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Category: Technology

  • How AI Will Help Combat Online Bullying and Support Kipchoge’s Pursuit of GOAT Status

    By Joe Aura

    contact info: aurajoe6@gmail.com

    {image by GettyImages}

     

    Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary Kenyan marathon runner, is on the brink of making history once again.

    With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, Kipchoge aims to achieve a remarkable feat: becoming the first man to win three Olympic gold medals in the marathon. Beyond personal glory, Kipchoge seeks to inspire a global appreciation for running and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle. Notably, Kipchoge has expressed his support for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by Olympic organizers to tackle online abuse, demonstrating his commitment to athletes’ well-being.

     

    Challenges in Athletes’ Social Media

    Kipchoge has faced challenges, including becoming a target of online abuse following the tragic death of fellow Kenyan marathon runner, Kelvin Kiptum. These experiences shed light on the darker side of social media, where anonymity emboldens harmful behavior. This kind of online abuse not only impacts athletes’ mental and emotional well-being, but also poses a threat to their safety and professional careers.

    Kipchoge’s resilience in the face of adversity has been a source of inspiration, showcasing his unwavering spirit and commitment to his goals. “These faceless people are posting bad things and are really dangerous,” he said, “If you report some accounts then it takes time for them to delete those accounts. “They should act fast, get the facts, delete accounts. People [should] know that if you say something which is not good then your account will be deleted.” [B.B.C News]

    To address the severity of online abuse, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a proactive approach to protect athletes during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Leveraging AI, the IOC aims to monitor and mitigate abusive behavior on social media platforms.

     

    Understanding the Cyber Abuse Protection Service

    The cyber abuse protection service was developed specifically for the sports sector and is a leading global solution for safeguarding athletes from online abuse. This AI-driven service uses forensic investigation techniques and a specialist methodology for identifying and addressing abuse. It has gained traction in the sports sector, being utilized by clubs, leagues, players’ unions, federations, and global sports event organizers.

    The service will prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes across the Olympic and Paralympic Games, offering greater insight into the scale and nature of online abuse specific to athletes at the Games. It will also provide evidence to expedite takedown action against abusive content on social media platforms and protect the community around the event.

    For the Paris 2024 Olympics, any accredited athlete with a public-facing social media account will be automatically covered by the initiative. Athletes can opt out if they choose, and entourage members and technical officials can opt in to benefit from the services. Kipchoge has welcomed this announcement, emphasizing the need for swift and effective action against online abuse to protect athletes’ mental and emotional well-being.

    “I think it’s actually the right direction,” he said. “They are now stamping their authority and their function as an organisation handling the athletes to safeguard them from abuse.” He believes that social media companies should act fast to delete abusive content and hold wrongdoers accountable.

     

    AI’s Impact on the Olympics

    AI’s role in the Olympics extends beyond combating online abuse. The technology will assist athletes in various aspects, including training, performance analysis, and injury prevention. For fans, AI promises to enhance the viewing experience through improved broadcasting and interactive features, making the Games more engaging and accessible. This integration of AI represents a significant step forward in the evolution of sports and the Olympic experience.

    The anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympics is palpable, particularly among African athletes who are making their final preparations with high hopes. The goal of winning 50 medals for the first time at the Olympics highlights Africa’s growing prowess in various sports.

    As the world eagerly awaits the start of the Games, Kipchoge’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration. The advancements in AI and their application in sports not only promise to enhance the Olympic experience, but also contribute to the evolution of sports.

  • THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

    By Mercy Mwaniki

    contact info: Mercyjesca123@gmail.com

    {image by Getty Images}

     

    Kenya is leading the propagation of Eastern Africa’s digital landscape, according to the “2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index”, and it shows.

    For years now, protests have always been about physically showing up in large numbers due to politics and rallies held by opposing parties; at least for the ones that have happened in the past 22 years. But we cannot forget about movements like “The Young Kavirondo Association“ that was started by students under the leadership of Jonathan Okwiri. They had several demands, including but not limited to abolition of the Kipande system and reduction of hut tax. With the recent protests, Gen Z’s have showed up and utilized social media to advocate for their rights and express their views.

    The past three weeks have had not only large numbers of young people showing up physically in Nairobi, but also in different parts of the country. They have been voicing their opinions loud enough that the world has had its eyes on Kenya, waiting to see the next step. They have gone ahead to clearly draw the line between what has been in the past and what will be in future if certain changes are made.

    They have gone ahead and even made plans for “seven days of justice“ for the innocent lives lost during peaceful protest. This has reminded people of the Saba Saba movement that took place on 7th July 1990. Demanding for free elections, some of the leaders like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia were arrested before the protest day while others were beaten and detained by the police. History has repeated itself as there have been arrests and abductions of people who have been very vocal during the protests. We have also seen many a person hurt in the hands of the police.

    Before, the youths were called social media addicts, among other terms, to describe their obsession namely, always using their smart phones. This time they have proved that social media can also be used as a weapon. Tribe-less, party-less and fearless they have united with a common objective.

    All communication- on meeting points, where to get help if injured or arrested, places to avoid and even how to help others- has been done via various social media platforms. The young people have expressed themselves so eloquently, that their actions have become a motivating factor to everyone watching. So much has happened, lives have been lost and many injured, but we’ve also seen the “M -CHANGA initiative” where Kenyans country-wide have raised millions to help those who got hurt in one way or another during the protest.

    So, it’s no longer a surprise to see how much can be achieved via social media accounts. Just a tap and information is shared widely. We saw businesses close, but others become a safe haven for those seeking refuge. We saw people using their platforms to teach how to do first aid if one is shot or severely injured by the tear gas. We saw young people making a change and fighting for it. A generation that went ahead to pass their message even through vernacular languages.

    We have also seen how people have been encouraged to take a break from all the negative news for the sake of their mental health and also to breathe. So many disturbing and heart-breaking videos and images have been circulating. Different organisations have used social media to reach out to those who have been severely impacted by the current state of the country and do not know how to go about it. So, as they use it for their rights, they have also used it to advocate for mental health stability.

    As the young people fight for their future, we are again reminded of adapting to changes and using it for a good cause. The young people have settled on the future they want and will not give up. The Gen Z ‘s have fully utilized their social media platforms for a better tomorrow. They have clearly communicated and hopefully they will be heard, the path has been set, and the journey has begun.

     

     

  • Accept WhatsApp privacy policy or lose features

    By Fatiha Shabir

    (fatihashabz@gmail.com)

    Users yet to accept new terms and conditions on WhatsApp will start to get persistent reminders. Photo/Getty images

    WhatsApp users who have not yet accepted the new privacy policy will lose some of the app’s functionality. The policy was updated on January 1, 2021 and users were given up until May 15, 2021 to read and understand the terms “at their own pace”.

    Following the lapse of the grace period, the company will now constantly remind users to accept the terms through in-app alerts.

    “After giving everyone time to review, we’re continuing to remind those who haven’t had the chance to do so to review and accept. After a period of several weeks, the reminder people receive will eventually become persistent,” said the company.

    Users, who fail to accept the privacy policy, will gradually over time not be able to see chat lists and finally not be able to receive video calls and messages.

    However, WhatsApp has revealed that no account will be deleted, unlike earlier mentioned.

    As two billion users accepted the new policy, WhatsApp is striving to ensure everyone else who uses the app follows suit.

    Privacy issues have been a matter of concern to the users, ever since the first policy arrived.

    The company, however, had several times stated that the app respects user privacy and cannot see personal messages as they are end-to-end encrypted. This means they can be read on the devices of the sender and recipient only.

    Edited by Sumaya Hussein