Author: damazah@gmail.com

AI’s biases Typical social media AI-based moderating systems use machine learning classifiers to analyze posts and identify and flag content that breaks platform rules. But it’s difficult for a machine to understand the nuances of sarcasm, satire, and slang. Further, some research (examples here, here, and here) suggests that marginalized groups can be disproportionately affected by AI moderation. Without human oversight, AI can end up penalizing the very communities most vulnerable to the hateful content the systems are designed to combat. Gilbert, who is also the research director of Cornell’s Citizens and Technology Lab, says that “marginalized and vulnerable populations…

A popular Mexican TikTok influencer has been shot dead by men on a motorbike near the northern city of Culiacan while he was livestreaming an event for his followers.Culiacan is at the heart of ongoing violence between factions vying for control of the city. Mexican media have reported that at least 12 social media influencers have been killed in Culiacan since September 2024.The latest incident follows other similar killings, including that of beauty influencer Valeria Marquez in the western state of Jalisco in May 2025.Here is what we know so far.Who was Cesar Gastelum?Gastelum, 24, was a Mexican social media…

Air pollution may make rheumatoid arthritis more active and increase the likelihood of painful flare-ups, according to a new study. The strongest connection involved fine particulate matter found in dust, soot, and smoke (PM2.5). Published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD), The EULAR Journal, by Elsevier, the findings suggest that air quality may be an important consideration for both healthcare professionals treating rheumatoid arthritis and policymakers working to protect public health. Environmental Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly known as RA, is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and damage in the joints. It can also…

Quarter-finals line-up at 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this weekend (all times GMT): Saturday In Casablanca Ivory Coast v Algeria (17:00) In Rabat Morocco v South Africa (20:00) Sunday In Casablanca Cameroon v Nigeria (17:00) In Rabat Malawi v Ghana or Mali (20:00) — Ghana play Mali on Thursday in Group D. A draw will qualify Ghana while Mali must win to progress — Quarter-finals winners qualify for 2027 World Cup in Brazil AFP

Isabella Rossellini has received the Excellence Award at Locarno. “The prize I’m receiving tonight is for excellence, which is something I haven’t heard very often,” she said during the opening ceremony. “I’m very proud of it and, above all, so moved because my father received this back in 1948 for his film ‘Germany, Year Zero.’ And then, four years ago, my brother Renzo [Rossellini], who was a great producer of Fellini and Scola. Being on par with my father and my brother fills me with so much emotion.” During her masterclass at the fest, Rossellini – who holds a master’s…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision to place a restriction on an Osun State Government bank account without first obtaining a court order, insisting that its action was backed by provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. The commission’s defence comes amid growing criticisms of EFCC’s action which came less than two weeks before the governorship election. Some lawyers, including the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, have argued that the EFCC lacked the power to order bank to restrict access to a government’s accounts, and…

An Afghan boxer suspected of killing a Scottish woman in Greece has arrived in court in Athens for a second time.Sharif Ahmadzai, who is 26 and from Afghanistan, faces charges of homicide with intent, robbery and weapons offences.He is accused of killing aid worker Elisabeth Ross, 38, who was discovered by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of the Greek capital on July 18.Ahmadzai arrived back in court in Athens on Thursday morning in an unmarked Grey car. He was not pictured. It is expected he will be formally charged later.On Wednesday, he was assigned…

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) sails behind the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), June 27, 2026. Frank E. Petersen Jr. is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East.Courtesy: U.S. NavyIran and Oman are close to finalizing a deal on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials, as both Iran and the U.S. signaled a deal would be announced soon.Shipping through the Strait will face “no fees or tolls” under a temporary deal agreed between Iran and Oman,…

When Meta used superstar Kylie Jenner to promote its sleek new line of “spy glasses”, the social media company hoped the devices would reach the same broad acceptance that tablets and smartwatches have found before them.But those plans have hit a snag in the UK, where venues from elite restaurants to popular pub chains have banned the £359 glasses in order to preserve the privacy of customers and staff.Celebrated restaurateur Jeremy King, owner of London venues including Simpsons in the Strand, Arlington and The Park, said guests should not wear the recording glasses.He told the Guardian: “I would never knowingly…

Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has defended President Bola Tinubu against allegations that he disrespected the Catholic Church, insisting that the President enjoys a cordial relationship with the Catholic bishops and has always maintained an open-door policy towards them. Kalu made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to the controversy that followed the recent meeting between President Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The controversy was fuelled by comments from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, who alleged that Tinubu had insulted…