Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, China, the EU, the US and even India — quantum computing is attracting all the big players, triggering a gold rush of sorts. Here’s a guide to understanding a complex phenomenon that has the potential to transform life and work in unimaginable ways.
We now have apps that help humans build intimacy via the Arons’ 36-question algorithm. But what about human-machine intimacy? Tech is changing the way we interact, and not always for the better.
Netflix documentary Coded Bias, directed by Shalini Kantayya, delivers an alarming clarion call on facial recognition tools and technologies.
Data Trusts is an exciting new concept which, if all goes well, can safeguard your data and change the way companies use it, for good. But for it to take off, a lot more needs to be flushed out
By nominating Lina Khan, a fierce critic of the policies and functioning of data and technology behemoths such as Amazon, US President Joe Biden signals his intent to take Big Tech to the task. But that’s a big ask.
With population growth facing a decline, especially in East Asia, governments and economies must prepare to deal with a world where senior citizens outnumber the youth. Welcome to the global ageing crisis, which cries for a rethink in the way we plan for our future.
Hackers walk away with precious data from 1.5 lakh CCTV cameras installed in American institutions, from jails to hospitals, exposing the myriad dangers of surveillance capitalism.
Google will block third-party cookies on Chrome by next year, in an attempt to promote a privacy-friendly web. But is that so easy?
DNA profiles help fight crime better than many similar methods. But does that mean governments build vast DNA databases of its citizens?
India is to conduct the next population census through the digital medium. Even though the move appears to be path-breaking and transformational, there are many caveats and concerns.
Facebook is riled up over a new privacy tool from Apple that calls for mandatory user consent during data collection. Facebook says the move will hit its precious targeted ads market. But there’s more.
From governments to cops to schools, everyone seems to be obsessed with face recognition in India, even as a consensus emerges across the globe on the potential dangers of the technology.
With a sharp focus on making publicly-funded scientific research open and equitable, the draft science technology and innovation policy aims to create a fresh and modern science ecosystem in the country.
The WhatsApp controversy has brought data privacy back in the news. Is precious user information safe in the hands of the companies? Here’s a list of instances where hackers had a ball with private data.
The WhatsApp controversy has sparked off a debate on data security, privacy rights and how technology and platform companies abuse data. Here’s a list of books for the curious mind.
The programme aims to create awareness on the spread of fake news and misinformation among students and other vulnerable populations. But there are challenges.
The tech industry treats privacy as a concept which has no place in the new world order powered by surveillance capitalism. The latest rules from WhatsApp stand testimony to this.
Created by technologist Juan Benet, the InterPlanetary File System is a revolutionary idea that can disrupt and decentralise the world of file-sharing in a big way. It’s irking monopolies and censor-happy regimes.
Here are the 13 most popular articles Number13 carried in year 2020. Sit back and enjoy the pieces and keep connecting to us. We wish you a promising and peaceful 2021. Happy Reading.
Presenting to you dear reader, 13 best pieces we have produced so far this year, with a dedicated focus on technology and public policy. Do read and enjoy the Editors’ Selections and send us your comments.