Hello ODI Supporter,
Google unveiled its new AI-powered search at its Google I/O conference this week, which the company described as the biggest change to how people enter the web since it launched its search box 27 years ago. Rather than presenting users with a list of blue links to choose from, users will now be dropped into an interactive experience at times, underpinned by the new Gemini 3.5 model. Search could now involve more visual elements as well as suggestions to interact with its AI to create calendar invites, or other actions within Google suite of products. Also revealed was Gemini Spark, an always-on AI agent, which can scan across Gmail, photos, meeting notes, search and YouTube history for a personalised service. There are even plans to allow Gemini Spark access to local computer files. All of which raises the question of whether people trust tech companies enough to hand over so much personal data. Meanwhile, a BBC investigation drew attention this week to the way in which AI chatbots are being manipulated into giving out misinformation, and how the companies behind them are trying to tackle the problem. Which all seems like a timely reminder for a piece we published last month about the pitfalls in the rise of answer engines. Check it out.
According to a Belfast Law Firm, nearly £40 million of public money has been paid out in compensation to over 5,000 police officers and civilian staff who were affected by a data breach in 2023. The individuals were paid £7,500 each after they accepted a ‘universal offer’ made by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), with several hundred claims ongoing by those who chose not to accept the offer. The breach saw the accidental release of personal data of all 9,400 PSNI staff. The breach occurred when a junior member of staff accidentally published a spreadsheet in response to a freedom of information request, in which a hidden tab contained 345,000 pieces of personal information, including surnames, ranks and service numbers. Dissident republicans were believed to have tried to access the data, with more than 300 attempts to view it made before it was deleted. The Northern Ireland Executive has ringfenced £119 million to cover the potential total costs, including compensation, legal fees, and associated expenses.
There’s still time to get tickets for our webinar on Wednesday 27 May, 16:00-17:00, when our Director of Research, Professor Elena Simperl, will be de-mystifying data-centric AI. We’re looking at the next generation of data sharing in the energy sector on Wednesday 10 June, 12:00-13:00. And don’t forget, our Executive Chair Prof Sir Nigel Shadbolt joins us on Thursday 16 July, 16:00-17:00 to cut through some of the critical issues in the field.
And finally… satellite data and AI are being used by researchers from the University of Cambridge to try and slow down the decline of Britain’s hedgehog population. Hedgehog numbers have fallen by up to 75% in rural areas since 2000. Tessera, the AI tool, analyses satellite images of the UK, and allows experts to locate hedgehog habitats, and where they are disappearing to understand the barriers they face in finding food and their mates. Some of the lucky erinaceidae are fitted with tiny GPS backpacks and are referred to by researchers as digi-hogs. Cute.
Until next time.
David and Jo
