharmaceuticals, comprising experts from various fields, to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative solutions. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director at Informa Markets, noted India’s leadership in the pharmaceutical industry and stressed the need for further investments in research and rural healthcare.
Tuhin A Sinha, National Spokesperson for BJP, remarked that the exit polls support the PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India) and are positive for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, where India has emerged as a global leader.
India as an Electronics Hub:
With the BJP government at the center and gaining influence in major manufacturing hubs like UP, AP, and Telangana, the industry expects further impetus to transform India into a major hub for electronic exports. The government’s PLI scheme has attracted leading players to set up new plants, increasing capacity in areas like mobile handsets, LEDs, and components for air conditioners.
Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO of Superplastronics, emphasized the importance of policy continuity and infrastructure development to support the industry. He also called for a reduction in GST rates on household items like TVs and ACs to stimulate demand.
Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator of the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD), anticipates government support to enhance medical device manufacturing, advocating for a predictable tariff regime and fair pricing practices.

June 3, 2024
Display Manufacturing Needs Special Focus, Says ICEA

Display Manufacturing Needs Special Focus, Says ICEA

The government is providing 50% fiscal support under the Rs 76,000-crore semiconductor incentive scheme for display fabrication.
The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) emphasized on Tuesday the need for special attention to display manufacturing in India, which is currently the third-largest consumer of display products globally.
Despite the government offering 50% fiscal support under the Rs 76,000-crore semiconductor incentive scheme for setting up display fabrication units, none of the three applications received for display fabs have been approved so far.
“We have not made significant progress beyond display assembly. Displays constitute a major 15% to 20% of the Bill of Material, comparable to logic, memory, and semiconductors. This is a significant concern,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of ICEA.
The association, which includes companies like Apple, Foxconn, Lava, and other Chinese handset and electronics companies, stresses the importance of focusing on this sector to establish India as a robust display manufacturing hub.
Mohindroo added, “This sector needs special attention, and we are determined to make India a strong display manufacturing nation.”
Experts believe that display manufacturing in India offers a unique opportunity to attract international companies looking to diversify their supply chains. This would not only meet domestic demand but also enhance exports from India.
According to ICEA, the demand for displays in India is primarily driven by mobile phones, among other devices such as televisions, notebooks, tablets, and desktops.
The total demand for displays in the country increased to 338.4 million units in 2023, up from 303.7 million units in 2022, with mobile phones accounting for 310 million display units in 2023. The overall display demand in India is expected to reach 383.5 million units by 2026.

May 30, 2024
IIT-Madras to Fund Sports-Tech Startups

IIT-Madras to Fund Sports-Tech Startups

IIT-Madras is set to provide up to Rs 5 crore in funding to support innovative sports-tech startups in India, aiming to bridge technology and the sporting industry to enhance athletic excellence. These startups will focus on AI and IoT-based products incorporating sensors, networks, actuators, and controllers, leading to the creation of a sports tech incubator fund at IIT Madras. The funding will be provided by the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and the IIT Madras Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA).
Identified areas for sports tech innovation include media and entertainment, fan/player engagement, athlete performance measurement and enhancement, team and coach success, esports, sports education, data analytics, and sports commerce and communities.
Shortlisted submissions will present their business plans at the ‘IIT Madras Sports Technology Start-up Conclave’ on June 14-15 at the IIT Madras Research Park, the first event of its kind in India. After evaluation by a distinguished panel and final review by IIT Madras CESSA and Pravartak Technologies, the selected startups and their funding amounts will be finalized.
Ramesh Kumar, CEO of CESSA and former global head of ESPNCricinfo, emphasized the goal of creating a deeper connection between technology and sports, aiming to foster an ecosystem for developing products that enhance sports performance. Prof Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations at IIT Madras and head of CESSA highlighted the conclave as a significant step in India’s sports tech innovation as the country prepares to bid for the Olympics.
Funding for each startup, based on business potential, will range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, with IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation taking an equity stake and IITM CESSA providing support during the incubation process. Startups can be at the idea or initial stage but must have incorporated their company and intellectual property rights.
IITM CESSA will offer startups access to high-tech sports infrastructure, technical support, a comprehensive startup ecosystem, and a data center for research. Shankar Raman of IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation expressed confidence in fostering entrepreneurs who use technology to enhance athletes’ performance globally.
As of May 2024, the IIT-Madras Incubation Cell has incubated 351 startups, attracting Rs 10,425 crore in investment and achieving a combined valuation of Rs 45,000 crore. These startups generated Rs 3,600 crore in revenue for the financial year 2022-23 and created over 10,000 jobs, filing more than 210 patents in the process.

