Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast (Somewhere on Earth)

Tech and the rise of autocracies around the word - a Web Summit Special  How has technology helped autocracies rise around the world and can it be used to bring democracy back? Angelica spoke to Venezuelan political activist and opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez about how technology has led to the rise of autocracies around the globe and how it can be used to restore democracy. Somewhere on Earth is at Web Summit Lisbon, alongside more than 70,000 attendees. We speak to Karena Walshe, Head of Impact about what Web Summit is and its influence on tech and the environment.  The programme is presented by Angelica Mari and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.   More on this week's stories: Web Summit Lisbon 2024 Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link for the PodExtra extended edition: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on social media: Facebook Twitter/X Instagram LinkedIn   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review us Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biometrics – do we have a choice in who has this data and how they use it? This week we dive deep into the world of biometrics, with a particular focus on facial recognition technology. What is the current state of facial recognition, and why are legal experts and privacy advocates so concerned? Additionally, we’ll explore the realm of health data; is there a necessary compromise between collecting our biometric information for improved health outcomes and safeguarding our privacy? Or can we find a way to achieve both? Joining us is Dr. Stephanie Hare, the author of Technology is Not Neutral: A Short Guide to Technology Ethics. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: Dr. Stephanie Hare   Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Audio: All is Joy Studios For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyiv – a smart city adapting to war As the full-scale Russian invasion surpasses the thousand-day milestone, Ukrainians are keeping the war on the news agenda. One aspect that was discussed at Web Summit is Kyiv's transformation into a self-proclaimed 'smart city', highlighting the increasing availability of digital municipal services for its citizens. Oleg Polovinko, an advisor on digitalization to the mayor of Kyiv, noted that disruption has been a catalyst for innovation and what started as a transport and local authorities app is now a one stop digital information channel for residents. Ania spoke with him just as he received a significant notification on his phone. Ukraine – cyber security global leaders Ukraine is the most targeted country in the world by cyber criminals and is now at the forefront of cyber security technology – that’s according to Iryna Volnytska, the president of SET University. Launched just before the outbreak of war, SET University (Science, Entrepreneurship, and Technology) is now assisting developing start ups and tech businesses to support the country’s economy. Iryna spoke to Ania at Web Summit where she explained that personal data can lead to fatal consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Oleg Polovinko Iryna Volnytska SET University Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when GPS is jammed? Most of us have used GPS – global positioning systems – to navigate to new destinations, but it’s also vital in getting goods delivered to our doors, with the entire aviation and shipping industries reliant upon it. But increasingly the signals are being disrupted – either jammed or spoofed, that’s setting a false location. We hear from Bridget Diakun, Maritime Risk Analyst, Lloyd's List Intelligence and Dr Ramsey Faragher from Cambridge University. SOEP’s new home with Evergreen We are delighted to announce that Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast is joining Evergreen Podcasts. Evergreen is one of the largest independent podcast networks in the world. We’ll be sharing their diverse platform with more than 300 other podcasts ranging from true crime, comedy and lifestyle shows. CEO of Evergreen Michael DeAloia will be joining us to tell us more about Evergreen and why SOEP has been invited to join them. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.   More on this week's stories: Bridget Diakun Dr Ramsey Faragher Evergreen Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protecting submarine cables, how the big players are now involved Submarine fibre optic cables are responsible for carrying 99% of the world's internet traffic yet they are often subject to damage. Therefore, it is fortunate that a coordinated organisation exists to ensure the resilience of these essential cables. Gareth and Ania discuss why this has only been set up recently. Proton – from VPN’s to data encryption – a different approach to other tech companies The company’s website states “A better internet starts with privacy and freedom - take control of your data with end-to-end encryption”, but what does this actually mean? The tech company Proton is already providing free VPN’s in more than 60 countries that are holding elections this year. And in addition it has also launched end to end encryption document sharing, as well as a local AI to respond to your emails – all without ever having access to your data. Ania Lichtarowicz caught up with CEO and Founder of Proton Andy Yen at Web Summit. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: ITU – Submarine Cable Resilience Proton Ediitor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new feeding robot could return people’s independence at mealtimes A group of friends is enjoying lunch together, however one of the friends is unable to use their arms so rely on a carer help them eat. Now a new robot – called FIDI – could return their independence at mealtimes. A robotic arm positioned on the table automatically delivers food to their mouth, using AI and cameras to adapt to the user’s movements and behaviours, ensuring that the food reaches its intended destination—the person’s mouth. Ania saw FIDI in action at Web Summit where she met Krzysztof Stelmach, the CEO of Semi Robotics and FIDI’s creator. AI and its influence on history and religion Imagine the possibility of immersing yourself in a biblical scene or engaging in a direct conversation with a deity from another religious tradition. Alternatively, consider visiting an ancient landmark, such as the Colosseum in Rome, and experiencing life as the Romans did while interacting with a chatbot. Professor Sreevas Sahasranamam, from the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow is on the show to tell us more. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: FIDI – The feeding robot AI, history and religion Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podextra - how you can get a bit more of Somewhere on Earth... Just a gentle reminder that we produce two versions of each show of Somewhere on Earth. There's the main show, which is available to everyone for free and there's an extended PODEXTRA edition where we delve a little deeper and chat longer to our guests - there are also no ads in this one. That's just $10US a month and you can cancel anytime - there's no tie in period. We welcome your support of any size, any time as without it we simply wouldn't be able to make the show. You can also support us online - please do join, like, follow or repost - we appreciate every click and comment. Thank you from the SOEP Team. Facebook Bluesky Instagram Threads YouTube LinkedIn TikTok WhatsApp: +44 7846 329 484 Subscribe to the PodExtra Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit our website: Somewhere on Earth Productions If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could making Wikidata 'human' readable lead to better AI? A new project is underway to allow Large Language Models (LLMs) to read Wikidata. The data is currently structured in a way that’s machine readable, but LLMs read data more like humans than machines, meaning this vast amount of human curated, high quality data isn’t accessible to this type of AI. By allowing access to Wikidata, LLMs could become more reliable. Ania spoke to Lydia Pintscher, the Portfolio Lead Product Manager at Wikidata Deutschland, to learn more about these developments. Most news websites block AI Chatbots Two thirds of high quality news websites block AI chatbots from accessing their information, according to a report by the misinformation monitoring organisation NewsGuard. This means that some of the world’s most popular AI chatbots could be collecting data on misinformation from low quality news sources and even conspiracy and hoax sites. The Enterprise Editor at NewsGuard is Jack Brewster and he is on the show to explain their findings. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Wikidata and Artificial Intelligence: Simplified Access to Open Data for Open-Source Projects AI Chatbots Are Blocked by 67% of Top News Sites, Relying Instead on Low-Quality Sources Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lifestyle and mental health - Nigerian startups empowering choice through tech Buying electronic toys that speak your language or even a doll that looks like the proud owner is easy – that is if you’re white and speak English. It’s much harder to buy other ‘lifestyle’ products, for example, a child’s plate with Arabic writing on it, or a doll wearing a hiyab. Oyindamola Kazeem, realized this when she herself had children so she set up Hadiyang – the "one stop digital hub for Islamic products" in Nigeria. She was at Web Summit Qatar to expand her business to the MENA region. Another Nigerian tech startup – “Howbodi” was also on a similar mission. Howbodi means “How are you?” in pidgin English and is also the name of an app and website that is using the latest AI tech, combined with human back up in the form of therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists to destigmatise mental healthcare in Nigeria. Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri and Zainab Kadiri are now looking for investors to finance standalone internet connected mobile mental health care booths, so people in rural areas can also have access to free mental health care. This special edition was recorded at Web Summit Qatar in the exhibition hall. The audio quality is therefore different to our usual studio produced shows. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Hadiyang Oyindamola Kazeem Howbodi Dr. May Zainab Kadiri Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Restoring US Government websites since Trump came to power Since January 20th this year there has been a significant reduction of content on US government websites, following directives from the Trump administration to eliminate extensive data and resources, particularly those related to health equity, equity, diversity, and inclusion, or any other topics the administration considers excessively "woke." In response, groups of volunteers have come together to archive these websites before they become inaccessible. This effort is monumental, not only due to the vast amounts of data involved but also because of the technical challenges associated with backing up such large websites. Among the volunteers is Lauren, a dedicated research scientist who, despite her demanding day job, has been working late into the night on this initiative, alongside other public health experts, web developers, and Python programmers. Lauren is specifically focused on preserving information from one of the government's primary health websites, the CDC and she is on the show. Innoora – the avatar communicating in Arabic with deaf people A new avatar, which can ‘read’ webpages in sign language could help Arab deaf children across the Middle East and North Africa. Innoora is a startup that aims to transform communication for the deaf with AI-driven sign language translation, voice recognition, and emotion analysis. Ania met up with founder Basant Amr at Web Summit Qatar. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Restored CDC Innoora Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robobees – could they help solve world hunger? A drone approximately the size of a thumb and weighing less than one gram is currently under development by a team at MIT. This team is focused on creating robotic insects that could serve various purposes, including functioning as pollinators in vertical farms—environments where crops are cultivated within tall structures designed for optimal growth conditions. The engineering challenge of designing such a tiny flying robot is huge. One major obstacle is replacing rotors with small, flapping wings. However, this approach presents its own difficulties, particularly that the wings tend to break at the hinge. The team at MIT have made some significant progress with this. Gareth spoke to co-lead author Suhan Kim. The research is published in the journal Science Robotics. The latest tech for good gadgets at the Consumer Electronics Show Somewhere on Earth reporter Jez Donaldson has been to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This event is the largest of its kind globally, featuring the most recent advancements in technology and gadgets. Jez was on a mission to find tech for good. Over the coming weeks we will hear what he found. He starts with a company named OnMed, which is developing standalone hybrid telemedicine clinics that can be easily connected to a power source and the internet, allowing patients to consult with a real doctor via a screen.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi. Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love, Lies & Digital Crime: The Global Web of Romance Scams In this episode, we uncover the dark side of the internet where romance scams flourish across major technology platforms—and the heartbreaking consequences they leave in their wake. Victims are deceived by online personas, only to find themselves emotionally betrayed and financially devastated. But the story doesn’t stop there. Freelance journalist Emily Fishbein takes us deep into the criminal underworld operating in post-coup Myanmar, where trafficked individuals are forced into running these scams under threat and coercion. Emily, now a fellow with the Pulitzer Center’s Rainforest Investigations Network, shares findings from her pre-fellowship work featured in Al Jazeera and MIT Technology Review. This episode explores the intersection of technology, organized crime, and human vulnerability, shedding light on how digital platforms have become unwitting hosts to industrial-scale scams. The Surprising Roots of Social Media in Ham Radio Long before Facebook and MySpace, there was another kind of social media - the world of amateur radio. Celebrating 100 years since the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union in 1925, we reveal how ham radio operators have been connecting, communicating, and innovating across the globe for a century - from disaster relief to space communication. A hobby rooted in analogue technology has evolved into a vibrant, digital, and community-driven space. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a podcast lover, or curious about the future of social connection, tune in to hear from broadcaster and radio amateur Jim Lee (G4AEH) as we decode the past, present, and future of this unique tech tradition. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Inside a romance scam compound—and how people get tricked into being there Amateur radio services at the forefront Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Kiswahili online content be moderated? It appears that 2025 will see a significant shift in content moderation practices, as Meta plans to eliminate independent fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram.  This change may suggest a decline in standards, particularly in regions that have historically experienced limited online moderation. In many parts of Africa, small content teams have been tasked with overseeing entire countries or regions. Interestingly, while there are numerous content moderators in Africa, they are primarily employed as outsourced workers to assist with content moderation for major platforms based in the United States. These jobs are often mis-advertised too – with no warning about the harmful content moderators will be forced to watch.  A report by the Center for Democracy and Technology “Moderating Kiswahili content on Social Media” has looked at why it’s so difficult to moderate posts in Kiswahili.     The Strettons Podcast The Strettons podcast proudly claims the title of the United Kingdom's inaugural dedicated village podcast. This initiative targets a collection of small villages located in the picturesque rural county of Shropshire, just next to Wales. While it may seem like yet another addition to the podcasting landscape—perhaps one you have already encountered and subscribed to—there is an intriguing technological narrative behind it, as shared by the presenters and producers, Sian Lovegrove and Pete Johnson who are on the show.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.   More on this week's stories: Moderating Kiswahili content on Social Meda More than 140 Kenya Facebook moderators diagnosed with severe PTSD The Strettons Podcast   Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How reliable are French language AI Chatbots? French is one of the fastest growing languages in the world. About half of all French speakers live in Africa. It’s the official language in 27 countries. So when you find out that French language AI chatbots give the wrong answer a quarter of the time, that’s a problem given the rising popularity of such bots. The anti-misinformation news organisation NewsGuard have just published a report on this. Ania’s been speaking to Chine Labbé, she’s one of the report’s authors. Using AI to create AI images to train robots Imagine teaching a robot to do parkour without ever letting it see the real world. That's exactly what MIT CSAIL researchers have achieved with their new "LucidSim" system, which uses AI-generated imagery to create virtual training environments. By integrating generative AI with physics simulators, the researchers designed scenarios where robots acquire skills through synthetic data instead of relying on real-world experiences. The outcomes of this research are impressive: robots trained in these machine-generated settings achieved a success rate of 88%, in stark contrast to the mere 15% success rate of those trained by human experts. Furthermore, when the team increased the volume of AI-generated training data, there was a consistent improvement in performance, indicating that enhanced virtual practice correlates with superior real-world capabilities. This methodology addresses a significant challenge in robotics: the reliance on extensive real-world training data. It represents a significant advancement toward creating robots that can swiftly adapt to new tasks and environments. To find out more, Gareth speaks to lead researcher Ge Yang at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.    More on this week's stories: French-Language AI Misinformation Monitor Learning Visual Parkour from Generated Images   Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we have an AI-free show – instead we’re going to tell you about the latest tech in food packaging. Metalchemy is a startup that has created a biodegradable material designed to enhance the freshness of your food. Although this may not seem particularly groundbreaking, it is important to note that the material in question is at the cutting edge of nanotechnology. This represents advanced chemical engineering, using silver nanoparticles to preserve food freshness.Metalchemy was the winning startup at the Doha Web Summit and CEO Federico Trotta joins us on the show.   Arab.org – clicking our support to NGO’s and charities If you find that doing the right thing can sometimes feel like a challenging task, you will appreciate the platform we have on the show today. Arab.org serves as a convenient avenue for donating to charitable causes with just a single click. While this concept may not be entirely new, Arab.org distinguishes itself from typical fundraising websites. It functions as a hub for the NGO community, facilitating connections between NGOs and individuals who support their missions, while also streamlining some of their corporate operations. Ania met Arab.org founder Alexander Nehme in Qatar. Branding – why getting our own digital brand is essential It may feel uncomfortable when individuals advise you to "create your own brand," especially when so many people are now doing this online. Maha Abouelenein, a personal branding specialist and the CEO and founder of the global communications consulting firm Digital and Savvy, has authored the best-selling book "Seven Rules of Self-Reliance" and has some tips on how to best market yourself online.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.   More on this week's stories: Metalchemy Arab.org Digital and Savvy   Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI can now sell your intentions – marketing your decisions before you make them Machine learning is on the verge of commercialising your decisions even before you make them. New research shows that we are moving away from an attention economy to an intention economy as machine learning models, which can already imitate the way we write or talk, can now map previous activity onto future actions. Writing in the Harvard Data Science Review, Dr Yaqub Chaudhary, visiting scholar at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, and Dr Jonnie Penn of the University of Cambridge ask if AI predicting our intentions could be misused against us.   Geothermal Energy without the digging Geothermal energy is going drill-free, using already available underground spaces, like car parks. Reporter Jez Donaldson met Margaux Peltier, Co-founder and CEO of Enerdrape, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company uses pre-cooled or pre-heated geothermal panels in walls, which capture heat from the surrounding concrete or the ground itself, making this energy renewable as no new heat is created. This is then redistributed around the building using a heat pump.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: AI selling your decisions before you make them Enerdrape   Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Recorded at Lansons Team Farner For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kenya has a blood deficit and it’s especially urgent in places like the northwestern region of Turkana, where malaria, anaemia and violence are rife, driving up the demand for blood transfusions. The Ministry of Health is now planning to roll out technology to modernise blood transfusion services, extending the shelf life of blood and being able to automate the entire process. The most detailed computer model of the brain ever built The most detailed computer simulation of the human brain to date has been created. The model illustrates how the brain uses and stores energy. So far they’ve found that diet, exercise, and supplements may help mitigate the effects of aging on our brains. While the connection between physical health and brain health is not a novel concept, the depth of analysis regarding brain cell interactions, blood circulation, and blood chemistry provided by this model is unparalleled. This research has been published in Frontiers in Science, the leading open-access journal from Frontiers. The principal investigator, Dr. Polina Shichkova, tells Gareth more about the project. GPS jamming on the up…again! If you are a regular subscriber you might recall our show from last October discussing GPS jamming and spoofing. Recently, countries have been reporting an increase in the number of attempted disruptions to the radio signals used – these can impact aircraft operations, shipping, logistics, power grids, and any other sectors that depend on location or timing signals from satellites. Now the International Telecommunication Union has issued a joint statement urging countries to improve the security of these systems. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Kenya’s Blood Automation Plan Modelling metabolism in the aging brain Can we keep the brain energized as it ages? To hear more from the authors, register for the complimentary virtual seminar:  https://events.frontiersin.org/aging-brain/fsci Protect satellite navigation from interference, UN agencies urge Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Internet shutdowns in Mozambique following election In Mozambique, eleven people have lost their lives as law enforcement intensified its response to protests that erupted after the elections in October. For the second time within a year, authorities have suspended mobile internet services. Felicia Anthonio, the KeepItOn Campaign Manager at the digital rights organisation Access Now, who is based in Ghana, tells us about the impact. Legal digital ID in Namibia to improve access to services Namibia is implementing a verifiable digital identification system aimed at enabling a greater number of citizens to access online services and participate in various activities - addressing the disparity between those who are digitally connected and those who are not. Namibia, characterized by its vast territory and scattered population, presents challenges for many individuals who must travel to the capital, Windhoek, to obtain an identification card. The absence of such a card significantly hampers their ability to access essential services, including healthcare, education, and banking. In recent years, the United Nations Development Programme has collaborated with the Namibian government to advance the initiative of digital identification. Journalist Abigail Ruth Opiah, a reporter for the Biometric Update news platform tells us more.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.   More on this week's stories: Keep it on Mozambique UNDP transforming lives in Namibia with digital legal ID initiative   Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are teachers keeping up with their pupils when it comes to AI in the classroom? A recent survey in the United States showed that more than 70% of students report using AI for their school assignments, even in the face of institutional restrictions on tools like ChatGPT. This finding comes from a study conducted by The Harker School, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The data shows that pupils are engaging with these LLMs more often than adults, suggesting that younger users are adapting to AI technologies quicker. But that begs the question are educators keeping pace with these developments? In a special edition about AI and the future of education Gareth and Ghislaine are joined by Mutlu Cukurova, a Professor of Learning and Artificial Intelligence at University College London. We also hear more tech for Good from CES in Las Vegas. The BeeKee Box is a classroom in a box that can be used where there is no connectivity. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: Professor Mutlu Cukurova BeeKee Box Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Recorded at Lansons Team Farner For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How technology led to the rise of HTS and the fall of Assad in Syria HTS presented the removal of a brutal dictatorship that had lasted for five decades as a straightforward task accomplished in a matter of days. Currently, the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has assumed control in Syria, while former president Bashar al-Assad reportedly resides in Russia. Although the narrative often emphasizes the use of armoured vehicles and firearms, many analyses overlook the significant impact of technology on HTS's achievements, including innovations such as 3D printing and drones. To explore this topic in greater depth, we will engage in a discussion with Broderick McDonald, a researcher specializing in conflict at King’s College London. Our demand for nickel is destroying a way of life in Indonesia Peter Guest, one of Somewhere on Earth’s regular studio experts, has been on the nickel trail in Indonesia He provides a firsthand account of the environmental repercussions associated with the nickel sector, which supplies components for electric vehicles on our roads. Peter has undertaken a 2,000-kilometer journey across Sulawesi, examining the detrimental impacts of the nickel industry on both the environment and human rights. This investigation was for the Gecko Project. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest. More on this week's stories: Broderick McDonald Dust Money Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Audio: Ion Minas Belesis at All is Joy Studios in London For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on: Join our Facebook group Instagram Linkedin Bluesky YouTube If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to keep your data safe when protesting The government of Georgia is set to deport 25 foreign nationals who were involved in protests that occurred late last year. This information has been reported by several news outlets referencing the Interior Ministry of Georgia. The demonstrations arose in response to the parliamentary elections held in the country. Considering the protests and the subsequent actions taken by the authorities, the digital rights organisation Access Now has issued a series of cybersecurity recommendations for individuals participating in peaceful demonstrations. During a protest, particularly if the situation escalates, it can be challenging to focus on cybersecurity when personal safety is at stake. Therefore, Access Now's guidance emphasizes the importance of securing one's devices prior to attending a protest. Much of the advice provided consists of fundamental digital hygiene practices that everyone should adopt, which is why we invited Access Now onto our podcast at the start of the year, a time when many are looking to establish positive habits. Mohammed Al-Maskati serves as the Director of the Digital Security Helpline at Access Now and is on the show. New Year, New Tech Resolutions The team discuss their New Year’s Tech Resolutions – and ask for yours in return. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari. More on this week's stories: Access Now – Digital Safety Tips for Peaceful Gatherings Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link for the PodExtra edition: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Myanmar tops the charts for the most internet shutdowns in 2024 India stands as a global leader in various sectors - technology, innovation, space exploration, and education in science and engineering. However, it has also consistently ranked first in internet shutdowns for six consecutive years. From 2016 to 2023, there were a total of 771 recorded incidents. According to the Freedom Law Centre India, a digital rights organization, the criteria for implementing these shutdowns are often lacking in transparency. Notably, in the past year, Myanmar has surpassed India, with the military regime responsible for 85 internet shutdowns, while India recorded 84. We check out the annual report on Internet Shutdowns from the digital civil rights NGO Access Now. Glasses that improve the vision of patients with macular degeneration 200 million people worldwide have macular degeneration – a form of sight loss often associated with ageing. Now a US company say they have developed glasses that can improve their vision significantly. Jez Donaldson has been finding out more.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Chhavi Sachdev. More on this week's stories: Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024 SolidddVision Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Yes that's right, Somewhere on Earth is here!We tell the untold and unloved tech stories from Somewhere on Earth to help create a tech for good ecosystem, where new ideas and new technologies can find support and evolve.Subscribe now and don't miss out. Find a story + Make it News = Change the World Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Gareth Mitchell tells us more about "Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast"Episode one coming October 31st!Subscribe now and don't miss out. Find a story + Make it News = Change the World Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Call out for listeners.  Come and join us on "Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast." Episode one coming October 31st!Subscribe now and don't miss out. Find a story + Make it News = Change the World Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text A special appeal to tell your friends about "Somewhere on Earth:  The Global Tech Podcast" - a unique tech show looking at untold and unloved tech stories from around the world - stories you will hear nowhere else!Episode one coming October 31st!Subscribe now and don't miss out. Find a story + Make it News = Change the World Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text A new robot to detect breast cancer Imagine going to the supermarket to do your weekly shop and also getting a breast examination at the same time. The screening would be performed not by a human but a robot, designed by engineers at the University of Bristol and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory in the UK. It's called "IRIS" and it looks like a mechanical claw which can apply very specific forces and detect lumps using sensor technology deeper in the breast tissue than ever before - meaning that it could detect cancer at an earlier stage. Dr. Antonia Tzemenaki and lead researcher George Jenkinson are on the Somewhere on Earth podcast to explain how it all works. Could AI be reducing internet freedom? Internet freedom is declining globally because certain governments are using developments in AI to restrict content their citizens can access online. According to a report by Freedom House - an American organisation that describes itself as supporting and defending democracy around the world - some governments are using AI to increase online censorship and also fabricating images, audio and text to distribute misinformation. Journalist Emma Woollacott explains which countries are most impacted. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: New robot could help diagnose breast cancer early The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence Freedom On The Net Report Highlights Dangers Of AI Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Meet some of our studio experts who will be guiding you through the tech for good stories on Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast.  Ghislaine Boddington, Pete Guest and Angelica Mari join Gareth Mitchell to tell you more about themselves.Episode one coming October 31st!Subscribe now and don't miss out. Find a story + Make it News = Change the World Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Invisible e-waste - 7.3 billion e-toys add to e-waste mountain It's estimated that every year invisible e-waste amounts to 9 billion kilogrammes - that's one-sixth of e-waste worldwide. According to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum almost $10 billion in essential raw materials is recoverable from things many people don't even realise are electronic e.g. toys, vapes and cables. Magdalena Charytanowicz, Communications Manager at WEEE explains the problem while Alexandre Mansur, Director at O Mundo Que Queremos in Brazil, comes up with a possible solution to point-of-sale fintech waste. Who's behind SOEP? Oh no, not another tech podcast you say - but we hope to stand out from your usual same old Silicon Valley reporting by bringing you stories from around the world. We speak to Nana Baffour, Chairman, CEO and Chief Culture officer at Qintess - one of Brazil's top tech firms - about why he's decided to invest in the project. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari. More on this week's stories: ‘Invisible’ E-Waste: Almost $10 Billion in Essential Raw Materials Recoverable in World’s Annual Mountain of Electronic Toys, Cables, Vapes, and more... Nana Baffour, Qintess Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text 3D print your new home in a week from recycled plastic bottles Major natural disasters like floods or wild fires leave tens of thousands of people homeless every year. If they’re lucky, they will find themselves in temporary accommodation. But what if 3D printing a new home allowed people to have permanent high quality shelter within a matter of weeks? Ross Maguire, CEO of Azure Printed Homes is currently printing a room in a day from used plastic bottles. He’s on the show to explain the technology behind this sophisticated and speedy housing solution and how they’re currently using it in California. They hope that soon they will use the technology in more remote locations.  Redressing the gender balance – getting more women on Wikipedia   Dr. Jessica Wade is a materials scientist by day, looking to develop new semiconductors that can be used at room temperature, making quantum computing a step closer to reality. However, by night she is addressing the gender and diversity imbalance online. Since 2018 she has written Wikipedia entries of women and people of colour every day. Jess now also nominates unknown scientists for awards they would never have entered for themselves, attempting to significantly raise their profiles and shine a light on their work.  Venture capitalists investing in Tech for Good Evan MainDonald, Managing Partner at Hyperlight Ventures, a venture capital fund that supports socially responsible projects is on the show to explain why he is investing in the Somewhere on Earth podcast. For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio. If you like Somewhere on Earth rate and review it. More on this week's stories: Azure 3D printed homes https://www.azureprintedhomes.com  3D printing turns to recycled plastic to extend its sustainable credentials https://www.ribaj.com/products/recycled-waste-plastic-used-to-make-3d-printed-homes-sustainability Dr. Jessica Wade https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jess_Wade  Evan MainDonald and Hyperlight Ventures https://hyperlight.ventures/  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Ukraine deepfake videos undermine trust  The first ever study of deep fake videos on Twitter/X from the war on Ukraine shows that some users lost trust in any footage coming from the conflict – even when it was real. They also found that online conspiracy theories are using deepfakes to support their claims. Lead author John Twomey from University College Cork is on the show.  The EU’s crackdown on Gaza misinformation online  Mislabelled videos, doctored images and many other false claims have been circling online since just after the attack on Israel by Hamas. The EU Commission responded quickly and issued stern warnings to major tech companies, reminding them to comply with the Digital Services Act – new legislation imposing content moderation obligations on social media platforms in the EU. But this very action is seen by some as the censorship that the DSA Act is designed to avoid. Our studio expert, tech journalist Issie Lapowsky, has been reporting on the story online and explains its complexities.     How the war in Ukraine is changing drone tech  More than 200 drone-related tech companies now operate in the Ukraine, building and operating more and more sophisticated drones with improved speed, flight range and payload capacity. As Mike Sapiton, previously of Forbes, explains the war in Ukraine has led to significant developments in drone tech, including AI assisted drones now taking part in the conflict.        For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere on Earth rate and review it.    More on this week's stories:  Do deepfake videos undermine our epistemic trust?  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0291668  Europe’s Gaza misinformation crackdown could set a dangerous precedent  https://www.fastcompany.com/90968595/europes-gaza-misinformation-crackdown-could-set-a-dangerous-precedent  The war in Ukraine is spurring a revolution in drone warfare using AI  https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/26/drones-ai-ukraine-war-innovation/  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Internet shutdowns - where are we now?  We could report on the latest internet shutdowns every week – and we will be bringing you regular updates. This week Founder and Director of Netblocks, Alp Toker, is on Somewhere on Earth to give us a snapshot of where people can’t currently get online and why.    Listener feedback  And our editor Ania Lichtarowicz responds to feedback from our listeners’ Stefano Ghazzali, Jennifer Rae Krato, Sam Quinn, DK Mok and Danny Lloyd on everything from 3D printed homes to robotic breast scans.    For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere on Earth rate and review it.    More on this week's stories:  Netblocks  https://netblocks.org/    The Team  Sound editor is Keziah Wenham-Kenyon  Audio is by Dylan Burton  Production Manager is Liz Tuohy Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Connecting every school in the world to the Internet  One in three people around the world still doesn’t have access to the Internet, including 1.3 billion children who can’t get online at home. But many of these children can’t connect at school either, meaning they won’t learn digital skills that are desperately needed in an increasingly digital world. Without them they stand little chance of lifting themselves out of poverty.  A global initiative run by UNICEF and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) aims to connect every single school in the world to the Internet by 2030. But how will this be done? How do you even find every school in the world? Will governments co-operate? These questions and others are answered on this special edition of Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast, by Chris Fabian, co-founder and co-leader of Giga – the initiative to give every young person access to information, opportunities and choice. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest. For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere on Earth rate and review it.    More on this week's stories:  Giga: Connecting every school in the world to the internet https://giga.global/  Chris Fabian, Co-founder, Co-Lead Giga, UNICEF https://www.linkedin.com/in/hichrisfabian/?originalSubdomain=ch  Salima Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Government of Sierra Leone, West Africa https://www.linkedin.com/in/salima-bah-564800184/?originalSubdomain=sl    Ben Roberts, Group Chief CTO and Innovation Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-roberts-9085592/    The Team  Sound editor is Keziah Wenham-Kenyon  Audio is by Callum Swingler  Production Manager is Liz Tuohy  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Tech increases access to contraceptives in Cameroon  A counselling app for family planning, used by nurses at a women and children’s hospital in Yaoundé, Cameroon, has increased the use of long-term reversable contraceptives (LARCs) threefold. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, shows that the impact of the app was similar to giving large discounts on these contraceptives. Nurses used a tablet computer to conduct counselling sessions with clients, which recorded their fertility plans, needs, and preferences regarding contraceptive methods. The digital app uses an internal algorithm to rank methods according to their suitability for the client’s lifestyle and health needs. Professor Susan Athey, from Stanford University and Berk Özler, from the World Bank’s research department – both authors of the study – are on the show.  Web Summit 2023 – was there any good tech for good?  Angelica Mari, one of our regular studio experts, has just left Lisbon after chairing four sessions at the conference. More than 70,000 delegates showed up to one of the biggest tech meet ups in the world – but how much tech for good was discussed? Angelica gives us an insider look.    The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari.    Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World.    For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it          More on this week's stories:    Can personalized digital counselling improve consumer search for modern contraceptive methods?  https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg4420    Professor Susan Athey: Director, Golub Social Impact Lab  https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/susan-athey    Berk Ozler: Lead Economist, Poverty and Inequality, Development Economics  https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/people/b/berk-ozler    WebSummit  https://websummit.com/  Sound editor is Keziah Wenham-Kenyon  Head of Broadcast is Jon Cronin  Production Manager is Liz Tuohy  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text  AI could consume as much energy as a small country (Netherlands) by 2027  The rise of AI powered tech has been phenomenal over the past year, but with the explosion in its popularity the energy costs needed to support these services have also risen rapidly. AI uses much more power than more traditional tech and a new study in the journal Joule suggests that AI tech could use as much energy as a small country, like the Netherlands or Sweden, by 2027. The accuracy of the prediction needs to be questioned as tech firms don’t disclose enough data for a conclusive assessment, but as more firms embrace AI solutions, energy consumption will increase. We speak to the author of the study, Alex de Vries.       