Technology

Twitter takes its algorithm “open-source,” as Elon Musk promised

Published

1 year ago

March 31, 2023

Twitter takes its algorithm “open-source,” as Elon Musk promised

Twitter has launched the code that chooses which tweets present up in your timeline to GitHub and has put out a blog post explaining the decision. It breaks down what the algorithm appears to be like at when figuring out which tweets to characteristic within the For You timeline and the way it ranks and filters them.

In response to Twitter’s weblog submit, “the advice pipeline is made up of three principal phases.” First, it gathers “the most effective Tweets from completely different advice sources,” then it ranks these tweets with “a machine studying mannequin.” Lastly, it filters out tweets from folks you’ve blocked, tweets you’ve already seen, or tweets that aren’t protected for work, earlier than placing them in your timeline.

The submit additionally goes in-depth to every step of the method. For instance, it notes that step one appears to be like at round 1,500 tweets, and that the aim is to make the For You timeline round 50 % tweets from folks that you just observe (who’re known as “In-Community”), and 50 % tweets from “out-of-network” accounts that you just don’t observe. It additionally says that the rating is supposed to “optimize for optimistic engagement (e.g. Likes, Retweets, and Replies),” and that the ultimate step will attempt to just remember to’re not seeing too many tweets from the identical particular person.

In fact, probably the most element will likely be out there by selecting via the code, which researchers are already doing.

CEO Elon Musk has been promising the transfer for some time — on March twenty fourth, 2022, earlier than he owned the positioning, he polled his followers about whether or not Twitter’s algorithm ought to be open-source, and round 83 % of the responses stated “sure.” In February he promised it could occur inside per week, earlier than pushing back the deadline to March thirty first earlier this month.

Musk tweeted that Friday’s launch was “a lot of the advice algorithm,” and stated that the remainder could be launched sooner or later. He additionally stated that the hope is “that impartial third events ought to be capable to decide, with cheap accuracy, what is going to most likely be proven to customers.” In a Space discussing the algorithm’s release, he stated the plan was to make it “the least gameable system on the web,” and to make it as sturdy as Linux, maybe probably the most well-known and profitable open-source challenge. “The general aim is to maximise on unregretted consumer minutes,” he added.

Musk has been preparing his audience to be disappointed within the algorithm after they see it (which is, after all, making a giant assumption that folks will really be perceive the complicated code). He’s said it’s “overly complicated & not absolutely understood internally,” and that folks will “uncover many foolish issues,” however has promised to repair points as they’re found. “Offering code transparency will likely be extremely embarrassing at first, however it ought to result in fast enchancment in advice high quality,” he tweeted.

There’s a distinction between code transparency, the place customers will be capable to see the mechanisms that select tweets for his or her timelines, and code being open-source, the place the group can really submit its personal code for consideration, and use the algorithm in different tasks. Whereas Musk has stated it’ll be open supply, Twitter must really do the work if it needs to earn that label. That includes determining techniques for governance that resolve what pull requests to approve, what user-raised points deserve consideration, and cease dangerous actors from attempting to sabotage the code for their very own functions.

Twitter says folks can submit pull requests that will finally find yourself in its codebase

The corporate does say it’s engaged on this — the readme for the GitHub says “we invite the group to submit GitHub points and pull requests for strategies on bettering the advice algorithm.” It does, nonetheless, go on to say that Twitter’s nonetheless within the means of constructing “instruments to handle these strategies and sync modifications to our inside repository.” However Musk’s Twitter has promised to do many issues (like polling customers earlier than making main choices) that it hasn’t caught with, so the proof will likely be in whether or not it really accepts any group code.

The choice to extend transparency round its suggestions isn’t taking place in a bubble. Musk has been brazenly important of how Twitter’s earlier administration dealt with moderation and advice, and orchestrated a barrage of tales that he claimed would expose the platform’s “free speech suppression.” (Largely, it simply served to point out how regular content material moderation works.)

However now that he’s in cost, he’s confronted lots of backlash as effectively — from customers irritated about their For You pages shoving his tweets of their faces, to his conservative boosters rising more and more involved about how little engagement they’re getting. He’s argued that adverse and hate content material are being “max deboosted” within the website’s new advice algorithms, a declare outdoors analysts with out entry to the code have disputed.

Twitter can also be probably dealing with some competitors from the open-source group. Mastodon, a decentralized social community, has been gaining traction in some circles, and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is backing one other related challenge known as Bluesky, which is constructed on prime of an open-source protocol.

Technology

FTC says Amazon executives destroyed potential evidence by using apps like Signal

Published

38 seconds ago

April 26, 2024

Press Room

FTC says Amazon executives destroyed potential evidence by using apps like Signal

Now, The Washington Post (which is owned by Amazon founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos) reports that Amazon is just one of several companies recently accused of turning to encrypted messaging apps like Signal that can permanently erase messages automatically.

This week’s filing includes screenshots of a Signal chat between two Amazon executives who said, “Are you feeling encrypted?” and proceeded to turn on disappearing messages.

2:23-cv-01495-JHC

Image: Federal Trade Commission et al v. Amazon.com Inc

The FTC’s lawyers say Bezos, current CEO Andy Jassy, general counsel David Zapolsky, former CEO of worldwide operations Dave Clark, and other execs are all Signal users. Bezos is identified in the document as “a heavy Signal user” who instructed others to use the app, although the 2018 hacking of his personal cellphone may be part of the reason for that.

