Weekly Roundup 1/29/18

With U.S. midterm elections taking place in the second half of this year, technology companies are looking to a variety of different programs and policies to combat disinformation. Recognizing that social media may have negative effects on democracy, Facebook has outlined new trust verification mechanisms and changes to its news feed. By making posts from businesses, brands and media less prominent, Facebook aims to engage greater community interaction. Facebook is also rolling out surveys to rank news organizations and designate trust scores.

In other news:

Artificial Intelligence

• Google makes it easy to build your own AI system

Blockchain

• Blockchain for global trade

Countering Violent Extremism

• Technology companies defend handling of extremist content in Senate hearing

Cybersecurity

• Researchers discover data-stealing security bug, Dark Caracal
• North Korea linked to cryptocurrency attacks

Tech News

• Google to expand undersea cables