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WhatsApp Bans 7.1 Million Indian Users, Warns of More Bans for Rule Violations

 



A Meta-owned company called WhatsApp announced on Saturday that the company had banned more than 7.1 million Indian WhatsApp accounts for violating local laws in April. Approximately 1,302,000 of the 7,182,000 banned WhatsApp accounts were proactively blocked before any user reports. A company statement states that there are 7,182,000 banned WhatsApp accounts. Each month, thousands of Indians who are reported as scammers or violating the platform's privacy policies are banned. 
 
According to the latest India Monthly Report published by Meta, between April 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024, nearly 71 lakh Indian accounts were banned by the instant messaging service, a move to curb misuse and maintain platform integrity. Also, the company has assured us that in the future it will continue to implement more bans for users that continue to violate its rules.

As of April 1, 2018, WhatsApp banned a total of 7,182,000 accounts, of which 1,302,000 were proactively banned before any complaints from users. Taking this proactive approach is an integral part of WhatsApp's overall strategy to prevent abuse before it occurs. The company uses advanced machine learning and data analytics to identify suspicious behaviour patterns that indicate abuse before it occurs. 

The company received 10,554 reports from users in April 2024 regarding various topics such as account support, ban appeals, product support, and safety concerns. According to the stringent criteria for taking action on an account, there were only six accounts which were acted upon in response to these reports. 

A ban on Indian accounts is a clear indication that WhatsApp is complying with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 by publishing compliance reports detailing the actions taken to address the grievances and violations of law as outlined in the Rules. It is clear from the latest report from June 2024 that WhatsApp is doing a good job of curbing harmful behaviour by utilizing user complaints as well as the sophisticated detection mechanisms it has in place. 

In the opinion of some experts, the account "Actioned" refers to complaints on which WhatsApp has taken remedial action. It was also explained by WhatsApp that it had received two orders from the Grievance Appellate Committee of the country, and was able to comply with them both, as outlined in its monthly compliance report. As per the report, the new Indian IT Rules of 2021 appear to have been followed. 

The company, from what we can gather, appears to employ a team of engineers, data scientists, analysts, researchers, and experts in law enforcement, online safety, and technology development to oversee its efforts to ensure these efforts are carried out effectively. Despite its multi-faceted approach to detecting and preventing abuse, WhatsApp is claimed to use a multi-layered approach to prevent abuse. It assumes that a user's account lifecycle involves various stages that may be compromised or might cause potential issues. 

To detect and block suspicious registrations during the process of creating a WhatsApp account, WhatsApp has constructed a vulnerable mechanism. With this, WhatsApp can prevent bad actors from entering the platform in the first place and causing problems for the platform. As part of its use of ITA algorithms, WhatsApp also continuously scans messages for patterns that are indicative of harmful behaviour and sends notifications accordingly. As part of this, you may receive spam messages, threats, or misinformation that spreads across the Internet.

It is very important to note that WhatsApp takes its customers' feedback into account as well as playing a vital role in the scanning of accounts. A user's action of reporting or blocking contacts contributes to the detection system of WhatsApp when it comes to that contact. It is this initiative that may lead to WhatsApp taking further action and possibly barring accounts from using the service. In addition to this, WhatsApp has a dedicated team of analysts who are constantly looking for ways to improve the efficiency of the system by examining complex or unusual cases.

Redefining Education: The AI Revolution in Classrooms Everywhere

 


There is a new report from the World Economic Forum that discusses how artificial intelligence can revolutionize education systems and help educators and students have a better experience. AI has a huge amount of potential, ranging from personalizing learning experiences to streamlining administrative tasks to integrating AI into educational curricula – and the researchers conclude that, if these technologies are appropriately applied, the world of education could enter into a new era. 

An analysis of the emerging technologies can assist educational systems in meeting the increasing demands for digital literacy and personalized learning environments, as illustrated in the new report, Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education 4.0. This book demonstrates the benefits that innovative artificial intelligence applications are already transforming education by providing students with the future skills they need while improving learning outcomes, empowering teachers, and empowering students.

In a statement, Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, said that artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global education landscape. Well-deployed artificial intelligence can help educators adapt their teaching to the needs and requirements of their students in a way that enhances student engagement and the effectiveness of educators, which is crucial for both student engagement and educator effectiveness. 

