From literature to AI - unveiling modern challenges

In our newsletter this fortnight, our first piece casts a spotlight on the Byron Writers Festival, where writers and journalists gathered to celebrate literature and ideas. Amid the spirited discussions and probing inquiries, an urgent matter took centre stage — the role of journalists in an era rife with misinformation and discord. Monica delves into the heart of conversations that questioned objectivity, balance, and the trustworthiness of news sources. She writes that as the journalistic enquirers find themselves under scrutiny, a broader narrative unfolds, one that resonates with a world yearning for authentic and reliable reporting.

Transitioning from the festival’s intellectual haven, we then venture into the labyrinth of issues concerning online content. As governments and platforms grapple with the daunting task of curation and regulation, the CMT has lodged its own submission on the proposed new laws targeting mis- and disinformation (the proposed Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill 2023). Derek writes about some suggestions the team made in the submission.

Next is Kieran, who is exploring a curious connection between generative AI and a black ape. Hint: it’s about human involvement or the lack thereof.  

Speaking of AI, Michael just returned from ‘Wikimania’, an event that attracted thousands of active Wikipedia users from around the world to gather in Singapore – all passionate volunteers – who among many other issues discussed generative AI. Michael’s piece reflects the commitment that pulses through the ongoing discussions and the countless edits on Wikipedia's pages, where truth and accuracy are fiercely defended. Yet, the terrain isn't without its challenges, as daily skirmishes against inaccuracies, misinformation, and bias punctuate the journey. And, in the age of generative AI, the question emerges: will this technology’s ascent impact the devotion to Wikipedia?

Last is Sacha’s piece about the UTS Law Tech Challenge which brought together UTS law students, a software company, a law firm and four not-for-profit organisations to build apps in pursuit of social justice.   

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Ayesha Jehangir, CMT Postdoctoral Fellow