In the heart of Belfast, Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) raised a red flag about the dark side of innovative technology.
In a candid discussion on stalking laws, she painted a worrisome picture of how perpetrators exploit the very devices meant to make our lives easier.
“The place that you’re meant to feel the most safe, somebody can be using that technology against you,” Fisher remarked.
The Evolution of Stalking
Fisher highlighted the shifting landscape of stalking, where social media and intelligent technology open up new avenues for harassers. “We have people that have had trackers added to their phones, to their vehicles,” she disclosed.
The rise of social media has made individuals more accessible. Still, it’s not just about online connections—the real-world intrusion enabled by smart devices poses a growing concern!
Taking a Step in the Right Direction
Acknowledging the alarming rise in stalking cases, the introduction of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) in October was a strategic move to equip the police with additional tools.
The legislation, aligning Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK, aimed to provide a robust response to the evolving tactics of stalkers.
Personal Testimony
Clive Ruggles, whose daughter Alice fell victim to a stalker in 2016, voiced confidence in the legislation’s potential to protect victims.
“We’ve got the tools now – we’ve got to use them properly,” he declared passionately.
Yet, he also stressed the critical importance of authorities taking breaches of protection orders seriously. It’s not just about having the tools; it’s about using them effectively to safeguard those at risk.
Ruggles had a powerful message for stalking victims: “Really do tell someone about this – don’t suffer in silence.”
Breaking the silence and reporting incidents become crucial steps in combating the insidious crime of stalking, particularly in the age of smart technology!
Embracing AI for Better Tunes
Spotify has decided to join forces with Google’s Large Language Models (LLMs) to up its game in content recommendations. The platform, known for its killer playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar, is now setting its sights on refining its podcast and audiobook sections.
But why Google?
Well, it’s not a shocker! Spotify has been rubbing shoulders with Google Cloud since 2016, using it to house its vast content library.
AI: The Maestro Behind the Scenes!
The buzz around Spotify’s use of AI is not new. Earlier this year, the platform introduced an AI DJ, a nifty feature that crafts music lineups based on user preferences, adding a personalized touch.
Now, Spotify is eyeing the potential of AI and machine learning to make personalized recommendations even sharper! But, wait, there’s more. AI might also play a role in flagging “potentially harmful content” within Spotify’s massive library.
What’s Next on the AI Playlist?
Spotify isn’t slowing down on the AI front. Rumors are swirling that the platform might soon drop a feature allowing users to whip up playlists on the fly using AI and custom prompts.
Imagine having your AI-powered playlist wizard! Could this be the future of music curation?
How will this partnership with Google shape the future of music discovery? Only time—and perhaps a few algorithmic surprises—will tell!
Anas Hasan
November 17, 2023
6 months ago
