#Image Recognition Software Company

[mangled-by-disuse]

it is just FASCINATING to me how the ads for Google Gemini seem entirely dedicated to "What's the single least useful thing we could suggest using GenAI for?"

Planning a date! Planning a holiday! Writing a cover letter for a job application! Designing an invitation for a Christmas dinner with your friends???

like I don't think there are that many good applications for this kind of genAI but if there are they sure as fuck aren't these

[bi-writes]

whats wrong with ai?? genuinely curious <3

okay let's break it down. i'm an engineer, so i'm going to come at you from a perspective that may be different than someone else's.

i don't hate ai in every aspect. in theory, there are a lot of instances where, in fact, ai can help us do things a lot better without. here's a few examples:

ai detecting cancer

ai sorting recycling

some practical housekeeping that gemini (google ai) can do

all of the above examples are ways in which ai works with humans to do things in parallel with us. it's not overstepping--it's sorting, using pixels at a micro-level to detect abnormalities that we as humans can not, fixing a list. these are all really small, helpful ways that ai can work with us.

everything else about ai works against us. in general, ai is a huge consumer of natural resources. every prompt that you put into character.ai, chatgpt? this wastes water + energy. it's not free. a machine somewhere in the world has to swallow your prompt, call on a model to feed data into it and process more data, and then has to generate an answer for you all in a relatively short amount of time.

that is crazy expensive. someone is paying for that, and if it isn't you with your own money, it's the strain on the power grid, the water that cools the computers, the A/C that cools the data centers. and you aren't the only person using ai. chatgpt alone gets millions of users every single day, with probably thousands of prompts per second, so multiply your personal consumption by millions, and you can start to see how the picture is becoming overwhelming.

that is energy consumption alone. we haven't even talked about how problematic ai is ethically. there is currently no regulation in the united states about how ai should be developed, deployed, or used.

what does this mean for you?

it means that anything you post online is subject to data mining by an ai model (because why would they need to ask if there's no laws to stop them? wtf does it matter what it means to you to some idiot software engineer in the back room of an office making 3x your salary?). oh, that little fic you posted to wattpad that got a lot of attention? well now it's being used to teach ai how to write. oh, that sketch you made using adobe that you want to sell? adobe didn't tell you that anything you save to the cloud is now subject to being used for their ai models, so now your art is being replicated to generate ai images in photoshop, without crediting you (they have since said they don't do this...but privacy policies were never made to be human-readable, and i can't imagine they are the only company to sneakily try this). oh, your apartment just installed a new system that will use facial recognition to let their residents inside? oh, they didn't train their model with anyone but white people, so now all the black people living in that apartment building can't get into their homes. oh, you want to apply for a new job? the ai model that scans resumes learned from historical data that more men work that role than women (so the model basically thinks men are better than women), so now your resume is getting thrown out because you're a woman.

ai learns from data. and data is flawed. data is human. and as humans, we are racist, homophobic, misogynistic, transphobic, divided. so the ai models we train will learn from this. ai learns from people's creative works--their personal and artistic property. and now it's scrambling them all up to spit out generated images and written works that no one would ever want to read (because it's no longer a labor of love), and they're using that to make money. they're profiting off of people, and there's no one to stop them. they're also using generated images as marketing tools, to trick idiots on facebook, to make it so hard to be media literate that we have to question every single thing we see because now we don't know what's real and what's not.

the problem with ai is that it's doing more harm than good. and we as a society aren't doing our due diligence to understand the unintended consequences of it all. we aren't angry enough. we're too scared of stifling innovation that we're letting it regulate itself (aka letting companies decide), which has never been a good idea. we see it do one cool thing, and somehow that makes up for all the rest of the bullshit?

[randomitemdrop]

you've posted a few ai generated images as items lately, and i'm wondering if that's intentional or not?

Short answer: no, it wasn't. Aside from a few I made when the generators first became publicly available and all the images were gooey messes, they've all been reader-submitted, although I'll admit I didn't catch the snail-boots. Personally I think AI image generators are a more nuanced situation than a lot of opinions I've seen on Tumblr, but given that they can be used so evilly, I'm steering away from them, if only to avoid the Wrath of the Disk Horse.

Long answer, and this is just my take, if you want to really get into it you'll have a much more interesting conversation with the people with devoted AI art blogs instead of me occasionally sharing things people submit:

There have been some major cases of unethical uses for it, but I think it's important to remember why AI image generators are such an issue; data scraping and regurgitating uncredited indie art is bad, but in the case of the snail-boots, it was just a fusion of one dataset of "product photos of boots" and another of "nature photos of snails", which I would say is not depriving anyone of credit or recognition for their work (MAYBE photographers, if you're a professional nature photographer or really attached to a picture you took of a snail one time?) I get the potential misuses of it, but when Photoshop made it easy to manipulate photos, the response was "hmm let's try and use this ethically" instead of "let's ban photo editing software". Like, I'd feel pretty unethical prompting it with "[character name] as illustrated by [Tumblr illustrator desperate for commissions]" or even "[character name] in DeviantArt style", but I'd have a hard time feeling bad for prompting with "product photo of a Transformer toy that turns into the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile". I know there's the question of "normalizing" the services but I think that overestimates how much the techbros running these things care about how everyday consumers use their free products, preferring to put their effort towards convincing companies to hire them to generate images for them, and in that case they respond way better to "here are some ways to change your product so that I would be willing to use it" than to "I will never use your product". For example here's one I just made of "the holy relic department at Big Lots", fusing corporate retail photos and museum storage rooms.

TL/DR: on the one hand I understand the hate that AI gets and it's not something I'm planning on using for any of my creative projects, but on the other hand I think it's overly simplistic to say it's inherently bad and should never be used ever. On the third hand, I really hate participating in arguments over complex ethical philosophy, so I'm just gonna steer clear entirely.

[tangentiallly]

One way to spot patterns is to show AI models millions of labelled examples. This method requires humans to painstakingly label all this data so they can be analysed by computers. Without them, the algorithms that underpin self-driving cars or facial recognition remain blind. They cannot learn patterns.

The algorithms built in this way now augment or stand in for human judgement in areas as varied as medicine, criminal justice, social welfare and mortgage and loan decisions. Generative AI, the latest iteration of AI software, can create words, code and images. This has transformed them into creative assistants, helping teachers, financial advisers, lawyers, artists and programmers to co-create original works.

To build AI, Silicon Valley’s most illustrious companies are fighting over the limited talent of computer scientists in their backyard, paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to a newly minted Ph.D. But to train and deploy them using real-world data, these same companies have turned to the likes of Sama, and their veritable armies of low-wage workers with basic digital literacy, but no stable employment.

