Tech

Scraped images of sexually abused children found in AI training database

Published

9 months ago

December 21, 2023

Thousands of images of sexually abused children scraped from the internet are part of a commonly-used database used to train artificial intelligence image generators, according to a report, which warns that AI applications can use offensive photos to create realistic-looking fake child exploitation images that can be sold.

The report, released today by the Stanford University Internet Observatory (SIO), says removal of the source images is going on now because researchers reported the image URLs to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the U.S. and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P).

The investigation found the worrisome images in the biggest repository of images used by AI developers for training, known as LAION-5B, containing billions of images scraped from a wide array of sources, including mainstream social media websites and popular adult video sites.

According to the Associated Press, LAION, which stands for the nonprofit Large-scale Artificial Intelligence Open Network, said in a statement that it “has a zero tolerance policy for illegal content and in an abundance of caution” has taken down the datasets until the offending images can be deleted.

The SIO study of LAION-5B was primarily conducted using hashing tools such as Microsoft’s PhotoDNA, which match a fingerprint of an image to databases maintained by nonprofits that receive and process reports of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Researchers did not view abuse content, and matches were reported to NCMEC and confirmed by C3P where possible.

There are methods to minimize child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in datasets used to train AI models, the SIO said in a statement, but it is challenging to clean or stop the distribution of open datasets with no central authority that hosts the actual data.

The report outlines safety recommendations for collecting datasets, training models, and hosting models trained on scraped datasets. Images collected in future datasets should be checked against known lists of CSAM by using detection tools such as Microsoft’s PhotoDNA or partnering with child safety organizations such as NCMEC and C3P.

The LAION‐5B dataset is derived from a broad cross‐section of the web, and has
been used to train various visual generative machine learning models. This dataset
was built by taking a snapshot of the Common Crawl5 repository, downloading
images referenced in the HTML, reading the “alt” attributes of the images, and using CLIP6
interrogation to discard images that did not sufficiently match the captions. The developers of LAION‐5B did attempt to classify whether content was sexually explicit as well as to detect some degree of underage explicit content.

However, the report notes, version 1.5 of one of the most popular AI image-generating models, Stable Diffusion, was also trained on a wide array of content, both explicit and otherwise. LAION datasets have also been used to train other models, says the report, such as Google’s Imagen, which was trained on a combination of internal datasets and the previous generation LAION‐400M.17.

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“Notably,” the report says, “during an audit of the LAION‐400M, Imagen’s developers found
‘a wide range of inappropriate content including pornographic imagery, racist slurs, and harmful social stereotypes’, and deemed it unfit for public use.”

Despite its best efforts to find all CSAM in LAION-5B, the SIO says its work was a “significant undercount” due to the incompleteness of industry hash sets, attrition of live hosted content, lack of access to the original LAION reference image sets, and the limited accuracy of “unsafe” content classifiers.

Web-scale datasets are highly problematic for a number of reasons, even with
attempts at safety filtering, says the report. Ideally, such datasets should be restricted to research settings only, with more curated and well‐sourced datasets used for publicly distributed AI models.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

21 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.