Data Unions  Reporter Shiroma Silva investigates the growing power of data unions or co-operatives. These are groups run by trusted moderators who gather members’ data and sell it to carefully chosen buyers. The group member can benefit financially as well as wield some control over their data. Without the union, the data that we generate is often sold to third parties without our knowledge or consent. Shiroma looks at how people around the world are taking back some control over their data.     The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Issie Lapowsky.  Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World.    For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere On Earth rate and review it.       More on this week's stories:  The growing energy footprint of artificial intelligence https://www.cell.com/joule/pdf/S2542-4351(23)00365-3.pdf Swash app https://swashapp.io/ Unbanx https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmcdonald1/ Shiroma Silva https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiromasilva/?originalSubdomain=uk      The Team  Audio by Keziah Wenham-Kenyon and Stevie Arnoldi at Lansons Team Farner.  Production Manager is Liz Tuohy.  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Saving lives at sea with an autonomous lifeboat An autonomous lifeboat is being tested in Scottish waters in a bid to save many more lives at sea. Currently, the main reason for not launching lifeboat rescue missions to distress calls is the risk to the rescuers – not only will those already in danger be probably lost but also those going out to save them. With a crew-less boat this is no longer a risk. The vessel will use an AI detection system to identify victims in the water and a conveyor belt to lift them out of the sea. Sam Mayall, Founder and CEO of Zelim, the company behind the autonomous lifeboat joins us on the show. Could Icelandic genes lead to new medical treatments? Genealogy is a national hobby of Iceland, and its people are known for their long-standing passion for it. This tradition was taken further into a digital world and Íslendingabók (The Book of Icelanders), a free online genealogical database was developed. It holds genealogical details of almost entire populations going back to the 9th century when the first Viking and Celtic settlers arrived there. The database is very popular with ordinary Icelanders and is used mostly out of fun and curiosity. It even has an anti-incest feature which shows if people are related to each other when dating. However, the database is also being used by scientists to study the genetics of certain diseases. SOEP’s Snezana Curcic has been to Iceland to find out how the Íslendingabók works. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.  For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere On Earth rate and review it.    More on this week's stories: Zelim: the future or unmanned search and rescue https://www.zelim.co/ deCode Genetics https://www.decode.com/ Dr Kari Stefansson, CEO, deCode Kari Stefansson - deCODE genetics | LinkedIn Iceland Genealogy App https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0175wbv Harpa, Reykjavik's Cultural Centre  https://www.harpa.is/en/      The Team Audio by Keziah Wenham-Kenyon and Dylan Burton  Production Manager is Liz Tuohy  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text The most hacked place in the world…and many more tech stories of 2023  The still gaping gap for women in tech in pay and position - the underdog and the underpaid, to climate tech – the problem or the solution, are just some of the stories discussed in this episode. Intelligence analyst, Agatha Christie fan and Computer Weekly’s 2023 Women in Tech winner Suki Fuller joins regular studio experts Ghislaine Boddington and Angelica Mari to take us through some of the big tech stories of the year. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio experts are Ghislaine Boddington and Angelica Mari.    Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World    For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere On Earth, please rate and review it.   More on this week's stories:  Suki Fuller https://sukifuller.com/  The Team Audio is by Keziah Wenham-Kenyon and Jon Cronin. Production Manager is Liz Tuohy  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Tackling youth unemployment in Africa and making data more accessible  There is a huge unemployment problem among the youth in Africa, and there is a massive data research gap for companies that want to invest or have invested in the continent. A company behind an app called Rwazi is now employing more than 50,000 young people in Africa to collect data on who is buying what, for how much, from where, when, and why. The aim is to help these companies drive revenue and expansion. Our studio expert, Wairimu Gitahi, reports from Nairobi.    SOEP SUDS Yes, dear subscriber and follower - you have asked and we have listened. We are introducing SOEP SUDS – that's Somewhere on Earth Podcast Subscriber Unique Distinguisher number. You’ll need to be on our Facebook group, follow us on Twitter/X or email us at hello@somewhereonearth.co  All rules and regulations will be explained and distributed across the platforms – so think of a number and get in touch. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi. Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio. If you like Somewhere On Earth rate and review it.    More on this week's stories: Rwazi https://rwazi.com/  International Labour Organization – Youth Unemployment rates Africa https://ilostat.ilo.org/african-youth-face-pressing-challenges-in-the-transition-from-school-to-work/  The Team SOEP Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co  SOEP Twitter https://twitter.com/SOEPTech    Audio is by Callum Swingler, supported by Jon Cronin Production Manager is Liz Tuohy  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text The risk of ransomware attacks - are governments taking them seriously? A report out this week by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy in the UK claims that because of the British government’s failures to tackle ransomware, there is a “high risk” the country faces a “catastrophic ransomware attack at any moment.” We discuss whether governments at all levels - national or local – are doing enough to protect themselves against these types of attack, and what happens when defences are breached? Also, how can we protect our data online - top tips from our studio expert. Keeping our data for future generations - will our archiving stand the test of time?  IT technology journalist and new media pioneer Bill Thompson joins us to answer a listener’s question. Sam Quinn asks "having recently returned from an amazing holiday in Egypt and Jordan, and seeing the ‘data’ left from people living thousands of years ago, I’d love to hear how data from the current days, held on magnetic media will survive well into the future (given I can’t even play VHS tapes any more!)."  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.    Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World   For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere On Earth please do rate and review it.    More on this week's stories:  UK at high risk of catastrophic ransomware attack report say https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/dec/13/uk-at-high-risk-of-catastrophic-ransomware-attack-report-says    The Team  Audio is by Stevie Arnoldi and Jon Cronin. Production Manager is Liz Tuohy  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Tech trends to watch out for in 2024 – the good and the bad  We’re predicting the tech trends we may see in 2024. It's a big year with national elections in the US, South Africa and Bangladesh to name just a few - how will technology impact the outcomes? Misinformation is likely to be a big part of the story, and potentially could be a part of the result. The tech companies have been culling their online safety teams, and there have been court battles in the US over the First Amendment and the legality of removing false information.  Climate tech start-ups in Africa Climate technology seems to be on the up too, with a recent report predicting that it will be the big investment area for tech start-ups across Africa. It may even overtake fintech as priorities change across the continent. The dangers of surveillance tracking tech And will 2024 be a good year for murderous regimes who don’t like critics, wherever they are? Ever-improving surveillance and tracking tech suggests that it might be. You might be in exile in the UK or the US, but that doesn’t necessarily make you safe.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio experts are Wairimu Gitahi, Peter Guest and Issie Lapowsky.  Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World    For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your audio.  If you like Somewhere on Earth rate and review it.  More on this week's stories:  Misinformation research is under attack. So what’s the plan for 2024? https://www.fastcompany.com/90984912/election-integrity-work-is-under-attack-so-whats-the-plan-for-2024  Investing in climate tech innovation in Africa https://www.thecatalystfund.com/insights/investing-in-climate-tech-innovation-in-africa On British soil, foreign autocrats target their critics with impunity https://www.codastory.com/authoritarian-tech/on-british-soil-foreign-autocrats-target-their-critics-with-impunity/    The Team  Audio is by Callum Swingler and Jon Cronin  Production Manager is Liz Tuohy  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text 3D printed skin – huge advances could revolutionise wound healing Two major advances in 3D printing human skin could lead to major advances in wound healing. A team of scientists at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the US have printed full thickness human skin for the first time. They successfully printed all six major human cell types present in human skin, creating normal skin layers - the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The bioprinted skin formed blood vessels, skin patterns, and showed normal tissue formation. It also produced more collagen which will reduce scarring. If you pay to subscribe to the extended version of the podcast you can hear about another study where the Brazilian cosmetic company Grupo Boticário has 3D printed skin which includes hair follicles.   Stolen mobile phones in Brazil can now be blocked immediately A new system that blocks stolen mobile phones via an app or the web has been launched in Brazil. Almost a million mobiles were stolen in 2022 in Brazil. Many Brazilians use the instant payment system Pix, so blocking a stolen phone as quickly as possible can significantly reduce the amount money stolen from someone’s account. More than a million people have registered to use the Celular Seguro programme in its first two weeks. Using the country’s citizen registration scheme, it allows people to block or unblock their phones from a trusted and registered source.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari. More on this week's stories:  Multicellular bioprinted skin facilitates human-like skin architecture in vivo  Incorporation of hair follicles in 3D bioprinted models of human skin Brazil’s Grupo Boticário develops 3D skin with bioprinting technology Safe Cell Phone is now available on GOV.BR Stolen cell phone blocking will be immediate via application or web by registered person Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text The true cost of Internet shutdowns across the world  Internet shutdowns around the world cost more than $9 billion US according to Top10vpn.com. Their annual report “The Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns” shows that 196 major self-imposed internet blackouts happened in 25 countries and 747 million people were impacted. Russia, Ethiopia and Iran were the worst culprits. Unsurprisingly, 50% of the outages were linked to additional human rights abuses. Samuel Woodhams, Digital Rights Lead at Top10VPN.com and one of the authors of the report is on the show.  2024 is the biggest ever election year – how will tech impact the results?  65 countries including the US, India, Russia and Mexico are holding elections this year and more than 2 billion people have the right to vote. But will democracy withstand the march of AI and other technology that will bring with them a wave of disinformation and deep fakes with less scrutiny and checks on social media? Gareth and Peter discuss the risks posed to elections by technology this year.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.   More on the show: Internet Shutdowns: Economic Impact 2023 – Top10vpn Report  In a year full of elections, does Big Tech have democracy’s back?  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text A Bitcoin transaction ‘uses a swimming pool of water’ Every Bitcoin transaction uses about the same amount of water as a backyard swimming pool according to a study published in the journal Cell Reports Sustainability. That’s around six million times more than a credit card swipe. The vast amounts of water are needed as Bitcoin uses so much computing power, and in turn, electricity to complete a single transaction on the blockchain ledger. Digiconomist and author of the study Alex de Vries is on the show to explain how he came to his conclusions and what can be done to reduce this phenomenal amount of water consumption. Desalination system makes freshwater cheaper than tap water Engineers at MIT in the US and in China have designed a solar powered device that takes in saltwater, uses its circulation and the sun’s heat to lead to evaporation, which creates a salt free water vapour that can be condensed into drinking water. The system is so effective it can produce between four to six litres an hour and is cheaper and faster to produce than tap water. Lenan Zhang, a research scientist at MIT’s Device Research Lab, explains the process to Gareth Mitchell. The work is published in the journal Joule.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest. More on the show: Bitcoin’s growing water footprint  Desalination system could produce freshwater that is cheaper than tap water Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text The Global AI Arms Race Leading global powers have for some time been positioning themselves at the forefront of AI development. All these governments see AI as such a powerful tool they want to be first to be in control, however they also want to regulate it. But with regulations, development can be slow says Dr Kerry McInerney from the University of Cambridge and the AI Now Institute, which leaves the dilemma of who should control AI progress? Dr McInerney is on the show to discuss the Global AI Arms race. Having your say in AI development As governments race to win the Global AI Race, with industry pushing development too, is there any possibility that the public can have a say in how AI should operate? A project involving AI is itself being used as a tool to determine which areas should be discussed with regards to the progress of AI models. It’s called Recursive Public and it’s arguably one of the first serious efforts to frame some global consensus on AI’s workings and governance. It’s a ground up project involving ordinary members of the public as well as various professional bodies and the AI community at large. SOEP reporter Shiroma Silva looks to see if we really can have a say in the development of AI. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest. More on this week's stories: Dr Kerry McInerney  Recursive Public   Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text The British Post Office Technology Scandal The British Post Office scandal saw more than 900 subpostmasters convicted of theft, fraud and false accounting. However, it was faulty account software called Horizon and made by Fujitsu, that was to blame. The personal tragedies of those involved have been documented recently in a TV drama in the UK. But what was actually wrong with the software itself? Susi O’Neill, business technology communications expert, is on the show to explain what went wrong with the software roll out and how mistakes like this can be avoided by other companies. Why don’t you give SOEP a listen? Actress, singer-songwriter, performance poet and SOEP subscriber Flloyd Kennedy has immortalised Somewhere on Earth:The Global Tech Podcast into fiction! She’s written, performed and produced a short episode of her own comedy podcast “Am I old yet?” asking the question – am I too old to listen to podcasts? Hear her character dismissing some of the myths about technology and podcasts and convincing someone to give us a try.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari.   More on this week's stories British Post Office Scandal Am I old yet?  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text A special guest on Somewhere on Earth, your help needed We have a very special annoucement and we need you help. We have the co-founder of Wikipedia and founder of the Wikimedia Foundation Jimmy Wales coming on the show. But instead of us asking the questions, we want to hand over to you. What would you like to ask Jimmy Wales? Please send us your questions by Friday 16th February via our social media channels, email hello@somewhereonearth,co, leave us a voice or written message on WhatsApp +44 7486 329 484. Thank you. Jimmy Wales https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Wales SOEP Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co Twitter/X https://twitter.com/SOEPTech WhatsApp +44 7486 329 484 Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Diagnosing TB using AI and a mobile phone Diagnosing tuberculosis is cumbersome and not all tests are available in developing countries. Now a team of scientists has used AI to allow a mobile phone to identify if someone’s cough could be a sign of TB. Dr Manuja Sharma, from the University of Washington is on the show to tell us how they used machine learning to identify more than 33,000 coughs and tested the tech in a clinic in Kenya. Payment card to fund cutting edge research Every time you make a payment with a card you could be funding research into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Science Card has linked to a number of research projects where you can donate directly or at a point of sale. We hear about the tech behind the card from Daniel Baeriswyl, CEO and Founder of Science Card. We also hear about the tech the card will be funding from Professor Emad Moeendarbary from University College, London. Professor Moeendarbary has created a drug testing platform that mimics human neurons to try and find new treatments that repair the damage to the neurons caused by neurodegenerative diseases. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.  More on this week's stories:  TBscreen: A passive cough classifier for tuberculosis screening with a controlled dataset  Unlocking the secrets of neurodegenerative diseases  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Tech in Ukraine after two years of war Two years ago Russia invaded Ukraine and in that time, the country’s already booming tech sector has adapted and changed rapidly. In 2022 it was service led, providing IT development for companies outside its borders. Now though things have changed significantly and not only are the tech savvy helping the war effort, but many entrepreneurs are also looking to the future and planning on rebuilding a Smart Ukraine. Iryna Volnytska is the President of SET University, which was set up just a week before the war started. It’s now providing training for many women who hope to work remotely in the tech sector and it’s introducing undergraduate degrees that can be undertaken in other countries before students return to Kiev for the final year. We also speak to Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School at Tufts University in the US who has been researching the digital economy in the Ukraine. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari. More on this week's stories SET University Imagining a Digital Economy for All Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Digitising public life in the US – making America e-smart Many governments and local authorities around the world have moved many, if not all their public services online, from filing tax returns to e-passports and food assistance schemes. However, the United States is lagging behind, with many civic services providing lengthy and user-unfriendly systems. CEO of Code for America, the nonprofit social organisation that’s bringing about much of this digital change in public life, Amanda Renteria explains why the US needs to make e-access to its public services easier. Train your brain to overcome tinnitus with an app A new app, called MindEar can reduce the impact of tinnitus in just a few weeks. It uses sound, relaxation and cognitive behaviour therapy which can be accessed through a smart phone. It’s estimated that up to one in four people may have the condition worldwide and the cause of this debilitating buzzing or ringing sound is still unknown. Current treatments are expensive and hard to come by. But this new chatbot app helps train your brain’s reaction to the sound, tuning out the tinnitus. Scientists from Australia, New Zealand, France and Belgium report the findings in the journal Frontiers in Audiology and Otology. The lead author and co-founder of MindEar app, Dr Fabrice Bardy, is on the show. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: Code for America Amanda Renteria Cognitive behavioral therapy and telepsychology in tinnitus via an app  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Jimmy Wales - Wikipedia co-founder - answers your questions We speak to the one and only “Wiki Guy” as even he describes himself. Wikipedia and Wikimedia co-founder Jimmy Wales joins Gareth and Ghislaine on the show. He will be talking about his new project called Trust Café and answering your questions on amongst other things Wikipedia’s moderation policies and the impact of large language models on the online encyclopaedia. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: Jimmy Wales The Wikimedia Foundation Trust Café Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text A gentle ask for your (financial) supportDear lovely Somewhere on Earth Subscribers (or SOEPSUDS for short) here's a short message from Gareth, reminding you about our podextra shows.  For $10US a month, you can hear extended interviews from our guests, details about how they came to be where they are now and even some new additional stories from time to time.  We appreciate that in these hard times it's a big ask, that's why we have the shorter free and accessible version.  We are incredibly grateful for all your support.    A huge thanks from the SOEP Team. Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Anti-poaching tech – does it work? Anti-poaching initiatives are making increasing use of technology, such as infrared thermography but with an array of tech out there, what should governments, wildlife charities and NGO’s be using? Professor Adam Hart, from the University of Gloucestershire, is a conservationist who’s been testing environmental tech as well as using his hacking skills to protect wildlife. From using drones to monitor large mammals in the African bush to creating homemade detector kits to track endangered bats, Adam is always finding innovative ways to save our planet's most vulnerable species. Robotic lab in an ancient woodland Imagine a robotics lab the size of a stately home’s landscape gardens. That’s exactly what the engineers at the Oxford Robots Institute have access to at Blenheim Palace. The stately home is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and has 12,000 acres of gardens where many ancient trees grow – including Europe’s largest collection of ancient oaks, some of which are over a thousand years old. It’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, with public access now restricted across much of the estate. However, this podcast has been granted access and we find out how technology is protecting these ancient trees by monitoring them for diseases and the impacts of climate change. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Professor Adam Hart Robots monitor Ecosystem at Blenheim Palace Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text AI for Africa – one young female scientist’s drive to develop solutions We meet Rokhaya Diagne, a twenty something AI developer and entrepreneur who is using AI to overcome Africa’s specific challenges. She’s currently creating a diagnostic platform for malaria in Senegal as well as using underwater drones to map and monitor biodiversity for marine conservation agencies and to improve fishing. Unlocking Africa's job creation potential Fewer than 25% of jobseekers in Africa secure formal employment, despite the fact that almost a million people are looking for work every month. The majority are under the age of 30 and they simply lack the tech skills needed to compete in an ever changing market. But how can this problem be solved? Dr Bhaskar Chakravorti, the Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School at Tufts University is on the show with some suggestions.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell, with commentary from Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Unlocking Africa's job creation potential Rokhaya Diagne Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text West Africa Internet – when will it be fixed? As many as a dozen countries across West and Central Africa were cut off from the internet and are still experiencing significant connection issues following damage to submarine cables. Now a repair ship is enroute to fix the d­­amage, but it will be some time before services return to normal. What happened, how was traffic rerouted and how will the cable be repaired, are questions that SOEP will answer. Joining us on the show are Alp Toker, Director of Netblocks and Isik Mater, Director of Research at Netblocks, and Paul Brodsky from TeleGeography, who track submarine cables across the world. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari. More on this week's stories: Submarine Cable map Netblocks Telegeography Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text SOEP meets Dame Steve Shirley – a coding female pioneer Dame Stephanie (Steve) Shirley is a game changer in whatever she does and we were delighted that she agreed to chat to Somewhere on Earth. She arrived in England as an unaccompanied child refugee on the Kindertransport in 1939. She convinced her all girls’ school to allow her to learn maths at the boys’ school and in 1962 started a software business from her dining table which grew to have 8,500 employees and was worth US$3bn. The company initially only employed women working from home. Since retiring in 1993, Dame Stephanie’s life has been dedicated to philanthropy in IT and autism including setting up the Oxford Internet Institute.  Brazil’s Supercomputer to predict natural disasters Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) has finally received funding for a new supercomputer that will significantly improve climate forecasting. The new supercomputer is 15 times more powerful than the institute’s current one and scientists hope it can help the country deal with a massive rise in extreme weather events – last year they averaged more than three a day. Angelica Mari speaks to Clezio Nardin, Inpe’s Director about the project. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari.   More on this week's stories: Dame Steve Shirley Brazil’s New Supercomputer Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text YouTube approves disinformation ads in India in run up to election A recent joint investigation conducted by Access Now and Global Witness reveals that YouTube is giving its approval to election disinformation ads in India prior to the country's general election. The investigation "Votes will not be counted", discovered that YouTube is endorsing ads that make baseless allegations of electoral fraud, spread lies about voting procedures, and launch attacks on the integrity of the electoral process. The investigation found that a total of 48 ads, submitted in English, Hindi, and Telugu, were in violation of YouTube's policies on election misinformation. Despite YouTube's claim to review ad content before allowing them to be published, every single ad was approved for publication on the platform. Shruti Narayan, Asia Pacific Policy Fellow at Access Now and Henry Peck, Campaigner on Digital Threats from Global Witness, and one of the authors of the report are on the show.   VPNs in run up to elections - keeping voters connected This year four billion people have the right to vote in national elections in over 60 countries - the biggest number ever and a crucial moment for democracy itself. But many of these elections will be held in countries where censorship and misinformation campaigns have plagued their government's history and internet access has been denied in the run up to voting. Proton VPN will be providing free access to servers to ensure that people stay connected. Samuele Kaplun and Antonio Cesarano from Proton VPN explain how they are protecting those countries at risk of disruption online. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.    More on this week's stories: YouTube approves disinformation ads in India  Free VPN servers before elections Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Is crypto currency supporting terrorism? With the phasing out of cash transactions we’ve seen a rise in digital and other transactions. One of the currencies that’s in the ascendancy are crypto currencies, whose place in the market according to Forbes magazine, has shifted from one of fear to neutral, and now to greed. In other words it’s hugely on the up. After facing some downturns a few years ago, it’s now collectively worth more than a trillion dollars. One of the reasons why people are drawn to crypto currencies is that they can offer a certain freedom from traditional banks and other financial authorities. But this freedom can also turn to anarchy and be used for more worrying purposes, as SOEP’s Shiroma Silva reports.   God-like? A 500-Year History of Artificial Intelligence in Myths, Machines, Monsters Have we finally built a machine with higher intelligence that ourselves? That’s one of the issues that author and leading thinker on tech Kester Brewin explores in his latest book. Kester discusses with Gareth how myths, machines and monsters created over hundreds of years have influenced the development of AI and how we can now learn to live alongside it. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.  More on this week's stories:  The crypto question and the future of money  Kester Brewin      Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Tech stories that matter – what should we be reporting on? A little extra episode for our lovely SOEP Subscribers.  Just over a year ago the BBC axed its flagship global tech radio show – Digital Planet.  A few of the listeners (we did have 1.5million downloads a year BTW) got together in London to reminisce and remember the programme.  Here’s a short recording from that evening where some of the team discussed what stories they would have been covering if Digital Planet was still on air.  Hopefully we’re reporting on them here on Somewhere on Earth – if not let us know what we should be doing!This show is presented by Gareth Mitchell with studio experts Ghislaine Boddington and Bill Thompson. Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text World Cybercrime Index – Where are the cybercriminals hiding? Russia leads the list of countries that host cybercrime, followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria and Romania, according to a new study by an international team of researchers. The findings come from anonymous questionnaires completed by ninety-two cybercrime experts. The researchers say this survey approach overcomes a major challenge in investigating cybercrime - the anonymity of perpetrators who conceal their identities online. Dr Miranda Bruce, from the University of Oxford and New South Wales in Canberra is lead author and is on show.  What is your data worth and can you use it like money? “It’s where the future goes to be born”. That's one of the ways to describe Web Summit. It's a series of events around the globe that brings together some of the biggest names in tech. Over 34,000 attendees have just taken part in Web Summit Rio. Our own Angelica Mari sat down with Drumwave CEO and co-founder Andre Vellozo to discuss the infrastructures that will enable us to trade with our own data. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: World Cybercrime Index Drumwave Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text AI for peace – using artificial intelligence to manage conflict and maintain peace With numerous ongoing conflicts in places like Sudan, Israel-Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria, peace can seem scarce in today's world. However, artificial intelligence could play a role is managing wars. A new book titled “AI for Peace” provides a roadmap for using artificial intelligence to promote peace. While machine learning is often portrayed negatively, it has real potential for forecasting and preventing violence, combating hate speech, and addressing the root causes of conflict. Branka Panic, co-author, joins us to discuss how AI can be used to maintain peace. World Password Day – make yours secure We’re sure you’ve probably heard it all before, but just in case. As World Password Day approaches Gareth and Ghislaine take a look at what makes a good, secure password. We also hear from one of our listeners' who works in IT infrastructure for a major global firm and we get his advice on making passwords simple, easy to remember but almost unhackable. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: AI for Peace World Password Day Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Dear Lovely SOEP listener,Just a little shout out to remind you that we also do a PodExtra version of the show.  For just $10US a month you can hear more of our guests and even new stories, as well as even more chat between Gareth and our studio experts.  We know it's a big ask but we really do appreciate all your support.Just click on the link below to subscribe:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/subscribeMany thanksThe SOEP Team Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Can ‘small’ AI have a huge impact in sub Saharan Africa? Artificial intelligence is usually fed with large datasets allowing the technology to create what should be well balanced algorithms – but what happens when large data sets aren’t available or the impact of the AI could have a very significant impact on people’s lives? Researchers at Tufts University in the United States have started a program focusing on what they refer to as "small" AI - applications that have significantly positive impacts on individual lives and livelihoods. These applications are specifically designed, using models that have been trained on specialised datasets. Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at the Fletcher School at Tufts and Abidemi Adisa, the author of the report, explain how farmers in Kenya can benefit significantly from AI.  Recycling e-waste in Kenya A UN report recently said electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling. In 2022, the waste was up over eighty per cent from 2010 and on track to rise by a third by the year 2030. We looked at the problem in Brazil a while back, but Africa has a growing e-waste problem too – and the stuff isn’t recycled in the same way as in developed countries. But could a recycling plant in Nairobi be helping – studio expert Wairimu Gitahi has more.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.   More on this week's stories: Improving the lives of smallholders in rural Kenya with AI WEEE Centre, Nairobi Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text  How AI is saving lives and languages in Ghana In general, people in the developing world are optimistic about the potential of AI. Of course, there are some concerns about job security and fairness, but overall, the positive outlook outweighs the negative. However, this is not the case in countries like Ghana, where suspicion and fear prevail. Interestingly, even with Google's significant presence in the country, the sentiment remains unchanged. That's why we have a special report on the state of AI in Ghana, covering everything from translation apps to healthcare. Our coverage of Ghana is thanks to author and journalist Sophia Smith Galer, who recently travelled across the country and has prepared a series of reports for us.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.  More on this week's stories: AI: Saving lives and languages in Ghana Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Indian Elections; deep fakes, false memes, and misinformation galore Resurrecting dead politicians in election campaigns online may sound unbelievable, but in the Indian elections it seems that almost anything is possible. From deep fakes and AI meme wars to bogus audio messages, Bangalore based investigative journalist Nilesh Christopher has been reporting on them all. He’s on the show to tell us how voters are being manipulated online. A quarter of the world has experienced election internet censorship this year Elections are happening in 60 countries around the world this year. Internet outages and restrictions were unfortunately to be expected in some countries. New analysis shows over 90% of voters in elections that have taken place so far this year live in countries where internet censorship has increased. These include India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, Taiwan, Senegal, Azerbaijan, Comoros and The Maldives. Top10VPN’s Head of Research Simon Migliano tells us more. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari. Indian elections and deep fakes A quarter of the world has faced election internet censorship in 2024 Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Technology is not the problem (we are)… Can we really lay the blame for our problems to the rise of technology or should be take responsibility for our actions and how we are choosing not to relate to the world around us? Author, tech journalist and comedian Timandra Harkness is on the show to challenge the way we think and deal with the choices presented to us by tech. Her new book “Technology is Not the Problem” explores the themes of our own self worth and of who we are. Are we choosing to lose ourselves to the choices that tech makes for us? Why do only a fifth of Brazilians have good internet access? According to The Brazilian Steering Internet Committee only 22% of Brazilians have satisfactory connection to the internet, despite just over 84% of people aged 10 and over, using it. Angelica Mari explains who has access and why the quality of the connections leaves much to be desired. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari. More on this week's stories: Technology is Not the Problem Lack of good quality Internet access in Brazil Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Millions of gallons of water needed for new data centres in Chile during 30 year drought Chile looks set to become the data centre capital of Latin America, with the country’s President announcing another 28 proposed developments. But these data centres require vast amounts of electricity to run and huge volumes of water to cool them. With the country experiencing a severe long term drought, predicted to last until 2040, how can building these centres benefit the environment and local communities. Rest of World Latin American reporter Daniela Dib has been investigating these concerns. Concrete alternatives not very eco-friendly New biobased building materials made from fungi and agricultural residues have been hailed as a possible environmentally friendly concrete replacement. However, new research suggests that these alternatives need huge amounts of electricity to produce and have a shorter lifespan than concrete. To discuss these potential issues as well as how to overcome them, the researcher behind the findings, Stefania Akromah of the University of Bristol joins us on the show.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.   More on this week's stories: U.S tech giants are building dozens of data centers in Chile. Locals are fighting back Potential Environmental Impact of Mycelium Composites on African Communities  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Rare earth element boom poisoning Myanmar Growing demand for electric vehicles and wind turbines might look good for emissions, but there’s an environmental cost too. Regions, habitats and livelihoods in Myanmar are facing significant damage because the surge in demand for permanent magnets is driving up mining for rare earth elements according to a report from Global Witness. CEO Mike Davies tells us more. SOEPSUDS and your comments and questions We catch up with our SOEPSUDS numbers and update the database. We’re also checking out your comments and thoughts – do keep us posted on our socials and WhatsApp: Facebook Twitter/X Instagram Threads YouTube LinkedIn TikTok WhatsApp: +44 7846 329 484 The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest. More on this week's stories:  Rare earth boom poisoning Myanmar Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Who is behind the big hack attacks? More than 100 organisations around the world are believed to have been hacked in ransomware attacks since 2022 by a single hacker group. The most recent occurrence of a ransomware attack was on a company responsible for analysing blood tests for the UK's National Health Service which prompted some major London hospitals to declare a 'critical incident', with many operations postponed. It is believed that a criminal organisation known as Qilin, consisting of individuals fluent in Russian, orchestrated this malicious act, by inserting a piece of software into the company’s IT system which locks it. Once payment is received then access is restored. Ania Lichtarowicz has been investigating for SOEP. Would tweezers be better than robotic hands? What if, instead of having hands, we had some kind of bionic device at the end of our arms. Could we adapt to it as naturally as if we’d never had hands in the first place? Researchers in Italy have been addressing that very question using virtual reality. They’ve devised a set of virtual tweezer hands and invited volunteers to try using them to perform dextrous tasks. Professor Viviana Betti leads Cosync, a lab specialising in neurological research at the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, and the Laboratory of Neuroscience and Applied Technology at the Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, also in Rome. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.  More on this week's stories: The organization tracking the hackers – Group-IB Rewiring the evolution of the human hand: How the embodiment of a virtual bionic tool improves behaviour  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Detecting cancer at the DNA level with AI New research shows that cancer could be detected in the very building blocks of life – our DNA, possibly leading to a diagnosis when the disease is in its infancy. Dr. Shamith Samara-jiwa from Imperial College London is on the show to discuss how AI can be used to detect tiny changes to our DNA called methylation patterns. Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of cancer, making it essential to analyse disruptions in our DNA for accurate diagnosis. However, identifying specific genes affected by cancer is not a straightforward process. The impact of cancer on our DNA may appear random initially, but by studying numerous human genomes and disease cases, researchers can start to identify patterns. This requires analysing billions of individual data points to determine any significant findings.  Could AI help tackle the loneliness epidemic Being lonely doesn't necessarily mean you are truly alone. We are currently facing what some refer to as a 'loneliness pandemic'. According to a new book, artificial intelligence is becoming more adept at providing social support and helping people overcome the feelings of low self-esteem and social isolation that often accompany loneliness. “The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence” has just been published and author Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield in England joins us on the podcast.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.  More on this week's stories: Early detection and diagnosis of cancer with interpretable machine learning to uncover cancer-specific DNA methylation patterns The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Podextra - how you can get a bit more of Somewhere on Earth...Just a gentle reminder that we produce two versions of each show of Somewhere on Earth.  There's the main show, which is available to everyone for free and there's an extended PODEXTRA edition where we delve a little deeper and chat longer to our guests. That's just $10US a month and you can cancel anytime - there's no tie in period.  