Sama isn’t the only service of its kind globally. Start-ups such as Scale AI, Appen, Hive Micro, iMerit and Mighty AI (now owned by Uber), and more traditional IT companies such as Accenture and Wipro are all part of this growing industry estimated to be worth $17bn by 2030.

Because of the sheer volume of data that AI companies need to be labelled, most start-ups outsource their services to lower-income countries where hundreds of workers like Ian and Benja are paid to sift and interpret data that trains AI systems.

Displaced Syrian doctors train medical software that helps diagnose prostate cancer in Britain. Out-of-work college graduates in recession-hit Venezuela categorize fashion products for e-commerce sites. Impoverished women in Kolkata’s Metiabruz, a poor Muslim neighbourhood, have labelled voice clips for Amazon’s Echo speaker. Their work couches a badly kept secret about so-called artificial intelligence systems – that the technology does not ‘learn’ independently, and it needs humans, millions of them, to power it. Data workers are the invaluable human links in the global AI supply chain.

This workforce is largely fragmented, and made up of the most precarious workers in society: disadvantaged youth, women with dependents, minorities, migrants and refugees. The stated goal of AI companies and the outsourcers they work with is to include these communities in the digital revolution, giving them stable and ethical employment despite their precarity. Yet, as I came to discover, data workers are as precarious as factory workers, their labour is largely ghost work and they remain an undervalued bedrock of the AI industry.

As this community emerges from the shadows, journalists and academics are beginning to understand how these globally dispersed workers impact our daily lives: the wildly popular content generated by AI chatbots like ChatGPT, the content we scroll through on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, the items we browse when shopping online, the vehicles we drive, even the food we eat, it’s all sorted, labelled and categorized with the help of data workers.

Milagros Miceli, an Argentinian researcher based in Berlin, studies the ethnography of data work in the developing world. When she started out, she couldn’t find anything about the lived experience of AI labourers, nothing about who these people actually were and what their work was like. ‘As a sociologist, I felt it was a big gap,’ she says. ‘There are few who are putting a face to those people: who are they and how do they do their jobs, what do their work practices involve? And what are the labour conditions that they are subject to?’

Miceli was right – it was hard to find a company that would allow me access to its data labourers with minimal interference. Secrecy is often written into their contracts in the form of non-disclosure agreements that forbid direct contact with clients and public disclosure of clients’ names. This is usually imposed by clients rather than the outsourcing companies. For instance, Facebook-owner Meta, who is a client of Sama, asks workers to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Often, workers may not even know who their client is, what type of algorithmic system they are working on, or what their counterparts in other parts of the world are paid for the same job.

The arrangements of a company like Sama – low wages, secrecy, extraction of labour from vulnerable communities – is veered towards inequality. After all, this is ultimately affordable labour. Providing employment to minorities and slum youth may be empowering and uplifting to a point, but these workers are also comparatively inexpensive, with almost no relative bargaining power, leverage or resources to rebel.

Even the objective of data-labelling work felt extractive: it trains AI systems, which will eventually replace the very humans doing the training. But of the dozens of workers I spoke to over the course of two years, not one was aware of the implications of training their replacements, that they were being paid to hasten their own obsolescence.

— Madhumita Murgia, Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI

[misskattylashes]

Okay inspired by @thetruthisfictional post about Milex patterns. I thought I would share some observations I have made in my autistic pattern seeking brain.

I am only looking at the post EYCTE period to the present day, and not everything is in chronological order.

Louise

Louise started to appear around the same time Miles decided to move back to the UK permanently. Rather than Alex split with Taylor, there are rumours of him cheating on her with Louise, creating a reason for him to want to leave LA. It is also a convenient narrative because Miles and Taylor were friends, so the reason that Miles and Alex can’t be seen together is because Miles doesn’t like Louise because of what she did to his friend Taylor.

Which means Alex can come home to London, without it looking obvious that he is following Miles.

Plothole – the reason for his return is so  Louise can split her time between London and Paris to pursue her ‘successful music career’. The truth has since emerged that Louise lives in Paris and Alex lives in London and Louise has no career to speak of.

Louise’s use of social media

A genuine social media account will post day to day happenings, even not every day. Shared songs, interesting meals, something work related. Louise’s posting only ever coincided with events happening around AM. Go and check her account sometime, see how much she posted around the summer of 2022 leading up to the release of The Car. Note also how she has posted every September 21 since 2021 which also coincides with the day she was officially announced in September 2018.

Songwriting

Since EYCTE Alex has not used one female pronoun in a romantic sense. Miles barely has either, nothing to the degree of the previous two albums.

Alex’s image

This is so carefully protected. Most recent photographs were taken several days or even weeks before. Alex is usually in his ‘costume’. One of the most questionable being the recent Eurostar ones. He was sitting there so obviously being ‘Alex Turner’ but the only people who recognise him are a couple of fans who happen to have professional equipment. I suspect there are all sorts of clever wizardry and facial recognition software going on in Meta that stops unfamiliar photos of Alex being published. Before you say ‘How can they do that?’ think about times you may have uploaded a song only for the sound to immediately disappear or you get a message with the list of territories it can’t be played in. This happens in seconds so the technology is there.

The train photos fitted a convenient narrative. Just after Alex was seen coming home from Paris, Louise is seen in the Caribbean with her family. We then get a recent of Alex in NY. Louise comes home from the Caribbean to Paris, but then makes sure to tell us she is going to NY, we then get the pap walk etc.

Why are we never allowed to see Alex walking along Bethnal Green High Street or in the pub with Miles? I think this is less to do with record company pressure and more to do with Alex wanting to keep his private life private.

Miles’ use of social media

Last year when AM were in the UK, I would notice that days Alex was on a break, we would hear nothing from Miles. You might get one official post about OMB that was clearly posted from his social media team. But stories would be empty.

Once Alex went to the US in late August, many a night we were treated to tipsy Miles chatting to the TV, or filming little Maxie getting up to mischief in the house. Soon as Alex came home it stopped.

Earlier this year Miles started the late night posting again and filming Maxie. Lo and behold a few days later we get pics of Alex in NY. Soon as he comes home, it stops again.

Another thing I have noticed. When Miles posts videos he always puts the photographer's name. But he occasionally only puts an 👀. These will always appear when Alex isn’t seen elsewhere.

There are probably many more but I will probably do a part 2.

[morlock-holmes]

What objections would you actually accept to AI?

Roughly in order of urgency, at least in my opinion:

Problem 1: Curation

The large tech monopolies have essentially abandoned curation and are raking in the dough by monetizing the process of showing you crap you don't want.

The YouTube content farm; the Steam asset flip; SEO spam; drop-shipped crap on Etsy and Amazon.

AI makes these pernicious, user hostile practices even easier.

