Meta is keeping an eye on your eyes, and we have to keep an eye on them as well. Apart from content creators using eye tracking software as a challenge to avoid looking at butts, different companies including Facebook’s parent Meta have been using this technology in their latest releases in augmented reality (AR). What started as a way to have fun is now used in targeted advertising. But in terms of regulation, only self-regulation exists, which raises questions over privacy and the lack of external regulators. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
