Digital Public Square

Emily Wenger, a Computer Science PhD Student and researcher at The University of Chicago, joins me to talk about facial recognition technology and her PhD work. We discuss some concerns surrounding facial recognition technology and how her faith impacts her work.Sign up to receive the WeeklyTech newsletter each Monday morning at jasonthacker.com/weeklytech. Meet Emily Wenger:Emily Wenger is pursuing a PhD in computer science at the University of Chicago with an emphasis on machine learning and privacy.  Her research explores the limitations, vulnerabilities, and privacy implications of neural networks. Emily worked for two years as a mathematician at the U.S. Department of Defense before beginning her PhD studies in 2018.  She is a graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois with a degree in mathematics and physics.Connect with Emily Wenger:Connect with Emily and find some of her work here.

Dan Darling joins me to talk about his latest book “A Way with Words” and what it looks like to apply biblical wisdom to our engagement with social media. We discuss ways that we can have a healthier relationship with social media in this cultural moment.Sign up to receive the WeeklyTech newsletter each Monday morning at jasonthacker.com/weeklytech. Meet Dan Darling:Dan Darling is the Senior Vice President for Communications at National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and served for six years as VP of Communications for ERLC. Dan is the author of nine books, including “A Way with Words,” “The Dignity Revolution” and the bestselling “The Characters of Christmas.” Dan’s work has been featured in outlets such as USA Today, Washington Post, National Review, and Christianity Today. He and his wife Angela have four children. They attend Green Hill Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, where Dan serves as Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship.Connect with Dan Darling:Visit his website at www.danieldarling.com and check out his book “A Way with Words.” Connect with him on Twitter @dandarling.

Dr. Jamie Aten joins me on the podcast to talk about technology, humanitarian disasters, and some of the psychological aspects of the pandemic. We discuss how technology has been a gift during this season but also some of its pitfalls and how we can navigate those.Sign up to receive the WeeklyTech newsletter each Monday morning at jasonthacker.com/weeklytech.Meet Dr. Jamie Aten:Dr. Jamie Aten is a disaster psychologist and disaster ministry expert. He helps others navigate mass, humanitarian, and personal disasters with scientific and spiritual insights. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute and Disaster Ministry Conference and holds the Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College.Connect with Dr. Jamie Aten:Visit his website at www.jamieaten.com or find the Humanitarian Disaster Institute on Facebook.  

I love Sunday mornings, but there is one thing I dread each week about them. Outside of the blessing of gathering together as the church (even remotely in this season) and extra time with my family, I get the dreaded notification on my iPhone. From reading and entertainment to social media and productivity, the screen time activity report on my phone displays the reality of my online activity for the past week. That methodic revelation often comes as a disappointing and discouraging reminder of the toils of this season of remote work, online school, and social distancing.Our children are likewise fixated on screens, with countless hours spent online for homework, remote learning, gaming, reading, social media, connecting with friends, and even gathering with the church. This generation of children is the first to grow up in the smartphone era, seemingly always connected by social media and digital technology. It will be decades before we see the full effects of these technologies on their development as adults.READ MOREThe RundownTwitter is building ‘Birdwatch,’ a system to fight misinformation by adding more context to tweets – TechCrunchIn order to combat misinformation in the final month before the election, Twitter has added a new feature that will allow users to flag tweets for moderation and add notes with more details behind posts. This new addition called “Birdwatch” gives users the ability to vote on whether a tweet is false or misleading and add annotations which may be public or private.Americans are one step closer to a national contact tracing app for Covid-19 – VoxCatalyzed by a tool developed by Apple and Google, the U.S. has progressed towards a nationwide COVID-19 contact tracing app. This national server created by tech giants helps pave a road toward coordination among states, which up until this point has mainly produced programs that have yet to provide useful tracing information across state lines.Facebook Widens Ban on Political Ads as Alarm Rises Over Election – The New York TimesOn Wednesday, Facebook said that it would take more preventative measures to keep political candidates from using it to manipulate the election’s outcome and aftermath. The company now plans to prohibit all political and issue-based advertising after the polls close on November 3 for an undetermined length of time.Facebook completely bans QAnon and labels it a ‘militarized social movement’ – The VergeIn its most drastic moderation measure to date, Facebook has decided to ban all profiles, groups, and posts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory. This move is important in setting the precedent for online content moderation on the part of big tech companies. How this action is received by lawmakers and the public could also have implications for regulative policy in this sector.Other Resources:A conversation with Trillia Newbell about parenting, kids, and technology – WeeklyTech Podcast‘The Social Dilemma’ and the B