Problem 2: Economic disruption

This has a bunch of aspects, but key to me is that *all* automation threatens people who have built a living on doing work. If previously difficult, high skill work suddenly becomes low skill, this is economically threatening to the high skill workers. Key to me is that this is true of *all* work, independent of whether the work is drudgery or deeply fulfilling. Go automate an Amazon fulfillment center and the employees will not be thanking you.

There's also just the general threat of existing relationships not accounting for AI, in terms of, like, residuals or whatever.

Problem 3: Opacity

Basically all these AI products are extremely opaque. The companies building them are not at all transparent about the source of their data, how it is used, or how their tools work. Because they view the tools as things they own whose outputs reflect on their company, they mess with the outputs in order to attempt to ensure that the outputs don't reflect badly on their company.

These processes are opaque and not communicated clearly or accurately to end users; in fact, because AI text tools hallucinate, they will happily give you *fake* error messages if you ask why they returned an error.

There's been allegations that Mid journey and Open AI don't comply with European data protection laws, as well.

There is something that does bother me, too, about the use of big data as a profit center. I don't think it's a copyright or theft issue, but it is a fact that these companies are using public data to make a lot of money while being extremely closed off about how exactly they do that. I'm not a huge fan of the closed source model for this stuff when it is so heavily dependent on public data.

Problem 4: Environmental maybe? Related to problem 3, it's just not too clear what kind of impact all this AI stuff is having in terms of power costs. Honestly it all kind of does something, so I'm not hugely concerned, but I do kind of privately think that in the not too distant future a lot of these companies will stop spending money on enormous server farms just so that internet randos can try to get Chat-GPT to write porn.

Problem 5: They kind of don't work

Text programs frequently make stuff up. Actually, a friend pointed out to me that, in pulp scifi, robots will often say something like, "There is an 80% chance the guards will spot you!"

If you point one of those AI assistants at something, and ask them what it is, a lot of times they just confidently say the wrong thing. This same friend pointed out that, under the hood, the image recognition software is working with probabilities. But I saw lots of videos of the Rabbit AI assistant thing confidently being completely wrong about what it was looking at.

Chat-GPT hallucinates. Image generators are unable to consistently produce the same character and it's actually pretty difficult and unintuitive to produce a specific image, rather than a generic one.

This may be fixed in the near future or it might not, I have no idea.

Problem 6: Kinetic sameness.

One of the subtle changes of the last century is that more and more of what we do in life is look at a screen, while either sitting or standing, and making a series of small hand gestures. The process of writing, of producing an image, of getting from place to place are converging on a single physical act. As Marshall Macluhan pointed out, driving a car is very similar to watching TV, and making a movie is now very similar, as a set of physical movements, to watching one.

There is something vaguely unsatisfying about this.

Related, perhaps only in the sense of being extremely vague, is a sense that we may soon be mediating all, or at least many, of our conversations through AI tools. Have it punch up that email when you're too tired to write clearly. There is something I find disturbing about the idea of communication being constantly edited and punched up by a series of unrelated middlemen, *especially* in the current climate, where said middlemen are large impersonal monopolies who are dedicated to opaque, user hostile practices.

Given all of the above, it is baffling and sometimes infuriating to me that the two most popular arguments against AI boil down to "Transformative works are theft and we need to restrict fair use even more!" and "It's bad to use technology to make art, technology is only for boring things!"

[freadomrises]

I'm SEETHING

I asked Google's pushy and insistent bot how I can get AI out of my life completely and, well, I'll post it, but to sum it up: "Resistance is futile, human, we own the future, and we seek to own your psyche too."

It wants me to reconsider. It needs us to adopt it as our guide guru and master. Well the old saying holds fast still; No Gods No Masters. 🔥🏴🍲

It's understandable to want to reduce the influence of AI in your life. While completely eliminating it might be incredibly difficult in today's interconnected world, here's a breakdown of how you can significantly minimize its presence:

1. Understand Where AI Currently Exists in Your Life:

* Smart Devices: This includes smartphones (voice assistants, image recognition, predictive text), smart speakers, smart home hubs, smart TVs (recommendations), and wearable tech.

* Online Services:

* Search Engines: Personalized results and ads are driven by AI.

* Social Media: Algorithms curate your feed, suggest content and connections, and target ads.

* Streaming Services: Recommendations for movies, music, and shows.

* E-commerce: Product recommendations, personalized pricing, chatbots.

* Navigation Apps: Traffic prediction and route optimization.

* Email: Spam filtering, smart compose/reply.

* Cloud Storage: Photo tagging and organization.

* Software Applications: Many apps use AI for features like autocorrect, grammar check, image editing, and more.

* Customer Service: Chatbots are frequently used for initial interactions.

* Financial Services: Fraud detection, loan approvals, investment advice.

* News and Information: Algorithmic curation of news feeds.

2. Strategies to Minimize AI Exposure:

* Reduce Smart Device Usage:

* Limit smartphone use: Be more mindful of how often you reach for your phone.

* Disable voice assistants: Turn off Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, etc., on all your devices.

* Opt-out of facial recognition: Disable face unlock features.

* Use "dumb" versions of devices: Consider a basic phone without internet capabilities or a non-smart TV.

* Adjust Online Habits:

* Use privacy-focused search engines: DuckDuckGo, Startpage, etc., that don't track your searches or personalize results based on your history.

* Limit social media use: Be conscious of how much time you spend on these platforms and the AI-driven content you consume. Consider deleting accounts or using less algorithmic versions if available.

* Use incognito/private browsing modes: This can help limit tracking and personalization.

* Disable personalized recommendations: If possible, adjust settings on streaming and e-commerce platforms to opt-out of recommendations.

* Be wary of targeted ads: Understand that the ads you see are often AI-driven. Consider using ad blockers.

* Prefer direct navigation: Instead of relying on recommendations, directly type website addresses into your browser.

* Choose Non-AI Alternatives:

* Use traditional software: Opt for software that doesn't rely on cloud-based AI features if alternatives exist.

* Seek human interaction: Prefer phone calls or in-person communication with customer service instead of chatbots.

* Rely on human-curated content: Look for news sources, blogs, and recommendations from individuals or organizations that don't use AI for content generation or curation.

* Adjust Privacy Settings: Review and adjust the privacy settings on all your devices and online accounts to limit data collection and personalization.

* Be Mindful of Data Sharing: Understand that using online services often involves sharing data that can be used to train AI algorithms. Limit the amount of personal information you share.

* Support Privacy-Focused Technologies and Services: Choose companies and products that prioritize user privacy and minimize AI integration.

3. Challenges and Considerations:

* Ubiquity of AI: AI is increasingly integrated into the infrastructure of the internet and many technologies, making complete avoidance very difficult.

* Hidden AI: Many AI applications run in the background without your direct knowledge.

* Convenience vs. Privacy: AI often provides convenience and personalized experiences, so choosing to avoid it may mean sacrificing some of these benefits.