And because Amazon didn’t instruct employees to preserve messages sent in the app until more than 15 months after it was notified of the investigation, the FTC argues, “It is highly likely that relevant information has been destroyed as a result of Amazon’s actions and inactions.”

The FTC lawyers are pursuing discovery into Amazon’s efforts to preserve documents so they can figure out just how much information might be missing. Despite requests last fall for relevant documents about what advice Amazon gave to employees about ephemeral apps, the FTC claims that Amazon has so far refused to produce much of what was requested. If the judge finds that Amazon was negligent in failing to preserve data tied to the case, it could face sanctions, and things could get worse if the judge finds the failures were intentional.

Technology

Lego is bringing summer vibes with K.K. Slider and new Animal Crossing sets

Published

7 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Press Room

Lego is bringing summer vibes with K.K. Slider and new Animal Crossing sets

Good news for those of us who love Animal Crossing and Legos. Starting August 1st, Lego is launching two new Animal Crossing sets and a minifig of one very special canine crooner.

Lego teased the news on its X account, which shows K.K. Slider doing his thing and a brief glimpse of the two new sets. (Amusingly, Lego notes that the K.K. Slider minifigure does not actually move or sing. Bummer.) K.K. Slider is part of a fall-themed Town Hall set, which includes Isabelle and Audie. There’s also a small truck, snack stand, and some foliage to go along with K.K. Slider’s concert setup. The other set is of a Dodo Airlines airport, complete with a control tower, dock, and airplane. Granted, hordes of your turnip-hungry friends won’t be flying through this particular airport… but it does have minifigures of Wilbur and Tangy!

That said, we only have this short teaser to go off of. As of yet, there are no details on prices or the number of pieces yet. Lego and Nintendo first teamed up to offer five other Animal Crossing sets earlier in March, with prices between $14.99 to $74.99 and pieces ranging from 164 to 535.

Technology

AI-powered home security system strikes back with paintballs and tear gas

Published

8 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Press Room

AI-powered home security system strikes back with paintballs and tear gas

A company from Slovenia, called PaintCam, is shaking things up in the security world.

It has come up with this wild new gadget, the PaintCam Eve.

It’s not just another security camera watching over your house. This thing packs a punch with paintball and tear gas projectiles to really give intruders a surprise they won’t soon forget.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Eve security camera. (PaintCam)

How does the high-tech deterrent work?

The heart of Eve’s capability lies in its sophisticated computer vision technology. It can identify human faces and animals even in low-light conditions, distinguishing between friends and foes.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

The system, which comes in 3 models, Eve, Eve +, and Eve Pro, allows homeowners to categorize visitors via an app interface — making decisions about who is welcome and who is not. But the most intriguing feature? When Eve detects an intruder, it issues a stern warning, and if not heeded, it proceeds to launch paintballs or tear gas.

Eve security camera. (PaintCam)

MORE: CREEPY TOOL LETS CRIMINAL HACKERS ACCESS YOUR HOME VIDEO CAMERAS

User control and responsibility

PaintCam does offer users a significant degree of control. The system alerts the homeowner when an unknown person is detected in the company of someone known, asking whether to “take the shot” or not.

This feature places a heavy responsibility on the user, turning home security into a more interactive and potentially morally complex activity. How users will navigate these choices, especially in high-pressure situations, is yet to be seen.

Eve security camera. (PaintCam)

MORE: 6 BEST OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS

Ethical and legal implications

While the prospect of a security camera that can “shoot” at intruders may sound appealing to some, it raises significant ethical and legal questions. The use of force, even non-lethal, by an autonomous system could lead to unintended consequences.

For instance, what happens if the system mistakenly identifies a neighbor or a child retrieving a lost toy as a threat? The legal ramifications of such scenarios remain unclear, making Eve a subject of debate among security experts and civil rights advocates alike.

Eve security camera. (PaintCam)

MORE: SNEAKY LIGHTBULB SECURITY CAMERAS ARE THE NEXT BIG THING IN HOME SECURITY

Market potential and challenges

The global home security market is set to garner a market size of an estimated $106.3 billion by 2030, indicating a vast potential customer base for innovative products like Eve. However, its market success will depend not only on consumer interest but also on navigating the legal landscape and public perception challenges that such a confrontational device presents.

Eve security camera app. (PaintCam)

When will Eve be available?

PaintCam launched Eve with a Kickstarter campaign on Tuesday. At the time of publishing, the exact cost of the security device has not yet been disclosed. You can sign up for notifications about the product on PaintCam’s official website, as well as on the Kickstarter product page.

PaintCam’s commitment to proactive defense

The company posted this mission statement on its site:

“We offer innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate with your environment, establishing both passive presence and active deterrence. Our unwavering commitment is to make the world a safer place, not by fortifying intimidation strongholds, but by delivering intelligent, adaptable, and elegant security options.”

Kurt’s key takeaways

This innovation invites us to reflect on the nature of home security. Are we moving towards a future where our homes are not just passively protected but actively defended by machines? And at what point does the integration of such technology in our daily lives challenge our notions of privacy and safety? Only time will tell whether systems like Eve will become the new norm or remain a curious footnote in the evolution of home security technologies.

Considering the potential for mistakes, do you feel comfortable with the idea of a security system like PaintCam Eve that can autonomously deploy paintballs or tear gas? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.