Latest news with #ethics
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
How did exposing strangers on the internet become normal?
Kate Wagner is the architecture critic at the Nation. Far be it from me to defend a powerful man who is locking lips with his employee on camera — almost certainly a violation of company policy, if not labor laws. But when I heard about the viral exposure of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his head of human resources, Kristin Cabot, at a Coldplay concert, my instant reaction wasn't 'These people deserved their comeuppance.' It was: 'Why is the ruining of two strangers' lives so normalized?' To me, Byron and Cabot's moment of shame is more than just a scandal (and subsequent meme) — it's an edge case in what should become a broader debate about the harmful yet shockingly commonplace practices that are a scourge upon the way we as a society behave online.
Fox News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
AOC broke House rules at Met Gala while wearing ‘Tax the Rich' dress
The 'Fox & Friends' hosts discuss Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez being ordered to repay thousands after an ethics investigation found House rule violations tied to her Met Gala appearance, including delayed payments and underbilling.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Politics
- Forbes
The Gaza Paradox: How Can We Activate The Global Compassion Algorithm?
Gaza Strip map .Source: "World reference atlas" ... More [url=/search/lightbox/5890567][IMG] The stark reality of Gaza on July 26th, 2025, presents a chilling paradox. While humanity celebrates advancements in Artificial Intelligence, capable of solving complex problems and optimizing vast systems, millions of children, women, and men endure unimaginable suffering. They face starvation, displacement, and death from man-made violence, even as the global capacity for food production and the pathways to peace exist. This disconnect — suffering on a mass scale amidst technological excitement — forces us to confront an uncomfortable question: Are we losing sight of our essential humanity? It is a troubling imbalance. Our collective gaze is often captivated by the promise of ever more sophisticated technology, computing power, political absurdity and financial might. Yet, this fascination has begun to obscure the fundamental truth that suffering will not cease simply because our algorithms become more elegant or our wealth accumulates. Unless human minds return to the timeless wisdom of the Golden Rule — treating others as we wish to be treated, and refraining from actions we would not endure ourselves — we risk losing our way. This universal principle, woven into the fabric of every major religion and ethical tradition, suggests that perhaps, instead of more compute, we need more compassion. Otherwise – would we not be better off if AI-powered agents, unburdened by human frailties, acted on our behalf? Gaza: A Mirror Reflecting Our Paradox Today, in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis is at a peak. Reports from aid agencies and the media detail a catastrophic situation: widespread food insecurity, a decimated healthcare system and a population grappling with the psychological scars of prolonged conflict and displacement. Despite global efforts, the scale of need far outstrips the aid reaching those in despair. This is not a natural disaster; it is a man-made catastrophe, a stark reminder that human decisions, or the lack thereof, perpetuate immense suffering. The images emerging from Gaza — of families scavenging for food, of children succumbing to preventable diseases, of lives shattered by conflict — stand in stark contrast to the narratives of progress dominating our technological discourse. We marvel at AI generating art, composing music, and driving autonomous vehicles, while basic human dignity is denied to millions. This dissonance highlights a systemic blind spot: our collective ability to innovate technologically often outpaces our capacity for collective empathy and ethical governance. The Allure Of Progress Vs. The Ache Of Reality The psychological allure of technological progress is undeniable. AI promises efficiency, predictive power, and solutions to complex challenges. It offers a sense of control, a belief that with enough data and processing power, any problem can be solved. This narrative is powerful, driving investment, research, and public imagination. However, it can also create a dangerous diversion, drawing our attention away from the messy, deeply human problems that resist purely technical fixes. From a psychological perspective, our brains are wired to seek solutions and avoid discomfort. AI offers seemingly clean, scalable solutions, allowing us to intellectualize problems rather than confronting their raw, emotional weight. This cognitive offloading, while efficient for certain tasks, can inadvertently diminish our direct engagement with human suffering. We become excited about AI's potential to map refugee movements or optimize aid logistics, yet the fundamental blockades to aid delivery or the root causes of conflict remain unaddressed by human will. Systemic Blind Spots: The Overlooked Human Element Our focus on quantifiable outputs and technological solutions often leads us to overlook the essential humanistic component — the very fabric of a thriving society. In a world obsessed with metrics, how do we measure the value of a child's laughter, the dignity of a family unit, or