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“They have put their astronomical profits before people”: Facebook whistleblower slams big tech

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A former Facebook employee has slammed the social media company during a US hearing, saying the organisation “harms children, stokes division and weakens democracy”

Frances Haugen is the former product manager now turned whistleblower, and has appeared at a hearing on Capitol Hill.

Facebook has hit back at the claims, saying Haugen was speaking about the areas of the company in which she has no knowledge about.

This comes as scrutiny around the company’s operations and dealings grows… with many pushing for further regulation.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers who were conducting the hearing were united in the need for change at the organisation.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal says this moment is the very definition of a bombshell.

Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn believes the social media giant “is not interested in making significant changes to improve kids’ safety on their platforms at least not when that would result in losing eyeballs on posts or decreasing their ad revenues.”

This all follows Haugen appearing on an episode of 60 minutes saying that Facebook continuously chooses profit over the mental health of its users.

At the hearing, Haugen also criticised the leadership of the company’s founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, saying no one is currently holding him accountable except for himself.

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

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Meta initiates layoffs, prioritizing AI focus, efficiency

Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

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Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

In Short

Meta is laying off about 4,000 employees, or 5% of its workforce, as part of a shift towards AI and greater efficiency. This move, part of a broader trend in Big Tech, has raised employee fears about job security and a culture of fear under CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta has initiated significant layoffs, impacting thousands as the company pivots towards AI investment and efficiency.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to eliminate around 5% of the workforce, equating to nearly 4,000 employees. This decision aligns with a broader trend among Big Tech firms to streamline operations after extensive hiring during the pandemic.

Reports indicate employee anxiety regarding these changes, with some claiming a culture of fear under Zuckerberg’s leadership. Concerns include the potential reputational damage for employees laid off under performance-based criteria.

Affected workers in the US will receive severance packages, including 16 weeks of pay plus additional compensation based on service length. Nonetheless, some employees fear that innocent parties could face cuts to meet corporate quotas, hindering workplace morale.

The layoff strategy will target employees receiving low performance ratings, with management instructed to identify up to 15% eligible for cuts. Notifications will occur across different time zones to affected employees via email, with access to company systems revoked shortly thereafter.

European employees in specific countries will follow local regulations, which may alter the process.

As part of restructuring, Meta is consolidating teams, particularly merging Facebook and Messenger groups. The Reality Labs division is being realigned with the main business to reverse previous organizational changes.

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Breakthrough app detects sleep issues in the blink of an eye

OptAlert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

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Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

In Short

Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.

Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.

The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.

It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.

An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.

Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.

The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.

This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.

Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.

The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.

Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.

In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.

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World leaders, CEOs gather at Paris AI summit

World leaders and CEOs converge at Paris AI summit to discuss advancements and the future of technology.

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World leaders and CEOs converge at Paris AI summit to discuss advancements and the future of technology.

In Short

World leaders and CEOs met in Paris to discuss the rapid advancements and implications of artificial intelligence. The summit focused on collaboration, ethical guidelines, and strategies to prepare for an AI-driven future.

World leaders and CEOs convened in Paris at an AI summit to discuss the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

The event brought together key figures from various sectors to explore the implications of AI technology.

Topics of discussion included the potential benefits of AI, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations around its deployment.

Participants highlighted the need for collaboration between governments and the private sector to harness AI responsibly.

The summit aimed to foster dialogue on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI advancements.

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