You may read that headline and wonder how in the world someone could ask that question when many churches are still not able to meet in person or are having hybrid services to cut down on the spread of COVID-19.Technologies like facial recognition seem like such a far off dream that you likely haven’t even considered the possibility of using it in your church or ministry.But in light of the questions concerning regathering together as the church, social distancing, security, health risks, and even new member assimilation, there will be increasing pressure on church leaders to implement these types of tracking tools to keep people safe and connected.READ MORE--The RundownUber wins appeal against London ban– The VergeLondon’s Uber ban was recently overturned, and the popular ride sharing service was granted a license to operate for the next 18 months. The ruling found that Uber had improved upon some of its practices that prompted the ban in the first place. In a fallen world, the corruption and misuse of services like Uber is far too common, and Christians should be mindful of this reality.US 2020 election: Social media’s nightmare scenario– BBCSocial media executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, have expressed concern over potential unrest in the aftermath of the election. Because an abnormal amount of votes are expected to be cast by mail due to COVID-19, the time between the closing of the polls and the official announcement of the winner could be a few days or even weeks. While nothing is certain, the concerns expressed by these companies should remind us to use extra care on social media in the coming weeks.Judge rules TikTok can avoid a ban in the US, for now– CNNWhile the deal with ByteDance, Oracle, and Walmart is still shrouded in some uncertainty, a federal judge has issued a temporary block on any government ban of the app from U.S. markets. The recent decision that temporarily protects TikTok from a ban buys the company some more time until the deal is set in stone.Weeks before election, Facebook shuts down alleged Russian military intelligence operation– CNNFacebook profiles with direct ties to Russian military personnel were discovered and shut down by the social media company. Tensions on social media are going to continue to grow more and more hostile as we wade deeper into election season. This will make participants on these platforms more susceptible to false information and propaganda that is closely aligned with their political identity.--Other Resources:Churchix.comChurches Need to Start Utilizing Facial Recognition Tech – by Christopher Benek

One of the hidden blessings of 2020 has been the ability to rethink our routines and habits. Some have picked up new hobbies while others have decided to rethink how they approach technology, news, and social media. Early in the pandemic, I decided to try intentionally to get my news from sources outside of social media as a way to combat the constant churning of my social media feeds which are often full of unhealthy obsessions with controversy, underdeveloped stories without context, and a good bit of fake news.This year, I subscribed to a few different print magazines and email newsletters that I attempt to read through each week. One that I have particularly enjoyed is The Economist because it forces me outside of my comfort zone at times and allows me to gain a global perspective on news and culture. Truthfully, I am not always successful at avoiding the hamster wheel of social media, but these little shifts in my news intake have really helped me so far. One of the most consequential issues that I have read a good deal about recently is the rise of what is called digital authoritarianism and how this movement impacts how we think about matters like international human rights. READ MORE The RundownTrump approves TikTok deal. But big questions remain – CNNLast week, not long after President Trump initially rejected a partnership between Oracle and ByteDance over U.S. operations of TikTok, the President said that the deal had earned his blessing. This deal is significant because it gives these American organizations ownership of the data the app collects from U.S. citizens, reducing the risk of the CCP obtaining and wielding such information for their own means.TikTok says coordinated attack behind suicide clip uploads – ABC NewsDespite TikTok’s concerted efforts to remove a graphic suicide clip from their platform a few weeks ago, the video kept resurfacing. The company says an internal investigation revealed a coordinated effort was behind the traumatizing posts. Disturbing stories like this one should remind us of the harmful content that exists on the internet. This should motivate us to be cautious and vigilant in our online activities.A new lawsuit may force YouTube to own up to the mental health consequences of content moderation– The VergeYouTube employees are seeking compensation for the stress induced by the daily task of viewing and removing countless disturbing and violent videos. Platforms like Youtube and Facebook are again facing a decision between relying more on algorithm-based moderators, which will result in the unintentional suppression of harmless speech, or on human moderators, which will result in emotional and mental health issues for employees.Facebook shuts down 150 fake Chinese accounts– BBCFacebook has banned a network of 150 fake profiles with a cumulative following of 130,000 individuals. These accounts were found distributing Chinese propaganda and posts pertaining to the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Even as social media platforms crack down on fake accounts posting false information, users should still practice discernment on these sites.

In June 2019, there was a Twitter backlash against the Black Hat security conference and its decision to confirm Rep. Will Hurd (R-Tx.) as a keynote speaker. Black Hat is a technology event series founded in 1997. Many within the national security and cybersecurity fields, along with many long-time attendees, voiced their disgust that Black Hat would choose to highlight Hurd given his pro-life convictions and voting record. Black Hat decided to rescind the invitation, bowing to public pressure.While the issues of abortion and cybersecurity seem to be separate, the canceling of Hurd’s keynote is a prime example of a phenomenon in our society called “cancel culture.” This happens when a group seeks to cancel someone or something often based on a single disqualifying factor. These factors can be as simple as a past tweet or article, or as large as a deeply held religious or social belief. Those who seek to cancel someone will use anything to silence any dissenting opinion or thought, which leads to a breakdown of civil discourse and a weakening of our social fabric.READ MOREThe RundownByteDance picks Oracle as partner to try to save TikTok U.S. – ReutersLast Monday, ByteDance announced it would partner with Oracle for the app’s U.S. operations. And over the weekend, news broke that the U.S. would ban new downloads of the app in the United States beginning yesterday. Time will tell if these arrangements will adequately address the issues of CCP involvement with ByteDance and the national security concerns with the app.Portland approves strictest ban on facial recognition technology in the U.S. – The OregonianThe city council of Portland, Oregon banned the use of facial recognition technology by the city and private businesses. The issues surrounding the use of such technology are ultimately tied to the concern for human dignity. While it is crucial that we develop and use innovations to help make our cities safer, Christians should oppose the use of technology that unjustly targets individuals or is used to exploit vulnerable populations.Twitter creates online hub for US election info, to combat misinformation – CNetTwitter has launched a new section in its explore tab dedicated entirely to the 2020 US elections. Even as social media companies like Twitter take steps to promote reliable political sources, users should be aware that these platforms still contain misinformation and inaccurate representations of news and events. As always, we need to be diligent about how we use social media and wise about the information we share online.Clemson researchers launch ‘Spot the Troll’ tool to fight social media disinformation – USA TodayTwo researchers from Clemson University released an online quiz called “Spot the Troll” to help social media users learn how to spot misinformation online. Even with tools like these, users should still be cognizant of the sources of information found online. Because our witness as Christians also applies when we are online, we should be motivated to share content that is truthful and engages our neighbors in a loving and dignifying way.Other Resources:

A friend recently tweeted that she believes ethics to be an impossibility. As she unpacked what she meant, I realized this attitude toward ethics is shared by many, especially in our digital age. With the rise of sophisticated modern technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), facial recognition, bioengineering, and social media—our society will increasingly question what’s moral or immoral, as well as how we might pursue an ethical life. Yet these definitions are often based on what seems right in the moment, not on an ethical framework.Between Google’s AI principles, the U.S. Department of Defense‘s recently adopted guidelines regarding military use of technology, and the European Union’s proposal for an ethical framework for technology, our world is longing for direction in addressing complicated and life-altering technologies in a way that’s good, fair, applicable, and ethical.READ MORE The RundownTikTok is racing to stop the spread of a gruesome video – The VergeLast week, TikTok issued warnings for users to be on the lookout for a disturbing video while it took extensive measures to take the video down. TikTok’s algorithms and “For You” page can make harmful content more accessible on this app than on other services, so Christians should approach this platform with heightened awareness.Disney hit by backlash after thanking Xinjiang authorities in ‘Mulan’ credits – CNNDisney is facing boycotts of its newly released live action remake of Mulan which is now available to stream on Disney+. The backlash is a response to the entertainment company’s relationship with Chinese authorities during the film’s production.It is important to be aware of injustices around the world, especially in the technology we use and entertainment we consume.Samsung reportedly cutting off chip sales to Huawei – The VergeTwo South Korean companies announced they will stop selling computer chips to Huawei. Samsung and SK Hynix will cease trading with the Chinese tech giant on September 15, when new economic regulations go into effect. This situation demonstrates the interconnectedness of technology production and reminds us that there are implications of our technology usage.America’s great virtual-learning experiment faces glitches nationwide – AxiosMany students across the country have faced technical difficulties as they have returned to school online in recent weeks. As educators and students do their best navigating these issues, churches should be aware of the difficulties families are facing and be attentive to specific ways they can love their neighbors.

