UAB Partners with Facebook to Fight Online Drug Sales
Computer forensics researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham recently partnered with Facebook on an initiative that could ultimately curb drug sales and drug-seeking behavior on the platform. They’re developing computer algorithms that can recognize the newest slang for street drugs such as heroin and fentanyl.
Gary Warner, director of research at UAB’s Computer Forensics Research Lab, works along with his staff to monitor conversations on Facebook around the use and sale of illicit drugs.
Source: Michael Liptrott,WBHM
Gary Warner is the Director of Research at UAB’s Computer Forensics Research Lab. He and his staff monitor conversations on Facebook around the use and sale of illicit drugs.
Dealers on the site often disguise themselves as chemical supply companies. They and some drug seekers often use covert slang for drugs. Warner’s team uses machine learning to teach Facebook these new terms and flag the content.
On the seller’s side, the objective is to make it so that if someone tries to post content to Facebook that’s about selling drugs, they won’t be able to put that post up. Then on the buyer’s side, it’s about referring them to help.
Help comes in the form of a Facebook redirect to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration homepage. From there, people can find the nearest treatment options.
Russia sends 3 Iranian satellites into orbit, report says
The report said that a Russian rocket sent the satellites on Sunday from a launchpad in eastern Russia.
Viral global TikToks: A twist on soccer, Tanzania’s Charlie Chaplin, hope in Gaza
TikToks are everywhere (well, except countries like Australia and India, where they've been banned.) We talk to the creators of some of the year's most popular reels from the Global South.
This painting is missing. Do you have it?
An important work from a rediscovered artist has been absent from public view since the 1970s. A New York curator is hunting for it.
Memory loss: As AI gobbles up chips, prices for devices may rise
Demand for memory chips currently exceeds supply and there's very little chance of that changing any time soon. More chips for AI means less available for other products such as computers and phones and that could drive up those prices too.
Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
For Ukrainians, a nuclear missile museum is a bitter reminder of what the country gave up
The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces tells the story of how Ukraine dismantled its nuclear weapons arsenal after independence in 1991. Today many Ukrainians believe that decision to give up nukes was a mistake.
