Tech

Important Technological Developments in 2024: Steps Toward Improving the Sector

2024 witnessed many technological developments that went beyond just new tools or artificial intelligence. It also saw significant steps that may not be immediately obvious but will greatly improve this sector in the long run. In a report published by the Washington Post, writer Shira Ofedi highlighted the most important developments.

Online Privacy Protection: A Tangible Progress

The writer stated that for most companies, consumers were seen as data that could be harvested and commercially used. However, in 2024, there has been gradual progress in protecting privacy. For instance, the state of Maryland in the U.S. passed a comprehensive data privacy law described by advocates as one of the strictest in the country. Additionally, California passed a process allowing individuals to delete their data from brokers who might sell the information they collect.

Among the innovations that helped enhance user privacy were simple tools like checkboxes or browser extensions that allow individuals to prevent companies from collecting their personal data.

Despite these advancements, there is still no nationwide law in the U.S. on data privacy, which consumer advocates argue is the root cause of data breaches, fraud, and stalking.

Bluesky: New Ideas for Social Media

The writer also mentioned the influence of the “Bluesky” app, which became available to everyone in February 2024. Its impact has been much greater than its 25.5 million users, thanks to Bluesky’s flexible and open social network design, which challenges the traditional internet habits that have persisted for 15 years.

Bluesky allows users to view posts only from people they follow or switch between feeds that anyone can create. It also gives users the ability to customize settings to block unwanted content, such as violent images.

The writer noted that this new approach was well-received by users, and even “Meta” started to mimic some of these features, a clear indication that Bluesky is on the right track.

“Empire AI” Project: Artificial Intelligence for Humanity

In the realm of artificial intelligence, the “Empire AI” project was highlighted as an example of a different approach compared to companies developing AI solely for profit. In the spring of 2024, a collaboration began between the state of New York, universities, and charitable organizations to use AI to develop cancer treatments, improve weather predictions, and tackle other challenges aimed at benefiting the public.

According to Janet Wing, Executive Vice President of Research at Columbia University, “Solving these problems is not within the mission statement of any major tech company,” making “Empire AI” an example of how AI can be used for human welfare.

Changes Made by Major Tech Companies

On another front, major tech companies like Apple made changes that simplified communication between iPhone and Android users this year, likely in response to new European regulations that require technological compatibility. Also, legal challenges facing Google may lead to significant changes in its search engine or Android’s app store, potentially opening the door for new innovations in the future.

Despite these shifts, progress has been slow. Google announced it would appeal court decisions that threaten to change its practices.

Conclusion

As the technology sector continues to evolve rapidly, 2024 stands out as a pivotal year with important changes in privacy protection, social media tools, and the use of artificial intelligence for humanitarian purposes. While these steps began gradually, they indicate a more advanced and sustainable future for technology, used for the benefit of society.

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