The Advice - win now: Seeing is Believing: How Computer Vision is Transforming Your Online World

Remember when the internet was mostly text? Those days are long gone. Today's digital world is a visual feast, and we expect websites and apps to be just as visually rich and interactive as the world around us. This shift isn't just about aesthetics; it's about a fundamental change in how we interact with technology, driven by a powerful force: Computer Vision.

Computer vision, a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is all about giving computers the ability to "see" and understand images, much like we do. It's not science fiction anymore – it's happening now, and it's reshaping how we experience the web and our favorite apps.

From Sci-Fi to Reality: The Power Behind the Pixels

What's fueling this revolution? Several key advancements in AI have made computer vision a practical reality:

• Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): These are the artists of the AI world. GANs can create incredibly realistic images and personalized content. Think tailored ads that actually resonate, or entertainment experiences customized just for you.

• Vision Transformers (ViTs): Forget the old ways of analyzing images piece by piece. ViTs see the whole picture at once, leading to breakthroughs in object detection and image understanding. This means more accurate facial recognition, better security features in apps, and more.

• Edge Computing: The Need for Speed: Imagine a world where your phone processes images instantly, without sending everything to a distant server. That's edge computing. It brings processing power closer to you, making everything faster, more responsive, and more private.

• 3D Vision & The Rise of AR: Augmented Reality (AR) is blending the digital and physical worlds, and it relies heavily on computer vision. Think trying on virtual clothes, placing virtual furniture in your living room, or immersive gaming experiences – all powered by the ability of computers to understand 3D space.

Beyond the Buzzwords: Real-World Impact

These advancements aren't just technical jargon; they're changing how we interact with technology every day:

• Personalized Experiences: Websites and apps can now tailor content to your individual tastes, making your online journey more engaging and relevant.

• Intuitive Interactions: Imagine controlling your devices with a simple gesture, or having an app that understands your emotions. Computer vision is making human-computer interaction more natural and seamless.

• Lightning-Fast Responses: Thanks to edge computing, websites load faster, videos stream smoother, and apps react instantly to your commands.

Visual Search: Finding What You See, Not Just What You Say

One of the most exciting applications of computer vision is visual search. Forget typing keywords – now you can simply take a picture of something and find it online.

• Pinterest Lens: Snap a photo of a lamp you love, and Pinterest will find similar ones you can buy.

• Google Lens: Point your phone's camera at a flower, and Google will tell you what it is. Translate text in real-time, or find products you see in the real world.

• Fashion Retailers (ASOS, BooHoo, etc.): Upload a picture of an outfit, and the app will find similar items for you to purchase.

• Ikea: Use to visualise furniture in your house!

Visual search is a game-changer. It simplifies the search process, making online shopping more intuitive and enjoyable. And the results speak for themselves: companies using visual search are seeing significant increases in user engagement and sales.

The Future is Visual

Computer vision is no longer a niche technology; it's becoming a fundamental part of the digital landscape. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more immersive, personalized, and intuitive online experiences. From finding the perfect product with a single photo to interacting with technology in ways we never thought possible, computer vision is making the digital world more visual, more engaging, and more human. Get ready – the future is here, and it's looking amazing.

What are your thoughts? How the above relates to agencies?

• Agencies will have to consider using Computer Vision to improve on existing, or future, customer products.

• Agencies can explore opportunities that computer vision can bring, in terms of efficiency.

• Being aware of how Computer Vision works.

The Advice - win with AI: Manus AI gets things done

Manus AI, developed by a Chinese team, is a new, invitation-only AI agent that's generating buzz for its ability to perform complex, real-world tasks. A demonstration on their website, manus.im, shows it creating a custom website from scratch.

https://www.businessworld.in/article/manus-ai-rapidly-captures-attention-with-real-world-task-capabilities-550151

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The Advice - win with AI: Whitepaper: Confronting Bias in Facial Recognition Systems

Facial recognition technology (FRT) has rapidly permeated modern society, finding applications

in diverse domains, from the mundane task of unlocking smartphones to the critical function of

bolstering security measures at airports and border crossings. While proponents often highlight

its potential to enhance public safety and streamline various processes, a growing chorus of

voices expresses concerns about the ethical implications of this technology, particularly its

propensity to perpetuate and amplify existing societal biases. This article delves into the

intricate issue of bias in facial recognition systems, examining its origins, exploring its real-world

consequences, and evaluating potential mitigation strategies.

