Where AI-Enhanced Data Analytics Is Headed Next - By Omri Kohl, Pyramid Analytics - June 08, 2026 Among the many business use cases that AI is shaking up, data analytics stands out. It’s an area that has changed immensely with the advent of conversational AI, ML, and automation, yet still has massive potential for additional transformation. The real story isn’t that analytics got smarter; it’s that decision-making is getting instrumented end-to-end. In the last two years, we’ve seen the emergence of NLP-based analysis that allows non-tech LOB users to query data using natural-language text or voice prompts. AI-powered BI tools can automatically select the right analysis methods for each situation, choose easy-to-consume visualizations, guide users to spot insights and draw conclusions, and highlight relevant datasets for closer study. AI has also transformed data analytics from the bottom up by boosting data gathering. AI processors can incorporate more data by extracting meaning from unstructured assets like videos, images, and audio clips; enhance data semantics to derive value from sources like social media posts and consumer sentiment; and handle enormous datasets that are unusable with manual methods. AI data integration brings together data that’s siloed in otherwise inaccessible locations and catalogs and categorizes it for a more unified data view. AI can also generate synthetic data to fill gaps in existing datasets or create new data for training. Additionally, AI streamlines data preparation and preprocessing by automating data cleaning, merging, validation and augmentation using NLP and pattern recognition. It groups similar assets to enhance data classification and retrieval; automates feature engineering and statistical techniques that improve data modeling; and drives data semantics that adapt models to different user needs. Because AI tools learn on their own, they ensure that data collection and preparation remain effective and trustworthy. In a nutshell, this means
Jun 8, 2026 · via cdotrends.com
Why the most important question isn’t whether AI can create — it’s understanding what it actually creates Something remarkable happened in early 2026. A massive study pitting the latest AI systems against more than 100,000 human participants on standardized creativity tests found that generative AI can now beat the average human on certain measures of original thinking and idea generation. That headline traveled fast. The alarm bells rang. Think pieces multiplied. But here is what that headline missed entirely: the most creative humans — the top 10% — still left AI well behind, particularly on richer work like poetry, storytelling, and the kind of meaning-laden expression that tends to define what we actually call great art. The study did not settle the debate. It opened a much more interesting one. We are at an inflection point where the question “can AI be creative?” has been effectively answered with a qualified yes. The better question — the one that will shape how we use, value, and think about creativity for the next century — is: what kind of creativity are we actually talking about? Two Engines Running on Different Fuel Human creativity and AI creativity are not two versions of the same process. They are fundamentally different engines, running on completely different fuel. Human creativity runs on lived experience. On grief, joy, embarrassment, obsession, and the slow accumulation of a life actually being lived. Vincent van Gogh did not paint the way he painted because he processed a dataset of Post-Impressionist techniques. He painted out of emotional and existential turmoil, a desperate need to find beauty inside a life filled with suffering. Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits were not exercises in visual novelty. They were intimate explorations of pain and resilience, processed through a body that had survived a near-fatal bus crash at
Jun 8, 2026 · via futuristspeaker.com
Abstract The acquisition of piano performance skills relies on continuous practice and precise feedback, yet traditional manual evaluation is constrained by time costs and subjective variations, making it difficult to meet the demands of large-scale music education. This study proposes a self-supervised multimodal Transformer framework whose core contribution is the fusion across audio spectral features, symbolic MIDI representations, and a MIDI-derived spatial/kinematic proxy, demonstrating cross-modal attention’s ability to exploit heterogeneous representations under controlled conditions through adaptive fusion mechanisms. Since the MAESTRO dataset lacks video recordings, hand posture features are synthetically derived from MIDI parameters rather than captured from independent visual sensors, representing a kinematic proxy for validating multimodal fusion concepts under controlled conditions. The two-stage training strategy employs contrastive learning, masked prediction, and temporal reconstruction objectives to learn general-purpose music representations during the pretraining phase, and optimizes fine-grained detection capabilities for five error categories of pitch, timing, dynamics, touch, and pedal during the fine-tuning phase, significantly reducing dependence on large-scale annotated data. Experiments on the public MAESTRO dataset validated the substantial advantages of multimodal fusion over unimodal approaches, with the self-supervised pretraining strategy demonstrating stronger generalization capabilities under limited annotation scenarios. Difficulty-level comparison experiments confirmed the model’s robustness in complex performance contexts. The core contribution lies in demonstrating cross-modal attention’s ability to fuse heterogeneous representations across audio, symbolic MIDI, and a MIDI-derived spatial/kinematic proxy under controlled conditions; these findings do not imply that video-based hand pose observation would necessarily yield similar gains, which remains future work. Similar content being viewed by others Introduction The acquisition of piano performance skills requires persistent training and accurate feedback. Manual evaluation of these skills has some limitations in terms of the available time and the subjective nature of the assessment process, making it less feasible in meeting the demands of a broader musical education
