Essay: Shelters can help homeless people by providing quiet and privacy, not just a bunk and a meal
US researchers NATALIE FLORENCE and HEATHER ROSS, in an article first published on The Conversation, look at how providing properly-designed dormitory accommodation can aid the homeless…
Essay: Data literacy – fuel for a human future
In the first part of a two part article, MAL FLETCHER, social futurist and chairman of London-based thinktank 2030Plus, says the rise in the use of digital data in our work, rest, relationships and play means we urgently need to equip ourselves with enhanced skills to handle it…
Essay: A global vaccine database?
Writing from London, MAL FLETCHER says there are “huge potential downsides” to Tony Blair’s proposal for a global database of the vaccinated…
“No rights”: Pakistan’s digital ID card keeps millions locked out
WAQAR MUSTAFA, of Thomson Reuters Foundation, reports on how many adults still don’t have a Computerized National Identity Card, excluding them from jobs and vital public services…
Essay: The metaverse – three legal issues we need to address
In an essay first published on The Conversation, PIN LEAN LAU, a lecturer in bio-law at Brunel University London, says there are three key areas which, when it comes to the metaverse, remain “legally murky”…
“Silicon Savannah”: Kenya targets loan apps abusing customer data
NITA BHALLA and DOMINIC KIRUI, of Thomson Reuters Foundation, report on rising concerns over some of the practices of digital lenders…
Bridging the digital divide: The rise of community internet in Africa
KIM HARRISBERG, of Thomson Reuters Foundation, reports on the role decentralised networks are playing in increasing access to the internet…
Some praise, some doubts: Reactions mixed to Facebook’s new prayer tool
HOLLY MEYER and DAVID CRARY, of Associated Press, report on reactions to Facebook’s new prayer feature rolled out in the US recently…
India’s DNA data law seen to harm minorities, hurt privacy
London, UKThomson Reuters Foundation A proposed Indian law on the collection and use of genetic data to tackle crime can violate privacy, and target minorities and marginalised communities disproportionately, according to technology experts and human rights groups. The DNA Technology Regulation Bill allows the profiling of victims, those accused of crimes, and those reported missing, […]
India’s digital database for farmers stirs fears about privacy, exclusion
Thomson Reuters Foundation A plan by India to build digital databases of farmers to boost their incomes has raised concerns about privacy and the exclusion of poor farmers and those without land titles. Tech firm Microsoft will run a pilot for the agriculture ministry’s AgriStack in 100 villages in six Indian states to “develop [a] farmer interface […]