* Evolving Technology: AI is constantly evolving and becoming more integrated, making long-term avoidance an ongoing effort.

In conclusion, while a complete removal of AI from your life is likely unrealistic in the current technological landscape, you can take significant steps to minimize its presence and influence by being conscious of your technology usage, adjusting your online habits, and choosing privacy-focused alternatives where possible. It requires ongoing awareness and effort.

[tangibletechnomancy]

I wonder how much corporate AI hype AND social media criti-hype would die down if we cracked down on companies that just straight up lie about what's their software's doing vs. what's just done by random underpaid guys in cubicle farms in India/Africa/South America/wherever else someone can find to exploit.

Like on the one hand we have corporate entities insisting that work is one and the same. On the other hand we have people who either believe that claim...OR who know that it's not and believe this means that there are random guys in cubicle farms hand-drawing these fully rendered images in 30 seconds or less, and think THAT belief is somehow more respectful to art as labor than acknowledging that the computer is a tool.

I believe companies, including both developers and end users, should be required to disclose which of their AI products/services-in-use have a manual override/control center, and which ones don't - and disclose it clearly, in plain view, not buried somewhere deep in the terms of service that someone might just skim over if they read it at all. On top of being a huge blow to false advertising, it would also be great for helping people make informed decisions, because there are different uses for things that are fully automated vs. things that are automated with integrated manual override; for some things, particularly some assistive applications (e.g., object recognition apps for blind people), it's better to have it able to go "I don't know what I'm looking at, let's call up a human to tell us", whereas for things like personal use tools it's really not great to have one's privacy violated by getting another person interfering unknowingly, and for things like utility chatbots - assuming we manage to get to a point where we can reliably give them enough context to hammer out enough of the hallucination issues that they become particularly useful at all - I would rather know for sure that the moment it's "confused", it will direct a customer to MY theoretical human customer support department rather than secretly try the provider company's call center first. Even more, it would also make it easier to fight for better treatment of the workers in those control centers; their labor being hidden to the point where the public, by design, broadly doesn't realize they even exist is a HUGE factor in their exploitation being allowed.

[stuarttechnologybob]

What are Optimal Character Recognition (OCR) Services?

OCR Outsourcing Services

Optical Character Recognition is a technology and resource that converts various types of documents—such as scanned and printed paper documents and sheets, PDFs, or images and physical documents captured and scanned by a digital camera or device—into editable and searchable data of information. OCR Outsourcing refers to hiring third-party experts to handle these processes, making data management more efficient and cost-effective for businesses.

How Do OCR Services Work?

OCR technology scans printed or handwritten text and translates it into digital characters using pattern recognition and machine learning. Once the data is converted, it can be edited, searched, and stored electronically. This is especially useful and beneficial for the businesses that manage and hold a high volume of paper records or image-based files as raw source data.

Key Benefits of OCR Outsourcing -

Faster Data Processing:

By outsourcing OCR services, businesses can process large volumes of data significantly faster than they can do in-house. Professional experts leverage tools and advanced resources and employ trained professionals to assure the prompt turnaround times and processing for faster data proceedings and operations.

Improved Accuracy:

High-quality OCR Outsourcing providers use AI-driven tools and resources that minimize and lower down the errors. As this guarantees that the captured data is examined up to as precise as possible, lowering the demand for manual corrections and errors.

Cost Efficiency:

Maintaining and leveraging in-house source OCR setup can be expensive and costly. As the outsourcing eliminates the demand for costly software and system, infrastructure, and specialized staff, offering a more affordable option for ongoing needs and business demands.

Better Data Organization:

OCR Outsourcing makes it easier to store and retrieve data as scanned documents become searchable. While this is quite helpful and considerable for industries such as healthcare, law, finance, and logistics.

Scalability:

Whether you need to process a few documents or thousands, outsourcing partners can scale their services to match your demand without affecting quality or delivery speed. Companies and professional experts such as Suma Soft, IBM, Cyntexa, and Cignex are known for offering reliable OCR Outsourcing services. They aid businesses to simplify the data capture process, lower down the workload, and improve the operational efficiency by handling document digitization with precision and care. Choosing a trusted partner ensures high-quality results and seamless data management. They combine technology, skilled teams, and secure processes to deliver high-quality OCR results tailored and personalized as per the settings of different industries and business sizes.

[nividawebsolutions]

How to Choose the Right Web Design for Your Brand

Imagine walking into a store with flickering lights, chaotic shelves, and no one to guide you. You’d probably walk out, right? Your website is no different. In the digital world, your website is your storefront, your first handshake, your 24/7 brand ambassador. At Nivida Software, recognised as the Best Website Design Company in Gujarat, we understand that web design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about aligning visuals with values, purpose with presence, and design with direction.

So, how do you choose the right web design for your brand? Here’s a thought-provoking guide to help you decode that puzzle—with insight, not just information.

Understand Your Brand’s DNA:

Before you pick fonts and colours, you must know who you are. Is your brand bold or subtle? Youthful or sophisticated? Playful or professional? You should design your logo considering all the above factors.

Start by defining your brand’s tone, mission, and unique selling points. When we, as a Web Design Company in Gujarat, take on a project, we dig deep to understand what drives your business. A well-defined brand voice makes design decisions far more intuitive and authentic.

Know Your Audience Like You Know Your Product:

Your website should speak your audience’s language—visually and functionally. Designing with interaction, minimalism, and mobile in mind is essential if you want to attract tech-savvy millennials. Targeting B2B clients? Your site should inspire trust, credibility, and professionalism.

At Nivida Software, one of the Best Web Design Agencies in Vadodara, we conduct extensive user profiling to ensure your website design connects with the right emotions and expectations of your audience. Because relevance is the real design currency.

Prioritise User Experience (UX), Not Just Decoration:

You may fall in love with a particular layout or animation, but if it confuses your user or slows down their journey, it’s a liability, not an asset. Building a house without doors is the same of web design without user experience.

As a forward-thinking Web Design Agency in Vadodara, we follow a user-first approach. We map the customer journey, define intuitive navigation paths, and ensure that every scroll, swipe, and click contributes to conversions.

Design for Mobile—Not as an Option, but as a Rule:

We live in a pocket-first world. More than 60% of users will visit your website on a mobile device. If your design isn’t responsive, you’re practically invisible to half your audience.

Being a Best Website Design Company in Vadodara, our responsive design philosophy ensures your website adapts seamlessly across devices—whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or desktop—without compromising on speed or quality.

Stay Consistent, but Never Boring:

Brand consistency builds recognition, but that doesn’t mean being repetitive. It means using cohesive colour palettes, typography, and imagery that align with your brand guidelines while still allowing creative expression in layouts and content blocks.

