From Synthetic Data to Virtual Influencers: Digital Make Believe is a Real Thing
Dear Reader,
In recent weeks, endless exuberance and anxiety has abounded around the possibilities and perils of Generative artificial intelligence (AI). Indeed, the domain has come to represent the next epoch, and has already cornered the lion’s share of steadily declining global VC funds. But while they may not make headlines in the same way, other experiments and innovations continue apace. Though less talked about, many of these initiatives are potentially transformative, and are worth tracking.
In this issue, DataSyn zeroes in on some of these developments that have escaped the limelight but are making significant headway. Our first piece from our Big Tech and Society Media fellowships assesses how synthetic data can be key to recalibrating the data and AI landscape. In our second essay, we deep dive into the geopolitical implications of Latin America’s rapid integration into China’s digital value chains. We also examine the rising trend of virtual influencers and the concerns they raise.
Finally, as the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) comes together to negotiate a new set of policy guidelines on Food Security and Nutrition Data Collection and Analysis, we bring you an important cross-post from Global Data Justice that outlines what is at stake with the effort.
The DataSyn Team
THE NEW DIVERGENCE
Artificial Data for Artificial Intelligence: Could This Be a Game-changer?
Aatish Sahai
Synthetic data promises to do the impossible; fix privacy concerns and level the playing field for the digital economy. Aatish Sahai, one of our Big Tech and Society Media fellows, deep dives into the field and probes these claims.
Read on.
THE BIG EXCESS
How Latin America Became a Theatre of the US-China Tech War
Maximiliano Vila Seoane
Growing tech rivalry between China and the US is expanding into new arenas. China’s escalating presence in Latin America’s digital economy, a hiterto US stronghold, is a case in point. Maximiliano Vila Seoane delves into this expansion and analyzes the resultant geopolitical tensions.
Read on.
CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
Meet the New Influencers: Artificial Intelligence
Intifada P. Basheer
Virtual influencers (VIs) that embody influencer personalities are all over the social media landscape, giving fashion tips, endorsing brands, taking glamorous vacations, and living their best virtual lives. What does this new trend presage about the influencer industry? Intifada P. Basheer reflects on VIs and the peculiar issues of authenticity and representation they raise.
Read on.
THE POLICY TABLE
Governing Food System Data: Is the UN Committee on World Food Security up to the Task?
Matthew Canfield & Maywa Montenegro
The digitalization of digital food systems and its ability to address current inequalities and food insecurity is directly connected to how and by whom data generated within and about these systems is governed. In this piece, Matthew Canfield and Maywa Montenegro assess if and how an inclusive, multilateral process can be the key. This piece was first published in Global Data Justice.
Read on.
The Sins & Synergies Lounge
How can synthetic data actually shape the algorithms that are trained on it? What unique properties could it impart to them, and what new dangers and political questions does this raise? Benjamin N Jacobsen takes a stab at answering these questions in this article for Big Data & Society.
As the consultation processes for the UN Secretary-General’s Global Digital Compact (GDC) gains steam, conversations shaping digital economy governance are evolving and being fought over. IT for Change, as part of the Global Digital Justice Forum, submitted a formal input on the GDC. Read more here.
In the midst of renewed calls for urgent and reinvigorated international cooperation in the face of today's crises, it is crucial to also step back and reflect on the dynamics at play in contemporary multilateralism. A new report, 'Spotlight on Global Multilateralism', by the Global Policy Forum and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung does just that. Click here to read the full report, or check out IT for Change's chapter on the Global Digital Compact.
As our newsfeeds continue to be inundated by Generative AI commentary, the need of the hour is for someone to cut through the noise and highlight what we really know. Listen in as Dru Oja Jay and James Steinhoff untangle hysteria from reality on this episode of the Pretty Heady Stuff Podcast.
Post-script
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