Author Archive

Nikhil Sonnad

Digital Government

Mark Zuckerberg Keeps Forgetting About Humans

His consistent use of computer programming jargon reveals a lot about his leadership approach.

Digital Government

U.S. Border Agents Hacked Their 'Risk Assessment' System to Recommend Detention 100% of the Time

The Trump administration has modified that system that was created in 2013.

Cybersecurity

“I Am in Love With LOVE!” Russian Trolls Tried to Seem Like Normal Americans By Quoting the Bible, Shakira, and Others

The Russian trolls seem to have a sense of humor.

Digital Government

This Was the Year I Realized My Brain Belongs to My Phone

And I feel dumber for it.

Digital Government

Data Scientist Cathy O’Neil on the Cold Destructiveness of Big Data

What happens when algorithms make troublingly unfair decisions?

Digital Government

Here’s How Countries Like China, Russia Control Online Dissent

Look at the physical systems that make up internet infrastructure, and you find a network that is a lot more centralized than you might think.

Artificial Intelligence

Easy Questions Computers Are Terrible at Answering

Computers still have less common sense than a toddler.

Cybersecurity

Things That Can Be Hacked

Note: Multiple definitions of “hack” may apply.

Cybersecurity

How to Create a Supersecure Password You’ll Never Forget: Use Poetry

Most people's passwords are terrible and insecure. Here's how to change that.

Cybersecurity

What’s in the Ashley Madison Database Hackers Released Online?

Despite some initial skepticism about the veracity of the leak, researchers are now starting to agree it is real.

Modernization

The Chinese Military Is Afraid Wearables Will Reveal its Secrets

China’s military released an ominous warning May 10, telling troops and the wider public that network-connected wearable devices pose a national security risk when used by military personnel.

Digital Government

Inside China’s Elaborate and Absurd Internet Propaganda Machine

Thousands of emails obtained from the Zhanggong propaganda department by a Chinese blogger offer a rare view into the mechanics of manipulating web conversation in China at its most local level.

Emerging Tech

Still Think Robots Can’t Do Your Job? This Video May Change Your Mind

Humans need not apply.

Digital Government

The Infrastructure Africa Really Needs Is Better Data Reporting

The terrible state of statistical reporting in most of Africa means that it will be nearly impossible to gauge how effective recent infrastructure deals are.

Emerging Tech

Microsoft Might Finally Be Committing to Open Source

Late last year Microsoft finally made itself an account on Github, now the de-facto platform that software writers use for sharing and working on open-source code.

Emerging Tech

The AP’s Newest Business Reporter Is an Algorithm

Earnings reports will be written by robots.

Digital Government

The Web Is Not Actually Getting Any More Global

Rising data flow is not inherently international.