We at Nivida Software, a leading Web Design Agency in Gujarat, blend innovation with identity, ensuring your design remains fresh without straying from the core brand essence.

Content and Design Must Work Like a Duet:

A stunning design without engaging content is like a concert with no music. Your design must support your message, not distract from it.

We ensure that copy and visuals work hand-in-hand. Our collaborative approach makes us stand out as one of the Best Website Design Agencies in Vadodara. Every button, headline, and image placement is intentional, crafted to guide the visitor naturally toward action.

SEO-Optimised Design Is Not a Luxury, It’s a Necessity:

Search engines don’t care if your site looks like a masterpiece. They care about structure, speed, tags, responsiveness, and accessibility.

As a highly experienced Web Design Company in Gujarat, we bake SEO into the foundation of our designs. Clean code, proper heading hierarchy, optimised images, and fast loading speeds are non-negotiables in our workflow.

Scalability: Design Today with Tomorrow in Mind

Whether it’s adding new product lines, integrating with CRM tools, or including multilingual capabilities, a scalable architecture is crucial.

That’s why our design frameworks at Nivida Software, the Best Website Design Company in Gujarat, are built to be modular and flexible—so your site can evolve as your brand does.

Choose the Right Design Partner:

At the end of the day, choosing the right web design comes down to choosing the right people to build it. A team that listens, understands, advises, and executes with precision.

At Nivida Software, we’re not just designers—we’re digital storytellers, strategists, and brand builders. As one of the Best Web Design Agencies in Vadodara, we bring years of industry experience, a robust creative process, and an obsession with pixel-perfect delivery.

We don’t just build websites. We craft experiences that help brands stand out, sell more, and stay memorable.

Look Beyond the Portfolio, Seek the Process:

Many agencies flaunt flashy portfolios. A well-thought-out plan, however, is essential to its success. Always ask about their process—how do they understand your business, plan your sitemap, choose your design direction, or test user journeys?

Our proven design methodology, backed by extensive market research and conversion insights, has made us the go-to Web Design Agency in Vadodara for businesses that want more than just a pretty face—they want performance.

Closing Thoughts:

Choosing the right web design for your brand is not a checkbox—it’s a commitment to crafting a digital presence that reflects who you are, resonates with your audience, and drives results.

At Nivida Software, the Best Website Design Company in Vadodara, we walk that path with you—from ideation to implementation. With a blend of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and aesthetic excellence, we help brands come alive online. 

[stevebattle]

BN-7 Home Entertainment Robot by Bandai, Tokyo, Japan (2002). Bandai exhibited the BN-7 at ROBODEX 2002 in Yokohama, where it performed live on stage. "The "BN-7 [is] an autonomous home entertainment robot that recognizes human faces and voices. BN-7 is a prototype robot that aims to be able to live … "like a family member". The biggest feature is the image recognition ability, and up to 7 faces can be registered and identified by a camera with 300,000 CMOS color pixels, at 30 frames per second. This makes it possible to communicate according to the personality and life patterns of the whole family. It is also possible to identify specific characters, symbols, and colors. Speech recognition and conversation skills are provided through application software using the artificial intelligence "SSE (Subsumption Engine)" developed by the company. … In addition, you can also perform "emotional expression by body language" using hands and face reflecting the content of the words. This expresses emotions with a change in the color of the cheeks, flushing when happy, turning bright red when angry, and blue when in trouble. … In future, it will be equipped with useful functions for the family, such as teaching children to study, telling their mothers cooking recipes, and playing shogi with their father." – Bandai prototypes "BN-7 (tentative name)", an autonomous robot that recognizes faces and voices, by Takakazu Kitamura, Game Watch.

[onlineecommercestore]

Strengthen Brand Identity and Fuel Creativity with Sales Quoting Software

For value-added resellers in the IT and office supplies sector, creating a strong brand identity is indispensable. A brand identity not only sets a company apart from its competitors but also fosters trust and loyalty among customers.

However, maintaining a consistent brand image while striving for innovation can be a challenging task. This is where sales quoting software steps in to streamline processes, enhance brand identity, and fuel creativity. The business sales quoting software serves as a comprehensive solution for value-added resellers (VARs) to generate accurate quotes quickly and efficiently.

However its benefits extend beyond mere sales operations; it can play a pivotal role in reinforcing brand identity and fostering creativity within an organization. Here's how:

Consistency in Brand Messaging

A cohesive brand identity is built upon consistent messaging across all customer touchpoints. Sales quoting software allows businesses to incorporate branded templates, logos, and messaging into every quote, ensuring that the brand identity remains consistent throughout the sales process. This consistency reinforces brand recognition and strengthens the brand's overall image in the eyes of customers.

Personalization

While consistency is key, personalization is equally important for connecting with customers on a deeper level. A business quote generator enables businesses to tailor quotes to each customer's specific needs and preferences. By incorporating personalized elements such as customer names, relevant product recommendations, and customized pricing options, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to providing personalized experiences, thus enhancing brand loyalty.

Streamlined Workflows

Creativity thrives in environments where processes are streamlined and efficient. The software that has connections with Cisco Direct data feed automates repetitive tasks such as data entry, pricing calculations, and quote generation, allowing sales teams to focus their time and energy on more creative endeavors, such as crafting compelling sales pitches and developing innovative solutions to meet customer needs.

Data-Driven Insights

Creativity flourishes when fueled by insights and feedback. Sales quoting tools connected to catalog management solutions provide valuable data and analytics on quote performance, customer preferences, and sales trends. By leveraging these insights, businesses can identify areas for improvement, uncover new opportunities, and fine-tune their sales strategies to better resonate with their target audience, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous innovation.

Collaboration and Communication

Effective collaboration is essential for unleashing creativity within an organization. This software system integrated with catalog solutions software facilitates seamless collaboration among sales teams, marketing departments, and other stakeholders involved in the quoting process. Features such as real-time updates, commenting, and version control ensure that everyone is on the same page, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can flow freely and innovation can thrive.

Brand Differentiation

In a crowded marketplace, standing out from the competition is crucial. Sales quoting tools that have built-in connections with the Cisco catalog empower businesses to differentiate themselves by offering unique value propositions, showcasing their expertise, and highlighting the benefits of their products or services in a visually compelling manner. By effectively communicating their brand's unique selling points through quotes, businesses can carve out a distinct identity in the minds of customers.

Sales quoting software is not just a tool for generating quotes; it is a powerful asset for strengthening brand identity and fueling creativity within an organization. By ensuring consistency in brand messaging, enabling personalization, streamlining workflows, providing data-driven insights, fostering collaboration, and facilitating brand differentiation, sales quoting software empowers businesses to elevate their brand image, engage customers more effectively, and drive innovation forward.

As businesses continue to navigate an ever-evolving marketplace, investing in this software application is not just a wise decision; it's a strategic imperative for success in the digital age.