Whitepaper:

Confronting Bias in Facial Recognition

Systems

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The Advice - win with AI: Google Search boosted by AI mode

LLMs werden die Suche, wie wir sie kennen, grundlegend verändern. Die Fragebasierte Interaktion ist natürlicher als die traditionelle Suche. Ein praktisches Beispiel: Bei der Einrichtung des Mailservers auf dem iMac meines Vaters half mir Gemini Pro mit einer sofortigen Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitung. Google hingegen bot lediglich Support-Dienstleistungen. Mit der Integration von KI-Prompting in die Suche macht Google die Technologie zugänglicher, insbesondere für ältere Nutzer.

The integration of AI Mode into Google Search offers several potential advantages:

* More Intuitive Interaction:

* Instead of just typing keywords, users can ask questions in natural language, making the search process more conversational and user-friendly.

* Faster and More Direct Answers:

* AI can synthesize information from multiple sources and provide concise, direct answers, potentially saving users time and effort.

* Improved Accessibility:

* Voice-based interaction and natural language processing can make search more accessible to individuals with disabilities or those who are less comfortable with traditional search methods.

* As you mentioned, it can be very helpful for elderly people.

* Personalized Results:

* AI can learn user preferences and provide more relevant and personalized search results.

* Enhanced Information Synthesis:

* AI can analyze and summarize large amounts of information, providing users with a more comprehensive understanding of complex topics.

* Streamlined Problem-Solving:

* As in your iMac mail server example, AI can provide step-by-step instructions and solutions to specific problems, potentially replacing the need to sift through numerous support pages.

* More dynamic search results:

* AI can take into account current events, and provide search results that are very up to date.

The Advice - win with AI: Unlock Business Growth with Responsible AI: Why Governance Matters

The AI revolution is here, promising unprecedented opportunities for business growth.  Imagine smarter operations, personalized customer experiences, and groundbreaking innovations – all powered by artificial intelligence. But hold on.  Before you dive headfirst into this exciting new era, there's a critical element often overlooked: AI governance.  Think of it as the roadmap and the guardrails for your AI journey, ensuring you arrive at your destination – sustainable business growth – without crashing and burning.

While the allure of AI's transformative power is undeniable, the research is clear: governance isn't a nice-to-have, it's a must-have for unlocking true, long-term business value.  Without it, you're not just risking ethical missteps, you're jeopardizing your bottom line, your reputation, and your future.

Why Does AI Governance Matter for Business Growth? Let's Break It Down:

AI governance, as highlighted in recent research, is about establishing clear frameworks and guidelines for the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI.  But how does this translate into tangible business benefits?  It boils down to these key areas:

• Mitigating Risks & Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Ungoverned AI is a breeding ground for risks.  Think about biased algorithms alienating customers, privacy breaches leading to hefty fines, or unaccountable systems making critical errors.  Robust governance acts as your risk management strategy. By proactively identifying and addressing potential pitfalls like bias, security vulnerabilities, and legal compliance issues, you protect your business from costly reputational damage, legal battles, and operational disruptions.

• Bad Example: Remember Microsoft's Tay chatbot?  Launched without sufficient safeguards, it quickly learned to spew racist and offensive language from public interactions.  This PR disaster forced Microsoft to swiftly shut it down, damaging their brand and wasting resources.  Lack of governance led to direct business harm.

•  Good Example: Holistic AI offers an AI governance platform precisely to address these risks. By offering independent AI evaluations and risk management solutions, they help businesses deploy AI with confidence and minimize potential negative impacts. This proactive approach not only avoids disasters but also builds trust with stakeholders.

