Tag: news

AI Agents, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchains, cryptography, Uncategorized, Yogi Nelson

Understanding AI Safety: Global Initiatives Explored

Yogi Nelson

Welcome to the Blockchain & AI Forum, where your technology questions are answered!  Today’s question: is anyone working on artificial intelligence (AI) safety initiatives?  Let’s begin at the top—what is AI safety?

What is AI Safety.  According to IBM, AI safety involves ensuring AI systems are used responsibly, developed with human values, and that potential risks are identified and mitigated. It also includes safeguarding confidentiality and integrity of AI models, addressing bias, data security, and vulnerability to external threats.  AI safety should minimize potential harm to human and the environment, as well as prevent misuse and other unintended consequences.  

AI Safety Institutes Across the Global.  While researching this topic, I discovered the existence of numerous AI safety initiatives and institutes on every continent.  Some are government dominated, others industry led, and you can also find AI safety institutions within the non-profit/research eco-system.  Today, I’ll highlight a few AI safety initiatives and institutes from every continent.  Where to start?  Why not in alphabetic order with the African continent.

AI Safety Initiatives in Africa.  For better or worse, there is no unified AI safety initiative coming out of Africa, as a continent.  However, that doesn’t mean individual African nations are asleep.  To the contrary, several African nations have active AI safety programs.  For example, Nigeria has a draft national AI strategy in circulation that includes AI safety.  https://paradigmhq.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Towards-A-Rights-Respecting-Artificial-Intelligence-Policy-for-Nigeria.pdf   Or for instance, in Egypt the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, a government think tank, produced the following report on AI that includes AI safety.

Click to access AIstrategy%20English%2016-1-2025-1.pdf

Numerous other African nations have strong initiatives but for now we move on to Asia.

AI Safety Initiatives in Asia.  It’s unrealistic to expect that Asia would be limited to only one umbrella organization dedicated to AI safety.  Asia is to diverse and enormous of the continent for that.  Nevertheless, there are regional blocks of nations working in collaboration to ensure safe AI.  A prime example is Artificial Intelligence Safety Asia, AISA.  AISA is a global non-profit dedicated to the international governance of safe AI by Asians, starting in Southeast Asia.  Their goal is to build local expertise and foster collaboration in order to produce practical AI safety policies.  AISA accomplishes the mission by training civil servants, forging partnerships, and “incubating” junior researchers.  https://www.aisafety.asia/

To no surprise, Singapore has a major AI safety institute; it’s known as Artificial Intelligence Singapore Institute (AISI).  AISI has several AI safety initiatives underway, including an extensive multi-year effort with the Digital Trust Centre Singapore (DTC) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) for the purpose of advancing AI safety in Singapore.  https://sgaisi.sg/

AI Safety Initiatives in Europe.  Europe has a plethora of AI safety initiatives, and one of those is the European Network for AI Safety, ENAIS is its acronym.  ENAIS is a think tank of researchers from across Europe united in the effort to advance safe AI use.      https://www.enais.co/

AI Safety Initiatives in North America.  The U.S. government has an AI safety institute; it’s called the U.S. AI Safety Institute (US AISI).  The mission is to identify, measure, and mitigate the risks of advanced AI systems, says USAISI.  The idea is to harness the enormous potential of AI technology by developing the testing, evaluations, and guidelines required to accelerate trustworthy AI innovation–with a keen focus on helping to prevent misuse by those who seek to undermine public safety and national security.  https://www.nist.gov/aisi

AI Safety in South America.  According to a recent study by the Brookings Institute, a think tank in Washington, D.C., regional cooperation in the field of AI safety is emerging in Latin America.  Brookings notes that Brazil, Peru, and Costa Rica, are all using existing AI safety models from Europe, North America, and Asia as well as their own ideas to create AI safety standards in their respective nations.  https://www.brookings.edu/articles/regional-cooperation-crucial-for-ai-safety-and-governance-in-latin-america/

Problem solving begins with recognition that a problem exist, or may soon appear.  Its encouraging to see a concerted effort across the global working on AI safety.  Time to say goodbye with the World Economic Forum’s motto: “entrepreneurship in the global public interest”.  Lol. 

Until next time,

Yogi Nelson

AI Agents, Artificial Intelligence, Banking, cryptography, DARPA, Digital Currency, International Finance, Uncategorized, Yogi Nelson

How DARPA Battles Global Money Laundering with AI

Yogi Nelson

Namaste Yogis.   Welcome to the Blockchain & AI Forum, where your technology questions are answered!   As a bonus, a proverb is also included.  Today’s question, comes from Kirk in Chicago and he wants to know if the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)is fighting global money laundering?

