Simulating the Adoption of a Retail CBDC

xxx

Results show that introducing an rCBDC without attractive design options and stimulus results in low and slow adoption. Results suggest that the reverse waterfall functionality, a positive remuneration spread, and the distribution of government subsidies via rCBDC are effective in fostering adoption; yet, the distribution of government subsidies via rCBDC is the only one that creates incentives to reduce the use of cash.

From: Simulating the Adoption of a Retail CBDC.

xxx

What is the Titan M2 security chip in Google’s Pixel phones?

xxx

Virtually all smartphone SoCs in this day and age have a TEE or similar secure environment. On Snapdragon chips, it’s commonly referred to as the Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment (QSEE). Apple’s Arm-based chips like the M4, meanwhile, have a Secure Enclave. With these secure environments in place, malicious apps cannot access decryption keys, biometrics, and other sensitive data.

With the Pixel 3, Google decoupled the TEE from the chipset and used a separate security module instead. The Titan M, which has now been replaced by the Titan M2, can almost be considered a standalone processor by itself. The chip has its own flash memory for storing sensitive data and runs its own minimal operating system (sometimes called a microkernel).

From: What is the Titan M2 security chip in Google’s Pixel phones?.

xxx

Why does AI hallucinate? | MIT Technology Review

xxx

The World Health Organization’s new chatbot launched on April 2 with the best of intentions.

A fresh-faced virtual avatar backed by GPT-3.5, SARAH (Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health) dispenses health tips in eight different languages, 24/7, about how to eat well, quit smoking, de-stress, and more, for millions around the world.

But like all chatbots, SARAH can flub its answers. It was quickly found to give out incorrect information. In one case, it came up with a list of fake names and addresses for nonexistent clinics in San Francisco. The World Health Organization warns on its website that SARAH may not always be accurate.

From: Why does AI hallucinate? | MIT Technology Review.

xxx

Smart gadgets: Tougher rules for sellers of internet-enabled devices in the UK

Until now, manufacturers were expected to follow security guidelines, but the new law makes three new requirements:

that password procedures are more secure, including ensuring any set by the manufacturer are not left blank or using easy-to-guess choices like “12345” or “admin”

that there is clarity around how to report “bugs” or security problems that arise

that manufacturers and retailers inform customers how long they will receive support, including software updates, for the device they are buying

Failure to meet these minimum requirements, known as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, can trigger fines.xxx

From: Smart gadgets: Tougher rules for sellers of internet-enabled devices in the UK.

xxx

Why does AI hallucinate? | MIT Technology Review

xxx

The World Health Organization’s new chatbot launched on April 2 with the best of intentions.

A fresh-faced virtual avatar backed by GPT-3.5, SARAH (Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health) dispenses health tips in eight different languages, 24/7, about how to eat well, quit smoking, de-stress, and more, for millions around the world.

But like all chatbots, SARAH can flub its answers. It was quickly found to give out incorrect information. In one case, it came up with a list of fake names and addresses for nonexistent clinics in San Francisco. The World Health Organization warns on its website that SARAH may not always be accurate.

From: Why does AI hallucinate? | MIT Technology Review.

xxx

A third of Facebook Marketplace adverts could be scams

xxx

TSB is warning consumers to avoid making online purchases on Facebook Marketplace. Fraud experts have assessed that 34% of the adverts tested on the platform to be scam posts.

From: A third of Facebook Marketplace adverts could be scams.

xxx

 

xxx

Many scams and attempted scams go unreported, so it’s impossible to understand the scale of the problem. In a 2022 survey of 1,000 people in England, one in six said they were scammed on the marketplace. Another 2022 survey of 1,000 people in the US found that 62 percent had encountered a scam on Facebook.

From: Facebook Marketplace Is Being Ruined by Zelle Scammers | WIRED.

xxx

 

xxx

A 2022 ProPublica investigation found that Facebook Marketplace scams had run rampant and that the company was potentially understaffed to a degree that impeded its ability to stop scammers.

From: Facebook Marketplace Is Being Ruined by Zelle Scammers | WIRED.

xxx

Can Australia revive its open banking initiative? – Kapronasia

xxxThe consumer data right was supposed to increase healthy market competition, but instead, mid-tier and regional banks have been incurring disproportionately higher compliance costs compared to the Big Four (National Australia Bank, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group). High compliance costs are forcing difficult investment trade-offs – particularly for smaller banks – leading to vital technology and customer projects being deprioritized. These include digital banking experiences, scam detection and prevention.

From: Can Australia revive its open banking initiative? – Kapronasia.

xxx

Is the U.S. Ready for a Cashless Society? – PaymentsJournal

xxx

According to Marqeta’s 2024 State of Payments Report, nearly three-quarters of U.S. consumers aren’t concerned about moving towards a cashless society. In fact, more than a quarter of respondents said it feels awkward to pay with cash, with nearly half of those ages 18 to 34 expressing this sentiment.

From: Is the U.S. Ready for a Cashless Society? – PaymentsJournal.

xxx

Digital identity apps to hit 5.2bn installations by 2029

xxx

new study by Juniper Research has predicted that the installation of digital identity apps will reach 5.2 billion globally by 2029, representing over 60% of the global population. This figure marks a significant increase of 126% from the current 2.3 billion app installations noted this year.

From: Digital identity apps to hit 5.2bn installations by 2029.

xxx

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started