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…
The Algorithmic Watch THE Supreme Court of Zimbabwe’s rejection of AI-generated submissions by seasoned lawyer Professor Welshman Ncube may have set a legal precedent, signalling that while artificial intelligence can aid legal work, it cannot replace human accountability, accuracy, and ethical responsibility in court proceedings. On July 5, Ncube issued an apology to the Supreme…
The Algorithmic Watch THE cyberattack that has hit email giant Gmail, compromising as many as 183 million accounts and exposing both usernames and associated passwords, underscores the importance of constant digital security checks online. The leaked data, now circulating online, includes not only the email addresses themselves but also the passwords believed to be linked…
ZIMBABWE’S scholarly works in artificial intelligence (AI) have grown steadily over the past eight years, marking a significant rise in local participation in the global research ecosystem. Data compiled by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) show that Zimbabwe’s AI-related academic publications increased from just two in 2015 to 26 in 2023. The…
BY NATHAN GUMA THE African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) says artificial intelligence (AI) could play a defining role in transforming how African governments manage public resources, enhance accountability and strengthen forecasting capacity within public finance systems. Speaking on the sidelines of the launch second cohort of the Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Sector (LEAPS) Programme…