WHAT IS DARPA

Kirk, you came to the right place.  Yes, DoD is fighting global money laundering.  However, not with tanks and rifles, missiles, etc. as you might expect from a military organization.  Nope, the DoD says it has enlisted in the battle using advanced technology, including artificial intelligence!  I’ll explain shortly what this is all about but first let’s take a moment to understand what office within the DoD will lead the effort.  It’s a fascinating agency with a stellar record of accomplishments; its acronym is DARPA.  The formal name is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.  If you like the internet, GPS, stealth technology, and autonomous systems you can thank DARPA as it was the driving force behind all of those innovations, plus numerous others, and perhaps even more that have been kept secret from the public as a matter of national security.  Generally, DARPA is known as the office with DoD responsible for developing technologies for military use.  Why DARPA is involved in global money laundering begs the question as opposed to leaving the job to the the U.S. Treasury?  But for now, let’s put that aside and examine the recent DARPA announcement regarding anti-money laundering.

DARPA ANTI-MONEY INITIATIVE ANNOUCEMENT

According to a January 23rd, announcement by DARPA, it (DARPA) wants to eliminate global money laundering by replacing the current manual, reactive, and expensive analytic practices with agile, algorithmic methods.  Good idea, but isn’t that the job of the U.S. Treasury and if it is why would DARPA be involved?  In other words, what is the nexus between money laundering and DARPA’s mission?  Well, the answer given by DARPA is “… U.S. adversaries launder billions of U.S. dollars yearly and half of North Korea’s nuclear program is backed by laundered funds.  Money laundering finances our adversaries’ weapons programs, global terrorism, and the illicit drug trade, all of which threaten U.S. national security”.  A stretch but okayyyyy…

WHAT PROBLEMS DOES DARPA INTEND TO SOLVE

DARPA is facing two challenges not one.  The first is the global money laundering issue.  Essentially, DARPA states that money laundering schemes often evade detection and disruption, because anti-money laundering (AML) efforts today rely on manual analysis of large amounts of data and are limited by finite resources and human cognitive processing speed.  The second problem requires the reader to read between the lines.  What is it?  Essentially, the financial industry writ large and the U.S. Treasury have been unable or unwilling to invest in the technology to combat the problem, hence DARPA will step in because the illicit funds are not just a finance issue—they are a national security concern. What is the DARPA solution?

DARPA SOLUTION—APPLICATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

In their announcement, DARPA says it seeks new technological ideas that “… preserve privacy while setting a course to end to our adversaries’ financial warfare”.  The goal is to develop rapid graph-search algorithms to sift through financial transactions graphs for suspicious patterns and learn new patterns to anticipate future activities. Program success will depend on algorithms’ ability to learn a precise representation of how bad actors move money around the world without sharing sensitive data.”  A tall order indeed.  When it comes to moving illicit money around the world they may want to read the Panama Papers as a manual. 

DARPA envisions creating technologies that identify patterns of illicit financial behavior in a concise, machine-readable format that are also easily understood by human analysts.  Resulting algorithms would be able to search financial databases that matches patterns of illicit behavior, alerting to the likely presence of money laundering without directly sharing sensitive financial data.  DARPA does acknowledge that developing technology that enables information exchange while safeguarding Americans’ privacy will be a challenge. What an understatement! 

Companies interested in submitting bids should attend the DARPA bidders conference on February 20, 2025 in Arlington, VA. https://sam.gov/opp/22562059531b4979814b8b9fcd03e3ec/view.

Time to go but first a proverb from Mongolia: “… if the source is muddy, the end will be muddy too.”

Until next time,

Yogi Nelson

Artificial Intelligence, Blockchains, Urban Planning, Yogi Nelson

How Neotech Transforms Urban Planning with 3D Technology

Yogi Nelson

Namaste Yogis.   Welcome to the Blockchain & AI Forum, where your technology questions are answered!   Here no question is mundane.  As a bonus, a proverb is also included.  Today’s question was submitted by Cristina from Bucharest.  Cristina asks if are there artificial intelligence (AI) 3D global mapping companies in Romania?

Cristina, you came to the right place. The answer is yes, Romania does have such a company—it’s called Neotech.  https://www.neotechai.com/  I’ll share their fascinating story beginning with the Neotech team, use case examples, and a word about the tech in Neotech. During my research I discovered Neotech provides city planners an immensely valuable service; I was a city planner for numerous years and that made the question particularly intriguing. 