We welcome your support of any size, any time as without it we simply wouldn't be able to make the show.You can also support us online - please do join, like, follow or repost - we appreciate every click and comment.Thank you from the SOEP Team.FacebookTwitter/XInstagramThreadsYouTubeLinkedInTikTokWhatsApp: +44 7846 329 484 Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Gen Z, Millennials, technology and the Nairobi protests Following a tumultuous – and violent – series of days in Kenya, President Ruto has reversed his decision on tax hikes that sparked unrest in the streets. The situation has been extremely dire – with law enforcement resorting to tear gas and firearms. Amnesty International, in collaboration with local civic groups in Kenya, has documented a minimum of five fatalities from gunshot wounds and over thirty individuals sustaining injuries. The turmoil primarily took place in the capital city of Nairobi but has also extended to other urban areas across the nation. This protest largely resonated with the Gen-Z demographic, who before seemed unlikely to vote – prompting an examination of the influence of social media. Wairimu Gitahi joins us from Nairobi to delve into this matter further. Will cheapfakes lead to President Biden’s downfall? Following, what some commentators are describing as a disastrous presidential debate for Joe Biden, could a low tech misinformation campaign help secure a Trump victory? Misinformation comes in many forms online, but most of us would assume high-level tech would be behind major election interference. However, in the US elections it appears that cheapfakes are becoming increasingly popular. Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School, Tufts University explains how Trump supporters don’t need AI or fancy tech to make Biden look frail and weak. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi. More on this week's stories: Kenya unrest: Deep economic roots that brought Gen-Z onto streets White house says Joe-Biden is a victim of ‘cheap fakes’: What are they? Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Using AI to identify threats to human rights and political activists Political activities such as hustings, campaigns and voting are well underway in many countries, but alongside these come incidents of reprisals and voter intimidation in certain regions. Ushahidi is an NGO based in Kenya that maps these incidents. They’ve collaborated with major AI companies specializing in global risk detection. Dataminr utilises public data through its platform to identify risks in advance. Their AI system processes trillions of computations daily, analysing billions of public data inputs from nearly a million sources. It processes various forms of data including text, images, video, audio, and other real-time information. Dataminr has helped develop new AI tools for Ushahidi that focus on helping the collection of data, improving geolocation and real time translation into local languages – all of this is leading to improved safety for individuals. Jessie End, VP, Social Good at Dataminr and Angela Odour Lungati, Executive Director Ushahidi are on the show. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi. More on this week's stories: Dataminr: AI for Good Leveraging Citizen‑Generated Data In The Age Of AI - And How We're Making That Happen Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Duchenne UK pushes tech to its limits to help those with the condition This week we see the impact one charity is having on development of assistive technology for the degenerative condition Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which affects more than 300,000 people around the world. The technology is playing a vital role in keeping teenage dreams alive.  A mother and son tell their story; he has DMD, she’s founded a charity to tackle some of the big challenges in drug development in their search for a cure for DMD. In 13 years, Duchenne UK has raised more than £27 million and used this money to fund pioneering medical research, create a DMD clinical research network of hospital sites across the country, set up a national programme establishing best practice across all the disciplines involved in DMD clinical care, and develop innovative assistive mobility technologies, such as the arm-assist Elevex, to support the independence of people with DMD. Somewhere on Earth meets Eli Crossley - musician, pupil, teenager, whose rock band was the youngest ever to perform at Glastonbury, Eli’s mum, co-founder and Chief Executive of Duchenne UK, Emily Reuben OBE, and Hayley Philippault, Head of Technology at Duchenne UK.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Nick Kwek.   More on this week's stories:  Duchenne UK Askew Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Do we need new laws to control AI? Will current legislation be sufficient to control the development of AI? How is AI affecting our human rights? Is AI good enough to draft legal submissions? Does automation bias make us want to trust the technology more than we should? These are just some the of questions SOEP is asking international human rights attorney Susie Alegre. She’s just published her latest book “Human Rights, Robot Wrongs” and will navigate us through the impact of AI on human rights and our interaction with machines.  "Smoke and Mirrors" - the Prix d'Electronica 2024 Beatie Wolfe, pioneering artist and composer, has been awarded the Prix Ars Electronica "Golden Nica" for her work "Smoke and Mirrors". She’s used NASA data on methane emissions. Probably the most prestigious Media Arts Award in the world Beatie represents 60 years of decades of NASA climate data – in this case rising methane levels, set alongside advertising slogans deployed by Big Oil companies to question climate change during this time. Beatie has also beamed her music into space, weaving her second album into an NFC-enabled jacket. SOEP discusses her piece which reflects the interface between art, music, and technology. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: Human Rights, Robot Wrongs Beatie Wolfe - Prix Ars Electronica 2024 winner Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Getting online in Russia – which tech companies are standing up to Putin? The Mozilla Foundation, widely recognised for the Firefox Browser, temporarily took down browser add-ons that assist people in Russia in bypassing state censorship, following a request from the state, according to news reports. It reversed this decision and reinstated the browser add-ons that Russia objected to. Apple though has been criticised by a VPN provider for complying with Russian demands to remove its tool from Apple’s Russian app store. Freelance technology researcher and journalist Samuel Woodhams is on SOEP to tell us what’s been happening and who is standing up to Putin. First academic evidence of online harassment of women in India Dealing with trolls requires solidarity, according to a well-known Indian journalist and academic, Dr. Sanjukta Basu, who has personally experienced vicious trolling. She’s been in the UK presenting her research which documents the online abuse women in India have experienced on Twitter/X. We discuss her research on how women can combat toxicity online, particularly in response to orchestrated attacks by right-wing nationalists in India.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.  More on this week's stories: Firefox browser blocks anti-censorship add-ons at Russia’s request Devs claim Apple is banning VPNs in Russia 'more effectively' than Putin Dr. Sanjukta Basu Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Can a booming tech economy help Ukraine in the war against Russia? Ukrainian Independence Day is almost upon us, and as the war with Russia continues well into its third year, we want to look at how everyday tech development continues and is a vital part of the country's economy. We’ve brought together three entrepreneurs to tell us about their work. Andrey Klen is co-founder of a number of tech businesses – including Petcube, O0 Design, and Spend With Ukraine. The platform brings together startups and tech companies in one place, making it easy for consumers to buy directly from Ukraine companies and therefore support the country’s economy. Also joining the show is Vira Tkachenko who is Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at MacPaw. In 2022, Forbes Ukraine named her on its list of the Top 25 women in IT. MacPaw develops and distributes software for macOS and iOS. And finally co-founder & CEO of Esper Bionics Dima Gazda. His human augmentation startup is working on the first bionic ecosystem in the world.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert isPeter Guest. More on this week's stories: Spend with Ukraine Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Would you like more SOEP and also help keep the show going?A little message from Gareth (and the team) to remind you that you can subscribe for even more content from Somewhere on Earth for $10US a month - and you can cancel anytime too.  Normal transmissions resume after this short break.Huge THXThe SOEP Team Support the show Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Internet blackout in Equatorial Guinea and social media bans in Venezuela Internet access has been cut off in Equatorial Guinea, specifically in the Annobón province. Residents have been protesting against the government's environmental and human rights violations on the island. Digital rights advocates are urging the government to restore internet services. Our editor Ania Lichtarowicz, has the details.  Meanwhile, connectivity issues are also affecting Venezuela. NetBlocks reports that X (formerly known as Twitter) is facing restrictions as the disputed President Maduro has ordered a ten-day ban on the platform, alleging it incites civil unrest. Additionally, the messaging app Signal seems to be partially restricted. Drones patrolling citizens’ activities have been reported alongside other digital methods of limiting information access. Sixty-two media outlets have also been blocked. Marianne Díaz Hernández, a #WhyID Campaigner at Access Now is on the show. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: Authorities in Equatorial Guinea must end internet shutdown and other human rights abuses Open letter on technology-enabled political violence in Venezuela Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text AI submissions are avoiding detection at a well-respected university in the UK As exam results roll in for pupils across the Northern Hemisphere, a study conducted at the University of Reading showed that 94 percent of the AI-generated exam submissions went unnoticed. On average, these artificial responses received higher grades than those from real students. Dr Peter Scarfe who led the study, is on the show. Wireless monitoring of audience reactions How can a producer ensure a film’s success - apparently by researching how the audience members react to their production. A brand new facility at Bristol University in the UK will be able to monitor heart rate, blinking and brain activity to see when people become bored whilst watching a film. Professor Iain Gilchrist explains how the tech could also help to improve teaching. The show is presented by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Ghislaine Boddington.  More on these stories: A real-world test of artificial intelligence infiltration of a university examinations system: A “Turing Test” case study Smart Cinema at the University of Bristol Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Tiny batteries for tiny robots that could deliver drugs inside our bodies Engineers at MIT have developed a miniature battery that can power cell-sized, autonomous robots for drug delivery within the human body, as well as for other purposes such as detecting leaks in gas pipelines. The batteries measure 0.1 mm in length and 0.002mm in thickness each - that’s about the same thickness as a human hair. The battery captures oxygen from the air and uses it to oxidize zinc, generating a current with a potential of up to 1 volt. This output is sufficient to power small circuits, sensors, or actuators. Professor Michael Strano, who led the team behind the work, is on the show. Listener comments and questions Gareth and Ania read out some of your comments, answer some of your questions and accept your criticisms dear subscriber. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: MIT Engineers design tiny batteries for cell sized robots  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Is the internet in Pakistan behind a firewall? Recently internet speeds throughout Pakistan have significantly diminished, leading to widespread outrage and allegations that the government is covertly implementing a new firewall system to enhance its surveillance and control over the nation’s internet. The government has denied any responsibility for this slowdown, which has impacted millions of users and caused disruptions for businesses nationwide. Founder and Director of Netblocks, Alp Toker, tells SOEP what has been happening and what might be the cause.  Taxi fares in Kenya – can drivers beat the algorithms? Taxi drivers in Kenya have taken on the algorithms of ride hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt and Little by working together to increase fares above those suggested by the apps. The drivers say they can’t pay for fuel and car loans at current prices. Following a number of strikes in the summer, some of the apps have now increased fares and reward programmes for the drivers in a bid to stop the price war.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Internet slows to a crawl, stoking fears of firewall in Pakistan  Hard-pressed Kenyan drivers defy Uber's algorithm, set their own fares    Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text The first ever DNA computer engine and storage device A revolutionary approach to computing has just been published by a team of US engineers. Instead of using silicon to underpin our tech, the researchers have used DNA - the very molecules present in all living cells that encode the fundamental aspects of our existence. Teams from North Carolina State University and Johns Hopkins University have achieved this ground-breaking advancement, referring to it as a "primordial DNA store and compute engine." This innovative system is reportedly capable of solving basic Sudoku and chess puzzles. The DNA structure they have developed can be used for data storage and also data retrieval, computation, deletion, and rewriting and could be used to store vast amounts of data in just a few cubic centimetres. This could replace current servers in mass data centres that use vast amounts of energy and water. From North Carolina State University the lead authors of the work, Professor Orlin Velev and Associate Professor Albert Keung are on the show. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: A primordial DNA store and computer engine Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Is Kamala Harris the AI Tsar? The upcoming debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is scheduled for next week, where the two candidates for the U.S. presidency will engage in a direct confrontation on the ABC news channel in anticipation of the November election. Should the topic of artificial intelligence arise, it may favour Kamala Harris, given her significant involvement in AI policy as Vice President. This perspective is shared by Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School, Tufts University, who recently discussed technology, the election, and Kamala Harris with our editor Ania. While the Vice President enjoys substantial support from influential figures in Silicon Valley, it is important to note that prominent tech entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are aligned with Team Trump.  