the profound peace of a community free from fear? These are the immeasurable currencies of human flourishing, often relegated to the sidelines in strategic planning. Micro, meso, macro and meta - everything is connected. The Gaza crisis is not an isolated incident but an outcome of interconnected political, economic, and psychological systems. When these systems prioritize power, resource control, or ideological purity over human well-being, suffering becomes an inevitable byproduct. The paradox is that we possess the collective intelligence and resources to alleviate much of this suffering, yet our current systemic configurations, driven by fragmented human intentions, prevent it. This calls for a re-evaluation of our priorities and the ethical frameworks guiding our actions. The Golden Rule: Ancient Compass For A Modern World Perhaps the most potent instrument at our disposal is not a new algorithm or a larger budget, but a return to an ancient, universal principle: the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This simple ethical compass is found in virtually every major spiritual and philosophical tradition, from Confucianism to Christianity, Islam to Hinduism. It is a testament to a universal human understanding of reciprocity and empathy. In the context of Gaza, applying the Golden Rule means asking: Would I want my family to starve? Would I want my home destroyed? Would I want to live in constant fear? The answer is unequivocally no. This principle bypasses complex geopolitical narratives and cuts straight to the heart of shared humanity. It suggests that compassion, a deeply human trait, must precede and guide any technological or financial intervention. Without this ethical grounding, even the most advanced AI could be weaponized or simply fail to address the core human needs it purports to serve. It's a call for "more compassion, less compute" in our fundamental approach to global challenges. ProSocial AI – AI-systems that are tailored, trained, tested and targeted to bring out the best in and for people and planet, is possible – but it starts with natural intelligence, human minds and hearts. Harnessing Our Treasures For Humanity: AI Guided By NI This is not to say that technology has no role. Far from it. Our unique range of technological assets, including AI, can be powerful instruments for good, if guided by a truly human and humane mindset. If our natural intelligence remains shackled by self-interest and division, then the logical, compassionate actions of AI, unburdened by human interests, political agendas and personal flaws, might be preferable. This is a desperate thought, a challenge to humanity to rise to its ethical potential before ceding moral agency to machines. Healing Humanity: A Holistic Imperative To truly help humans, hinder future harm and heal humanity, we need a holistic understanding of ourselves, the societies we inhabit and the planet we are part of. This means recognizing the interconnectedness of conflict, poverty, environmental degradation and psychological well-being. It requires moving beyond siloed solutions to embrace a systemic approach where technological innovation is always subservient to human values. Healing humanity demands more than just patching wounds; it requires addressing the root causes of suffering. This involves fostering empathy, promoting dialogue, challenging dehumanizing narratives, and building resilient communities. It necessitates a mindset that is both human (acknowledging our complexities and vulnerabilities) and humane (driven by compassion and a commitment to dignity for all). Our technological treasures, particularly AI, must be harnessed as extensions of this humane intent, amplifying our capacity for good, rather than becoming instruments of further division or indifference. Practical Takeaway: Cultivating Compassionate Algorithms The practical takeaway is not to reject technology, but to infuse it with conscious ethical intent. We must cultivate "compassionate algorithms" within ourselves and our organizations: Awareness: Regularly engage in self-reflection. How do your actions, even small ones, align with the Golden Rule? How can you consciously cultivate empathy for those suffering, even if geographically distant? Appreciation: Demand and support the ethical development and deployment of AI. Question the algorithms: Are they designed to promote well-being, reduce bias, and foster equitable access? Advocate for transparency and accountability in AI systems, especially those impacting vulnerable populations. Acceptance: Actively seek out diverse perspectives and challenge your own echo chambers. Use technology to connect with, rather than isolate from, those with different experiences. Support initiatives that use AI for peacebuilding, intergroup dialogue, and humanitarian aid. Accountability: When faced with complex problems, prioritize solutions that place human dignity, well-being, and agency at their core. Technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. The situation in Gaza today, July 26th, 2025, is a painful reminder of our collective responsibility. We possess the intelligence, the tools and the ancient wisdom to create a world where peace and food are possible for all. The ultimate test of our technological prowess will be whether it helps us reclaim our deepest human values, or merely accelerates our detachment from them.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
AOC hit with $3K bill for splashy 'Tax the Rich' dress at 2021 Met Gala appearance