AI brings several opportunities to the education sector, but the report emphasizes the importance of refining assessment processes to provide more timely, holistic and in-depth assessments of student performance. The article also discusses how artificial intelligence can assist educators in optimizing their roles by automating and augmenting up to 20% of the clerical duties of educators, reducing administrative burdens enabling teachers to spend more time on individualized learning, improving pedagogy, and providing social-emotional support to their students. 

Besides providing students with essential future skills and knowledge, the integration of AI into education curricula allows for the development of tailored educational pathways for varied student needs, using personalized learning content and experiences. A proactive approach is required to harness the opportunities and challenges provided by artificial intelligence to further improve the quality of education while addressing the challenges that these technologies can pose at the same time. 

Several issues must be dealt with to ensure equitable access to technology, address data privacy concerns, and facilitate the transition into a world in which traditional teaching positions may be rendered obsolete.  By implementing robust data privacy and security protocols in their education systems, the report calls on policymakers and leaders in education to ensure the protection of sensitive information within their systems to ensure a responsible integration of AI into educational systems. 

Additionally, the paper argues for a stronger level of collaboration between AI developers and educators so that new AI tools will help students achieve better educational outcomes. Education 4.0 is the term used to describe the fourth industrial revolution in education and it is presented as a revolution in education primarily marked by the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to transform how education is taught and learned. 

There is a strong potential for the adoption of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in education to revolutionize teaching methodologies, personalise learning experiences, and streamline administrative processes by revolutionising education, according to the paper. As a result of global education system being at a crossroads as a result of three factors: a global teacher shortage, administrative and assessment shortages and digital skills shortages, the paper concludes that global education systems are at a crossroads. 

Several key aspects of lifelong learning can be impacted by artificial intelligence (AI) in education and skills development, a process in which AI can play a huge role. In an age where the digital economy is rapidly evolving, the power of artificial intelligence (AI) can help us to create better and more engaging learning experiences and empower individuals to flourish within the rapidly evolving digital economy by harnessing the power of AI. 

In the design and deployment of AI-enabled educational technologies, however, it is essential that fairness, transparency, and inclusivity are put at the forefront of the implementation process, and that the ethical, social, and pedagogical implications are carefully considered. As important as it is to understand that AI is capable of automating certain tasks in the classroom, serving up personalised learning experiences, and providing enhanced data-driven insights and analytics, it still will not be able to replace the human element in teaching in its entirety. 

In the realm of education, there exists a prevailing concern regarding Al's deficiency in empathy and emotional intelligence, thus hindering its capacity to effectively address the diverse needs and emotions of students. It is widely acknowledged that educators wield a pivotal influence in fostering meaningful relationships with students, providing essential emotional support, and cultivating a profound sense of belonging and self-assurance in their capabilities. 

Central to effective pedagogy is the facilitation of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the cultivation of creativity and innovation in students' educational pursuits. Distinguishing itself from AI, human educators are adept at steering discussions, employing incisive questioning techniques, and nurturing a culture of deep reflection on theoretical frameworks and their practical application in real-world scenarios. 

Moreover, educators possess the invaluable ability to tailor their instructional approaches in real time, drawing insights from student engagement levels and accommodating diverse learning modes. AI technology is profoundly influencing the landscape of education, particularly in what is heralded as Education 4.0, through its promotion of personalized, adaptive, and data-informed methodologies in teaching and learning. 

By harnessing the capabilities of AI, educators stand to unlock novel avenues for augmenting student engagement, enhancing learning outcomes, and equipping learners with the requisite competencies for success in the digital era. The trajectory of AI's integration into education is rife with promise, with ongoing innovations poised to catalyze transformative shifts in pedagogical paradigms. 

Furthermore, the advent of AI holds the potential to democratize access to education, foster inclusivity, and empower learners to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with confidence. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of education will become increasingly indispensable, as it equips learners with the requisite skills and acumen to thrive amidst the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Global Authorities Examine 58 Cyberattacks Linked to North Korea, Valued at $3 Billion

 


North Korean sanctions monitors have been investigating dozens of possible cyberattacks by the regime, which are believed to have raised $3 billion to fuel the state's nuclear weapons program, according to excerpts released from an unpublished report by the UN. 

