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290,771 calls received by 112 emergency line in 2022

290,771 calls received by 112 emergency line in 2022
Feb 28 2023 Share

The Public Service’s official Facebook page revealed that, in 2022, a total of 290,771 calls on the emergency line 112 were received. 

The post also revealed that all of these calls were answered within just 3 seconds. The Public Service reminded the public that this telephone line is only to be used in the case of emergencies.

On behalf of MaltaDaily, we thank all the responders working to keep everyone safe when required.

#MaltaDaily 

The good, the bad and the ugly of ChatGPT and AI

The good, the bad and the ugly of ChatGPT and AI
Feb 28 2023 Share

As AI technology like the currently most prominent ChatGPT become even more popular and accessible for day to day use, the Malta’s IT Law Association (MITLA) released a white paper calling for the need for a better policy-orientation around emerging technologies. 

The white paper highlights the three sides to this complex technological development. On the bright side, ChatGPT has introduced AI to the masses and can prove very useful in written tasks. 

This can open avenues to create new jobs and make up for certain skill shortages as companies produce higher quality work faster at lower costs. 

However, as with everything, there can be a downside to this. AI, write MITLA, is simply regurgitating learnt patterns of language. This means it ‘ingests the biases inherent in the dataset it is trained upon and therefore can perpetuate such biases and be sabotaged by bad actors.’

Apart from opening up the likelihood of cheating on tests, an uglier side to the AI is that it’s ability to write convincingly lends itself to misinformation abuse. ‘By creating “believable lies” through articulate writing, it can be used by people to publish misinformation.’

The proposals by MITLA include regulating emerging technologies to minimise biases inherent in the datasets that feed them as well as analysing the education system to ensure that students are equipped with necessary tools to adapt to such tech. 

Educators as well should be assisted to adapt to AI, with legal changes also required to map out responsibilities and liabilities of AI companies. 

Following the AGM, the new executive committee for MITLA was appointed: Anthonio Ghio as president, Sharon Xuereb as vice president, Franklin Cachia as treasurer, Alexia Valenzia as secretary, Gege Gatt on communications, Sarah Cannataci on project management, Deo Falzon on events, Kenneth Terribile on external outreach and Keith Cutajar on education. 

Read the full white paper here.

#MaltaDaily 

Maltese community in New York sings Happy Birthday to Ian Borg during visit

Maltese community in New York sings Happy Birthday to Ian Borg during visit
Feb 28 2023 Share

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg got quite the surprise whilst New York, with the city’s community of Maltese people singing him happy birthday during his visit the Maltese Center in Astoria, Queens.

 

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Malta served as United Nations Security Council President during the month of February, with Malta chairing various meetings and briefings on issues such as UN-EU relations and the Maintenance of Peace and Security in Ukraine on the agenda on the month of commemoration of one year since Russia first attacked Ukraine.

On Friday 24th February, Borg and the rest of the Maltese delegation visited the Maltese Center in Astoria, Queens, receiving a warm welcome and a heaping serving of Maltese hospitality which makes you forget you are on the other side of the world. Towards the end of the event, everyone in attendance gathered around a snooker table completely covered with food to sing the minister a happy birthday.

With pastizzi & Kinnie on offer, together with a hoard of Maltese memorabilia all around the Maltese Center, this Maltese oasis on the East Coast is reminiscent of a Maltese każin. The community is made up of Maltese people who migrated towards the United States in the late ’70s and ’80s to form a new life whilst still paying homage to their Mediterranean roots.

So, if you’re ever in New York, make sure you visit the Maltese Center in Astoria, a little slice of Malta with boċċi, tombla, traditional food, drink and Maltese-speaking New Yorkers!

#MaltaDaily

Global chain of lights for Rare Disease Day 2023

Global chain of lights for Rare Disease Day 2023
Feb 28 2023 Share

The 28th of February is Rare Disease Day; the day dedicated to raising awareness for the 300 million people living with a rare disease around the world.

Across the globe, the rare disease community and its supporters come together on this day to share their colours and call for more equitable access to social opportunity, treatment and care for people living with a rare disease and their families.

 

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On 27 February 2022, the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support Malta is coming together for Rare Disease Day to spread hope and solidarity across the world with a global chain of lights.  

At the evening ceremony, the Alliance is sharing its colours at the historic British and Knights buildings now housing the American University of Malta.

Well done to all involved! 

#MaltaDaily