AI-generated images raise challenges in combating misinformation
While AI tools have made content creation more accessible, they have also fueled the spread of fake visuals, forcing individuals and organizations to grapple with new challenges in identifying and combating disinformation. With Meta’s decision to eliminate third-party fact-checkers, the burden of verifying content now falls increasingly on users.
AI-generated images are particularly problematic during crises, such as natural disasters or elections, when accurate information is critical. The speed at which these visuals spread on social media platforms further complicates the issue, often outpacing efforts to debunk them.
China’s DeepSeek makes waves in AI industry
Dubbed “China’s ChatGPT,” DeepSeek is an open-source platform built on a fraction of the budget typically required for similar projects in the United States. On Jan. 23, the journal “Nature” noted DeepSeek for its “advanced reasoning model,” which has captured the attention of scientists and users alike. The company, founded by Liang Wenfeng, introduced its first-generation reasoning models, DeepSeek-R1-Zero and DeepSeek-R1, on Hugging Face, a popular platform for AI experts and enthusiasts. According to DeepSeek, the R1-Zero model, trained through large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) without supervised fine-tuning (SFT), showcases remarkable reasoning abilities.
PH authorities track cryptocurrency use in drug trade
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have uncovered the use of cryptocurrency in illegal drug transactions. The authorities also revealed that USDT, or Tether, is one of the platforms being used for drug payments. USDT is a blockchain-based platform that allows digital transactions using fiat currency equivalents. They noted that drug payments were traditionally done through bank transfers. However, tracking the money trail has become more challenging with the rise of cryptocurrency.
Renewable energy can help address challenges in PH power supply
Rising energy demand, aging infrastructure, and the unstable nature of traditional power sources further add to the country’s energy concerns. In 2023, peak electricity demand in the Philippines reached 17,331 megawatts, according to data from Statista. Experts believe that renewable energy can help bridge this gap. The Philippine government has set ambitious goals for renewable energy. By 2030, it aims for a 35% share of renewables in the power mix, with a further increase to 50% by 2040. These targets are part of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which outlines steps to shift toward cleaner energy sources.