Elon Musk has become a household name in the last few years. From the rise and popularity of the all electric vehicles at Tesla to the commercialization of space travel through SpaceX, Musk is a man on a mission to revolutionize our society. According to Forbes, Musk is worth over $86.1 billion dollars, making him one of the most wealthy and recognizable names in the world. A few years ago I read a fascinating biography of Musk by Ashlee Vance with a fitting subtitle of “Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future.” Vance describes well that Musk is indeed on a quest for the future, but the question of whether this vision of the future is fantastic is heavily debated today.A couple weeks back, Musk held a press conference with his lesser known startup company called Neuralink, which is an American neurotechnology company founded in July 2016. Neuralink specializes in the development of brain computer interfaces (BCI) that it hopes will be able to help cure neurological diseases such as memory loss, hearing loss, depression, and insomnia, as well as potentially enhance healthy human beings with abilities ranging from typing with your thoughts, hailing a self-driving car, or even extending your memory.Read MoreThe RundownWalmart+ launches Sept 15, offering same-day delivery, gas discounts and cashierless checkout for $98/yr – TechCrunchWalmart announced its Amazon-like service that provides unlimited same-day delivery, gas discounts, and access to a new scan-and-go app that allows shoppers to skip the checkout line. Customers will be able to enroll in a Walmart+ membership beginning September 15 at a cost of $98 per year. TikTok Deal Is Complicated by New Rules From China Over Tech Exports– New York TimesAs the bidding war for TikTok nears a close, China has rolled out new regulations on exports that could put the sale of the Chinese-owned app to a U.S. company in jeopardy. The new restrictions could require ByteDance to obtain a license from the Chinese government in order to sell the app to a foreign corporation. Google launches Kids Space, a hub for child-friendly apps and videos on tablets – CNetGoogle has released a hub called “Kids Space” for Android tablets, which allows young children to access educational and entertaining apps, music, games, and books that are kid-friendly. The material available in this hub has been dubbed “teacher approved.”Amazon receives U.S. regulatory approval to start drone delivery trials – ReutersThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given approval to Amazon to begin testing for delivering packages with autonomous drones. Amazon is the third organization to be granted approval for this venture, joining UPS and Alphabet, Inc.Other Resources:A conversation with Trillia Newbell about parenting, kids, and technology – WeeklyTech Podcast—Photo attribution:

Amid the cultural upheaval of COVID-19 and what has turned out to be one of the most eventful years in modern history, a dehumanizing and predatory perversion of technology has been spreading in the darkness of our communities: pornography. While the out-of-sight nature of pornography makes it is easier to shrug off its insidiousness, especially given the social unrest of the moment, the rise in predatory marketing plans and expanded pornography use should not be left alone because of the monumental human dignity implications.As the coronavirus lockdowns went into effect throughout the world in March, Pornhub, the world’s largest online pornography provider, announced that they were providing users in Italy free access and subscriber privileges due to the nation’s outbreak and isolation. The company has also provided similar access to users in other nations such as Spain and France. In light of the free and open access to this pornographic content, Pornhub self-reported on their official blog that daily usage increased by 38-61% throughout these European countries, which led them to also claim that “people all over Europe were happy to have distractions while quarantined at home.” According to the company’s June analytics report, “worldwide traffic to Pornhub continues to be much higher than it was before the Coronavirus pandemic spread worldwide.”Read More The RundownTikTok sues Trump administration over US ban – The VergeTikTok has announced that it is suing the Trump administration after President Trump’s executive order banning all transactions with the viral app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, claiming that the executive order violates due process and does not provide ample evidence of national security risks.Facebook blocks Thai access to group critical of monarchy – BBCAfter Thailand’s government threatened to pursue legal action against Facebook, the social media giant blocked access to a group with over a million members that discussed the nation’s monarchy. This move comes amidst nationwide protests against the Thai government.New Zealand stock exchange halted by cyber-attack – BBCTwo days in a row, the New Zealand stock exchange was thrown offline by a foreign cyber attack. Denial of service attacks (DDoS) disrupt network systems by overwhelming their servers with online traffic, causing them to falter or crash.New federal centers announced for AI and quantum computing – AxiosThe White House has announced a pledge of $1 billion to further research in artificial intelligence and quantum science. This investment will fund 12 federal research centers, seven of which will be established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and will focus on AI research.Other Resources:5 concepts to know about human rights abuses in China – ERLC.comCybersecurity is a Moral Necessity – Providence