Stack Overflow’s Gender Problem Goes Unaddressed This Year
August 10, 2023
For the past 15 years, Stack Overflow has served as the primary platform for computer programming and development discussions.
However, the platform has long been known for its male-dominated user base. In their 2022 annual survey, a staggering 92 percent of respondents identified as male, with three-quarters identifying as white or European. This prompted the platform to acknowledge the need for significant improvements in this area. Surprisingly, in their 2023 survey, published on June 13, Stack Overflow chose to omit questions regarding gender and race. This decision has raised concerns and criticism from various individuals and organizations, including Sasha Luccioni, a member of the board of Women in Machine Learning.
Sasha points out that while they still gather data on other aspects such as geography, age, developer type, years of coding, salary, and education, the exclusion of gender data is deeply concerning.
Pro-Sudan Hackers Attack Government Digital Services in Kenya
On Sunday, government agencies, media, hospitals, and banks suffered Distributed Denial-of-Service
(DDoS) attacks. Anonymous Sudan, a pro-Russian hacktivist group, claimed responsibility for the cyber onslaught. The targets were vast, including Kenyan media outlets, universities, and major businesses like Safaricom and Kenya Commercial Bank.
The eCitizen website, hosting crucial government services, also fell victim. Fortunately, no data was compromised. But the attack has exposed Africa’s vulnerability to cyber threats, with limited defensive capabilities. As cybersecurity incidents rack up annual losses of $3.5 to $4 billion, it’s clear that Africa must bolster its defense against digital attacks. READ MORE»
2023 Internet Shutdowns: 4.24 Billion People Affected
Internet shutdowns were a major issue in 2023, affecting 4.24 billion people worldwide. Surfshark’s data revealed that 29 countries experienced 82 cases of intentional disruptions to internet access. Protests were a common trigger for these shutdowns, as seen in Senegal, Mauritania, and Guinea.
Iran imposed the highest number of restrictions (14 cases) during the year, followed by India with nine. Facebook topped the list of blocked platforms, with 46% of the global population experiencing government-imposed restrictions. Other platforms like Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Twitter also faced frequent blocks.
This alarming trend signifies a rise in digital authoritarianism, aimed at stifling dissent and controlling information flow. The impact goes beyond individuals, affecting emergency services, human rights defenders, businesses, journalists, and public services.
Tech Titans in Africa are Betting Big on AI, According to IBM Study
Despite challenges, African leaders see AI as a game-changer for innovation, customer engagement,
and sustainability. CEOs believe AI will revolutionize businesses and elevate Africa’s global position.
Offering exceptional customer experiences and optimizing productivity are driving the CEO’s interest in AI.
However, the continent’s tech leaders still have to grapple with various challenges including, the absence of clear standards and data security concerns. With Africa’s tech revolution in full swing, AI takes center stage, leading the charge for transformation.READ MORE»
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