• Building Trust & Strengthening Brand Loyalty: In today's world, customers are increasingly savvy and concerned about ethical practices.  Transparency and fairness in your AI systems are no longer optional; they are competitive differentiators.  AI governance demonstrates your commitment to responsible innovation, fostering trust with customers, partners, and employees.  This trust translates into stronger brand loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and a more attractive business for talent.

• Bad Example: The COMPAS software, used for sentencing decisions, was found to be racially biased.  This fueled public outrage and eroded trust in the justice system and the organizations using the software. Such failures directly damage public perception and erode the social license to operate.

• Good Example: Mayo Clinic's AI governance team exemplifies building trust. By carefully overseeing the selection and implementation of AI tools in healthcare, they ensure patient safety and ethical use.  This commitment to responsible AI strengthens patient trust and reinforces Mayo Clinic's reputation as a leader in ethical and quality healthcare.

• Fostering Innovation & Enabling Confident Experimentation:  Paradoxically, governance isn't about stifling innovation; it's about fueling it sustainably.  Clear guidelines and ethical frameworks provide a safe space for experimentation.  When developers and business teams know the boundaries and have clear accountability, they are empowered to innovate boldly and rapidly, without fear of unintended negative consequences.

•  Good Example: Microsoft's AI Ethics and Effects in Engineering and Research (AETHER) Committee is a prime example.  By embedding ethical review into their AI development process, they don't just avoid risks; they create a framework for responsible innovation. This allows them to explore AI's potential with greater confidence and build more ethically sound products.

• Gaining a Competitive Edge & Attracting Investment:  Companies that prioritize AI governance are increasingly seen as leaders in the responsible AI era.  Investors are more likely to back businesses with robust ethical frameworks.  Customers are more likely to choose brands they trust.  Talented AI professionals are more likely to gravitate towards organizations that value ethical AI practices.  Governance becomes a powerful differentiator, attracting investment, talent, and customers.

• Good Example:  The EU AI Act, while regulatory, is also pushing European companies to the forefront of responsible AI. Companies proactively aligning with these principles are positioning themselves for competitive advantage in a market increasingly demanding ethical AI.

• Building a Sustainable & Ethical Business Foundation:  Ultimately, AI governance is about aligning your business with societal values and ethical principles.  This isn't just "doing good"; it's good business.  A strong ethical foundation is crucial for long-term sustainability and resilience.  It ensures your AI initiatives are not just profitable, but also responsible and contribute positively to society.

Practical Steps to Implement AI Governance for Business Growth:

The research article offers a practical roadmap.  Here are key steps to get started:

• Establish an AI Governance Committee:  Bring together diverse perspectives from legal, IT, HR, compliance, and leadership.

• Define Clear Use Cases: Document the purpose, data, and ethical considerations for each AI application.

• Implement Bias Checks:  Regularly test and audit AI models for bias using diverse data and feedback loops.

• Establish Accountability: Clearly assign roles and responsibilities for AI outcomes and data security.

• Ensure Transparency & Explainability: Document AI system designs and use interpretable AI techniques.

• Prioritize Data Privacy & Security: Implement robust data protection measures and comply with regulations.

• Promote an Ethical AI Culture: Educate employees and foster open dialogue about responsible AI.

• Conduct Regular Ethical Assessments:  Evaluate AI systems for bias, privacy impact, and risk.

• Engage with Stakeholders: Seek feedback from employees, customers, and the community.

• Monitor, Evaluate, & Adapt: Continuously review AI systems and update governance practices.

Conclusion: Governance - Your Growth Catalyst in the AI Age

AI governance isn't a hurdle; it's the launchpad for sustainable business growth in the age of intelligent machines.  It's about being proactive, responsible, and building trust.  By embracing AI governance, you're not just mitigating risks; you're unlocking the full potential of AI to drive innovation, build stronger brands, attract top talent, and secure long-term business success.  The time to act is now.  Start building your AI governance framework and pave the way for responsible and remarkable growth.

Key Takeaways for Business Leaders:

• AI governance is essential for mitigating risks and avoiding costly mistakes.

