Communications of the ACM
An edited collection of advanced computing news from Communications of the ACM, ACM TechNews, other ACM resources, and news sites around the Web.
From ACM TechNews
French Tax Officials Use AI to Spot 20,000 Undeclared Pools
French tax officials used artificial intelligence to identify over 20,0000 undeclared private swimming pools, constituting about €10 million (over $10 million)...
From ACM News
'They Couldn't Even Scream Any More. They Were Just Sobbing': The Amateur Investors Ruined by the Crypto Crash
Fuelled by hype and hysteria, the market in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies went from an obscure niche to a $3-trillion industry. Then the house of cards collapsed...
From ACM News
I Am Not a Robot: iOS Verification Update Marks End of 'Captchas'
Tests where you are asked to spot traffic lights or type out wobbly letters may be a thing of the past.
From ACM TechNews
People with Type 1 Diabetes in England to Receive Skin Sensor to Monitor Blood Sugar
The U.K. National Health Service will offer roughly 250,000 people in England with type 1 diabetes a skin sensor to monitor their blood sugar.
From ACM News
Pinterest Bans All Climate Misinformation
The image-focused social network says it will take down content that distorts or denies facts of climate crisis.
From ACM TechNews
Working of Algorithms Used in Government Decision-Making to Be Revealed
A new U.K. government standard for transparency requires ministers and public entities to disclose the underlying architecture of algorithms they use for decision...
From ACM TechNews
Twitter Admits Bias in Algorithm for Rightwing Politicians, News Outlets
Researchers at Twitter found that the social media platform amplifies more tweets from rightwing politicians and news outlets than content from leftwing sources...
From ACM TechNews
Privacy Fears as Moscow Metro Rolls Out Facial Recognition Pay System
Privacy activists warn the Moscow metro's Face Pay facial recognition payment system constitutes a sinister move by Russia to monitor and control its people.
From ACM TechNews
7-Eleven Took Photos of Australian Customers' Faces Without Consent, Privacy Commissioner Rules
Australian privacy commissioner Angelene Falk said facial recognition technology used in 700 Australian 7-Eleven stores interfered with customer privacy.
From ACM News
Zuckerberg Hits Back at Facebook Whistleblower Claims
Frances Haugen's testimony that social networking company puts profit before people just not true."
From ACM News
Huge Data Leak Shatters the Lie that the Innocent Need Not Fear Surveillance
The Guardian's investigation shows how repressive regimes can buy and use the kind of spying tools Edward Snowden warned us about.
From ACM TechNews
Tech Platforms Vowed to Address Racial Equity: How Have They Fared?
Facebook and other major technology platforms pledged to improve their diversity and antiracism efforts this year in response to racial unrest in the U.S. How have...
From ACM TechNews
iPhones Vulnerable to Hacking Tools for Months, Researchers Say
Researchers said spyware sold by Israel's NSO Group incorporated a zero-click zero-day exploit that could commandeer iPhones via a flaw in iMessage.
From ACM News
'Machines Set Loose to Slaughter': the Dangerous Rise of Military AI
Autonomous machines capable of deadly force are increasingly prevalent in modern warfare, despite numerous ethical concerns. Is there anything we can do to halt...
From ACM TechNews
Digital Identity Checks to Be Expanded Under A$800M Technology Budget Package
Australia's government will broaden the use of digital identity checks when businesses and individuals access services online.
From ACM TechNews
Twitter Apologizes for 'Racist' Image-Cropping Algorithm
Twitter has issued an apology for an image-cropping algorithm deemed racist after users found it would automatically focus on white faces over black ones.
From ACM News
New Zealand Claims World First in Setting Standards for Government Use of Algorithms
New Zealand's Statistics minister says the new charter on algorithms is an 'important part of building public trust."
From ACM News
China Hacking Poses 'Significant Threat' to U.S. Covid-19 Response, Says FBI
Organizations conducting research into Covid-19 may be targeted by computer hackers linked to the Chinese government, according to the FBI and the U.S. Department...
From ACM TechNews
Met Police to Use Live Facial Recognition Cameras in London
London's Metropolitan Police next month will deploy computer-linked live facial recognition cameras on city streets.
From ACM TechNews