Author: David Son

Ofcom and Protecting UK Content

On By David SonIn Artificial Intelligence, Censorship, Content Restriction, facebook, Google, Instagram, Social Issue(s), Social Media, Technology, Twitter, YouTubeLeave a comment

Ofcom, a British media regulator has been appointed by the government to legally regulate harmful content over media giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s administration has targeted content such as child-abuse, terrorism, and self-harm as key areas to be regulated. Especially in a time when media usage has skyrocketed, media content needs to be scrutinized on all platforms.

Last year, the British government thought to create a branch of the government to directly enforce content regulations. Instead, the government has decided to fund Ofcom to protect the internet from harmful content. They even held a conference with over 2,400 companies to see which company would be the best fit for the job.

According to the British government, Ofcom will have the power to give out fines, warnings, and block off internet service providers. Ofcom can also make the senior management of social media companies responsible. The government also has to make sure that the enforcement powers are to be used fairly.

There have been critics of this new proposal, because content creators are concerned this could backfire. Ofcom could use their powers to censor too much content, restricting freedom of speech and free content creation. In response to this, the government ensured it would use this power only to censor malicious and harmful content. They ensured their will be a code of violation that will be strictly enforced, but not to overdue their own powers.

The idea of content restrictions are welcomed all over the World. Giant tech companies such as Facebook welcome the idea of the government intervening to provide safe web browsing. However, other companies such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft suggest using artificial intelligence to weed out harmful content.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/12/uk-watchdog-ofcom-to-impose-duty-of-care-on-social-media-firms.html

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Oscar Nominations and the Transition Phase of the Movie Industry

On By David SonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

As the movie industry is in a period of transition, the Oscar nominations reflect that. With the overflowing content coming from streaming services, there are more movies to review than ever. Netflix has greatly impacted the movie industry by adding their own originals such as Irishman and Marriage Story. Although these movies got great reviews, there is still a gap between those who liked the movies and the critics saying it was not good enough. Because these movies are not played in theatres, the number of tickets sold at box office and awards received are not going to correlate.

With Netflix expanding the pool of movies to choose from, studio movies such as Avengers: Endgame and Frozen II were left out. This is to much surprise for the box office numbers did well. Old School studio movies did well like 1917, Once Upon a Time, and Ford v. Ferrari. By that measure, Joker made the cut earning $1 billion worldwide.

The Academy also went through a lot of criticism for not nominating enough movies with people of color and women. That being said, no women were nominated for best director and only two actors of color. Although many critics would have liked to see more actors and directors of color, a South Korean movie titled Parasite got a nomination for best picture. It being only the 10th- foreign language film to be nominated for best picture, this was a win for those who advocate for diversity.

As the academies approach it is always important to understand the importance of this award show. The academies tells a lot about the period in which the movies were released. This year, the Oscars can tell a lot about what American is going through with increased streaming services and demand for diversity.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/13/entertainment/oscars-2020-analysis/index.html

They’ve Gotta Have Us

On By David SonIn Diversity, Marketing, Media Covergence, National coverage, Netflix, Streaming, Television, UncategorizedLeave a comment

A new documentary series on Netflix has just been released yesterday. It takes a deep dive into understanding how African-Americans were portrayed in media entertainment. Ever since the #Oscarssowhite movement that took place around five years ago, anti-discriminatory notions have taken over social media. With African-Americans feeling they have not been properly acknowledged for their part in the movie entertainment industry, They’ve Gotta Have Us looks into how the perception of having people of color in films has changed.

This documentary series discusses the effects having African-American cast members had earlier in the movie industry. The idea that having people of color in movies would result in less sales and less popularity across seas is changing. Notable African-American films are having major success such as Moonlight’s and Get Out. These films have changed the script for African American producers dreaming to make it big in the film industry. (“The color the really care the most about is green.”, Don Cheadle) The film industry will really change for what the people want.

Another highlighted point of this documentary is that having African Americans in front of the camera is not enough. More recognition has to be made for the African Americans who are also excellent producers and writers. Essentially, the directors and producers are the ones who call the shots. They make the big decisions and in order for African American people to be shown true appreciation, the people behind the cameras need their recognition.

With the growing number of streaming services, more creators of any color will have the opportunity to put their work out there.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/05/entertainment/theyve-gotta-have-us-black-movie-history/index.html

Mind Reading Technology (It Really Works!)

On By David SonIn Brand, Consumer behavior, Gaming, Technology, Uncategorized, Virtual RealityLeave a comment

Mind reading technology is the latest gadget that is going to blow your mind. With this new possibility, “the future is now” has a whole new meaning. With a growing number of companies beginning to focus on “Brain-Computer Interface”, this industry is expected to reach around $1.5 Billion by the end of this year.

The devices use sensors to record brain signals on the scalp. By tracking where the eyes are focusing, the devices can control an object without physically moving. A company such as NextMind has created a prototype that can create commands on objects. NextMind CEO, Sid Kouider, says the eyes are only used to see, but the vision process and interpretation is in the brain. Brain-Computer Interface uses that information in the brain to process what commands to make. For instance, a subject was able to change the color of a lamp only using her thoughts. Another example is how a subject was able to mute, change channels, or change the volumes only by focusing her eyes on a certain part of a screen.

As this device is still in its beginning phases, companies using this technology are already focusing on what could come next. As E-Sports and gaming communities have skyrocketed over the past few years, there are unlimited amount of possibilities in how Brain-Computer Interface systems can be used.

NextMind’s technology is not available to the public yet, but a developer kit is being sold to other companies who can add applications to the product. Contributing ideas and technologies in order to release the best product they can offer.

Another company such as BrainCo focuses on the frontal cortex of the brain. While the technology is similar, BrainCo has used the technology on VR games. In one game, the harder the player focuses on the rocket ship, the faster the rocket ship moved. Different colors light up on the front of the headband depending on how hard the user is focusing. This technology can be brought into education, because it can train kids on how to focus better.

Brain-Computer Interface can be very effective in prosthetics as well. It can enhance the response and reaction of controlling a prosthetic limb. As the user builds a connection with the prosthetic limb through Brain-Computer Interface, it can begin to learn habits of brain signals and respond even quicker.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/10/ces-2020-mind-reading-technology-lets-you-control-gadgets-and-games.html