Team Neotech.  Although Neotech consists of only 13 staff members and 4 advisors, don’t underestimate this powerhouse team.  Let’s start with Neotech founder, Mr. Doru Borsan and the co-founder Christian Meier.  Doru’s 3,000 followers on LinkedIn understand Mr. Borsan is an accomplished thought leader in his field.  And, Christian Meier is equally recognized among his peers for technological expertise.  But resumes only account for a fraction of the Neotech difference. 

City Planning Family Neotech is Calling:  What truly matters is what Neotech produces, especially to city planners, but also public works departments, and architectural review boards, city councils, etc.   With Neotech Smart City technologies, physical structures and assets can be scanned and converted into detailed 3D point-cloud models.  Of what value is this you ask?  As a former city planner, I say plenty.  Let’s take a very common situation where this service would be welcomed. 

Suppose a real estate developer proposed to demolish several small existing structures in a highly urbanized neighborhood and replace them with multiple residential towers.  Numerous interested parties will want to comprehend the implications on the urban form.  For example, neighbors at a city council meeting may ask how the buildings affect shade, wind, vistas, etc.  With Neotech city planners could create a digital twin of the project.  And, with the immersive technology available with Neotech, neighbors, architectural review boards, city councils, etc. would get a realistic experience of walking the project, and viewing it from every angle, of “being in the project”, rather than static drawings or pictures. 

The Tech in Neotech.  Neotech is high tech.  It’s unfortunate Neotech wasn’t available when I was a practicing city planner.  I sure could have used their data capturing tech, including advanced scanning, high resolution cameras, drones and scanner, some of which are AI aided to generate ultra-high-quality imagines.  At HUD we said, Leave No Neighborhood behind. At Neotech they say leave no detail behind! 

With the data firmly in hand, Neotech magic goes into second gear.  Their advanced system converts the data into detailed point cloud models.  The models are literally made of millions and millions of data points producing precise three-dimensional renditions.  Planners can display these incredibly accurate models, during public hearings for example as part of the citizen participation process.  By the way, the models have utility beyond public hearings.  For instance, users can integrate the 3D models in video games, or music videos, virtual reality settings, etc.

Last, and as expected, Neotech fully integrates artificial intelligence.  No surprise.  One example is the use of AI to detect and correct imperfections.  Another is to enhance the accuracy of the point clouds.  And, Neotech uses AI to manage the mountain of data it produces when creating models. 

Time for a proverb from Romania: “water passes but the stone remains.”

Until next time,

Yogi Nelson

Artificial Intelligence, behub, Blockchains, Uncategorized, Yogi Nelson

beHub: Revolutionizing Healthcare with Cardano Blockchain

Yogi Nelson

Namaste Yogis.   Welcome to the Blockchain & AI Forum, where your technology questions are answered!   Here no question is mundane.  As a bonus, a proverb is also included.  Today we explore the beHub project and its connection to Cardano.  We start with beHub.

According to its website, “… beHub is a single, integrated platform that supports clinicians and healthcare workers with 24/7 access, anytime, anywhere.”  That sounds appealing, but too general. More specifics please.  Okay, try this:  beHub is analogous to Spotify, the music streaming company—a centralized place where medical professionals can access medical device information and training so that health care facilities and clinicians have access anytime from anywhere.  Better.  How about more detail from three perspectives:  medical service providers, hospitals, and manufacturers.   I’ll conclude with the big Cardano reveal.

Medical Service Professional. Let’s take Mary as an example; Mary is a nurse.  In the past, if Mary had an urgent question about a certain medical device her options were:  1) inquire with a co-worker and strain the overworked staff; 2) guess and risk the health of the patient (worst option); or 3) search and delay the care and risk being incorrect or rely on outdated information.  That was then; with beHub Mary can get her answer efficiently, effectively, and securely. How is that possible? Simple. beHub offers up-to-date medical device knowledge.  Suppose Mary has years of experience but has been out of university for some time.  With beHub she can remain abreast of the most recent innovations in medical technology on the beHub platform by watching tutorial videos, for instance.  Moreover, beHub offers continuing education.  Mary can use beHub to stay at the vanguard of medical innovation and fulfill continuing education obligations.  If Mary is new to nursing, existing information is also readily available.  Either way, it works. 

Hospitals. Does beHub benefit hospitals?  Absolutely! First, beHub helps to manage overwhelming workloads and constant pressure. In addition to mountains of duties, clinicians are also expected to master an ever-expanding array of devices and products.  Is this possible without automation?  No way!  Second, with beHub hospitals can reduce risk to patients by offering the training and support required to properly operate sophisticated medical equipment.  This leads to benefit three.  A hospital that uses beHub will maximize the value of its investment in medical equipment.  Given the price of medical technology, it’s no surprise hospital purchasing managers love it.  

