Latest news with #AMAS


Forbes
19-07-2025
- Forbes
New Coalition Seeks To Make AI Trustworthy, One Standard At A Time
Seeking a better AI. Artificial intelligence, now ubiquitous and cheap, is spinning out of control. It's growing increasingly difficult to identify fake images and content. It has become a breeding ground for deepfakes, erroneous manufactured content, and issues around bias, intellectual property theft, and hallucinations. This may destroy trust in all images and content produced by even the most legitimate sources. Standards may offer a way through this – with watermarking, digital verification, and traceability that can help sort what is real from the fakery. At the same time, attempting to assign standards to today's emerging AI systems and their many vendors may be akin to herding cats – the market is extremely diverse, still relatively immature, and evolving in new directions every few months. At the recent UN 'AI for Good" Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, I had the opportunity to discuss the latest initiatives to rein in AI's chaos with Philippe Metzger, secretary-general and CEO of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). His organization, historically known for creating standards around electricity usage and a host of other day-to-day modern services, is teaming up with other international standards bodies to form the AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standards Collaboration (AMAS). Other participants include the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Categories of standards under development within AMAS include content provenance, trust and authenticity, asset identifiers, and human rights declarations. The first foundational standard, covering AI trustworthiness, was published in 2020, providing guidelines for assessing the reliability and integrity of AI systems. Earlier this year, IEC and ISO published the first part of a new JPEG Trust series of international standards for media, including video and audio -- a key weapon against the rise of deepfakes and images. Recently enacted additional standards seek to help build trust in digital media and AI, include JPEG Trust Part 1, which focuses on trust and authenticity in JPEG images through provenance, detection and fact-checking, and content credentials. Standards now being developed in the pipeline include digital watermarking, trust guidelines, and a framework for authentication of multimedia content. While all the standards proposed or created are voluntary, Metzger says market pressures may help ensure conformity. 'None of these standards are mandatory, and that's not going to change. That's core DNA of what we do and stand for.' Conforming to emerging AI standards comes in at least three forms: adapting to market forces, formal assessments conducted by IEC, and government mandates. 'It's fine to have a standard, but if nobody tells you that you're living up to that standard, well probably the effect is going to be very, very limited," he said. Ability to show adoption of standards may help companies integrate with broader ecosystems, as well as show consumers they are keeping up. 'To have fair dealings, fair trade, and fair exchanges, you need a reference point,' said Metzger. Formal assessments can come in the form of ad-hoc audits, he explained. For example, IEC launched a new service that offers conformity assessments on quality and carbon footprints. 'All these companies make big claims: 'our product is super green, with minimal CO2, etc.'' Those companies that have their adherence to standards assessed can show third-party verification, he said. Expect this to be applied to AI quality standards as well. A big question is whether standards bodies – which deliberately move slowly as they are consensus based, can keep up with the fast-moving world of AI. For example, agentic AI only first started percolating less than a year ago, yet now consumes development activity. By next year at this time, some other new variation of AI may be roiling the landscape. 'The speed is really a challenge,' said Metzger. 'How quickly can we address these dimensions, and how many dimensions are there if they're growing so quickly.' While IEC committees are already working on standards for agentic AI, such development goes through processes. 'There are some arrangements where you can get to not fully baked standards," he pointed out. 'Of course, there are forces, science and market drivers which run very fast," Metzger pointed out. "But I tend to be more optimistic than pessimistic. There is new technology which will change quickly. But fundamentally, there is also some auto-corrective mechanisms built into society, including governance systems, where developments will meet resistance at different levels, through different channels, by different stakeholders.'