Jun 8, 2026 · via nature.com
By borrowing a trick from tiny jumping spiders, Northwestern University engineers have developed an extremely energy-efficient 3D camera. Called SpiderCam, the new device senses depth the same way that jumping spiders judge distances before making a high precision hop. To estimate depth, the system captures two images of the same scene with slightly different focus settings and measures subtle differences in blurriness between the two images. With this strategy, the camera produces real-time 3D maps while consuming less than a watt of power. That’s less energy than used by a standard nightlight. The innovation could enable a new generation of battery-powered devices that need to gauge their surroundings, like wearable technologies, assistive devices, robots and drones. The study’s co-first authors Marcos Ferreira and Tianao Li presented the work on June 7 at the Computer Vision Foundation’s Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition in Denver “Jumping spiders jump to catch prey, to avoid predators and to get around, and that requires excellent vision,” said Northwestern’s Emma Alexander, the study’s corresponding author. “But their brains are very small — the size of a poppy seed — so they have to compute these distances in a highly efficient way. We wanted to understand whether we could borrow some of the same principles to create an extremely energy efficient depth sensor that could be used in resource-constrained situations where users don’t have unlimited access to power.” The innovation could enable a new generation of devices that need to gauge their surroundings, like wearable technologies, robots and drones. An expert in bio-inspired computer vision, Alexander is an assistant professor of computer science at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering. Most 3D cameras estimate depth either by comparing images from multiple viewpoints or by projecting and measuring light. While these approaches work well, they can require
Jun 8, 2026 · via news.northwestern.edu
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – AARP Alabama is alerting residents across the state to a troubling new scam in which criminals impersonate representatives of “Publishers Clearing House” and use FaceTime calls to exploit victims through facial recognition technology. According to reports received by AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, scammers are contacting individuals – often older adults – claiming they have won a large cash prize or sweepstakes. The criminals then persuade victims to engage in a FaceTime video call under the guise of verifying their identity or confirming prize details. During these calls, scammers capture images or video of the victim’s face, which they may attempt to use to access banking or financial accounts that rely on facial recognition security features. “This is a particularly alarming twist on a long-running scam,” said AARP Alabama State Director Candi Williams. “Criminals are combining familiar tactics with newer technologies to gain access to people’s personal and financial information. We urge all Alabamians to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications.” Warning signs of the scam - Unsolicited calls, texts or messages claiming you’ve won a prize - Requests to join a FaceTime or video call for “verification” - Pressure to act quickly or keep the winnings confidential - Requests for personal, financial or account information How to protect yourself - Do not engage with unexpected prize notifications. - Never share personal or financial information with unknown contacts. - Avoid video calls with unsolicited callers, especially if they request identity verification. - Secure your devices by limiting or disabling facial recognition for financial apps if possible. - Report suspicious activity immediately to your financial institution and local law enforcement. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” added Williams. “No legitimate organization will ask you to verify a prize through a video call or
Jun 7, 2026 · via cullmantribune.com
‘Access to education across different cultures and languages needs to be improved’: IEEE award winner’s best work came from identifying issues, and fixing them IEEE award winner sees technology as an enabler, not a driver Lately, it seems that all the focus has been on artificial intelligence, but let us not forget that some of the most important technological breakthroughs have actually come from people who are really good at what they do. IEEE Fellow, professor and researcher Karen Panetta has spent decades applying engineering techniques to problems that extend far beyond computing to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. Her work has ranged from underwater imaging systems for search-and-rescue to wildlife monitoring systems and low-cost methods for detecting harmful pathogens – thus her work has had a really profound effect on life on Earth. Many of Panetta’s projects actually emerged from identifying real-world problems, rather than pursuing technology for technology’s sake, and that’s a clear differentiator between the people who have the biggest impact on scientific development, and those that don’t. STEM education and AI literacy should be a priority Today, research is one of the sectors most impacted by AI, and the likes of Panetta are now able to push their work even further with projects like computer and human vision. She is also the 2026 winner of the IEEE Mildred Dresselhaus Medal, acknowledged for her “contributions to computer vision and simulation algorithms, and leadership in developing programs to promote STEM careers.” Now, Panetta is a prominent voice on AI literacy and access to STEM education – as virtually every sector is rushing to deploy AI, she argues that public understanding of the technology has failed to keep pace, and the risks could soon emerge. Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the