Medical Equipment Manufacturers. To medical equipment manufacturers, beHub says to consider four points.  Let’s start with the support it offers to sales teams.  With beHub, sales teams can communicate product changes and up-to-date information on all products on offer to end users.  If clients are in remote locations, this can be an extra benefit.  No need for the sales team to undertake unnecessary trips or answer the same question repeatedly.  Second, with beHub medical providers have 24/7 access to product training and education modules.  With beHub end users can avail themselves of the information needed to operate products safely.  Awesome!  One more.  beHub, offers manufacturers insight into critical customer data, such as what devices are being used, how often, under what conditions, by whom, etc.  If you are a manufacturer, beHub is a market intelligence officer!

Big Reveal and drumroll please! Cardano is the layer one blockchain used by beHub. Cardano operates in the background without anyone knowing it other than those who read my blog!  Another victory for blockchain tech and Cardano.

Time to end with a proverb from Bulgaria:  work without reason, but don’t stay idle without reason.

Until Next Time,

Yogi Nelson

Artificial Intelligence, blockchain association, Blockchains, Taiwan, Yogi Nelson

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LAWS IN TAIWAN, WHAT INSIDERS SAY

Yogi Nelson

Namaste Yogis.   Welcome to the Blockchain & AI Forum, where technology questions are answered!   Here no question is too mundane.  As a bonus, a proverb is also included.  Today’s question was submitted by Tiffany and she is curious about Taiwan’s recently proposed basic artificial intelligence (AI) law.

Tiffany, you came to the right place.  You are spot on.  Taiwan did recently propose a “basic AI law”.  In Taiwan there is an organization named the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA).  CCIA represents the view of its members on matters pertaining to computer and communication technology.  Let’s examine what the CCIA says regarding the recently proposed basic AI law. 

Click to access CCIA-Comments-on-Taiwans-Proposed-AI-Basic-Law.pdf

CCIA members have reason to rejoice. Why?  Essentially, the CCIA finds the draft law: “generally aligns with best practices, which rely on flexible and international technical standards-based approaches to AI governance that are crucial for supporting innovation and diffusion. Imposing overly-prescriptive rules while the technology still develops could slow innovation and would likely become quickly outdated as global standards and AI technologies and applications are constantly changing.”

The CCIA did submit specific recommendations.  For instance, in Section 3, Principles, CCIA says certain terms need clearer definition, including:  privacy protection and data governance, transparency and explainability, fairness and non-discrimination, and accountability.  Clarity is always better.  However, the overarching theme of CCIA comments is to water down proposed safe guards.  Take the example of discrimination.  The CCIA suggest that protection against discrimination by AI should be minimized as opposed to what the proposed law says—No Discrimination.  If you are on the receiving end of “minimized impact of discrimination” the CCIA is not coming to your rescue because apparently CCIA is okay with a little discrimination.  Not a good look for CCIA.

CCIA submitted comments regarding Article 9 – Harm Prevention.  Article 9 calls on the government to prevent specified harms, including the creation of misleading or falsified information in violation of existing laws, and requests relevant agencies to develop or procure tools or methods for verification.  The CCIA wants a narrower application of Harm Prevention relative to text verification because, says CCIA, the technology is evolving and the emphasis instead should be on efficacy and contextualized to relevant outputs.  CCIA’s explanation is too self-serving for my taste.

Let’s talk about Risk Reduction because nothing in life, much less technology, is risk free.  Article 12 of the proposed new law would mandate the government to create a risk reduction framework.  The framework would exempt pre-deployed AI research from the risk reduction measures.  Sounds reasonable.  CCIA wants to, again, more narrowly define transparency and disclosure to align with international standards, specifically the US based National Institute for Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework. 

With regards to Article 15, Data Openness, Sharing and Reuse, CCIA has plenty to say.  CCIA notes correctly, that government has vast quantities of data.  CCIA wants the government to ensure, through policies and/or rules, that data that can be made publicly available and optimized for AI training.  But wait.  Whose data is it?  Isn’t the data yours and mine? Why should the government turnover our data to private for-profit companies for building AI models.  Apparently CCIA believes it has a right to our data and wants to use the compulsion authority of government to get its hand on it.  I want to decide who gets my data, not the CCIA. 

Time to hit the road with a proverb from Taiwan: “where there is a mountain, there is a road; where there is water, there is a bridge.”

Until next time,

Yogi Nelson