• Responsible AI builds trust with customers, employees, and stakeholders, strengthening brand loyalty.

• Clear governance frameworks foster innovation by providing a safe space for experimentation.

• Prioritizing ethical AI can be a competitive differentiator, attracting investment and talent.

• Implementing practical AI governance steps is achievable and yields significant business benefits.

By taking AI governance seriously, you're not just being ethical; you're being strategically smart. You're future-proofing your business for success in an AI-driven world.

Contact me via Linkedin: Kevin Lancashire, CDO Switzerland

AAAI Report 2025 - AI and the Future of Power: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Geopolitics

Certainly, here are the key points from the "Geopolitical Aspects & Implications of AI" section of the "AAAI 2025 Presidential Panel on the Future of AI Research" report:

Key Challenges:

• Cybersecurity: AI can be used both defensively and offensively in cyberattacks, leading to an escalating arms race.

• Warfare: AI is changing the nature of warfare, with autonomous weapons systems raising ethical concerns.

• Economic Displacement: AI-driven automation could lead to significant job losses, requiring economic and societal adaptation.

• Government vs. Corporate Control: The balance between government regulation and corporate innovation in AI is a key tension.

Military AI Concerns:

• Ethical Concerns: There are significant ethical concerns about the use of AI in military applications, particularly autonomous weapons systems.

• International Cooperation: There is a need for international agreements on the use of AI in warfare to prevent a destabilizing AI arms race.

Support for International Agreements:

• Public Data Use: Agreements on responsible AI development and deployment.

• Weapon Deployment Restrictions: Restrictions or guidelines on the development and use of autonomous weapons systems.

• Privacy Regulations: International alignment on AI-related privacy protections.

Need for Enforceable Agreements:

• Specific and Enforceable: Agreements should be concrete and enforceable, not just symbolic declarations.

Read the AAAI Report 2025: The future of AI research

https://aaai.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AAAI-2025-PresPanel-Report-FINAL.pdf

The Advice - win with AI: Beyond the Ban: Building Intelligent Social Media for a Generation of Thinkers

Beyond the Ban: Building Intelligent Social Media for a Generation of Thinkers (Inspired by the Ban Debate)

The debate is raging: social media bans for kids. And as the insightful article "The Impact of Social Media Bans on the Cognitive and Social Abilities of Children" lays bare, the concerns are real, the evidence is mixed, and the solutions are complex. We see the headlines, we feel the parental anxiety, and we acknowledge the research: excessive, unthoughtful social media consumption can negatively impact young minds.

The article rightly points out the potential downsides: impulsivity, cognitive inflexibility, attention difficulties, cyberbullying, and skewed self-esteem. The call for bans, restrictions, and age limits stems from a genuine desire to protect our children. But as the piece also astutely notes, outright bans are fraught with issues – infringing on rights, limiting access to valuable resources, potentially fostering isolation, and even proving ineffective in the long run.

So, where do we go from here? Do we simply swing between ineffective bans and the status quo of platforms optimized for addiction, not development? Absolutely not. This debate, while crucial, is highlighting the wrong question. The question isn’t ban or not ban, but rather: how can we build social media that actively enhances children's cognitive and social abilities, instead of undermining them?

This is where the vision of platforms like "Cognito Kids," previously explored, becomes even more compelling. Because simply restricting access is treating the symptom. We need to address the underlying design of current social media – a design often at odds with healthy child development.

Taking Cues from the Concerns: "Cognito Kids" 2.0 – Actionable Steps

The article's analysis of the ban debate and the mixed evidence provides valuable fuel to further refine the "Cognito Kids" concept. Let's move beyond just a vision and map out concrete steps for execution, directly addressing the anxieties raised in the ban discussion:

1. Combatting Cognitive Impairment: From Passive Scrolling to Active Skill-Building.

• Challenge: The article highlights studies linking excessive screen time to impulsivity, cognitive inflexibility, and attention deficits.

