#139 - No More Facebook Fact-Checkers, Corruptible ML Systems, and Tech for Conservation!
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Impact Update
Two of our Impact Fellows this year, Peggy Yin and Saman de Silva, are interested in understanding more about how social impact technologists define the scope of this work. They’re also interested in creating a space for university students to build justice-centered technology and have critical conversations about the social impact tech landscape.
Please take 5-10 minutes to fill out their form! If you’d like to learn more about their work, there will be space on the form to indicate interest.
In the News
🌊 The wildfires currently ongoing in the greater LA area are horrifying, but there are new techniques being tested to fight them.
👩🏭 Zuck announced that Facebook will no longer be employing trained fact-checkers.
🤑 A lot of cryptocurrency heists flow back to North Korea.
🦟 The World Health Organization prequalified a new diagnostic that could greatly reduce the burden of malaria.
Opportunities
If you’re working on a project that you believe would benefit from funding (in the $5k-$50k range), tell us about it here and we can add you to our regranting list!
Conservation X Labs is a tech-for-conservation org with a proven track record and a lot of grand ideas. “Our mission is to prevent an impending sixth mass extinction – the first in Earth’s history driven by the actions of a single species: ours. Unlike traditional conservation efforts, Conservation X Labs focuses on leveraging the best technology, the newest innovation, interdisciplinary genius, and the power of the marketplace to boldly confront the biggest problems facing the planet. Though humans have driven this sixth extinction, we know humans have the power to reverse it.” They’re hiring for many open roles, but our favorite is the “ENGINEER, SCIENTIST, MAKER, HACKER, SUPER HERO.”
“Tutoria connects people in need with volunteer tutors via our online platform. Volunteers and clients sign up at tutoria.io. They select their interests (English tutoring, US Citizenship, or legal aid) and availability. They then connect with one another via direct message.” They’re currently looking for a volunteer web developer who can help them with their website.
Playlab is seeking a machine learning engineer to help them design and deploy AI tools for educators. “We help educators create and share AI-powered tools and learning experiences that actually advance teaching and learning.” They offer a paid contract-to-hire pipeline as well, if that’s something you’re interested in.
What We’re Watching
What’s next for nuclear power.
Global reactions to Facebook’s fact-checking announcement.
Super interesting read on clinical trial policy in the US.
A recent paper by folks at Anthropic explores whether Claude can be corrupted. ACX recap here for more in-depth analysis and commentary.
Quotes We Love
“For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings. That then I scorn to change my state with kings.”
- William Shakespeare, Sonnet 29
That’s all for now! See you in your inbox in another two weeks! ❤️