Jun 7, 2026 · via techradar.com
This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026 In March, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) announced that 10,000 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, jointly operated by DBKL and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), had been installed in public areas and integrated into DBKL’s Kuala Lumpur Command & Control Centre (KLCCC) as part of its smart city initiative. While the system promises enhanced security and improved city services, its implementation has raised concerns among activists about privacy and the extent of surveillance in public spaces. Such concerns have become more pressing as biometric identification and large-scale data collection are increasingly integrated into public surveillance systems in the name of safety and smart city infrastructure. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh tells Digital Edge in an email interview that the CCTVs are supported by 16 artificial intelligence (AI) analytics, designed to empower Kuala Lumpur’s smart city systems, including KLCCC and its function as a unified municipal command hub. Part of a broader RM500 million investment in AI-powered city surveillance since 2020, the system “does not merely record. It detects, analyses and triggers real-time actions, enabling faster and more coordinated responses between agencies”, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud was reported as saying. The adoption of AI surveillance tools is not new in Malaysia. Johor Bahru launched more than 1,500 AI-powered CCTVs as of January; Penang announced plans to have 5,000 cameras by 2030 last year; and Cyberjaya announced plans to deploy 375 automated number plate recognition devices over the next three years in May. What sets DBKL’s system apart is the sheer number of CCTVs. DBKL’s 10,000 CCTVs are supplied by ITMAX System Bhd (KL:ITMAX), as part of its 10-year contract starting in 2024, with recorded
Jun 7, 2026 · via theedgemalaysia.com
It may sound like yet another rollout of a dystopian surveillance state network of facial recognition cameras — but the New York Department of Transportation’s latest initiative has a far more tame goal in mind: tracking modes of transport to improve street design. According to the Gothamist, the New York Department of Transportation has added 100 roadside sensors across the city in order to pick up data on vehicle, bike, and pedestrian traffic. The effort is an expansion of a 2023 sensor pilot meant to gather data on city traffic, which saw 20 such devices installed on signposts in various locations. The machine-learning sensors — explained as a tool to help improve pedestrian crossings and bicycle infrastructure — are trained to anonymize faces and license plates, DOT deputy commissioner Eric Beaton told the Gothamist. An image shared by the DOT shows the sensor in action: a hazy blur obscures some details, but a machine learning algorithm ensures each pedestrian and vehicle is visually tracked in color-coded boxes, each with their own label. “There’s nothing that we ever touch or that anyone could ever touch that has anything identifying to any person or any vehicle,” the DOT’s Beaton claimed. “These sensors provide a much richer set of data for us to work with.” As part of the surveillance move, the DOT said it will share a portion of the data collected with the community. Accountability watchdogs, however, are demanding all of it. “If they’re collecting this data on behalf of the public, as a taxpayer-funded agency, we deserve to know what it says and so there should be regular reporting,” transit advocate and former policy director for the DOT Jon Orcutt told the Gothamist. Still, the situation highlights the tricky position city officials find themselves in, where collecting enough data to
Jun 7, 2026 · via futurism.com
Live Facial Recognition (LFR) vans will be deployed in Colchester as part of police efforts to tackle crime and improve public safety.
The technology will be used to identify individuals suspected of serious offences, including drug, violent, and sexual crimes, as well as theft on Friday, June 12.
An Essex Police spokesperson said: "As part of our work to keep you safe and tackle crime in Colchester, we’ll be visible in the city this week.
"That will include deploying our Live Facial Recognition vans on Friday.
"The van will be looking for people suspected of serious offences such as drug, violent and sexual offences, as well as thefts in addition to enforcing orders."
Officers said more than 160 arrests have been made using the technology, which can identify individuals even if their faces are partially covered.
The vans were used in the city centre last month to identify suspects, support law enforcement, and help safeguard vulnerable people and children at risk.
Essex Police has been deploying LFR technology since summer 2024, following a successful proof of concept exercise conducted in 2023.
Jun 7, 2026 · via essexcountystandard.co.uk
I’ve been struggling to get my head around the idea that a passkey, which can be a PIN on your phone, or facial recognition, can be safer than using a complicated password, and two factor authentication.