May 28, 2024
GenAI Could Help Indian Workers Save 51 Million Hours Weekly by 2026: Pearson Study

GenAI Could Help Indian Workers Save 51 Million Hours Weekly by 2026: Pearson Study

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has the potential to save Indian workers 51 million hours per week by 2026, according to a study by learning company Pearson.
GenAI can enhance workplace productivity by assisting workers with routine and repetitive tasks, which often dominate their day and contribute to burnout. This insight comes from Pearson’s Skills Outlook series report titled ‘Reclaim the Clock: How Generative AI Can Power People at Work’.
The study highlights the top 10 job tasks that will see the most time savings through GenAI across five countries—Australia, Brazil, India, the UK, and the US—by 2026.
In India, the top five tasks projected to benefit most from GenAI by 2026 are:
1. Promoting products, services, or programs (saving 4,386,799 hours)
2. Collecting data about consumer needs or opinions (saving 3,874,794 hours)
3. Developing marketing or promotional materials (saving 3,513,913 hours)
4. Identifying business or organizational opportunities (saving 3,219,578 hours)
5. Explaining technical details of products or services (saving 3,095,700 hours).
Other significant tasks where time can be saved using GenAI include maintaining current knowledge in areas of expertise, maintaining operational records, communicating operational plans or activities, examining materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance, and evaluating the quality or accuracy of data.
By automating basic tasks with GenAI, companies and their employees can reallocate time to higher-value work that humans excel at, such as strategic thinking, collaboration, decision-making, innovation, problem-solving, empathy, and leadership, the Pearson report stated.
“In nearly every workplace, people spend their day on common, time-consuming tasks that eat away at productivity or their work-life balance,” said Oliver Latham, vice president of strategy and growth for Pearson Workforce Skills. “If those tasks could be augmented with generative AI, employers and their workers could reallocate time to the things that need a more human touch and mean more to their customers,” he added.

May 23, 2024
AI Spending Trends in India: BFSI and Manufacturing Lead Investment

AI Spending Trends in India: BFSI and Manufacturing Lead Investment

Artificial Intelligence (AI) spending in India is poised to triple to $5 billion by 2027, with the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) and manufacturing sectors emerging as top industry spenders, as per an Intel-IDC report released on Tuesday.
The report highlighted the BFSI sector’s transition from robotic process automation (RPA) to AI-driven automation, emphasizing areas such as security, productivity, and customer experience (CX). Advanced AI solutions incorporating behavioral analysis and fraud detection represent a shift towards more sophisticated and adaptable systems.
Sharath Srinivasamurthy, Associate Vice President at IDC, addressed the primary challenges hindering AI adoption in India, citing unclear or lower-than-expected business outcomes and compliance issues as the top concerns.
Additional challenges identified include skill shortages, high ownership costs that are difficult to justify, and process-related issues stemming from inadequate organizational support to coordinate cross-functional initiatives.
Santhosh Viswanathan, Vice President and Managing Director of Intel India Region, emphasized India’s readiness for AI adoption, citing the country’s role as a significant producer of global data and its position as the third-largest global market. He noted India’s leadership in technical skill availability on a global scale.
The IDC Asia/Pacific AI Maturity Study 2024 classifies India as an AI Practitioner (stage 2), with the country exhibiting strong potential in AI adoption. The report indicates that India’s performance aligns closely with the Asia/Pacific region average in the enterprise dimension, surpasses in the government dimension, and slightly lags in the socio-economic dimension.

May 15, 2024
Why do people hate the new apple ad?

Why do people hate the new Apple ad?

Apple has recently come out with an ad for their latest product, the ultra-thin iPad Pro. The ad features a large number of objects of creative and cultural significance, like a record player, a typewriter, piano, a TV, trumpet, guitar, cameras, books, paint cans and tubes, and an arcade game machine — all getting crushed together inside an industrial press.
Suffice to say, this did not sit well with many people

The ad titled ‘Crush’ showed a giant press crushing instruments and art supplies, which clashed with the iPad’s usual image as a tool for artistic expression.

Viewers felt the ad not only failed to inspire creativity but actively disrespected artistic endeavors and the value placed on physical creative tools.
The negative undercurrent went even further for some, who interpreted the ad as promoting a purely digital creative workflow. This sparked concerns about neglecting the importance of traditional creative mediums and the tactile experience they offer. The backlash was swift and strong. Several celebrities, such as Hugh Grant and Hrithik Roshan also voiced their disappointment and anger over the ad, criticizing the it for its negativity and its seeming disconnect from the core values Apple typically represents.
The backlash reached to such heights that Apple was forced to apologize and pull the ad altogether.
Some say that Apple was always aware that this ad heavily relies on shock value, but ultimately they may have bitten off more than they could chew.
Read more here: https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/hrithik-roshan-calls-apple-s-controversial-new-advertisement-sad-and-ignorant-101715353786737.html

May 14, 2024