Is university worth it? Yes, for both students and society
RGTI charges today towards another all-time high, should you sell?
Matt Gaetz ‘regularly’ paid women for sex, including a minor, US Congress report saysAs you scroll through your social media feed or let your favorite music app curate the perfect playlist, it may feel like artificial intelligence is improving your life – learning your preferences and serving your needs. But lurking behind this convenient facade is a growing concern: algorithmic harms. These harms aren’t obvious or immediate. They’re insidious, building over time as AI systems quietly make decisions about your life without you even knowing it. The hidden power of these systems is becoming a significant threat to privacy, equality, autonomy and safety. AI systems are embedded in nearly every facet of modern life. They suggest what shows and movies you should watch, help employers decide whom they want to hire, and even influence judges to decide who qualifies for a sentence. But what happens when these systems, often seen as neutral, begin making decisions that put certain groups at a disadvantage or, worse, cause real-world harm? The often-overlooked consequences of AI applications call for regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology. I study the intersection of law and technology, and I’ve outlined a legal framework to do just that. Slow burns One of the most striking aspects of algorithmic harms is that their cumulative impact often flies under the radar. These systems typically don’t directly assault your privacy or autonomy in ways you can easily perceive. They gather vast amounts of data about people — often without their knowledge — and use this data to shape decisions affecting people’s lives. Sometimes, this results in minor inconveniences, like an advertisement that follows you across websites. But as AI operates without addressing these repetitive harms, they can scale up, leading to significant cumulative damage across diverse groups of people. Consider the example of social media algorithms. They are ostensibly designed to promote beneficial social interactions. However, behind their seemingly beneficial facade, they silently track users’ clicks and compile profiles of their political beliefs, professional affiliations and personal lives. The data collected is used in systems that make consequential decisions — whether you are identified as a jaywalking pedestrian, considered for a job or flagged as a risk to commit suicide. Worse, their addictive design traps teenagers in cycles of overuse, leading to escalating mental health crises, including anxiety, depression and self-harm. By the time you grasp the full scope, it’s too late — your privacy has been breached, your opportunities shaped by biased algorithms, and the safety of the most vulnerable undermined, all without your knowledge. This is what I call “intangible, cumulative harm”: AI systems operate in the background, but their impacts can be devastating and invisible. Why regulation lags behind Despite these mounting dangers, legal frameworks worldwide have struggled to keep up. In the United States, a regulatory approach emphasizing innovation has made it difficult to impose strict standards on how these systems are used across multiple contexts. Courts and regulatory bodies are accustomed to dealing with concrete harms, like physical injury or economic loss, but algorithmic harms are often more subtle, cumulative and hard to detect. The regulations often fail to address the broader effects that AI systems can have over time. Social media algorithms, for example, can gradually erode users’ mental health, but because these harms build slowly, they are difficult to address within the confines of current legal standards. Four types of algorithmic harm Drawing on existing AI and data governance scholarship, I have categorized algorithmic harms into four legal areas: privacy, autonomy, equality and safety. Each of these domains is vulnerable to the subtle yet often unchecked power of AI systems. The first type of harm is eroding privacy. AI systems collect, process and transfer vast amounts of data, eroding people’s privacy in ways that may not be immediately obvious but have long-term implications. For example, facial recognition systems can track people in public and private spaces, effectively turning mass surveillance into the norm. The second type of harm is undermining autonomy. AI systems often subtly undermine your ability to make autonomous decisions by manipulating the information you see. Social media platforms use algorithms to show users content that maximizes a third party’s interests, subtly shaping opinions, decisions and behaviors across millions of users. The third type of harm is diminishing equality. AI systems, while designed to be neutral, often inherit the biases present in their data and algorithms. This reinforces societal inequalities over time. In one infamous case, a facial recognition system used by retail stores to detect shoplifters disproportionately misidentified women and people of color. The fourth type of harm is impairing safety. AI systems make decisions that affect people’s safety and well-being. When these systems fail, the consequences can be catastrophic. But even when they function as designed, they can still cause harm, such as social media algorithms’ cumulative effects on teenagers’ mental health. Because these cumulative harms often arise from AI applications protected by trade secret laws, victims have no way to detect or trace the harm. This creates a gap in accountability. When a biased hiring decision or a wrongful arrest is made due to an algorithm, how does the victim know? Without transparency, it’s nearly impossible to hold companies accountable. Closing the accountability gap Categorizing the types of algorithmic harms delineates the legal boundaries of AI regulation and presents possible legal reforms to bridge this accountability gap. Changes I believe would help include mandatory algorithmic impact assessments that require companies to document and address the immediate and cumulative harms of an AI application to privacy, autonomy, equality and safety – before and after it’s deployed. For instance, firms using facial recognition systems would need to evaluate these systems’ impacts throughout their life cycle. Another helpful change would be stronger individual rights around the use of AI systems, allowing people to opt out of harmful practices and making certain AI applications opt in. For example, requiring an opt-in regime for data processing by firms’ use of facial recognition systems and allowing users to opt out at any time. Lastly, I suggest requiring companies to disclose the use of AI technology and its anticipated harms. To illustrate, this may include notifying customers about the use of facial recognition systems and the anticipated harms across the domains outlined in the typology. As AI systems become more widely used in critical societal functions – from health care to education and employment – the need to regulate harms they can cause becomes more pressing. Without intervention, these invisible harms are likely to continue to accumulate, affecting nearly everyone and disproportionately hitting the most vulnerable. With generative AI multiplying and exacerbating AI harms, I believe it’s important for policymakers, courts, technology developers and civil society to recognize the legal harms of AI. This requires not just better laws, but a more thoughtful approach to cutting-edge AI technology – one that prioritizes civil rights and justice in the face of rapid technological advancement. The future of AI holds incredible promise, but without the right legal frameworks, it could also entrench inequality and erode the very civil rights it is, in many cases, designed to enhance. Sylvia Lu is a Faculty Fellow and Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, University of Michigan. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.
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Reality TV star Maura Higgins was called a "little cow" by campmate Tulisa Contostavlos ahead of a bushtucker trial on the new series of I'm A Celebrity this week. Tulisa, 36, was previously announced as the celebrity taking on the latest trial, Shock Around the Clock. The aftermath of the news featured in Wednesday's episode of the ITV show, shortly before viewers saw the bushtucker trial itself. Following the announcement that N-Dubz member Tulisa would face her first trial, former Love Island finalist Maura - who has already done two trials, including the one prior - shared that she was glad it wasn't her facing it. Tulisa said: "I know Maura's so entertained right now." READ MORE - Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin: Net worth, huge house and why they'll never split READ MORE - Gladiator II star Paul Mescal reveals why he has to 'quit the internet' and social media Maura was heard laughing, as Tulisa teased: "You're gonna be sat here giggling like this while I'm doing it." Maura reacted: "I'd love to be a fly on the wall." Teasing back, Tulisa called her co-star "a little cow". The pair both laughed and later reflecting in the bush telegraph, Maura said: "I am happy no trial for Maura today so I've got a smile on my face." The latest trial came after Tulisa and Maura were vocal in a group challenge on Tuesday's episode, with them screaming as the campmates had insects fall on them inside a bus. Fans expressed sympathy for Barry McGuigan , who was sat in between them. Tulisa faced Shock Around the Clock on her own and was told by hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly that she would be strapped into a box that represented a hand on a giant clock. It would be rotated around the clock face during the trial and Tulisa would be joined by an assortment of bugs. In order to win each star for camp, Tulisa had to name twelve things that fit into a particular category within 60 seconds. There were twelve categories overall - including naming UK cities - with a dozen stars up for grabs. The first category saw her asked to name all twelve of the campmates on I'm A Celebrity this year. Tulisa quickly named several of them and then herself, but struggled as time went on, ultimately missing two names off her list. Once the trial had ended, it was confirmed that she had won five out of twelve stars during the challenge. Reflecting on the experience, she said afterwards: "When I was in there my brain just wouldn't function, it just went blank, I was just trying to survive." When Tulisa returned to camp, Maura said: "I'm so proud." She added that her campmate shouldn't be disheartened by having only won five out of the twelve stars. I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! airs every night at 9pm on ITV1, STV and ITVX. I'm A Celebrity...Unpacked airs live on ITV2 every night directly after the ITV1 show. Follow Mirro r C elebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads . Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .New Mexico man awarded $412 million medical malpractice payout for botched injections
‘Nearly 40% of cricketers at U12 level in Australia are of South Asian heritage’ ABC writer on why Indian migrants might be answer to future of cricket in Australia MELBOURNE: Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s sports presenter Paul Kennedy, a former Footie player and current journalist, was asked on the Grade Cricketer vlog, if he worried about the “influence of India’s vision of cricket in Australia.” He instead suggested that “Indian or South Asian heritage cricketers might actually be the answer for future of cricket in Australia. Quoting some eye-popping figures, Kennedy explained that South Asian heritage cricketers were pivotal to increase participation figures in Australian cricket. “If you look at all sports, which I do, participation levels is a big thing. You need people playing a game if you want to keep operating as a sport, particularly big sport like cricket. If you look at migration to Australia, India is a huge part of Australia life now. And what do they do? They play cricket. The stats are that at the U12 level it’s up near 40% of the kids are from South Asian heritage. We went to Truganina which is west of Melbourne. In that area along eight years ago, they had 160 teams., now they have 420 teams. And some sports haven’t got the diversity to to have that future safeguard of just full participation in growing a game. So it’s like a gift for cricket,’ he told the Grade Cricketer. Earlier last month, writing on abc.net.au , Kennedy had stressed that the current participation boom was unlike any other trend in Australian sport: “Five years ago, 10 per cent of cricket players registered at all levels in Australia had South Asian heritage; Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket James Allsop says that figure is 20 per cent and rising.” The writeup noted other growing numbers. “Registrations for ‘Cricket Blast’, a backyard cricket-style introductory program for kids under 10, saw children of parents from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan go up by 26 per cent for boys and 29 per cent for girls over the past year. Representative programs run by local, state, and national organisations have noted 17 per cent of their players are now of South Asian heritage. In the Under 12 age group that number is an amazing 40 per cent in boys and 25 per cent in girls.” However a sobering stat presented itself in Kennedy’s findings, as he said the revolution is yet to reach the professional ranks, where contracted state players from South Asian families make up fewer than five per cent of 166 elite men and 122 women and at the highest level, only Usman Khawaja and Alana King had national contracts. A Cricket Australia multicultural plan aimed to double the number of South Asian players at state level by 2027. Alsopp was quoted as saying by ABC.net.au , “We’re making inroads. But we’ve still got a lot of work to do and we’re not shy about that. We want to make sure that all clubs are accommodating for people from all cultural backgrounds, which has been a big focus for the last five years.” AgenciesD ear Heloise: I appreciate the dialogue in your published hints. It is so helpful to expand our knowledge. Regarding parchment paper, there is compostable parchment paper available now. So, I use this compostable product and add it to my composting bin. Silicone mats for cookie sheets are still plastic and will eventually have to be thrown out. Keep up the good work of protecting our environment! I am happy that your column directs people to nonchemical cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. — J.M., via email Coffee scum Dear Heloise: I am writing to see if you can help me. When I make coffee, I get an oily film at the top, and I don’t know what causes it. It tastes OK but still has an oily top. — P.B., in Minnesota P.B., it’s rather common, so don’t be alarmed. It’s usually called “coffee scum,” but despite its rather ugly name, it’s just the natural oils found in coffee beans, which contain antioxidants and unsaturated fats. People are also reading... Rest assured, Nebraska volleyball fans: The missing fan behind the servers will be back Saturday Matt Rhule, Luke Fickell both downplay postgame encounter between Fickell, Donovan Raiola Arrest made in 55-year-old cold case of Nebraska teen stabbed to death Signing Day: Meet Nebraska volleyball's five-player 2025 class Wisconsin officer grabbing Donovan Raiola's arm a 'misunderstanding,' UW police say ‘I don’t care who’s played': Nebraska’s Dana Holgorsen on personnel changes at tight end Amie Just: Bring out the tissues — and the brooms — for Nebraska volleyball's emotional win Man found dead in north Lincoln, police say Cover Five: With pressure rising, Matt Rhule delivers Nebraska a bowl bid in Year 2 Nebraska GOP to seek hard-right social policies in 2025 legislative session Sound waves: What others are saying about Nebraska's win against Wisconsin Here's how Nebraska doctors are finding 'more opportunities to save lives' from lung cancer UNO freezes funds for LGBTQ+, multicultural, other student groups after audit Amie Just: Ahead of milestone birthday, local sports figures give advice on turning 30 As Nebraska's Democratic Party shrinks, some former party officials call for change A drip-brewed coffee usually has less oil than a French-press coffee or Turkish coffee. The higher the temperature, the more oil that’s produced. Hard water, which contains minerals, also produces more oil. — Heloise Plastic produce bags Dear Heloise: In response to the hint about wetting one’s fingers to open a plastic produce bag at the grocery store, just don’t use one! Take a reusable bag. If you don’t want to put produce in a reusable bag, purchase some mesh reusable bags that are specifically made for produce. And don’t forget to wash your reusable bags! Unless there is a cardboard base, most can be put in the washing machine. — J.M., in Ohio Gaining weight? Dear Heloise: I used to be a professional model and had to keep my weight down in order to fit into those beautiful clothes. However, like most people, I had my sad days when things would go wrong, but I quickly learned that things didn’t get better if I ate ice cream or pigged out on food. So, here are a few hints I used to stay slim: Always eat something for breakfast, even if it’s only toast. A cup of black coffee and a cigarette simply isn’t enough fuel to keep you going all morning. Put your fork down three or four times during a meal, and chew your food slowly. Be mindful of what you are eating. Ask yourself: Does it nourish my body? Never let junk food cross your threshold. Also, if you don’t have it in the house, you’re less tempted to eat food like cookies, cakes, etc. Get off the couch and go for a walk. Keep moving. Sometimes getting out of the house lifts your spirits and makes us see that many of our problems aren’t as big as we thought. — M.H., in Florida Pet Pal Dear Heloise: Our two pets, Sadie the mini Bernedoodle and Taco the cat, await me as I enter the door. It’s so nice! — Bruce Granger, via email Readers, to see Sadie and Taco, as well as our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to heloise@heloise.com . — Heloise
Navy QB Blake Horvath's 95-yard TD run in Armed Forces Bowl win is longest play in school historyJanet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-JanuaryFORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Navy quarterback Blake Horvath read the play perfectly and turned it into the longest in school history, a 95-yard touchdown run in the Armed Forces Bowl. “By somebody that’s not really that fast,” Horvath said after the 21-20 win over Oklahoma on Friday. The Midshipmen (10-3) fell behind by two touchdowns less than 10 minutes into the game, but Horvath's record run late in the third quarter tied the game at 14-all. He put them ahead on a 6-yard TD with 4:34 left before Navy’s defense stopped an Oklahoma 2-point conversion with six seconds left in the game. “Probably over-pursued by them,” Horvath said of the 95-yarder. “Some tendencies they showed earlier, just thought I could get a pull.” After faking a handoff on the read-option play, Horvath ran straight up the middle into the open field. Brandon Chatman cut off a pursing defender around the Sooners 20. By time another defender, cornerback Woodi Washington, was able to catch up and started to bring him down, Horvath stretched the ball over the goal line — though he was initially ruled short before a replay review resulted in the touchdown. “Brandon Chatman actually busted his tail to get his butt down the field,” Horvath said. “I can see him out of the corner of my eye busting his butt. And honestly, it’s almost not even my touchdown without him and the offensive line blocking.” The previous longest play for the Midshipmen came during the Roger Staubach era, when Johnny Sai had a 93-yard run against Duke in 1963. Horvath also had a 90-yard TD run against Memphis, making him only the second Navy player with two 90-yard runs in the same season. The other was quarterback Malcolm Perry in 2017, when he had runs of 92 and 91 yards. “That’s a play we know can hit big and it did, and definitely exciting to see,” fullback Alex Tecza said. “I was getting tired just chasing him. ... It's great. He's being doing that all year.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Saturday, November 30, 2024 On Thursday, November 28, 2024, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela McDonald , visited Phuket to meet with Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri . The visit underscored the importance of bolstering the bilateral relationship between Australia and Thailand, with a special focus on tourism safety. This collaborative discussion took place at the Phuket Provincial Governor’s Reception Room and was aimed at enhancing the safety of Australian tourists visiting the island, as well as strengthening the economic and political ties between both nations. During the meeting, Ambassador McDonald praised the efforts of Phuket’s local authorities in prioritizing the safety and well-being of tourists. In particular, she noted the ongoing efforts to ensure that Australian visitors to the island remain well-supported and protected during their stay. McDonald remarked that more than 600,000 Australian tourists have visited Thailand this year, with Phuket emerging as one of the most popular destinations for these visitors. “Phuket’s proactive measures have been incredibly valuable in ensuring the safety and security of Australian tourists,” said McDonald. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Phuket authorities for their dedication in making the island a safe destination for travelers.” The discussions also included practical approaches to improve safety measures, such as enhanced disaster preparedness. The importance of maintaining robust local governance and ensuring a secure environment for both residents and visitors was highlighted. With Australian tourists constituting a significant portion of international arrivals to Phuket, it is vital for both the local government and the Australian Embassy to continue to collaborate closely on safety-related initiatives. In addition to safety measures, Vice Governor Ronnarong emphasized Phuket’s unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for all tourists. He reaffirmed that Australian nationals are among the top five international groups visiting the island and expressed confidence that ongoing safety initiatives would continue to improve the overall experience for these visitors. The meeting also featured remarks from Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Sinlert Sukhum, who reminded attendees about the importance of obeying traffic laws to ensure the safety of tourists. He particularly pointed out that tourists renting vehicles must be properly licensed, use helmets when necessary, follow speed limits, and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol. A significant portion of the talks also revolved around