[alghulras]

𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

NOTICE: This document is classified under Level Gamma Protocols and has been flagged for unauthorised access attempts. Multiple inconsistencies detected. Proceed with caution.

[ACCESSING FILE...]

[SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED: LEVEL ███]

[AUTHORIZATION GRANTED]

–BEGIN DOSSIER–

SUBJECT: VERIFIED BUSINESS ENTITY

Legal Identity: Rahil Head 

Aliases & Business Titles:

Rahil Head (Commonly Listed)

Mr Head (Informal Reference in Business Circles)

Nationality: Unconfirmed—Records Indicate Middle Eastern Heritage

Date of Birth: Unlisted—Estimated Between 1950-40 (Discrepancies in Documentation)

Place of Birth: Unknown—Conflicting Reports 

Last Known Location: Believed to Operate in Private Estates Across the Middle East and Northern Africa

Status: ACTIVE—CIVILIAN BUSINESS ENTITY

Known Affiliations:

Founder of a Privately-Owned Conglomerate Specialising in Energy, Infrastructure, and High-End Real Estate Developments—Limited Public Record of Transactions

Significant, Though Indirect, Investments in European and Middle Eastern Technological Firms

Rumored to Have Private Ties to Historical Societies and Cultural Preservation Groups

Silent Partner in Multiple Gulf-Based Enterprises

No Known Criminal Affiliations

DESCRIPTION:

Height: Approx. 195 cm

Build: Lean, Well-Kept

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Hair Color: Black with Flecks of Gray—Varied Reports on Aging Process

BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT:

Maintains an Unremarkable Public Profile—Avoids Major Media Presence

Highly Reserved in Business Dealings—Prefers Private, Invitation-Only Negotiations

Has No Apparent Reliance on Digital Technology; Prefers Handwritten Correspondence and Direct Verbal Negotiations

No Public Record of Political Statements or Controversial Affiliations

RELEVANT INTEL

No official photographic records prior to 1995—older Images of ‘Rahil Head’’ do not seem to exist.

There is an absence of personal history—no medical records, no known educational background, and no confirmed lineage. Attempts to identify close relatives have resulted in inconclusive data, with one exception: a confirmed daughter, Talia Head, frequently seen alongside her father, and mother, Ruhayla Head, a renowned socialite and industrialist who serves as the public face of █████ █████.

Financial transactions indicate activity in multiple locations across the globe within impossibly short timeframes.

Facial recognition software has flagged similarities between Mr. Head and multiple historical figures in archived photographs dating back to the 19th century—though results remain inconclusive due to image degradation.

█████ █████ █████ operates a traditional corporate structure, including a board of directors and executive staff. However, all strategic decisions are deferred to Mr. Head himself, with no record of shareholder meetings or public disclosures.

The company has a history of acquiring failing businesses and revitalising them without clear external financing. Sources suggest private investors, but no names have been disclosed.

Despite operating within legal frameworks, █████ █████ █████ has repeatedly rerouted funds through offshore accounts with minimal transparency. Regulatory bodies have flagged these activities but have not pursued further investigation.

Personal financial records for Mr. Head are limited. No known assets are registered in his name, yet he maintains access to multiple high-value properties across the globe. Some of his offshore accounts tie back to defunct 19th-century banking institutions.

Maintains no official government position, but holds connections to politicians, monarchs, and military officials across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and other parts of Asia.

Suspected of influencing regional conflicts by subtly shifting investments to favour or destabilise specific economic sectors.

Regularly attends closed-door economic forums and high-level diplomatic meetings under the pretence of trade discussions.

His company has facilitated infrastructure projects in several developing nations, indicating some level of control in national policies.

Multiple historical estates and excavation sites acquired by █████ █████ █████ correspond to locations with rumored ties to the League of Assassins.

A monastery in Tibet, recently purchased under a shell corporation, has been linked to ancient alchemical research. Records of its acquisition were mysteriously wiped from local government databases.

Personal security team composed of former special forces operatives, many of whom have no recorded military discharge papers.

Domestic staff at private residences reportedly rotate every six months, with each new team having no knowledge of their predecessors.

THREAT ASSESSMENT:

RISK CLASSIFICATION: NEGLIGIBLE—NO VERIFIED CRIMINAL OR PARAMILITARY TIES

SUBJECT DESIGNATED AS LOW PRIORITY MONITORING

[WARNING: FILE CROSS-REFERENCED WITH ARCHIVED CASE ██-█████—INCONSISTENCIES NOTED]

ADDITIONAL NOTES

[SECURITY RESTRICTIONS DETECTED]

One anonymous source claimed Mr. Head never seems to age, but this statement was retracted, and the individual declined further interviews.

Official documents confirm a "Rahil Head" attended an exclusive financial summit in Zurich in 1991. A separate report indicates the same name appearing on a guest list for a 1973 archaeological conference in Istanbul—no photographic evidence exists from either event.

Despite no formal ties to political entities, Mr. Head appears to have access to exclusive diplomatic channels. Private jets linked to his company have landed in highly restricted airspaces without official clearance, yet no record of violation exists.

A classified intelligence document from 1977 references an individual with a near-identical description to Head, listed as a “non-hostile asset with unknown longevity.” Document has since been removed from official archives.

A confidential source in Dubai stated that "Rahil Head" does not attend public events, yet holds significant influence in elite circles. Attempts to trace his business dealings often lead to dead ends.

A low-resolution image from 2004 depicts Mr. Head at a private gala in Morocco. Upon further analysis, facial structure appears nearly identical to an individual in a 1982 diplomatic event in Istanbul—discrepancies in aging patterns remain unexplained.

A handwritten letter dated 1899 was recovered from a private estate auction. The signature—nearly identical to that of Mr. Head—was dismissed as a coincidence, though forensic analysis remains inconclusive.

[...FURTHER RECORDS RESTRICTED…]

THREAT ASSESSMENT REVISION

CLASSIFICATION: LOW TO MODERATE RISK

NOTE: UNRESOLVED ANOMALIES FLAGGED FOR FUTURE REVIEW

[...DATA RETRIEVAL INTERFERENCE DETECTED…]

Recommendation: Maintain passive surveillance. Direct investigation not advised.

[...DATA FRAGMENT ENDS…]

[CONNECTION LOST—SECURITY LOCKOUT INITIATED]

[DATA ACCESS REVOKED—FURTHER ATTEMPTS FLAGGED FOR REVIEW]

[LOGGING OUT...]