• "Cognito Kids" Solution Expansion: Double down on the "Skill-Spark Challenges." Let's categorize these challenges by cognitive skill: Critical Thinking Challenges (bias detection, source evaluation), Creative Problem-Solving Quests (coding, design prompts), Executive Function Exercises (planning, organization mini-projects), Language & Communication Games (debates, storytelling prompts).

• Execution Step: Develop a curriculum framework for these challenges, mapped to age-appropriate cognitive development milestones. Partner with educational psychologists and curriculum developers to ensure efficacy and alignment with learning goals. Feature progress tracking and skill badges to provide positive reinforcement for cognitive growth.

2. Fostering Positive Social Abilities: Moving Beyond Comparison and Cyberbullying.

Challenge: The article emphasizes the risks of cyberbullying, negative self-esteem, and the erosion of face-to-face social skills due to online comparison and lack of nonverbal cues.

• "Cognito Kids" Solution Expansion: Strengthen the "Mentor Match" program. Focus on mentors who can explicitly teach social-emotional skills online. Integrate "Empathy Engines" – interactive scenarios that encourage perspective-taking and conflict resolution in online contexts. Develop platform features that reward positive online interactions, constructive feedback, and collaborative projects.

Execution Step: Create a rigorous vetting process for mentors, including training on online safety, positive youth development, and social-emotional learning. Develop AI-powered moderation tools that prioritize identifying and rewarding positive interactions, not just policing negativity. Incorporate peer-to-peer feedback mechanisms that use guided rubrics focused on constructive criticism and respectful communication.

3. Addressing the "Ban" Drawbacks: Empowerment, Not Isolation.

• Challenge: Bans can isolate children, limit access to online safety education, and potentially drive them to less regulated spaces.

• "Cognito Kids" Solution Expansion: Position "Cognito Kids" as an educational tool, not just entertainment. Integrate media literacy modules directly into the platform – lessons on online safety, digital citizenship, critical evaluation of online content. Create "Parent-Child Learning Paths" where families can explore online safety topics together within the platform.

• Execution Step: Develop partnerships with online safety organizations and media literacy groups to curate high-quality educational content. Offer multilingual resources and adapt content to diverse cultural contexts. Make the platform accessible on school-provided devices, directly addressing the equity concerns raised in the article regarding low-income families.

4. Sustainability and Ethical Considerations: Building Trust and Long-Term Impact.

• Challenge: Funding, data privacy, and ethical algorithm design are crucial for a platform like this to be responsible and sustainable.

• "Cognito Kids" Solution Expansion: Explore a hybrid funding model: Social Impact Investment combined with a freemium subscription model (basic access free, premium features through subscription). Prioritize data privacy from the outset – transparent data policies, limited data collection, robust security measures, and parental controls. Develop explainable algorithms that prioritize learning and positive engagement, not just attention maximization.

• Execution Step: Form an ethical advisory board comprising child development experts, ethicists, and privacy advocates to guide platform development and ensure responsible practices. Publish regular transparency reports detailing data usage, algorithm design, and moderation policies. Actively engage with parents and educators in platform governance and ongoing development.

Beyond Bans: A Proactive Path Forward

The article on social media bans is a vital wake-up call. It confirms our anxieties about the current digital landscape and underscores the urgency of finding solutions. But the answer isn't simply to build walls. It's to build bridges – bridges to a smarter, more intentional way of engaging with social media.

"Cognito Kids" and platforms like it represent a proactive path forward. They are not just about mitigating harm; they are about harnessing the potential of online connection to actively shape a generation of critical thinkers, empathetic communicators, and responsible digital citizens. Let's move beyond the reactive debate of bans and invest our energy in building the intelligent social future our children deserve – a future where growing up in the scroll means growing smarter, not simply scrolling by. The research is clear: the time to act, and to build, is now.

The Advice - win with AI: Weekly Linkedin-Newsletter

Welcome to the fascinating world of computer vision! You know, sometimes we humans take our eyesight for granted. We look at something and instantly know what it is. "Cat!" we say. "Car!" "Definitely a delicious-looking pizza!" But have you ever stopped to think about how computers "see"? 

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