Latest news with #InnovationandTechnology
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Universities did not protect gender-critical academics from harassment
The report – on barriers to research on sex and gender identity – has called for staff and students who take part in freedom-restricting harassment to face 'consequences commensurate with the seriousness of the offence'. Universities should critically review their policies and practices to remove 'partisan policies and messaging on questions of sex and gender', it added. The report follows a review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, which was commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology under the former Conservative government in February 2024. It came after high-profile cases of academics who faced harassment relating to their gender-critical views garnered media attention in recent years. In March, the Office for Students (OfS) issued a fine of £585,000 to the University of Sussex for failing to uphold freedom of speech. The watchdog's investigation into the university was launched after protests called for the dismissal of academic Professor Kathleen Stock in 2021 over her views on gender identity. The OfS concluded the university's trans and non-binary equality policy statement had 'a chilling effect' of possible self-censorship of students and staff on campus. In January last year, an academic won an unfair dismissal claim against the Open University (OU) after she was discriminated against and harassed because of her gender-critical beliefs. An employment tribunal found Professor Jo Phoenix – who was compared with 'a racist uncle at the Christmas table' – was forced to quit her job because of a 'hostile environment' created by colleagues and 'insufficient protection' from the university. Prof Sullivan's latest report cites evidence from a number of academics – including Prof Stock and Prof Phoenix – who have challenged the theory that sex is always less important than gender identity. Protests called for the dismissal of Professor Kathleen Stock in 2021 over her views on gender identity (Oxford Union Society/PA) It said: 'Several respondents to this review have suffered extreme personal consequences, both to their careers and to their physical and mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and extensive sick leave as a result of bullying, harassment and discrimination. 'The failure to adequately support and defend these individuals is a stain on the higher education sector.' The review concluded: 'Campaigns of harassment have had devastating consequences for individuals and created a wider chilling effect for academia and the research community. 'University policies have often adhered to the tenets of gender-identity theory, thus embedding discriminatory practices. 'In cases where individual academics or students have tried to resolve issues using internal mechanisms, these processes have often proven inadequate. 'Going to an employment tribunal is an exceptionally onerous and potentially career-ending step. 'Statements from higher education management representatives and bodies have typically downplayed and denied problems with academic freedom, dismissing or minimising concerns as 'media noise' or 'culture wars'.' Report author Prof Sullivan, from the UCL Social Research Institute, said: 'The evidence I have collected raises stark concerns about barriers to academic freedom in UK universities. 'Researchers investigating vital issues have been subjected to sustained campaigns of intimidation simply for acknowledging the biological and social importance of sex. 'Excessive and cumbersome bureaucratic processes have exacerbated the problem by providing levers for activists to exert influence. 'Academic institutions need to examine their policies and processes carefully to avoid these unintended outcomes.' Among a series of recommendations, the report said senior leaders in higher education should acknowledge the reality of bullying and harassment by internal activists and 'take on board the lessons of the Phoenix judgment'. Prof Phoenix, who resigned from the OU in December 2021 after she was harassed for her gender-critical views, said: 'I just suggested that there was a different evidence base from which we could make assessments about the potential harms of placing males who identify as trans in female prisons and I set up a research network. That was all I ever did. 'But it was enough for the activist academics to stop my criminological research career in its track and to do so permanently.' A Government spokeswoman said: 'We are taking strong action to protect academic freedom and free speech, which are fundamental to our world-leading universities. 'This includes introducing new duties on universities to ensure they are robust in promoting and protecting free speech on campus. 'It also comes alongside the firm steps the Office for Students is already taking, through fines and new guidance, to ensure universities remain beacons of academic freedom.' A Universities UK (UUK) spokeswoman said: 'We agree that universities must protect and defend academic freedom and freedom of speech. 'They are bound to do so by law and, in England, there is a new regulatory approach under the Freedom of Speech Act which is about to come into force. 'These are complex issues. In practice universities are bound by law to protect the free speech of individuals who have very different views on contentious topics. 'They are required both to allow and facilitate protest, and to prevent that protest creating an intimidatory or chilling environment on campus or from preventing staff and students from pursuing their work and studies. 'We will carefully consider this report as part of our work in supporting universities as they navigate these difficult issues.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Livingston MP raises concerns in the Commons about threat of AI-generated child sexual abuse material
Gregor Poynton described it as 'one of the biggest threats to our public safety.' Livingston's MP has raised concerns about the 'growing prevalence' of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Gregor Poynton was speaking in the House of Commons during questions to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, when he described it as 'one of the biggest threats to our public safety.' The West Lothian MP cited warnings from law enforcement bodies, stressing the need for urgent and coordinated action, and criticised recent opposition from the Tories and Reform to new legislation designed to tackle the issue. 'The National Crime Agency and other law enforcement agencies have highlighted the growing prevalence of AI-generated child sexual abuse material as one of the biggest threats to our public safety,' he said. 'And it's a growing threat to all of us online. 'That's why I was astonished to see the Conservatives and Reform Party vote against the Policing and Crime Bill last week, which contains world-leading measures to criminalise the creation and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. We simply cannot allow child safety to become a political football.' Responding on behalf of the UK Government, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, Feryal Clark MP, confirmed that the Bill introduces a new criminal offence targeting AI models optimised to produce child abuse imagery. She reiterated the government's commitment to adapting the law to keep pace with emerging digital harms. 'Child sexual exploitation and abuse is one of the most horrendous harms,' the Minister said. 'This new offence builds on protections in the Online Safety Act and I'm very clear that nothing is off the table when it comes to keeping our children safe.' Gregor Poynton, chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Children's Online Safety, and has consistently advocated for tougher regulation of harmful online content and greater transparency from tech companies. He welcomed the new offence as 'a necessary step', but expressed concern about the political divisions that have emerged around the issue. He added: 'Last week, Parliament had the opportunity to come together behind one of the toughest crackdowns yet on AI-generated child abuse material. It's disappointing that the Conservatives and Reform chose to oppose it. On an issue as serious as child safety, families across the UK expect politicians to do the right thing — to keep our children and young people safe online, not to turn this into a political football.'
Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
FM Sitharaman meets key leaders in Spain to boost bilateral relations
Seville (Spain): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the International Business Forum Leadership Summit here, where she discussed cooperation in mutual areas of interest in defence, education, technology and agriculture, among other sectors. She met Dr Shane Reti, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Universities, Statistics and Pacific Peoples, New Zealand. Both ministers discussed cooperation in mutual areas of interest in defence, education, technology and agriculture, and shared values rooted in democracy, rule of law, and robust people-to-people ties. The Finance Minister discussed the world-class opportunities available at GIFT-IFSC in terms of banking, bullion exchange, capital markets, funds ecosystem, FinTech, insurers and reinsurers. 'She noted educational exchange as a cornerstone of India-New Zealand relationship with many Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand,' according to a post on X by Finance Ministry. Dr Reti agreed to the need for enhancing education sector ties bilaterally, and also shared New Zealand's experience in engaging with the Pacific. The Finance Minister highlighted India's strong partnership with Pacific Island Countries, and looked forward to enhancing engagement along with New Zealand through the Pacific Islands Forum. She also met Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Foreign Minister of Peru, on the sidelines of the 'FFD4' meeting. The two leaders discussed deepening strategic partnerships across FinTech, trade, investment, mining and defence, as well as the potential for collaboration in infrastructure projects, particularly the railways, according to an official statement. FM Sitharaman highlighted India's expertise in building rail links and manufacturing of rolling stock. Salcedo said that he looked forward to India's participation in international bids for three rail links being developed in Peru. The Finance Minister shared India's interest in diversifying exports to Peru, especially in automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, and IT services; and valued imports of critical minerals such as copper and lithium from Peru - a potential key for India's energy transition and industrial growth. She met Germany's Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan and congratulated her on her recent appointment as Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. They discussed various mutual areas of collaboration under India-Germany Green and Sustainable Development Partnership including green and renewable energy, urban mobility and sustainable urban development; and sustainable livelihoods through ecology. Alabali-Radovan looked forward to strengthening bilateral relations with India and stated that Germany would like to have greater cooperation with India, said the Ministry.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
FM Sitharaman highlights India's reforms, investment opportunities in FFD4 Summit in Spain
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman , currently on an official visit to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil, delivered a strong pitch for mobilising private capital for sustainable development at the International Business Forum Leadership Summit titled "From FFD4 Outcome to Implementation: Unlocking the Potential of Private Capital for Sustainable Development" in Seville, Spain. Addressing global leaders and investors, Sitharaman highlighted that while private investment has shown encouraging growth in recent years, thanks to a rise in innovative financial instruments and traditional sources, much more needs to be done. In a social media post, the minister said, "Private capital mobilisation remains significantly below what is required, with low and middle-income countries receiving a disproportionately small share. This underscores the urgent need for targeted efforts to overcome investment barriers and better align financial flows with development priorities." Highlighting India's own journey, Sitharaman stressed the importance of addressing perceived investment risks in emerging markets . India, she noted, has taken significant steps to overcome these challenges. Sitharaman stated, "India has addressed this challenge by establishing independent regulators, implementing transparent bidding processes, standardising contracts, and improving the ease of doing business . These reforms have significantly enhanced investor confidence and reduced transaction costs." Live Events The Finance Minister also highlighted the role of strong domestic financial systems. India has focused on strengthening its banking sector and deepening capital markets to support large-scale financing in infrastructure and industry. She said India's regulatory frameworks now better balance investor protection with innovation and flexibility, creating an enabling environment for long-term investment. FM added, "Our regulatory frameworks have evolved with market needs - balancing investor protection with innovation and flexibility - creating a more conducive environment for long-term investment." One of the standout examples presented by Sitharaman was India's transformation in the renewable energy sector. From just 2.8 GW of solar energy installed in 2014, India has expanded its capacity to over 110 GW. This success, she said, "was enabled by clear national targets, streamlined procurement, and government-backed risk mitigation. This model attracted institutional investors, including pension and sovereign wealth funds." On the sidelines of the FFD4 Summit, Sitharaman also held bilateral meetings with various global leaders. She met Shane Reti, New Zealand's Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Universities, Statistics, and Pacific Peoples. Both ministers discussed cooperation in defence, education, technology, and agriculture. The two leaders reaffirmed the shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand. Sitharaman also spoke about India's growing International Financial Services Centre at GIFT City and highlighted investment opportunities in banking, bullion exchange, capital markets, the FinTech ecosystem, insurance, and reinsurance. She also noted the importance of educational ties, with many Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand. The Finance Minister also held talks with Reem Alabali-Radovan, Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. Sitharaman congratulated her on her new role and discussed cooperation under the India-Germany Green and Sustainable Development Partnership. The discussions included collaboration in areas such as green energy, urban mobility, sustainable urban development, and ecological livelihoods. Minister Alabali-Radovan expressed interest in deepening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation with India. Sitharaman is leading an Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs during this official trip from June 30 to July 5. Her itinerary includes a visit to Lisbon, Portugal, where she will hold a bilateral meeting with the Portuguese Finance Minister and interact with the Indian diaspora and investors. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she will address the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB) as India's Governor and also participate in the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. She is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with her counterparts from Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Russia. (ANI)
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Government chatbot set to help public deal with bureaucracy
The chatbot is expected to become part of the new app, which launches on Tuesday. The initial 'public beta' version, which is still being worked on, is intended to allow users to access information and support without having to search the internet each time. But ministers expect to add new features, including a chatbot due later this year that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said would 'help people get answers to niche questions more quickly'. Other functions, including applying for benefits, will be added later. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the new app 'shows for the first time how this Government is overhauling taxpayer-funded services'. He said: 'By putting public services in your pocket, we will do away with clunky paper forms and hours spent on hold, so you can immediately get the information you need and continue on with the rest of your day.' Since coming to power, ministers have pushed for government departments to make greater use of technology, with Sir Keir Starmer calling on his Cabinet to incorporate AI into their departments in a major speech at the start of the year. Describing Tuesday's launch as 'just the start', Mr Kyle added that the future AI chatbot would provide 'a reliable answer immediately' to questions about government services. He said the app would also provide 'personal notifications' to remind people when their MOT was due or when to register to vote. The Government is also expected to introduce a new online 'wallet' later in the year that will include digital versions of official documents, starting with the veterans' card and including a pilot for a digital drivers licence.
