Washington lawmakers hold hearing on AI’s use in scams, criminal behavior

Technology

WASHINTGON — Lawmakers are warning the country about a growing number of scammers using artificial intelligence technology.The warning comes as the use of AI rises rapidly across multiple sectors.Channel 2 Washington Correspondent Nicole D’Antonio was at the Capitol, where efforts to crack down on fraud and increase protections related to the use of AI were the subject of a congressional hearing.From deepfakes to voice cloning scams, advocates say AI has made it easier for scammers to target families in a more personalized way.At the Capitol, lawmakers discussed ways to strengthen guardrails on AI, while advocates warned about how it’s become harder to differentiate what’s real, and what’s manipulated or generated.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]TRENDING STORIES:They said it includes deepfake videos showing celebrities endorsing politicians or products, as well as how many children and teenagers are being depicted in sexual ways online due to the technology’s use.“My 14-year-old daughter, along with her sophomore classmates at Westfield High School, was as confirmed victim of AI deep fake misuse,” Dorota Mani, a parent, told members of Congress. “Boys in my daughter’s grade used AI to generate sexually explicit images of her and other girls.”Mani says she wants to see school districts implement AI literacy programs on how to use the technology safely and ethically and to make sure students understand the responsibilities associated with the powerful programs.“I strongly believe there is a critical missing component in our approach to artificial intelligence which is education to prevent misuse,” Mani said.Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers are working together on a series of bills to increase protections related to AI.Lawmakers say they hope to get the bills across the finish line and passed into law in the coming weeks.[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]©2024 Cox Media Group

17 Movies, TV Shows, And Books To Turn To When You Need A Little Pick-Me-Up

Arts & Culture, Books

2.

“My comfort show right now is Love in the Big City, a Boys’ Love series based on an award-winning novel chronicling a young gay man’s journey of love and acceptance in modern-day Seoul. I highly recommend this show because the author Sang Young Park wrote all eight episodes, and it marks the first major queer series produced by a major company in South Korea. It’s only gained popularity because detractors tried to prevent the show from airing. American viewers can watch it on Viki if you’re interested. I guarantee you’ll never forget this poignant drama series and its relatable characters. I can’t wait to read the book now.”

“As for my comfort book this year, I just finished The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman, an illuminating prequel to her novel Practical Magic. A saga brimming with magical realism and romance, readers follow siblings Frances, Bridget, and Vincent Owens as they navigate the mid-twentieth century while outwitting their family’s curse of doomed love. READ. THIS. BOOK.”—bobbylemmons0

North Korea and Russia expand relationship with tourism drive

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreNorth Korea and Russia have reached a new agreement for expanding economic cooperation, including more holidays between the two countries.The news follows high-level talks in Pyongyang this week.North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency didn’t elaborate on the details of the agreement signed on Wednesday between its senior trade officials and a Russian delegation led by Alexandr Kozlov, the country’s minister of natural resources and ecology. The Russian news agency Tass on Tuesday said officials following an earlier round of talks agreed to increase the number of charter flights between the countries to promote tourism. Kozlov, who arrived in North Korea on Sunday, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his top economic official, Premier Kim Tok Hun, before returning home on Wednesday, KCNA said. During Kozlov’s visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s gifted Pyongyang’s Central Zoo with more than 70 animals, including lions, bears and several species of birds, according to Tass, in another display of the countries’ growing ties. Kim Jong Un in recent months has prioritized relations with Moscow as he attempts to break out of international isolation and strengthen his footing, actively supporting Putin’s war on Ukraine while portraying the North as a player in a united front against Washington.Kim has yet to directly acknowledge that he has been providing military equipment and troops to Russia to support its fighting against Ukraine. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing on Wednesday that an estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers in late October were moved to Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops seized parts of its territory this year, following their training in Russia’s northeast. Russia’s natural resources minister Alexander Kozlov, right, is greeted by Yun Jong Ho

Mass. lawmakers spend nearly $30k in campaign funds on travel agent for health care-focused Cuba trip

Travel

Massachusetts House lawmakers spent nearly $30,000 in political donations last month on a trip to Cuba billed as an opportunity to learn about the island nation’s interest in biomedical research.Specifically, the lawmakers paid $28,566 to Marazul Tours, a New Jersey-based travel agent that specializes in trips to Cuba. State Representative Marjorie Decker, who led the trip, announced the plans one day before the 11 lawmakers traveled to the island nation.House Speaker Ron Mariano and state Representatives Mike Moran, Frank Moran, Mike Day, Mindy Domb, Ken Gordon, John Lawn, Aaron Michlewitz, Jeff Roy, and Jenny Armini were slated to attend the trip, which began Nov. 15. Lawmakers are scheduled to return on Friday.Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association president Steve Walsh and an aide to Decker, Ryan Telingator, are also on the trip.Massachusetts’ campaign finance rules are broad, allowing lawmakers to travel on their campaign’s dime as long as they can show it’s for the “enhancement of [their] political future” and is not “primarily for personal use.”In a statement, Decker said all expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals, would be paid for by the individual members or their campaign accounts and that no third party would pay expenses related to the trip.In September and October, lawmakers spent as little as $45 in “agent fees” up to payments of $4,737.20 to the travel agency, according to campaign finance records.The agency, Marazul Tours, calls itself “the oldest and largest continuously operating travel agency to Cuba.”Not every lawmaker’s account showed charges to Marazul, meaning they either paid their way without tapping their campaign accounts or were charged in November — charges wouldn’t necessarily show up in campaign finance records until the reporting period ends Dec. 5.According to Decker, lawmakers were to meet with Cuban public officials, hospital staff, and charities, such as Caritas Cuba, to discuss investing in health care, public health and disease, climate resiliency and flooding, and life sciences.Ahead of the visit, lawmakers were briefed by the US State Department and met with Massachusetts Representative Jim McGovern, who has long advocated for better relations between the United States and Cuba.The trip comes as three major health care bills sit in limbo on Beacon Hill, with the Legislature yet to take action on the measures, which would tackle hospital oversight, prescription drug pricing, and substance use disorders.Before the Cuba trip was announced, Mariano suggested he would take a post-election vacation.“I have no intent to do anything right now, except maybe take a few days off,” he said in response to questions about changing a voter-approved law governing legislative audits.Material from State House News Service was used in this report.Samantha J. Gross can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @samanthajgross.

Penn Engineering launches Responsible Innovation Initiative at intersection of tech and ethics

Technology

Amy Gutmann Hall will expand Penn Engineering’s research infrastructure, helping facilitate the Responsible Innovation Initiative.
Credit: Kenny Chen

Penn Engineering launched the Responsible Innovation Initiative to operate at the intersection of tech and ethics and manage how future engineers approach technological innovations.

The Penn Engineering announcement of the initiative said that, by placing ethical considerations at the center of engineering education and research, it aims to ensure that technological advancement serves humanity’s best interests. The initiative also coincides with a significant expansion of Penn’s research infrastructure.

Business News | New Study Shows Almost Half of Tech Professionals in India Believe They Will Pivot Their Career Trajectory at Least Three Times to Stay Competitive

Technology

BusinessWire IndiaBengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 21: As India’s technological landscape undergoes constant transformation, tech professionals are redefining their career paths to stay ahead of the curve. A recent study commissioned by Amadeus, the global leader in travel technology, in collaboration with Opinium Research, reveals that nearly half (49%) of tech professionals in India believe they will need to pivot their careers at least three times to keep pace with the ever-changing technology landscape. In response, over 53% plan to switch jobs within the next five years.Also Read | International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024 Date: Know Theme and Significance of the UN Day That Highlights Gender-Based Violence.This trend underscores the growing demand for employers who prioritize upskilling and innovation, as professionals look for roles where they can thrive. 63% of respondents ranked innovation as their top priority when selecting a new employer. Furthermore, 1 in 4 tech professionals are willing to accept a pay cut to work for brands known for innovation and industry leadership. This highlights a shift towards valuing creative freedom and meaningful work over financial rewards.Innovation, Growth, and Equitable Workplace Drive Job ChangesAlso Read | Apple Clock 36% in Operating Revenue in India, Surpasses INR 66,700 Crore in FY24 Amid iPhone Demand Surge.Equitable workplaces are now critical factors in the job search. A remarkable 91% of tech professionals say they prioritize equitable workplace when choosing their next employer. Companies that actively embrace equitable workplace foster inclusive environments, which lead to better innovation and collaboration, contributing to improved business outcomes. This trend signifies that an equitable workplace is no longer just a moral imperative but a business strategy that companies must invest in to remain competitive.Despite high satisfaction levels in certain areas–70% of respondents express approval of the mental health and well-being support provided by their current employers, and 68% commend efforts to promote work-life balance–many professionals are still seeking change. This suggests that while well-being initiatives are valued, companies must go beyond these measures and invest more deeply in fostering innovation, professional growth, and flexibility to retain top talent.Mani Ganeshan, Senior Vice President – Head APAC Engineering and Amadeus Labs India, comments on the findings: “We are witnessing a profound shift in the world of work. The days when salary alone could attract and retain top talent are rapidly fading. Today’s tech professionals are demanding more–purpose, innovation, and continuous learning. Companies must now create ecosystems where employees are empowered to grow, experiment, and challenge the status quo. It’s no longer about offering just competitive compensation; the future belongs to organizations that invest in their people, foster inclusivity, and provide the flexibility to thrive. Those who embrace this change will not only retain talent but will also lead the industry into its next evolution.”Flexibility and Career Development: Top Priorities for Talent RetentionThe study also highlights flexibility as a key driver of job satisfaction. Nearly half (48%) of respondents say that flexible working options –whether remote work, adjustable hours, or hybrid models–are essential to their decision-making. For today’s workforce, flexibility has moved from being a perk to a core expectation. Employers who do not offer flexible work arrangements risk losing top talent to competitors who understand the importance of autonomy and work-life balance.Career progression remains equally critical, with 51% of tech professionals seeking clear and structured career development paths within their organizations. This reinforces the dual expectation of flexibility and visible growth opportunities. Tech professionals are not just looking for a job–they are searching for environments where they can advance their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Shaping the Future of WorkThe future of work is now unfolding–and organizations that embrace these evolving priorities will set themselves apart in the tech landscape. By creating workplaces that prioritize innovation, inclusivity, flexibility, and continuous growth, companies will not only retain top talent but will also position themselves at the forefront of India’s thriving tech industry.MethodologyOpinium Research questioned 2,200 technology professionals from eight markets – India, France, Spain, Turkey, Colombia, Philippines, USA, and the UK – in the third quarter of 2024. Respondents were aged from 18-55+ and are employed in a representative cross-section of technology professions. Open questions were analyzed by Mercury Analytics. All statistics shown within this release are referring to the Indian respondents in the survey.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

How to turn AI into your travel agent

Travel

I’m going to Europe soon, and planning my trip was a breeze. Yes, really! Artificial intelligence did a big chunk of the work for me – and it can help you plan your next getaway, too.Start hereHere are a few ways to turn AI into your travel agent. There’s a whole industry of paid sites and apps popping up, but I haven’t found any that are useful enough to pay for. For this, let’s stick with using the big bots:◾ ChatGPT: My preferred AI chatbot; gives the best results based on my testing.◾ Gemini: Google’s chatbot is integrated into Google Flights and Google Hotels. I don’t think it’s as thorough as ChatGPT, and it often throws in weird opinions.1. Describe your likes and wantsYour AI travel buddy can do so much more than suggest tourist traps – it can help you create a truly tailored adventure. Remember, the more info you put in about who you are and what you like, the more “you” the suggestions will be.By interestsAI can curate a list of spots that match your hobbies or those of the group you’re traveling with:◾ “Find me the best food tours in Paris that include wine tastings.”◾ “What are some scenic hiking trails within 30 miles of Denver?”◾ “Suggest must-see art galleries in NYC for modern art lovers.”By weatherAI can suggest destinations based on your preferred climate at any time of year. So much easier than looking up weather charts!◾ “Find me a warm destination in the U.S. for January with average temps above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.”◾ “What are the best ski resorts in Wyoming for late December?”◾ “Where can I play golf in May with mild, spring-like weather?”By occasion or vibeNot sure where you want to go? Let AI find the perfect match for your mood. If you’re not sure how to word the vibe you’re looking for, tell AI how you want to feel on your trip.◾“What are some romantic destinations in Italy?”◾ “Suggest family-friendly vacation spots with amusement parks and beaches.”◾ “Where can I go to feel relaxed and refreshed in March without spending a ton of money?”The best part? AI doesn’t just offer generic lists; it crafts your dream trip based on what you love, need, or just want to experience.Need money for a vacation? Hear how one guy makes $170,000 a year answering questions online.2. Simplify bookings and reservationsAI does more than just answer questions. It simplifies the whole planning process so you can focus on the fun part of travel.Flights and transportationAI can assist in finding the best flight times, routes and transportation options based on your budget and preferences.◾ “What’s the most direct route from (origin) to (destination) with a layover under 2 hours?”◾ “Find me affordable train options from [city] to [city] with scenic views.”◾ “Which airlines offer the best in-flight perks for long-haul flights?”Hotels and accommodationsGet specific with your accommodation needs, and AI will help you sort through the options. It can do the hard work of sorting through reviews, amenities and locations for you. So sweet.◾ “What’s a family-friendly hotel in (destination) with a pool and free breakfast?”◾ “Suggest eco-friendly accommodations near hiking trails in (region).”◾ “Find a cozy boutique hotel in (city) within walking distance of top-rated restaurants.”Device charging no-nos: 5 mistakes people make when traveling.3. Ask the right questionsThis one hit the jackpot for me: “What are unique experiences in Berlin and Vienna during the first week of January?” The results? Festive Christmas markets, snowy countryside escapes and a hot springs spa. Not bad, right?For every city on my trip, I got creative with prompts:◾ “Help me plan a route between Paris and Vienna. My family loves unique experiences, scenic drives and amazing food.”◾ “I’m visiting Berlin. What are the tourist things I shouldn’t miss?”◾ “What’s a day-by-day itinerary for Paris that includes local food, hidden gems and cultural must-sees?”Don’t stop at the basics! Dig deeper and you’ll have your travel buddies asking, “How’d you know about this?”◾ “What’s an underrated restaurant where locals eat in (destination)?”◾ “Which festivals or seasonal events are happening in (destination) on (dates)?”◾ “What’s the easiest way to save on tickets and/or skip the lines for (popular attraction)?”Best ways to use credit card points for travel4. Time to pack like a proWe’ve all forgotten our phone chargers or overpacked like we’re moving abroad for a weekend trip.◾ Pack perfectly: “What should I pack for a (length of trip) to (destination) in (month)?”◾ Weatherproof your wardrobe: “What’s the weather typically like in (destination) in (month)?”◾ Stay document-ready: “What documents do I need for (destination)?” This way, you’re prepared for customs if you’re leaving the country. (By the way, you can now renew your passport online.)Share this with your favorite travel buddy and start planning for your next getaway. Bon voyage!The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.