Video Games were good for mental health through COVID Engaging in gaming for a few hours each day has been shown to enhance mental well-being, as indicated by a recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. One significant finding of this research is that merely owning a gaming console can have positive effects. The critical aspect of this study is that it establishes causation rather than mere correlation, which is a significant advancement in this field of research. For instance, if an individual purchases a gaming console and exhibits good mental health, one might question whether their happiness is a pre-existing condition or if the acquisition of the console has contributed to their improved well-being. This study was conducted during the pandemic, and the unique circumstances of that period enabled researchers to uncover valuable insights regarding the connection between gaming and mental health. Professor Andrew Przybylski from the Oxford Internet Institute explains the significance of the work.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest. More on this week's stories: If Kamala Harris Was the Czar of Anything, It Would Be AI Professor Andrew Przybylski  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Electric Vehicles going offline as companies go bust Drivers of electric vehicles are finding their cars are going offline if the parent company is bankrupt. Smartphone apps linked to the cars, which control many features, don't work and when something goes seriously wrong, then there's no garage that can fix the problem. China, the world's biggest market for EV's, has seen government subsidies disappear as well as intense price wars between companies, leading to many startups failing. SOEP speaks to one driver in the UK who is facing similar issues after the California based car manufacture filed for bankruptcy. AI pen that can read Braille A pen that uses algorithms, a camera and a 19 channel sensor has been developed to help the visually impaired read Braille. The number of people who can read Braille is declining, yet it is used in many public spaces including lifts and transport hubs. Named the "Braille-tip", the compact soft tactile sensor can be added to a normal pen to help read Braille. Lead author Dr George Jenkinson from Bristol University in the UK is on the show. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.   More on this week's stories: EV shutdowns in China A sensory pen which can read Braille could improve literacy amongst the visually impaired A robot that can detect breast cancer? Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Could AI chatbots counter conspiracy theories? If people believe in conspiracy theories, how likely are they to think again when presented with facts and evidence? The good news is that people can shift their view when wacky theories are debunked according to a study just published in the journal Science. The researchers created an AI chatbot that engaged with people and presented them with facts to counter their dodgy beliefs. The study team invited people to state why they believed a conspiracy theory, and fed those responses into GPT4. The chatbot was instructed to be a persuasive sceptic. Thomas Costello, Assistant Professor of Psychology at American University in Washington DC is one of the authors and is on the show. Potential ban of Chinese EV’s in the US The US is giving notice on Chinese and Russian manufactured ‘smart cars’ – it’s talking seriously about proposing to ban sales or imports of such connected vehicles. That comes from a White House announcement this week. It’s not a trade war, says the US, but a matter of national security. Gareth and Ania discuss the proposed new rules.  Original source of migrants eating pets fake news story “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there…” said Donald Trump in the televised Presidential debate… Where did such an extreme claim come from? Jack Brewster, Enterprise Editor at NewsGuard found the original comment with his colleague. We hear how he did it.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.  More on this week's stories: Durably reducing conspiracy beliefs through dialogues with AI Biden wants to ban Chinese software in 'smart cars' over security concerns How false claims of pet-eating immigrants caught on  Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why aren’t women embracing AI? Women are not using AI as much as men and appear to be falling behind in using it in the workplace, according to Susi O’Neill. Susi is the Founder and Executive Director of EVA, a responsible technology and communications consultancy building trust in tech. She noticed in the AI Adoption data that women were using AI at work less than men and has been researching into why this is happening and what can be done to stop women falling behind. How to make an audiobook – a subscriber’s experience One of our regular subscribers, Patricia Rykiel, has just published an audio book and she got in touch to tell us about it. Patricia joins SOEP to tell us what she has learnt about the tech behind digital publishing and producing audio to make “Don’t Break my Rice Bowl” transfer from paper to sound. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: 7 gaps hindering women’s AI adoption at work Don't Break My Rice Bowl The making of "Don't Break My Rice Bowl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s next for agritech? How lawyers are getting food from farm to table Agriculture is changing, and with it, so is agritech. Incredible new tech solutions are needed as the human population continues to grow and climate change necessitates updates to our traditional farming methods. This week, we have a special podcast from White & Case, an international law firm that is increasingly working with cleantech and greentech clients. These technologies need funding—which usually involves investors, deal-making, contracts, and legal expertise. We’re discussing some of the exciting innovations promising to get food from the farm to your table with Emmie Jones, partner at White & Case, and Professor Benz Kotzen of the University of Greenwich, a researcher in aquaponics. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. More on this week's stories: White and Case Emmie Jones Professor Benz Kotzen Support the show Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is AI going to replace your job? Is artificial intelligence a threat to your employment? If your profession involves machine learning or chatbot development, the outlook appears promising but for translators and some writing roles it’s not.  Those are the findings of a study recently published in the Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organisation.  Researchers analysed over three million job postings from a global freelancing platform since 2019. They identified which skills are being replaced, complemented, or remain unaffected by AI. Two of the authors, Dr. Fabian Braesemann from the Oxford Internet Institute, and Dr. Ole Tuetloff from the Copenhagen Centre for Social Data Science join Gareth and Ania on the show. The World’s First Inclusive Digital Map Jez Donaldson continues his search for the very best tech for good stories from the Consumer Electronics Show.  This week he meets Brandon Biggs, CEO and Co-founder of XR Navigation (Audiom) inclusive map viewer.  Using enhanced visual tech, audio and text it makes maps accessible to blind people, as well as those with other disabilities. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Winners and Losers of Generative AI XR Navigation Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Arabic another language that goes unchecked online? A few weeks ago we reported on the almost impossible task of monitoring Kiswahili content online. This situation exposes millions of people to harmful and abusive content while the major social media companies continue to profit. In another report by the Centre for Democracy and Technology, similar conclusions have been drawn about Maghrebi Arabic – a language spoken by about 100 million people across western and central North Africa. Just like Kiswahili, monitoring Maghrebi Arabic is very difficult and current methods are completely inadequate. Dr. Mona Elswah is the lead author of the report on the Maghreb region and joins us on the show. An AI that identifies prostate cancer Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has one of the lowest survival rates among major cancers.  The absence of early symptoms and the lack of effective screening methods result in over 80% of cases being identified only after the cancer has metastasized and spread around the body. At this advanced stage, survival rates drop to below 10%. Treatment is available when detected early and this is where AI comes into the screening process.  Jez Donaldson meets Dr. Logan Nye, a physician & computational scientist at Carnegie Mellon University, who is behind Galen Health, the company that’s designed the cancer detecting algorithm.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories: Moderating Maghrebi Arabic Content on Social Media Galen Health – revolutionizing cancer screening with AI   Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first African-born Arab woman to go into Space Sara Sabry, is an engineer, citizen astronaut, and entrepreneur of Egyptian-Lebanese descent. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Egyptian to journey into space during the Blue Origin NS-22 mission, as well as the first woman of African descent and Arab heritage to achieve this milestone. Additionally, she is the founder and CEO of the Deep Space Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing space exploration. In 2021, Sara completed a two-week simulation of a lunar mission and astronaut training program at Florida Tech, distinguishing herself as the first Egyptian woman qualified to conduct research in sub-orbital space. Sara spoke with Somewhere on Earth at Web Summit Qatar, in front of a live audience. More than 25,000 people attended the summit, where thousands of tech start-ups, mainly from the Middle East and Africa, were bidding for investments.   The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.   More on this week's stories: Sara Sabry Sara Sabry at Web Summit Qatar Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Agritech in Uzbekistan: helping small-scale farmers recover from communist farming methods Uzbekistan is tackling the many problems it faces in farming and agriculture with the help of technology. During its time as part of the Soviet Union, the country was forced to grow cotton which led to major environmental problems. The country has 5.5 million smallholders, many of whom are women. A new digital platform called Growz is creating tech solutions for smarter and more sustainable farming as well as allowing the farmers easier access to customers and suppliers. Murod Khusanov, the founder and CEO of Growz, was at Web Summit Doha and spoke to editor Ania.   Generating Power from Gravity In the last of his series of reports from the Consumer Electronics Show, Jez Donaldson reports on a technology that generates power from Gravity – he’s on the show to explain how it all works.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Chhavi Sachdev.   More on this week's stories: Growz Jez Donaldson   Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify   Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co   Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484   Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Capturing shooting stars with your doorbell cam We’ve had the first meteor shower of 2025 – you may have missed it but your doorbell cam may have recorded it. The Quadrantids shower has captivated both amateur and professional astronomers, some of whom are now working together to find the meteors once they land on the Earth’s surface. When this occurs, there is a strong likelihood that the aptly named UK Fireball Alliance will identify them. This alliance consolidates images and videos from various sources, including doorbell cameras, dash-cams, security systems, and professional telescopes. The primary objective is to issue a comprehensive alert to scientists, indicating where they can locate the fallen meteors. Gareth met with Luke Daly, a lecturer in planetary geoscience at the University of Glasgow. He is also the treasurer of the UK Fireball Alliance and is on the show to tell us more.   EdTech Apps – are they any good? The EdTech App market is worth billions of dollars a year but many of these apps are, in fact, counterproductive and may be causing more harm than good. That’s according to an Educational Technology researcher who has recently expressed her concerns in the journal Nature. Natalia Kucirkova, the Director of the International Centre for EdTech Impact and a professor at the University of Stavanger in Norway, is concerned that educational institutions, along with families, are squandering resources on apps that do not yield effective results. As she tells Gareth, better testing of these apps is needed, as is a certification process to identify those that are truly beneficial to children.   The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari.   More on this week's stories: UK Fireball Alliance Educational apps are worth billions. We need to make sure they work   Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link for the PodExtra: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X Bluesky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484  Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your favourite SOEP shows from 2024 Thank you for all your suggestions and comments; we have selected the most popular choices and put them together in our final show of 2024. From our special programme with Jimmy Wales, to the reliability of French language chatbots, we look at what you thought were our best bits of the year.   The PodExtra - The Creator Economy This week we have a completely new episode for our paid for subscribers. Angelica Mari hosted a Podcast Live at Web Summit in Lisbon where she discussed the evolving landscape of the creator economy, focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by content creators. She highlighted the importance of monetisation, the role of data, and the potential of immersive experiences in driving sales. But there's more to the creator economy - even though the push for more and more contact is great, ethical considerations (especially the need for authenticity and responsible use of technology), are vital to keep up trust with subscribers and clients. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz. More on this week's stories:  Somewhere on Earth Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Audio: Ion Minas Belesis at All is Joy Studios in London For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link for additional subscription extra material: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Bluesky If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices