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This week: Paperless passports

This week: Paperless passports

plus fake reviews, Encyclopedia Britannica, Iran Man robot

Brett Bouchard
December 28, 2024

How do you feel about leaving your passport in a drawer?

1. Will paper passports go away

What’s the tech
Digital passports use electronic systems to replace traditional paper passports. They store your identification information securely on a smartphone or other digital device. Biometric verification methods (ways to confirm your identity using physical traits) like facial recognition, fingerprint scans, and iris recognition are used to confirm your identity quickly and safely.

How it’s used
Travelers use digital passports at border crossings or airports by scanning their smartphones or using biometric checkpoints, like facial recognition cameras. These systems make travel faster by reducing wait times and increasing security. Digital passports also eliminate the need for physical booklets, which can be lost or damaged.

Why it’s news now
Countries like Finland and the Netherlands are testing digital passport systems, signaling that this technology may become widely adopted soon.

2. Fake reviews are increasing - AI may make it worse

What’s the tech
AI (artificial intelligence, or computer systems that mimic human thinking) is being used to create fake online reviews. These reviews look authentic but are written by AI programs, making them harder to spot. Fraudulent reviews can mislead shoppers into making purchases they wouldn’t otherwise consider.

How it’s used
AI tools generate fake reviews in seconds, allowing bad actors to flood websites with misleading information. Platforms like Amazon and Google are struggling to detect and remove these reviews, which often have perfect 5-star ratings. This damages consumer trust and costs buyers billions in wasted purchases.

Why it’s news now
Fake reviews are on the rise, and AI tools make them even more challenging to detect. With global losses projected to reach $1.23 trillion by 2030, companies and regulators are racing to develop better ways to protect consumers from scams.

3. Encyclopedia Britannica is now an AI company

What’s the tech
Encyclopedia Britannica is leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) to modernize how it provides information. By using its vast library of expert-curated knowledge, the company is training AI systems to offer accurate and reliable answers to complex questions.

How it’s used
Britannica’s AI tools aim to provide nuanced and trustworthy responses, unlike many internet searches that may lead to misinformation. The technology is designed for students, researchers, and anyone looking for high-quality information.

Why it’s news now
This shift marks a big change for Britannica, which has been around for over 250 years. As traditional print fades and AI grows, the company’s transformation shows how even the most established brands are adapting to stay relevant.

Bonus Topic: Iron Man robot helps paraplegics walk

What it does
The robotic exoskeleton is a wearable device that helps paraplegic individuals (people unable to move their lower body) walk by supporting and guiding their movements. It uses advanced sensors to interpret the user’s neural signals, creating natural and smooth motion.

How it’s used
Users wear the suit, which senses their intentions and assists with walking. This reduces the physical strain caused by immobility, improves muscle strength, and helps prevent long-term health issues like muscle atrophy (weakening from lack of use). The system is customized for each user’s specific needs.

Why it’s popular
The exoskeleton offers newfound independence to people with mobility challenges, transforming how they move and interact with the world.

Conversation starter
“Did you read about the new robotic suit helping paraplegics walk? It’s like something straight out of a science fiction movie!”