[SESSION TERMINATED]

–END DOSSIER–

[fnaflucasverse]

Assorted Fazband Thoughts

sort of a sequel to this ask from @mangleschmidt i got about the animatronics; sort of based on lore by @fivenightsatfreddysfanfiction

ORIGINAL FAZBAND

as i mentioned in the footnotes, the originals (the hardware anyway) were made specifically for the first location by a small robotics company that was later acquired by fazbear entertainment. the base shells were copied/modified from an old blueprint of the springlocks.

the software was provided by jeremy fitzgerald sr., who had taken an interest in the fazband's development. it was a little unusual when he asked to personally oversee the testing of his prototype "security mode", but given he was related to one of the higher-ups, nobody argued. (weird guy, though. didn't work well with others)

the originals don't actually have a programmed free-roam mode, at least not back in the '80s. any walking around they did (one at a time, in a very limited area, under supervision) was directed via remote control. after '87, people started noticing the fazband's movements became a little more... natural, less stiff. then one night they just started walking around on their own.

also in the other posts, the fazbands aren't really capable of independent, sentient thoughts or personalities. well, they're not supposed to be. but very occasionally, outside of showtimes, they would... talk... to themselves, using bits from their showtime voicelines. even when the ghost children would be resting.

i don't know if they're distinct enough from the ghosts to be their own persons, but i have a feeling they aren't completely unaware.

TOY FAZBAND

the toys are technically the third version of the fazband, after the '80s prototype originals and the rudimentary "rockstar" line that was in production from '85-'98 for other freddy's branch locations. the rockstars were cheap and easy to make (think chuck e cheese but worse) and are what the majority of people imagine when thinking "freddy fazbear's pizza". when mike schmidt became a utahn hero after protecting a young teenager from "burglars", fazbear entertainment was starting to roll out the toys and decided to revamp their first location to suit their new colorful image. (the kid might've put in a good word; wasn't he the grandson of one of the higher-ups?)

the toys are a lot simpler than the originals in a lot of ways: design, question of sentience, lack of jaw movement—but they're definitely more technologically advanced. better at walking, too. they also have a version of fitzgerald sr.'s security mode in their programming, after mike's heroism also raised parental worry about their local pizzeria getting robbed. (honestly, i don't think these animatronics actually have facial recognition.)

as for what other animatronic mangle got inextricably combined with... given fredbear doesn't actually have an endoskeleton, i think it may have been dee-dee, balloon boy's counterpart.

i don't exactly know where to put it, but the marionette is also an exclusive first-location "animatronic". the guy who designed the original fazband made it for his daughter, apparently. they visited freddy's a few times, always carrying that thing in tow; something bad happened, and he left it behind.

SPRINGLOCK SUITS

very few people still remember there were two of them. when you take off the ears, the accessories, they look identical. they were supposed to be thrown out, but fitzgerald sr. took a liking to them. too bad he wasn't much of an engineer though, or he maybe would've given the fazband springlocks, too.

[mixpayu]

Understanding Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Guide

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative technologies of our time. From powering smart assistants to enabling self-driving cars, AI is reshaping industries and everyday life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what AI is, its evolution, various types, real-world applications, and both its advantages and disadvantages. We will also offer practical tips for embracing AI in a responsible manner—all while adhering to strict publishing and SEO standards and Blogger’s policies.

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1. Introduction

Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and even understanding natural language. Over the past few decades, advancements in machine learning and deep learning have accelerated AI’s evolution, making it an indispensable tool in multiple domains.

---

2. What Is Artificial Intelligence?

At its core, AI is about creating machines or software that can mimic human cognitive functions. There are several key areas within AI:

Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI where algorithms improve through experience and data. For example, recommendation systems on streaming platforms learn user preferences over time.

Deep Learning: A branch of ML that utilizes neural networks with many layers to analyze various types of data. This technology is behind image and speech recognition systems.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa are prime examples of NLP applications.

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3. A Brief History and Evolution

The concept of artificial intelligence dates back to the mid-20th century, when pioneers like Alan Turing began to question whether machines could think. Over the years, AI has evolved through several phases:

Early Developments: In the 1950s and 1960s, researchers developed simple algorithms and theories on machine learning.

The AI Winter: Due to high expectations and limited computational power, interest in AI waned during the 1970s and 1980s.

Modern Resurgence: The advent of big data, improved computing power, and new algorithms led to a renaissance in AI research and applications, especially in the last decade.

Source: MIT Technology Review

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4. Types of AI

Understanding AI involves recognizing its different types, which vary in complexity and capability:

4.1 Narrow AI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence - ANI)

Narrow AI is designed to perform a single task or a limited range of tasks. Examples include:

Voice Assistants: Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, which respond to specific commands.

Recommendation Engines: Algorithms used by Netflix or Amazon to suggest products or content.

4.2 General AI (Artificial General Intelligence - AGI)

AGI refers to machines that possess the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks—much like a human being. Although AGI remains a theoretical concept, significant research is underway to make it a reality.

4.3 Superintelligent AI (Artificial Superintelligence - ASI)

ASI is a level of AI that surpasses human intelligence in all aspects. While it currently exists only in theory and speculative discussions, its potential implications for society drive both excitement and caution.

Source: Stanford University AI Index

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5. Real-World Applications of AI

AI is not confined to laboratories—it has found practical applications across various industries:

5.1 Healthcare

Medical Diagnosis: AI systems are now capable of analyzing medical images and predicting diseases such as cancer with high accuracy.

Personalized Treatment: Machine learning models help create personalized treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic makeup and history.

5.2 Automotive Industry

Self-Driving Cars: Companies like Tesla and Waymo are developing autonomous vehicles that rely on AI to navigate roads safely.

Traffic Management: AI-powered systems optimize traffic flow in smart cities, reducing congestion and pollution.

5.3 Finance

Fraud Detection: Banks use AI algorithms to detect unusual patterns that may indicate fraudulent activities.

Algorithmic Trading: AI models analyze vast amounts of financial data to make high-speed trading decisions.

5.4 Entertainment

Content Recommendation: Streaming services use AI to analyze viewing habits and suggest movies or shows.

Game Development: AI enhances gaming experiences by creating more realistic non-player character (NPC) behaviors.

Source: Forbes – AI in Business

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6. Advantages of AI

AI offers numerous benefits across multiple domains:

Efficiency and Automation: AI automates routine tasks, freeing up human resources for more complex and creative endeavors.

Enhanced Decision Making: AI systems analyze large datasets to provide insights that help in making informed decisions.

Improved Personalization: From personalized marketing to tailored healthcare, AI enhances user experiences by addressing individual needs.

Increased Safety: In sectors like automotive and manufacturing, AI-driven systems contribute to improved safety and accident prevention.

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7. Disadvantages and Challenges

Despite its many benefits, AI also presents several challenges:

Job Displacement: Automation and AI can lead to job losses in certain sectors, raising concerns about workforce displacement.

Bias and Fairness: AI systems can perpetuate biases present in training data, leading to unfair outcomes in areas like hiring or law enforcement.

