Capitology Blog

Technology is not neutral or objective; it is fundamentally shaped by the racial, ethnic, gender, and social inequalities that exist in society. Though our omnipresent digital technologies can be used as tools for good, their built-in biases can –– and often do –– make these inequalities worse. As society adjusts to the era of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making, recognizing and mitigating these discriminatory practices is critical to ensuring a fair and just Information Age for all. 

The construction industry, a cornerstone of global infrastructure development, faces an increasingly pressing challenge in cybersecurity. Traditionally focused on physical safety and logistical concerns, construction firms are now confronting a new frontier of threats emanating from the digital realm. From data breaches compromising sensitive project information to sophisticated ransomware attacks disrupting operations, the industry finds itself at the intersection of technological innovation and cybersecurity vulnerability.

Joy Buolamwini is not just a computer scientist; she's a visionary, an artist, and a “poet of code” working to advance justice in the digital age. As the capabilities of and enthusiasm for artificial intelligence advance at a breakneck pace, her work delves deep into the murky depths of algorithmic bias, exposing the hidden prejudices that exist within artificial intelligence systems and advocating for fair and equitable technology. Her experiences as a Black woman in computer science have deeply influenced her work on bias and discrimination in artificial intelligence systems. 

Developing a robust cybersecurity strategy for your business is crucial in today's digital landscape, where cyber threats are ever-evolving and becoming more sophisticated.

More than one-third of adults have used a dating site or mobile application, and it now ranks as the preferred method where people look to find dates. According to a recent Pew Research study, 20% of adults aged 18 to 29 years reported meeting their current partner online. However, individuals aged 43 to 58 have historically found the most success with online dating, with 72% stating that meeting on a dating app led to a romantic relationship. 

Fire safety has always been one of the paramount concerns for individuals, businesses, and communities. Every year, fires result in devastating losses of life and property worldwide. According to NFPA research,  local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.5 million fires in the United States in 2022. These fires caused 3,790 civilian fire deaths and 13,250 reported civilian fire injuries. The property damage caused by these fires was estimated at $18 billion. Fortunately, with the advent of technology, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT), there has been a significant shift in how we approach fire prevention, detection, and mitigation. By integrating IoT technology into fire safety systems, we are ushering in a new era of proactive and efficient fire management.

Elon Musk recently announced that Neuralink, his company aiming to revolutionize brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), has successfully implanted a brain chip in a human for the first time. The implantation of the device, called “the Link,” represents a leap forward in the realm of BCIs, which record and decode brain activity, that may allow for new innovations in health care, communication, and cognitive abilities. 

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms nearly every aspect of modern life, it’s ushered in new opportunities, efficiencies, and conveniences. It’s also bolstering efforts to enhance digital and national security. AI is now poised to alter the landscape of counterterrorism, offering an arsenal of analytical tools and predictive capabilities. However, its integration into this sensitive domain raises several ethical and practical concerns that must be examined and legislated to ensure its responsible use. While the potential benefits of AI in counterterrorism are undeniable, overlooking its potential drawbacks could have far-reaching consequences. 

Shift Robotics made waves at CES 2024 earlier this month with the unveiling of their Moonwalkers X, a pair of motorized shoes designed to propel wearers with minimal effort and maximum comfort. Specifically designed for workers in indoor commercial settings, the shoes are poised to revolutionize industries where workers spend considerable time on their feet, such as warehouses, factories, and construction sites. And while the company touts a potential revolution in productivity and safety, the Moonwalkers X also raise questions about practicality, cost, and their potential impact on labor practices. 

The NASA Psyche Mission marked a major milestone in advancing how spacecrafts communicate back to Earth. Laser beam technology is improving deep space communications and by extension improving much-needed data collection.