I get that having something unique to your device, not stored on a company’s server is unphishable, and less hackable by cybercrims, but what if your phone is nicked and someone guesses the password? And what if you lose your phone?
Sorry if that sounds simplistic, but I am genuinely stumped to understand why the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre and others who know about these things are so sold on passkeys. Can anyone who’s used them enlighten me? Martin Avis, Chester
Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@theguardian.com. A selection will be published next Sunday.
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Jun 7, 2026 · via theguardian.com
Allies and partners gather for an Allied ceremony in recognition of the efforts of all Allied participants in Operation Overlord during the 82nd anniversary of D-Day in Bayeux, France, June 3, 2026. U.S. service members assigned to units throughout Europe and multinational partners will participate in events and ceremonies June 2-7, to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day in the Normandy region of France. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brenden Delgado)
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2026 15:06 |
| Photo ID: | 9730193 |
| VIRIN: | 260604-A-NF551-1758 |
| Resolution: | 6720x4480 |
| Size: | 9.13 MB |
| Location: | FR |
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This work, 82nd ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY: Allied Ceremony in Bayeux [Image 40 of 40], by SFC Brenden Delgado, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Jun 7, 2026 · via dvidshub.net
New Zealand has no laws governing the use of artificial intelligence in creative and commercial work, and the copyright sector is warning the gap is leaving individuals with little recourse when their image, voice or work is used without consent. Copyright Licensing NZ chief executive Sam Irvine said the country was behind and the situation was urgent. "At the moment, they're not — but they are now talking about it, which I think is a really good step forward." He was blunt about what was needed. "We don't have any AI law and we need it now." New Zealand warned it's falling behind as calls grow for AI regulation - Watch on TVNZ+ 1News reported on Friday on models who complained clothing company Huffer had used AI-generated images of them without their permission — a claim Huffer denied. Irvine said the case illustrated a broader problem, and called for a low-cost complaints mechanism so individuals could seek redress without going to court. "It could be like a small claims tribunal — so that it's able, particularly for an individual, to take action when their work is used without their consent, without credit or any compensation." More than 100 cases involving complaints against AI companies are now before US courts, including a high-profile dispute in which Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson threatened legal action after ChatGPT used a voice she said resembled hers without permission. Marketing expert Bodo Lang said the speed of AI made the lack of rules particularly dangerous. He demonstrated by mocking up an advertisement for chewing gum using an image of the late Queen in around three minutes. "This is taking me three minutes. It would have probably taken in the old days before AI three days or three weeks." He said the lack of clear rules was
Jun 6, 2026 · via 1news.co.nz
Researchers are replacing rigid silicon-based AI hardware with stretchable, neuromorphic electronics that mimic how the brain processes information, opening new possibilities for long-term human-machine integration. Modern artificial intelligence can outperform humans in tasks ranging from image recognition to medical data analysis, but there is one environment where today’s hardware still struggles: the human body. The problem is surprisingly simple. Human tissues are soft, flexible, and constantly moving. Conventional electronics are not. Even the most advanced silicon chips remain rigid, making long-term integration with organs, muscles, and skin extremely difficult. Devices attached to a beating heart, expanding lungs, or bending joints can irritate tissue, lose contact, and eventually fail. Researchers are now pursuing a radically different approach. Instead of forcing the body to adapt to electronics, they are redesigning electronics to behave more like the body itself. A review published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing highlights the rise of soft neuromorphic electronics, a new class of devices that combine sensing, memory, and computing in materials that can stretch, bend, and conform to living tissue. The technology draws inspiration from the brain, not only in how it processes information but also in how it physically interacts with its environment. Electronics Inspired by the Brain Unlike traditional circuits that rely exclusively on electrons moving through metal pathways, these systems use soft materials such as flexible polymers and gel-like ionogels that transport both electrons and ions. This mechanism, known as organic mixed ionic-electronic conduction, more closely resembles the electrochemical signaling used by the nervous system. The active materials can absorb and release ions from their surroundings, continuously altering their internal electrical state. As a result, a single soft transistor can mimic synaptic plasticity, the biological process that allows brain cells to strengthen or weaken connections over time. In effect, the hardware itself
Jun 6, 2026 · via scitechdaily.com
The Velato app is an image recognition technology tool that takes aim at personal bookshelves as a way to help consumers quickly and easily add them to their digital catalogue. The app works by simply being aimed at a bookshelf and starting the scanning process, which will capture information from the spines of the various books instead of requiring them to be manually scanned via barcodes or manual entry. This will work particularly well for users with vast libraries of books to help them keep things organized and to never forget that they have a title. The Velato app will also work to deliver additional information on a user's library including insights and recommendations that are based specifically on established interests. Personal Library-Cataloguing Apps The Velato App Catalogues Tens of Books in Seconds Trend Themes - Shelf-scanning Catalogues — Image recognition transforms personal book organization by turning entire shelves into searchable digital inventories without barcode-by-barcode input. - Interest-based Reading Insights — Personal libraries become richer data sources as catalogue apps analyze owned titles to surface tailored recommendations and collection patterns. - Frictionless Home Archiving — Automated capture tools reduce the effort of documenting physical possessions, creating new value around household inventory intelligence and memory preservation. Industry Implications - Book Technology — Digital tools for readers are expanding beyond discovery and e-commerce into ownership management, collection analytics, and personalized literary services. - Computer Vision — Consumer-facing recognition systems gain practical relevance when applied to everyday objects like book spines, enabling faster digitization of physical environments. - Personal Productivity — Organization platforms can differentiate through passive cataloguing features that convert cluttered home assets into structured, searchable information.