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been asked by a congressional ethics panel to repay costs associated with her Met Gala appearance where she wore a white and red 'Tax the Rich' dress. The House Ethics Committee released a sprawling 26-page report into AOC's lavish trip and recommended she pay $3,000. Once she does the probe will be considered finished. The congresswoman's office did not respond to a request for comment. Longtime Vogue boss Anna Wintour invited the young Democrat and her then-fiancé as a guests to the Met Gala in 2021 and ordered a designer to 'dress AOC for the Met.' White with bright red lettering, AOC's 'Tax the Rich' dress certainly stirred reports at the time. That same dress, along with some some accessories from designer Brother Vellies, should've cost the progressive over $3,700 in rental fees, the report found. Her team only paid $990 for the dress, shoes, jewelry, handbag, floral headpiece, according to the committee. It claimed that the fair market rental price of the dress was just under $3,000, but AOC's team only paid $300. The tickets to attend the event that year costed $35,000 each. 'While the Committee did not find that Representative Ocasio-Cortez's violations were knowing and willful, she nonetheless received impermissible gifts and must bear responsibility for the other conduct that occurred with respect to the delays in payment,' the report states. If Ocasio-Cortez declines to pay the bill requested, the committee could recommend a range of disciplinary actions from additional fines to a formal reprimand or censure. The 10-member ethics panel also concluded that AOC's 'conduct was inconsistent with House Rules, laws, and other standards of conduct.' Another point of tension over the visit was Ocasio-Cortez filing her then-fiancé as a spouse on House disclosures. The ethics panel won't seek any further action against AOC if she pays $2,733 for the fair market price of her rentals and dishes out $250 for her former partner's ticket. The progressive 'Squad' leader was previously ordered to pay back costs for her dress rental and other accessories in 2022. Staffing issues were called out by the committee investigators. They found that Ocasio-Cortez's staff was 'overly reliant on the vendors themselves to ensure the congresswoman's compliance with the Gift Rule.' At least one of the staffers that were involved with the misfilings have left the Democrat's office. The lawmakers reported that AOC's staff and counsel did attempt to 'keep costs down' and that the designers agreed. 'Committee did find evidence suggesting that the designer may have lowered costs in response to statements from Representative Ocasio-Cortez's staff, and that payments to vendors were significantly delayed and, in several cases, did not occur until after OCC (Ethics) initiated its investigation.'
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
House ethics panel tells AOC to make more payments over her Met Gala ‘Tax the Rich' outfit
The House Ethics Committee has told Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, to make more payments over her Met Gala 'Tax the Rich' outfit. While the Met Gala is always an eye-catching affair, in September 2021, Ocasio-Cortez stunned onlookers with a Brother Vellies custom white mermaid gown that had the words 'Tax the Rich' written in red on the back. At the time, the congresswoman explained on Instagram she wanted to bring attention to the idea of raising taxes for the wealthiest Americans by doing so 'in front of the very people who lobby against it,' per the Daily News. The event cost $35,000 per person at that time, The New York Times reported. For years, the ethics panel has been investigating Ocasio-Cortez's attendance at the 2021 Met Gala, and now it says she must make additional payments worth nearly $3,000 in relation to the event. The panel released a report Friday stating the estimated rental cost the congresswoman had paid for the dress and some of her accessories in 2022 was below fair market value. 'The Committee found that she failed to fully comply with the Gift Rule by impermissibly accepting a gift of free admission to the 2021 Met Gala for her partner [Riley Roberts] and by failing to pay full fair market value for some of the items worn to the event,' the report read. But the panel did not find evidence Ocasio-Cortez 'intentionally underpaid for any goods or services' related to the gala. 'In many instances, the congresswoman relied on the advice of counsel in determining appropriate payment amounts, and most discussions about payment were handled through a campaign staffer,' the report read. Ocasio-Cortez previously paid just shy of $1,000 for her Met Gala outfit, but the panel found its fair market value to be worth more than $3,700. The panel said the congresswoman did make 'significant steps' to comply with House gift rules and advised her to pay an additional $2,733.28 to settle the matter. The congresswoman was also advised to donate $250 to the Met's Costume Institute for the cost of Roberts' meal at the 2021 gala. Mike Casca, Ocasio-Cortez's chief of staff, said in a statement obtained by The Hill, 'The Congresswoman appreciates the Committee finding that she made efforts to ensure her compliance with House Rules and sought to act consistently with her ethical requirements as a Member of the House.' 'She accepts the ruling and will remedy the remaining amounts, as she's done at each step in this process,' Casca added.