GMA Network
31-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DA: Most of minimum wage earners in P20/kg rice program from Bicol
Bulk of the 120,000 minimum wage earners who will benefit from the government's P20 per kilogram rice program come from the Bicol Region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Saturday. In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, DA spokesman Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the identified program beneficiaries are based on a list provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). "Nakipag ugnayan kami sa aming AMAS (Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division) at sabi nila mayroon nang listahang naibigay. 'Yun nga, 120,000, at ang karamihan nasa list na maraming minimum wage earners ay sa Bicol area," De Mesa said. (We have already coordinated with our AMAS (Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division) and they said a list has already been provided. There were 120,000 in the list, most of whom are minimum wage earners in the Bicol area.) The DA and DOLE on Tuesday "agreed in principle" to include minimum wage earners in the ongoing pilot run of the subsidized rice program. As an initiative under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, the P20 per kilogram rice campaign allows members of vulnerable sectors to purchase rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) at the subsidized price. Indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents are among the program beneficiaries. The Food Terminal Inc. and DA regional field offices, De Mesa said, are in charge of distribution. De Mesa said the DA depends on the list provided by DOLE, being the authority with regard to the labor sector. However, De Mesa said the Agriculture Department was open to including workers in the informal sector—such as those who have seasonal jobs—in the micro, small, and medium (MSME) sector. "Puwede po natin isunod 'yung mga ganyan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga local governments kung 'di sila organized under the system of Department of Labor," De Mesa said. (These workers can be also be among the next beneficiaries, in coordination with local governments if in case they are not organized under the system of the Department of Labor.) Priority areas The next phase for the P20 per kilogram rollout targets areas with high poverty incidence, such as key areas in Mindanao. "Sa susunod na phases natin sa Phase 2, priority talaga diyan 'yung mga lugar na mataas ang poverty incidence. Kagaya ng Zamboanga del Norte nga, almost 38%, ibig sabihin 4 sa 10 tao mahirap sa lugar na iyon. And then sa Basilan, actually sa may BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) area, masyadong marami mahirap doon. 'Yun 'yung mga susunod na priority," De Mesa said. (In our next phases under Phase 2, the government is prioritizing areas where poverty incidence is high. Like in Zamboanga del Norte, where the number is almost 38%—meaning 4 of 10 people in that area are poor. And then in Basilan, actually all of BARMM, there are really many poor there. That is the next priority.) The Agriculture Department is aiming to sustain the program until the end of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos' term in June 2028, potentially covering up to 15 million households—or approximately 60 million Filipinos. Marcos recently assured that his administration would be able to sustain the program, saying "we'll talk in May of 2028" if the intended results were indeed achieved. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

Elle
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Surprising Reason Taylor Swift Didn't Announce 'Reputation (Taylor's Version)' at the AMAs
Many Taylor Swift fans were convinced that last night's American Music Awards would end with a major announcement: the release date for Reputation (Taylor's Version). Their theory? A subtle Easter egg on Swift's website, where the shop categories—Apparel, Music, Accessories, Sale—appeared to spell out 'AMAS.' But the night came and went without a word from Swift—and there's a clear reason why. Swift didn't win any of the six awards she was nominated for, leaving her without a chance to make an acceptance speech—and with it, no moment to share an album announcement. In fact, she skipped the Las Vegas ceremony entirely and remained silent on social media throughout the event. Swift did drop a subtle Reputation tease in March at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, where she accepted the Tour of the Century award via a virtual speech. Eagle-eyed fans noticed she was wearing a snake necklace—a clear nod to the Reputation era's aesthetic. She wore an even more dramatic version of the same accessory in the 'Look What You Made Me Do' music video, the lead single from the original album. The singer has been enjoying a break from the spotlight following the end of her Eras Tour. This weekend, she was spotted far from Vegas in West Palm Beach, Florida, enjoying a dinner date with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Last week, Swift gave a big hint that Reputation (Taylor's Version) is coming when she allowed The Handmaid's Tale use a snippet of 'Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)' in one of its final episodes. The star hasn't revealed when exactly she'll begin promoting her music. WNBA player Caitlin Clark, who knows both Swift and Kelce, recently shared rare insight into their whereabouts, telling an interviewer that they're 'in vacation mode right now. So I hope they enjoy a nice little break out of the spotlight.'


Pink Villa
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Nora Fatehi is too hot to handle in Tom Ford Leopard print gown bedazzled with sequins
Nora Fatehi created a bold and bedazzling fashion moment at the 2025 American Music Awards, capturing hearts in an exclusive Tom Ford dress. The dance queen was styled by a well-renowned fashion stylist duo, Mathew and Reginald Reisman, who have styled international sensations such as Saweetie, Lizzo, and SZA. The diva's sequin plus leopard print dress is so fire, it needs to be studied. Let's dive in! Gracing the purple carpet of AMAS, Fatehi exuded IT-girl vibes, turning heads with her bewitching looks. The dancer wore a stunning designer piece by the brand Tom Ford and stunned with her killer sway. From the tailoring to the fabric, to the embellishments—each element of this dress was top-notch and, of course, Nora only elevated the charm of the fit with her sculpted silhouette. The Be Happy actress's high-octane dress was gorgeously busy, with each aspect of the dress creating a fabulous fashion statement. Starting with the tailoring, the dress featured a halter-neck bodice with a large central cut-out, sultrily revealing the actress's midriff. The sparkly bodice boasted a mosaic of silver and golden sequins, reminiscent of Barbie's partwear flair. The bottom of the dress was whimsical and enchanting, featuring a stunning blend of different adornments and textures. The bodycon skirt started higher up the waist, cinched at the thighs to exude glamorous vibes. The upper part of the skirt featured intricate golden sequin work till the slanted hemline. Then, the fabric mesmerizingly transformed into a sarong-like drape, wrapped around her thighs with a side knot. Further down the form, the skirt flared into a flowy silhouette with a floor-grazing train. The black and white leopard print highlighted silver sequins, twinkling with every moment. The bodycon tailoring of the dress did justice to Fatehi's sculpted, smoldering figure while she paid homage to the international brand. For the accessories— Jason Derulo's song—Snake's fame just adorned large, black earrings in a droplet shape, framed with a gilded accent. She also flaunted a coiled diamond ring for the shimmery look. Nora Fatehi's cat-eye makeup For the makeup, the fashionista exuded siren girl energy with sleek, winged eyeliner that complemented her wild cat-inspired outfit. She boasted a glowy base, topped with blushed-up cheeks and matte pink lips. The fashionista side-swept her hair, letting her wavy tresses rest playfully on her shoulders. Nora Fatehi's AMAS look was every inch ravishing in the exclusive Tom Ford dress, and we could only be proud as she draws global attention.


Elle
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Real Reason Taylor Swift Skipped The American Music Awards
Taylor Swift's absence from Monday evening's American Music Awards has suitably sent the Swifties into overdrive with hypotheses as to why the star might have chosen to skip the event. Fans were anticipating Swift's arrival on the red carpet at the event in Miami, Florida, but when she didn't show up, they flocked to social media to share their theories as to why. FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE One user quipped, 'TAYLOR SWIFT HAS ARRIVED AT THE 2025 AMAS RED CARPET #AMAS,' along with a photo of somebody in a snake costume, while another meme read, 'Me waiting for Taylor Swift to show up at the AMAs.' Swift, who holds the record for the most AMA wins with 40 under her belt, failed to secure any new gongs on Monday but was nominated in six categories for her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Favourite Touring Artist, Collaboration of the Year, Favourite Female Pop Artist and Favourite Pop Album. Fans have deduced that Swift, who was largely believed to be announcing Reputation (Taylor's Version) to the world at the award show, may have missed the ceremony because Swift and her partner, Travis Kelce, are allegedly engaged and are waiting to reveal the news to the world. A sighting of the couple on a dinner date in Florida at the weekend seemed to confirm that, despite a notable lack of public appearances of late, they are still very much together and thriving. Swift and Kelce are yet to make their first official red carpet debut together, with some fans thinking that it may come at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards on June 21 instead. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Naomi May is a freelance writer and editor with an emphasis on popular culture, lifestyle and politics. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard as its Fashion and Beauty Writer, working across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Acting News Editor at ELLE UK and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others.