Jun 6, 2026 · via trendhunter.com
Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are facing renewed scrutiny after a WIRED investigation revealed that the Meta AI companion app contains code for an unreleased facial recognition feature capable of identifying people captured through the device's camera. Researchers examining recent versions of the app uncovered references to an internal system known as "NameTag," which appears designed to recognise faces, convert them into biometric data, and alert users when familiar individuals are detected. The findings suggest Meta has been developing the technology for several months, raising fresh questions about privacy, biometric data collection, and the future of AI-powered wearables. How nametag works According to WIRED's analysis, the feature relies on three AI models. One detects a face in an image, another aligns and processes the image, while a third converts facial characteristics into biometric data that can be used for identification. Researchers also found evidence suggesting recognised facial data may be stored locally on user devices after facial "prints" are retrieved from Meta's servers. Although the feature is not currently available to consumers, its presence within the app indicates Meta has been actively exploring facial recognition capabilities for its smart glasses ecosystem. The discovery has reignited concerns about facial recognition in wearable devices. Unlike smartphones, smart glasses can capture images and video in a more discreet manner, raising questions about consent, surveillance, and the collection of biometric information in public spaces. Privacy advocates argue that real-time identification could make facial recognition more pervasive in everyday life, particularly if individuals are identified without their knowledge. The findings are likely to attract attention from regulators already examining how technology companies collect, store, and process sensitive biometric data. Meta says the feature remains under development and has not been released. "Nothing has shipped to consumers, and no final decision has been made on what to
Jun 6, 2026 · via eastleighvoice.co.ke
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Jun 6, 2026 · via youtube.com
Exclusive:Police Scotland could be cut off from 'essential' databases under biometrics shake up Police Scotland may be unable to access “essential” information on UK national databases due to proposed legislative changes around biometric data such as facial recognition scans, with citizens facing the prospect of “different protections and rights,” according to a senior watchdog. Professor William Webster, the UK Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, said that while plans to overhaul the way biometrics are regulated in England and Wales would provide “legal certainty” in those nations, it would complicate matters in Scotland, meaning that the use of “contentious” technologies could be “governed to different standards.” Advertisement Hide AdAdvertisement Hide AdHe warned that the complex regulatory landscape would have a direct impact on criminal justice organisations who routinely share biometric records like DNA and fingerprints at a UK level, with Scotland’s national police force potentially facing the scenario where it cannot integrate existing data. But Dr Brian Plastow, the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner, told The Scotsman the “subtle nuances” in rules around biometric data as a result of devolution were not a “new phenomenon,” and stressed that UK policing bodies had dealt with differences for decades without any “substantive complications.” The UK government has said the new Police Reform Bill will introduce a new legal framework underpinning the use of facial recognition and similar technologies by police and other law enforcement agencies. The legislation, announced in the King’s Speech last month, is expected to create a new regulatory oversight body, combining Mr Webster’s office and that of the UK Forensic Science Regulator, granting it powers around audits, inspections, and compliance, and allowing it to make it clear when use of technologies like live facial recognition (LFR) can be justified. Advertisement Hide AdAdvertisement Hide AdHowever, Mr Webster pointed out that the introduction of
Jun 6, 2026 · via scotsman.com
Meta quietly adds facial recognition ‘NameTag’ to smart glasses, raising privacy concerns 'I don't know how Meta can responsibly deploy a technology like this,' privacy advocates says Meta is once again in the spotlight as the tech giant has reportedly been installing facial recognition software in its smart glasses, including Oakley and Ray-Ban smart glasses for the last few months. According to an analysis conducted by The Wired, Meta has quietly integrated code for face recognition, named NameTag, into its Meta AI companion app which is required to use Meta glasses. Through this feature, people wearing these glasses can easily identify other people in the surroundings captured by the glasses’ cameras. How this NameTag feature works The NameTag system consists of important components, including three AI models designed for detecting, cropping and encoding faces into biometric