Privacy Issues: The use of large datasets often involves sensitive personal information, raising concerns about data privacy and security.

Complexity and Cost: Developing and maintaining AI systems requires significant resources, expertise, and financial investment.

Ethical Concerns: The increasing autonomy of AI systems brings ethical dilemmas, such as accountability for decisions made by machines.

Source: Nature – The Ethics of AI

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8. Tips for Embracing AI Responsibly

For individuals and organizations looking to harness the power of AI, consider these practical tips:

Invest in Education and Training: Upskill your workforce by offering training in AI and data science to stay competitive.

Prioritize Transparency: Ensure that AI systems are transparent in their operations, especially when making decisions that affect individuals.

Implement Robust Data Security Measures: Protect user data with advanced security protocols to prevent breaches and misuse.

Monitor and Mitigate Bias: Regularly audit AI systems for biases and take corrective measures to ensure fair outcomes.

Stay Informed on Regulatory Changes: Keep abreast of evolving legal and ethical standards surrounding AI to maintain compliance and public trust.

Foster Collaboration: Work with cross-disciplinary teams, including ethicists, data scientists, and industry experts, to create well-rounded AI solutions.

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9. Future Outlook

The future of AI is both promising and challenging. With continuous advancements in technology, AI is expected to become even more integrated into our daily lives. Innovations such as AGI and even discussions around ASI signal potential breakthroughs that could revolutionize every sector—from education and healthcare to transportation and beyond. However, these advancements must be managed responsibly, balancing innovation with ethical considerations to ensure that AI benefits society as a whole.

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10. Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is a dynamic field that continues to evolve, offering incredible opportunities while posing significant challenges. By understanding the various types of AI, its real-world applications, and the associated advantages and disadvantages, we can better prepare for an AI-driven future. Whether you are a business leader, a policymaker, or an enthusiast, staying informed and adopting responsible practices will be key to leveraging AI’s full potential.

As we move forward, it is crucial to strike a balance between technological innovation and ethical responsibility. With proper planning, education, and collaboration, AI can be a force for good, driving progress and improving lives around the globe.

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References

1. MIT Technology Review – https://www.technologyreview.com/

2. Stanford University AI Index – https://aiindex.stanford.edu/

3. Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/

4. Nature – https://www.nature.com/

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Meta Description:

Explore our comprehensive 1,000-word guide on Artificial Intelligence, covering its history, types, real-world applications, advantages, disadvantages, and practical tips for responsible adoption. Learn how AI is shaping the future while addressing ethical and operational challenges.

[mariacallous]

Thousands of law enforcement officials and people applying to be police officers in India have had their personal information leaked online—including fingerprints, facial scan images, signatures, and details of tattoos and scars on their bodies. If that wasn’t alarming enough, at around the same time, cybercriminals have started to advertise the sale of similar biometric police data from India on messaging app Telegram.

Last month, security researcher Jeremiah Fowler spotted the sensitive files on an exposed web server linked to ThoughtGreen Technologies, an IT development and outsourcing firm with offices in India, Australia, and the US. Within a total of almost 500 gigabytes of data spanning 1.6 million documents, dated from 2021 until when Fowler discovered them in early April, was a mine of sensitive personal information about teachers, railway workers, and law enforcement officials. Birth certificates, diplomas, education certificates, and job applications were all included.

Fowler, who shared his findings exclusively with WIRED, says within the heaps of information, the most concerning were those that appeared to be verification documents linked to Indian law enforcement or military personnel. While the misconfigured server has now been closed off, the incident highlights the risks of companies collecting and storing biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, and how they could be misused if the data is accidentally leaked.

“You can change your name, you can change your bank information, but you can't change your actual biometrics,” Fowler says. The researcher, who also published the findings on behalf of Website Planet, says this kind of data could be used by cybercriminals or fraudsters to target people in the future, a risk that’s increased for sensitive law enforcement positions.

Within the database Fowler examined were several mobile applications and installation files. One was titled “facial software installation,” and a separate folder contained 8 GB of facial data. Photographs of people’s faces included computer-generated rectangles that are often used for measuring the distance between points of the face in face recognition systems.

There were 284,535 documents labeled as Physical Efficiency Tests that related to police staff, Fowler says. Other files included job application forms for law enforcement officials, profile photos, and identification documents with details such as “mole at nose” and “cut on chin.” At least one image shows a person holding a document with a corresponding photo of them included on it. “The first thing I saw was thousands and thousands of fingerprints,” Fowler says.

Prateek Waghre, executive director of Indian digital rights organization Internet Freedom Foundation, says there is “vast” biometric data collection happening across India, but there are added security risks for people involved in law enforcement. “A lot of times, the verification that government employees or officers use also relies on biometric systems,” Waghre says. “If you have that potentially compromised, you are in a position for someone to be able to misuse and then gain access to information that they shouldn’t.”

It appears that some biometric information about law enforcement officials may already be shared online. Fowler says after the exposed database was closed down he also discovered a Telegram channel, containing a few hundred members, which was claiming to sell Indian police data, including of specific individuals. “The structure, the screenshots, and a couple of the folder names matched what I saw,” says Fowler, who for ethical reasons did not purchase the data being sold by the criminals so could not fully verify it was exactly the same data.

“We take data security very seriously, have taken immediate steps to secure the exposed data,” a member of ThoughtGreen Technologies wrote in an email to WIRED. “Due to the sensitivity of data, we cannot comment on specifics in an email. However, we can assure you that we are investigating this matter thoroughly to ensure such an incident does not occur again.”

In follow-up messages, the staff member said the company had “raised a complaint” with law enforcement in India about the incident, but did not specify which organization they had contacted. When shown a screenshot of the Telegram post claiming to sell Indian police biometric data, the ThoughtGreen Technologies staff member said it is “not our data.” Telegram did not respond to a request for comment.

Shivangi Narayan, an independent researcher in India, says the country’s data protection law needs to be made more robust, and companies and organizations need to take greater care with how they handle people’s data. “A lot of data is collected in India, but nobody's really bothered about how to store it properly,” Narayan says. Data breaches are happening so regularly that people have “lost that surprise shock factor,” Narayan says. In early May, one cybersecurity company said it had seen a face-recognition data breach connected to one Indian police force, including police and suspect information.

The issues are wider, though. As governments, companies, and other organizations around the world increasingly rely on collecting people’s biometric data for proving their identity or as part of surveillance technologies, there’s an increased risk of the information leaking online and being abused. In Australia, for instance, a recent face recognition leak impacting up to a million people led to a person being charged with blackmail.

“So many other countries are looking at biometric verification for identities, and all of that information has to be stored somewhere,” Fowler says. “If you farm it out to a third-party company, or a private company, you lose control of that data. When a data breach happens, you’re in deep shit, for lack of a better term.”