AWS no-code tool helps nondevelopers build apps

AI firm unveils privacy-preserving digital masks | Google to auto-delete user data after 18 months | Wrongful arrest cited as Boston bans face recognition tech

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June 25, 2020

News for Technology Providers and Users

Today's Tech Buzz

AI firm unveils privacy-preserving digital masks

Alethea AI has developed synthetic media avatars, or "digital masks," that counter facial recognition algorithms and can be used to preserve users' privacy on pre-recorded videos. The company hopes to develop a marketplace in which people can license out their likenesses, with the resulting images verified via secure blockchain, and the company eventually aims to create a way to mask faces in real time, such as during live videoconferencing.

Full Story: CoinDesk (UK) (6/23)

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Technology & Trends

Google to auto-delete user data after 18 months

(Pixabay)

Google will start auto-deleting search and location history for new users after 18 months by default, while YouTube history will be automatically deleted after three years. Mobile users will also be able to switch to incognito mode in Google Chrome by long-pressing their profile picture, a feature available now on iOS and soon on Android and other platforms.

Full Story: The Verge (6/24), 9to5Google (6/24)

Wrongful arrest cited as Boston bans face recognition tech

News emerged Wednesday that a Black man in Detroit was wrongfully arrested last year after facial recognition software mistakenly matched his driver's license with a surveillance video of a person shoplifting. His case was cited as the Boston City Council voted to ban the use of such software, which has been found to be less accurate at identifying individuals with dark skin tones.

Full Story: Reuters (6/24), VentureBeat (6/24)

The ransomware landscape in 2020

Meeting the payment demands of hackers who deploy ransomware doesn't always result in the return of encrypted data, and having cyberinsurance policies could make the holders of those policies a more enticing target, writes SmartBrief's Patrick Hopkins. In this wide-ranging exploration, he addresses various types of ransomware, the emergence of ransomware-as-a-service, and the common targets and financial impact of ransomware.

Full Story: SmartBrief/Technology (6/24)

Apple upgrades machine learning framework for app developers
VentureBeat (6/24)

IT Channel

AWS no-code tool helps nondevelopers build apps

(Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images)

Amazon Web Services has introduced Honeycode, a managed service that uses an AWS-built database to help nondevelopers build mobile and web applications. The service is free for applications with up to 20 users, but applications with more users will incur charges.

Full Story: ZDNet (6/24), TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (6/24)

Cloud Foundry updates CLI to ease developer processes

The Cloud Foundry Foundation has released version 7 of the Cloud Foundry command line interface, which offers greater flexibility for developers. "Modern development techniques are much simpler with Cloud Foundry as a result of the new CLI, which abstracts away the nuances of the CF API into a command-line interface that's easy and elegant to use," said Cloud Foundry executive Josh Collins.

Full Story: TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (6/24)

How IT can help drive employee engagement

Sponsored content from ADP

What CIOs need to know about HR

ADP executives Sreeni Kutam and Sugi Venkatesh say greater collaboration between IT and HR can help create a better experience for employees throughout your organization. Read the article.

Leveling up your contingent workforce

If you are using a greater number of independent workers during this time, you may be facing some unique challenges. Learn more about optimizing your contingent workforce, keeping them engaged and productive, and getting the most out of your organization's relationship with these valuable workers. Read the article.

IT Workforce

Job listings offer a view of post-pandemic hiring

Burning Glass Technologies' analysis of millions of job listings suggests post-pandemic hiring will focus on people skilled in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and other areas, says CEO Matt Sigelman. "When employers start hiring back up, they won't necessarily hire the workers they let go," Sigelman says.

Full Story: Forbes (6/22)

Google aims to elevate women in tech
The Business Journals (tiered subscription model) (6/23)

CompTIA News

CompTIA UK Spotlight Awards 2020

CompTIA is accepting nominations through July 31 for its 2020 UK Spotlight Awards, honoring excellence and leadership in the United Kingdom's technology sector. Individuals and organizations will be recognized in seven categories. Complete details and nomination forms are available at CompTIA Awards.

Remote testing for CompTIA certification exams

CompTIA certification exams are available any time and anywhere via a remote option. Certification candidates are assured of a secure and easy way to complete their CompTIA certification exam from any place in which a private area is available. Complete details are available at CompTIA Online Testing.

Certifications and a career in tech

If you're looking to change careers, IT is a great option. Compared to other careers, IT is relatively quick and easy to get into with IT certifications. Are you considering a tech career? If so, an IT support certification may be all you need to quickly join the industry. The CompTIA Blog explains how the right certifications will set you up for success.