🚗 Uber Agrees to Share Trip Data with Lagos Govt. | 🤖 OpenAI to Include Source Citations in ChatGPT Responses

In today’s menu ☕️

🚗 Uber Agrees to Share Trip Data with Lagos Government, Addressing Rider Privacy Concerns
🤖 OpenAI to Include Source Citations in ChatGPT Responses: A Game-Changer in AI Transparency
💽 NIMC Restricts Access to NIN Database Amid Data Breach Concerns
📺 YouTube Launches Exclusive Shorts for Paid Subscribers, Empowering Creators with New Revenue Stream
👩🏾‍💻 Opportunities

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🚗 TRANSPORTATION

Uber Agrees to Share Trip Data with Lagos Government, Addressing Rider Privacy Concerns

Ride-hailing giant Uber has reached an agreement with the Lagos State Government to share trip data, following a period of tension that included impounding of drivers’ vehicles and threats of sanctions.

The crux of the issue was the type of data Uber would share. Riders were concerned that their personal information would be accessible to the government. However, Uber has assured users that only anonymised trip data will be provided. This data will include information about trip origins, destinations, and times, but will not include any details that could identify individual riders or drivers.....……continue reading

👾 CYBERCRIME

Google Cracks Down on Scams, Blocking Over 200 Million Deceptive Ads in 2023

In its annual Ads Safety Report, Google revealed a significant increase in its efforts to combat deceptive advertising. The report highlights the company’s success in blocking malicious content, with a staggering 206.5 million ads flagged for violating its misrepresentation policy in 2023. This figure represents a crucial step forward in protecting users from online scams.

The report also details a rise in the overall number of blocked ads, with over 5.5 billion removed for policy violations throughout the year. This represents a slight increase from 2022 and demonstrates Google’s ongoing vigilance in maintaining a safe advertising environment....……continue reading

🤖 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

OpenAI to Include Source Citations in ChatGPT Responses: A Game-Changer in AI Transparency

OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT will now cite sources for all responses it generates. This move aims to provide users with greater context and verifiability regarding the information provided by the AI model.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content. By citing sources, OpenAI seeks to address these concerns and enhance trust in ChatGPT’s responses.

According to OpenAI’s announcement, ChatGPT’s responses will now include links to the sources used, allowing users to access additional information and verify the accuracy of the provided content. This feature will be particularly beneficial for users seeking reliable information on a wide range of topics...……continue reading

💽 DATA PROTECTION

NIMC Restricts Access to NIN Database Amid Data Breach Concerns

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has taken decisive action to address concerns surrounding a data breach, leading to the restriction of access to the National Identification Number (NIN) database for licensed agents. The move follows revelations of unauthorized access by a third-party entity, expressverify.com, prompting investigations by regulatory bodies.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) disclosed in a statement that ongoing investigations suggest that expressverify.com, initially authorized to provide verification services, may have gained access to NIN verification credentials through other licensed agents. As a result, NIMC has implemented remediation protocols, temporarily barring access to its database while investigations continue...…..continue reading

📺 SOCIAL MEDIA

YouTube Launches Exclusive Shorts for Paid Subscribers, Empowering Creators with New Revenue Stream

YouTube is rolling out a groundbreaking feature that enables creators to share exclusive Shorts with their paying subscribers, marking a significant expansion in monetisation options for content creators on the platform.

This move allows creators to offer short-form videos exclusively to their paid viewers, adding another layer of value to their subscription packages. The exclusive Shorts feature will complement existing membership perks such as custom emojis, badges, and livestreams, providing subscribers with additional content and insights into their favourite creators’ lives and activities....…..continue reading

📱 TELECOMMUNICATION

Nigerian Startup Zegtel Pours $21.8 Million into Bridging Digital Divide

Nigerian mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Zegtel is making a big bet on improving mobile connectivity in the country. The company has announced a planned investment of $21.8 million over the next five years to expand mobile network access, particularly for underserved populations.

This move comes as Nigeria, along with many other developing African nations, strives to bolster its digital infrastructure. Millions of Nigerians currently lack access to reliable telecom services, hindering their ability to connect, communicate, and participate in the digital economy.

Zegtel aims to address this gap by offering a wider range of services beyond just basic voice and data. Professor Victor Izegbu, Zegtel’s Executive Chairman, highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach: “In other developed markets, subscribers enjoy an extensive array of value-added services on their mobile networks. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, subscribers are mostly exposed to just the basic offering of voice and data. Zegtel is set to change that narrative with our product offerings.”...…..continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• Aella Credit Evolves: Now Aella Microfinance Bank, Pledges Enhanced Financial Solutions for Nigerians…..read more

• Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Revokes Mobile Money Licence of Cellulant Nigeria….read more

• Google’s AI Assistant, Gemini, Gets Smarter with Automatic Navigation……read more

OPPORTUNITIES

• Norrsken Accelerator calls on early-stage African startup founders to apply…..read more

• AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge invites applications from agri-tech ventures for a sustainable agricultural future….read more

• Invitation for Female Entrepreneurs to Apply: Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award….read more

• Call for Applications: Amazon Web Services South Africa’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme for SMEs….read more

• Irish Tech Challenge 2024: Call for South African startups to help address global issues….read more

• 14th Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East Now Open for Applications…..read more

• Applications Now Open for the Second Edition of the BH Africa Startup Awards….read more