faceprints. Once activated, it converts every face the glasses see into a biometric signature and checks it against a database on the phone, one built to receive updates from Meta's servers. Although the feature is not yet active for users,the code embedded in the NameTag has been distributed through updates to millions of phones. Previously, Meta stated that it would take a “thoughtful approach” when it comes to rolling out the feature for the public and the company has not decided yet whether to introduce this feature or not. However, the security researchers’ claims contradict Meta’s statement. They confirmed that code is almost ready for deployment, citing “they're one switch away.” They also tested the matching system using a sample image and researchers got back two words: "Person recognized." According to Cooper Quintin, a security researcher and senior public interest technologist with the nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Threat Lab, “The feature is not yet exposed to consumers but seems nearly ready to go. Despite
Jun 6, 2026 · via thenews.com.pk
Meta has quietly embedded face-recognition technology into the software platform that supports its smart glasses, according to a report that analysed the Meta AI companion app. The feature, internally referred to as ‘NameTag’, is reportedly designed to identify people captured by the camera on Meta’s smart glasses and notify users when a recognised individual is detected. The technology has not been publicly released and remains inactive, but researchers cited in the report claim that key components are already present within the app. According to the report, traces of the system began appearing in updates to the Meta AI app as early as January 2026. The application is required for several features on Meta’s Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses and has reportedly been downloaded more than 50 million times. The investigation found that three artificial intelligence models linked to the feature have already been deployed to users’ devices. One model detects faces, another crops facial images, and a third converts them into biometric signatures, commonly known as faceprints. These faceprints could then be compared with biometric data stored locally on a user’s phone. Researchers, who reviewed the code, said the system appears capable of recognising individuals and generating notifications when a match is found. However, it remains unclear whose faces would be included in the recognition database, how those profiles would be created, or how many people could ultimately be identified through the technology. The findings have renewed concerns among privacy advocates and digital rights groups. More than 70 advocacy organisations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Privacy Information Centre, have previously urged Meta not to deploy facial-recognition capabilities in smart glasses, arguing that the technology could enable covert identification of people in public spaces. Meta has disputed suggestions that the feature has been launched. In a statement
Jun 6, 2026 · via indianexpress.com
States Swarajya Staff Jun 06, 2026 | Updated 01:39 PM GMT+5:30 Save & read from anywhere! Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app. Security arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra have been significantly strengthened with the introduction of QR code-based verification for service providers and mandatory fire safety audits at base camps. Anantnag Police launched the 'Pahchan App', a QR-based mobile application designed to register and verify service providers including pony handlers, drivers and photographers ahead of the 57-day pilgrimage commencing on 3 July. All service providers associated with the yatra, including pony handlers, pithoos and taxi operators, have been verified through the app and issued QR codes by police, allowing pilgrims and security personnel to scan these codes to verify credentials. Authorities set a 30 May deadline for RFID cards for 28,000 service providers, creating a comprehensive digital tracking system for the pilgrimage. Fire safety has emerged as a critical focus following recent incidents. The Fire and Emergency Services Department was directed to conduct comprehensive fire safety audits at base camps and lodgement centres, while authorities reviewed security deployment plans across key transit points. Central Armed Police Force companies have arrived in Kashmir, with Srinagar Police extending elaborate arrangements including accommodation, medical support and communication facilities. The security grid incorporates multiple technological measures. Police have strengthened security by increasing CCTV surveillance, installing elevated watchtowers, introducing AI-based facial recognition systems and enhancing RFID-based monitoring. Officials were directed to intensify drone surveillance and deploy dog squads for anti-sabotage checks at vital installations, langars and lodgement centres. The pilgrimage will proceed along two routes: the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district, concluding on 28 August. The Pahchan app enables instant verification of service providers and
Jun 6, 2026 · via swarajyamag.com