The Algorithmic Watch STUDENTS who rely on large language models (LLMs) for essay writing show weaker brain activity and lower engagement compared to those who work without assistance, a new study by MIT researchers has shown. This comes at a time when people are using AI to do most daily tasks, including writing and coding,…
The Algorithmic Watch WHENEVER you prompt a command to AI, you may often feel like you are always on track. However, very few people know that AI is not just trying to hurt your feelings; in the end, it feeds you hallucinated information. AI systems can generate information that sounds confident, coherent and convincing, but…
The Algorithmic Watch THE recent arrest of eleven alleged hackers in Zimbabwe, accused of defrauding EcoCash users by luring them with fake free data offers, highlights some of the weaknesses of digital money systems and underscores the need for stronger digital security. The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, are facing hacking charges after reportedly…
NEW data from Access Now shows signs of waning democracy and freedom of expression, with indications that internet shutdowns have been on the rise over the past decades. This comes at a time when freedom of expression is now severely under attack in several countries. For instance, on 29 October 2025, Tanzania went offline after a nationwide…
Algorithmic Watch CONCERNS are mounting that the open-edit nature of Wikipedia is increasingly being exploited to alter information in ways that could mislead millions of users, particularly those in digital and informational blind spots. Wikipedia, the world’s largest free online encyclopedia, allows anyone with internet access to edit most of its articles. While the platform…
The Algorithmic Watch POPULAR chatbots ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot are no longer accessible on WhatsApp following changes to Meta’s application programming interface rules, which block third-party AI assistants from operating on the messaging platform. The AI assistants had been popular on WhatsApp, as they allowed people who only have WhatsApp bundles to access information, study…
BY NATHAN GUMA recently in Ntabazinduna Zimbabwe’s tollgates are rapidly evolving into data hubs, with automation, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, and vehicle-classification systems now reshaping tolling operations, strengthening revenue controls, and improving efficiency amid soaring traffic volumes. This comes at a time when the country is experiencing increased traffic at its various tolling points. This…
The Algorithmic Watch SOCIAL media platform X is rolling out a feature that displays detailed background information about user accounts, including current location, the country where the account was created, device source and username history. The update has opened a debate about how increased transparency may affect users who depend on anonymity, especially activists, political…
The Algorithmic Watch AS big tech continues to improve AI models, indications show that human oversight remains vital. This week, Google chief executive Sundar Pichai warned that people should not “blindly trust” information produced by AI systems, saying current models remain prone to errors. Speaking to the BBC, the Alphabet boss urged users to rely…
Zimbabwe’s fixed broadband internet speed stands at 37.28 Mbps, placing it behind many African peers, according to the latest Speedtest Global Index. Fixed broadband median download speed measures how fast typical users can download data over wired internet connections like fibre, ADSL, or cable. It also indicates typical internet performance, showing how quickly users can…