disaster preparedness, particularly in relation to Phuket’s vulnerability to natural calamities. Sopon Thongsai, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, provided updates on the latest initiatives to improve the island’s disaster response. Notably, two new tsunami warning buoys have been deployed in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean. These buoys are designed to detect any potential tsunami activity, enabling timely evacuation alerts to safeguard both locals and tourists. Thongsai’s presentation highlighted the government’s commitment to public safety and boosting confidence in Phuket’s preparedness for emergencies. The disaster preparedness update further solidified Phuket’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking destination. By taking a proactive approach to safety, the province aims to ensure that visitors can enjoy their holidays with peace of mind, knowing that local authorities are well-equipped to handle any potential crises. As part of her visit, Ambassador McDonald took the opportunity to meet with members of the Australian community living in Phuket. The meeting was held at Soho Pool Club, where discussions centered on the growing tourism and business opportunities between the two nations. McDonald expressed her optimism about future collaborations and emphasized the significant role that people-to-people connections play in deepening the relationship between Australia and Thailand. In another symbolic gesture of goodwill, McDonald, alongside Kirsten Fletcher, the Australian Consul-General in Phuket, contributed a smart TV to a local school through the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation. This charitable donation served as a demonstration of the ongoing cultural and community exchange between the two countries. The foundation, which aims to give back to the local community, plays an essential role in promoting Australian ties with Phuket’s residents. Ambassador McDonald’s visit to Phuket highlights the strong ties between Australia and Thailand and the shared commitment to tourism safety and cultural exchange. As one of the top travel destinations in Thailand, Phuket’s emphasis on tourist safety is essential for sustaining its reputation as a preferred location for Australian tourists. With more than 600,000 Australians visiting Thailand in 2024, Phuket remains a key player in this dynamic tourism exchange. By prioritizing the safety of tourists and working closely with local and international authorities, both the Australian and Thai governments are ensuring that Phuket continues to be a thriving and secure destination for travelers. Looking ahead, both nations have expressed their enthusiasm for strengthening this partnership, with a shared vision for a prosperous and safe future for tourism in the region. As Phuket remains one of the most popular destinations for international tourists, the ambassador’s visit marks another step toward solidifying its place as a top choice for travelers from Australia, and around the world. The ongoing efforts to improve safety measures, along with the proactive collaboration between local and Australian authorities, pave the way for a brighter and safer tourism future for Phuket.
Are Black Friday Discounts Actually Worth It?Daily Post Nigeria CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba fall 2-0 to Egypt’s Al Masry Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba fall 2-0 to Egypt’s Al Masry Published on November 27, 2024 By Mike Oyebola Enyimba lost 2-0 against Egypt’s Al Masry in their CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter in Ismaila on Wednesday night. Mahmoud Hamada opened the scoring for the home team after five minutes. Hamada sealed the points for Al Masry 14 minutes from time. Enyimba failed to threaten the hosts’ defence for the better part of the game. Goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena pulled off several top saves to keep the scoreline more respectable. Enyimba will host defending champions Zamalek in their next game in the competition on Sunday, December 8. Related Topics: Al Masry CAF Confederation Cup enyimba Don't Miss NPFL: Remo Stars overcome 3SC in derby, Ikorodu City extend unbeaten run You may like CAF Confederation Cup: Al Masry battle ready for Enyimba — Maher CAFCC: Enyimba hold first training ahead Al Masry clash CAF Champions League: Why Enyimba trained in Uyo for Al Masry clash CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba off to Egypt for Al Masry clash NPFL, Enyimba want domestic, continental glory – Olanrewaju CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba intensify preparation for Al Masry clash Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
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BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Aston Villa says it has failed in an attempt to have Jhon Duran’s red card at Newcastle overturned on appeal. The 21-year-old Colombia international was sent off 32 minutes into a 3-0 defeat in the Premier League at St. James’ Park on Thursday after appearing to stamp on defender Fabian Schar, prompting a furious reaction from Villa head coach Unai Emery, who later indicated that the club would appeal. However, Villa said Friday night that its bid was unsuccessful and the forward will now serve a three-match ban for violent conduct. “Aston Villa can confirm that our decision to appeal Jhon Duran’s red card in our match with Newcastle United has been rejected," a statement on Villa’s official X account read. "The player will now miss our next three matches.” Duran will miss Premier League games against Brighton and Leicester, followed by Villa's FA Cup third-round match with West Ham on Jan. 10. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer