NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Central Bank of The Bahamas has issued a stern warning to the public about an alarming surge in scams leveraging deepfake technology. Fraudsters are exploiting advanced artificial intelligence to produce highly convincing counterfeit videos, audio recordings, and images that impersonate financial institutions, government officials, and prominent individuals. These deceptive tactics aim to manipulate consumers into divulging sensitive information or making unauthorized payments.
分类： technology
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Antiguan authorities deny affiliation with website claiming to be official platform for government
The Ministry of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities, and Energy in Antigua and Barbuda has issued a public advisory regarding a fraudulent website impersonating an official government platform. The site, ecitizen.ag, has been flagged as unauthorized and unaffiliated with the government. Authorities are actively investigating the matter and have urged citizens to remain vigilant when sharing personal information online. The ministry emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens’ data and maintaining the integrity of official communications. For accurate updates and information on government services, the public is advised to rely solely on the government’s official website and authorized channels. Any concerns or inquiries can be directed to the Ministry directly. The announcement also included a reminder about the ministry’s digital marketing services, inviting businesses to advertise on the most visited news site in Antigua. For more details, interested parties can contact [email protected].
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The high cost of broadband
In a groundbreaking development, a new artificial intelligence (AI) system has been unveiled, promising to revolutionize the way we interact digitally. The advanced AI, developed by a team of leading researchers, integrates cutting-edge machine learning algorithms with natural language processing capabilities, enabling seamless and intuitive communication across various platforms. This innovation is set to enhance user experiences by providing more personalized and context-aware interactions, significantly reducing the gap between human and machine communication. The technology is expected to have far-reaching implications, from improving customer service automation to facilitating more effective remote collaboration in the workplace. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this AI breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest to make technology more accessible and user-friendly.
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Hong Kong to install surveillance cameras with AI facial recognition
Hong Kong is set to significantly enhance its surveillance capabilities by deploying tens of thousands of AI-powered cameras equipped with facial recognition technology, announced the city’s security chief, Chris Tang, on Friday. This move aligns the financial hub more closely with mainland China, where advanced surveillance systems are widely used in public spaces. Under the SmartView program, Hong Kong has already installed nearly 4,000 CCTV cameras, with plans to expand this number to 60,000 by 2028, according to legislative documents. The AI technology will be utilized for crowd monitoring, license plate recognition, and tracking criminal suspects. Tang emphasized the necessity of this initiative for national security and crime prevention, citing the program’s success in solving over 400 cases and making 787 arrests since its launch last year. Real-time facial recognition is expected to be implemented by the end of this year. However, concerns have been raised about privacy invasion, false matches leading to wrongful arrests, and the lack of independent oversight. The European Union has already banned real-time biometric identification in public spaces, except under specific circumstances. Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has not commented on its involvement in the program’s expansion. Critics, including Eric Lai of Georgetown Centre for Asian Law, argue that the current legal framework may be insufficient to prevent potential abuses of power in AI deployment.
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Young Environmental Scientists Competition now accepting student submissions
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have unveiled a cutting-edge AI-powered image recognition system that promises to revolutionize the way we process and analyze visual data. The technology, which leverages advanced machine learning algorithms, has demonstrated unprecedented accuracy in identifying and categorizing images across diverse domains. This innovation is poised to have far-reaching implications, from enhancing security systems to improving medical diagnostics and streamlining industrial processes. The breakthrough comes at a time when the demand for robust image recognition solutions is surging, driven by the proliferation of digital content and the increasing complexity of visual data. Experts believe that this new system could set a new benchmark in the field, paving the way for more sophisticated applications in the future. The research team behind the project has emphasized the importance of ethical considerations and data privacy, ensuring that the technology is developed and deployed responsibly. As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, this AI-powered image recognition system is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.
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Deepfake political scam ads surge on Meta platforms, watchdog says
A recent investigation by the nonprofit Tech Transparency Project (TTP) has revealed that scammers are leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to create deepfake videos of prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump, to deceive users on Meta’s platforms. These fraudulent advertisers have collectively spent $49 million on Facebook and Instagram, targeting vulnerable demographics, particularly seniors, with ads promoting fake government benefits such as stimulus checks, healthcare payments, and spending cards. The ads have reached tens of thousands of users, exploiting public confusion about social safety net programs and Meta’s content moderation gaps. Despite Meta’s policies prohibiting scams and its claims of investing in scam prevention, the report highlights that 63 scam advertisers ran over 150,600 political ads in the past year, with nearly half continuing to operate as of Tuesday. Meta has disabled 35 ad accounts, but only after they had run hundreds of ads, with six accounts spending over $1 million before being shut down. One notable example involved a deepfake video of Trump falsely promising stimulus checks, directing users to a fraudulent website. The report underscores the growing sophistication of online fraud and the challenges platforms face in combating it. Surveys indicate a significant rise in internet scams, with older adults increasingly falling victim to impersonation attacks, often losing substantial sums of money.
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Fast-Tracking digital inclusion critical to vision 2030 goals, says FLOW
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s digital transformation must be expedited to align with the ambitious Vision 2030 objectives, emphasizing affordability, accessibility, and digital literacy, according to Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager of Flow. Speaking at the Caribbean Telecommunications Union ICT Conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Price underscored the urgency of fostering a digitally literate population to support the nation’s technological aspirations. ‘We have five years to act swiftly and decisively to achieve our goal of becoming a technology-enabled society,’ he stated. Flow, a subsidiary of Liberty Caribbean and a key sponsor of the event, has significantly expanded its digital infrastructure since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly doubling its fibre optic coverage to 760,000 homes and extending mobile services to 98% of the population. Additionally, the company has deployed six new cell sites to enhance coverage in underserved areas such as Runaway Bay and Ocean Heights. Beyond infrastructure, Flow’s JUMP programme provides vulnerable families with devices, subsidized internet access, and digital literacy training to promote inclusivity. The call for digital inclusion was reinforced by other panellists, including Elona Cela, Senior Investment Officer at the International Finance Corporation, who emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. ‘Children in rural communities must have equal access to broadband to unlock their full potential,’ she asserted. Charlton McFarlane, CEO of the Universal Service Fund, highlighted the impact of Jamaica’s 400 community Wi-Fi hotspots, which serve nearly 200,000 users monthly, supporting education and micro-entrepreneurship. Senator Dana Morris-Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, reiterated the government’s commitment to public-private collaboration, stating, ‘Connectivity is not a luxury but a lifeline to better healthcare, education, and civic participation.’ While acknowledging progress, Price identified systemic challenges, including infrastructure theft and vandalism, and called for stricter penalties and more competitive spectrum rates to accelerate Jamaica’s digital evolution.
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Careless online habits
As cybercrime evolves into a trillion-dollar global industry, Jamaica’s Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) has issued a stark warning about the perilous consequences of careless online behavior. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, marking the start of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling, CIRT’s director, emphasized that while technology has advanced rapidly, many Jamaicans remain dangerously indifferent to online security. He highlighted common vulnerabilities such as weak passwords, oversharing on social media, and insecure data storage, which provide cybercriminals with easy access to sensitive information. Sterling urged the public to adopt a more vigilant approach, stating, ‘You carry your lives in your pockets. Lock your devices and treat data as your new currency.’ He also stressed the importance of securely collecting, storing, and disposing of data for businesses. Sterling revealed that many of the most severe breaches investigated by CIRT stemmed from basic errors, such as misconfigured security systems, rather than sophisticated attacks. With over three million daily internet connections in Jamaica—70% accessed via mobile devices—Sterling underscored the need for heightened caution in navigating the digital world. He also highlighted the risks posed by smart devices, which continuously collect and transmit data to build user profiles. Additionally, Sterling pointed to the influence of international conflicts on cybercrime, warning that smaller nations like Jamaica are increasingly vulnerable to spillover attacks. Despite these challenges, he identified the reluctance of victims to report incidents as the greatest barrier to strengthening Jamaica’s cybersecurity defenses. As CIRT marks its 10th anniversary, Sterling emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across government, businesses, and individuals, aiming to develop a sustainable pipeline of local professionals to safeguard Jamaica’s digital space.
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Digital sovereignty: The missing piece in CARICOM integration
The Caribbean region finds itself at a pivotal juncture in the digital era. As CARICOM governments deliberate the adoption of a shared currency—a concept that has reemerged since the Treaty of Chaguaramas—a broader question looms: why not extend this integration to digital sovereignty? In a world increasingly shaped by global platforms, the Caribbean’s daily life is dominated by technologies designed and controlled beyond its borders. WhatsApp orchestrates neighborhood interactions, TikTok influences youth culture, and Western financial apps dominate remittance systems. This outsourcing of cultural and political expression to Silicon Valley raises a critical question: can the Caribbean envision and construct its own digital infrastructure, one that aligns with its values and priorities? Global examples offer inspiration. China’s WeChat has evolved from a messaging app into a multifunctional super-application integrating payments, governance, and social exchange. Similarly, platforms like Douban have fostered cultural communities, while Russia’s VK and Rutube exemplify digital sovereignty. These models, though imperfect, demonstrate the potential for regions to reclaim control over their digital ecosystems. The urgency for a Caribbean alternative is underscored by recent events in Nepal, where youth-led protests, organized via Discord, toppled a government and led to the appointment of the country’s first female prime minister. This highlights the centrality of digital platforms in modern governance. For the Caribbean, the implications are profound. A regional super-platform could facilitate cross-border payments in a shared currency, host cultural content, and provide digital spaces for civic engagement. Crucially, it could reduce reliance on foreign systems that commodify Caribbean identities for profit. However, the pursuit of digital sovereignty must avoid the pitfalls of digital authoritarianism. Transparency, citizen input, and safeguards against surveillance must be foundational. Lessons from global platforms’ failures—such as disinformation and data exploitation—must inform its design. The goal is not to replicate Silicon Valley’s extractive model but to create a system rooted in regional trust and collective benefit. The opportunity is ripe. Caribbean governments are already coordinating in areas like currency, logistics, and education. Extending this collaboration to digital platforms is both logical and urgent. If regional integration is to resonate with citizens, it must encompass the tools they use daily. While trade frameworks under the CSME are being harmonized, the digital platforms mediating Caribbean life remain largely external. For integration to be credible, digital sovereignty must be treated as a core service under the CSME—governed, regional, and accessible. A Caribbean platform for communication, payments, and cultural exchange would fulfill the Treaty of Chaguaramas’ vision, ensuring the region’s digital lives are not outsourced. Such a platform would embody not just technology but sovereignty, resilience, and imagination. In the 21st century, the Caribbean’s independence hinges not only on its borders and seas but also on its digital lives. The question is not whether the region can afford to build such a platform, but whether it can afford not to.
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Jamaica hosts historic CARLA conference
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has etched its name in history by becoming the first Caribbean nation to host the Latin America High Performance Computing Conference (CARLA) 2025. This landmark event brought together researchers, policymakers, and technology leaders from over 20 countries, spotlighting the transformative potential of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving scientific research, innovation, and sustainable development across the region. Since its inception in 2014, CARLA has been the leading HPC conference for Latin America, but its 2025 edition in Kingston marked a significant expansion of its global influence.
The conference was a collaborative effort involving the Scientific Research Council (SRC), the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, Phase 3 Productions, and international organizations SCALAC and RedCLARA. It also received substantial support from global technology giants such as Dell, Nvidia, Intel, Lenovo, AMD, and Eviden.
The event commenced on September 24 with a warm welcome from Dr. Kevin Brown, Conference General Co-chair and a Jamaican researcher at the Argonne National Laboratory in the United States. Dr. Brown emphasized CARLA 2025’s role as a catalyst for fostering a globally connected yet regionally rooted computing research community. He urged participants to strengthen networks and integrate Caribbean talent into international collaborations.
Dr. Rupak Biswas of NASA delivered the opening keynote, showcasing the applications of HPC in space exploration, climate modeling, and advanced aircraft design. Other notable speakers included Professor Tannecia Stephenson of UWI Mona, Anika Shuttleworth, CIO of the Jamaica ICT Authority, and Professor Carlos Jaimee Barrios Hernández of Colombia. They collectively underscored the urgent need for the region to harness HPC and AI for climate resilience, sustainable growth, and digital transformation.
Dr. Charah Watson, Executive Director of the SRC, highlighted Jamaica’s leadership in hosting CARLA as a testament to its commitment to advancing science and innovation. She stressed the importance of demystifying science and technology to empower citizens to engage with and shape these fields. Dr. Watson also pointed out the critical role of HPC applications in areas such as climate resilience, public health analytics, and advanced industry for small developing states like Jamaica.
Education and outreach were central themes of the conference, with open days on September 25–26 inviting the public to explore exhibitions on DNA sequencing, hydrology, AI-driven code editing, and more. Sixth-form students from Immaculate Conception High and Wolmer’s Boys High participated in interactive sessions led by Dr. Brown and Professor Robinson Rivas Suárez of the Central University of Venezuela, gaining hands-on experience in data analysis.
CARLA 2025 concluded with a strong call for partnerships to enhance institutional capacity, accelerate scientific innovation, and leverage HPC and AI for the region’s development. The event not only expanded opportunities for researchers and students but also positioned Jamaica as an emerging hub for advanced computing in the Caribbean.