In the executive summary of a new report submitted to the United Nations Security Council obtained Friday by The Associated Press, a panel of experts stated that the number of cyberattacks by North Korean hacking groups that report to the Reconnaissance General Bureau, North Korea’s primary foreign intelligence organization, is continuing to be high. 

This report covers the period from July 2023 to January 2024, and it is based on contributions made by unidentified United Nations representatives. A report sent to the council of 15 nations, compiled from member nations and other sources, was sent in response to the high tensions in the region caused by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. 

As a result, the United States, South Korea, and Japan have increased their combined military exercises in response to his threat to destroy South Korea if provoked and escalating weapons demonstrations. He threatened to annihilate South Korea if provoked by an escalation of weapons demonstrations. Amid the increased military and political tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the experts said North Korea “continued to flout (U.N.) sanctions,” further developed its nuclear weapons, and produced nuclear fissile materials – the weapons’ key ingredients. 

There was no doubt that the light-water reactor at North Korea's main nuclear complex at Yongbyon appeared to be operational, according to the experts. Despite suspicions that the North may use it as a new source of fissile materials for nuclear weapons, the South Korean defence minister said in late December that the reactor is likely to become operational by the summer. 

A 5-megawatt reactor near Yongbyon, the country that possesses the world's largest nuclear capacity, has been producing weapons-grade plutonium for many years. As an additional source of bomb fuel, this light-water reactor would be a useful addition to the arsenal, and observers have pointed out that, with its larger capacity, it can produce more plutonium. 

Furthermore, Yongbyon has its own facility for enriching uranium, which can enrich uranium up to 99%. According to the panel, North Korea is likely preparing to conduct its seventh nuclear test from Punggye-ri, which would mark the first nuclear test conducted there since 2017. The panel said it has been working on monitoring activities at the nuclear test site. 

It has been estimated that North Korea has nuclear weapons in the range of 20-60 (or more than 100, depending on who is doing the counting) to more than 100. North Korea is thought to be capable of adding between six and 18 bombs per year, according to experts. Kim Jong Un has repeatedly made a promise to build more nuclear weapons and introduce high-technology weapons to deal with what he calls intensifying U.S. hostility since his diplomacy with the U.S. collapsed in 2019. 

According to the panel, at least seven ballistic missiles were launched by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea during the six months that ended in January, including one intercontinental ballistic missile, one intermediate-range missile, and five short-range missiles. That was one of the most numerous rocket launches that the North has ever made, according to the panel. 

A military observation satellite has been successfully launched by the DPRK in orbit, following two failed attempts, experts said Sunday. As part of the North's military arsenal, an old diesel submarine has been modified so that it can be used as a tactical nuclear attack submarine. 

The monitoring panel overseeing U.N. sanctions against North Korea has observed persistent breaches by the DPRK. The country, in defiance of Security Council resolutions, is found to illicitly import refined petroleum products. 

To circumvent maritime sanctions, the DPRK employs a blend of obfuscation techniques. In the year 2023, the recorded trade volume exceeded that of 2022, encompassing a diverse range of consumer goods. Some of these items, deemed luxury goods and prohibited by U.N. sanctions, were included. 

The panel is actively probing reports from member states regarding the DPRK's potential involvement in the arms and ammunition trade, a clear violation of U.N. sanctions. Recent accusations from the United States, Ukraine, and six allies assert Russia's utilization of North Korean ballistic missiles and launchers in devastating aerial attacks against Ukraine, violating U.N. sanctions. South Korea's military, in November, suspected North Korea of exporting various armaments, including short-range ballistic missiles and anti-tank missiles to Russia, contravening U.N. sanctions. 

Throughout the last six months, discernible trends indicate the DPRK's focus on targeting defence companies and supply chains, as well as increased collaboration in infrastructure and tools. The panel has also delved into reports of numerous DPRK nationals working abroad in sectors such as information technology, restaurants, and construction, generating income in violation of U.N. sanctions. 

Additionally, the DPRK persists in accessing the international financial system for illicit financial operations. While U.N. sanctions are designed to spare ordinary North Koreans, the panel acknowledges unintentional repercussions on the humanitarian situation and aspects of aid operations. Nevertheless, the precise impact of sanctions relative to other factors remains challenging to discern.