#FactCheck - AI Generated image of Virat Kohli falsely claims to be sand art of a child

The concept of web accessibility (i.e., access to the internet) stems from the recognition of internet access as an inalienable right. In 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) General Assembly referred to the access to Internet as an essential human right. The Supreme Court of India also declared such internet access as a fundamental right under the Constitution of India. Various international instruments of which India is a signatory, such as the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) mandate access to information. The heavy reliance on the internet and websites necessitates making the web space inclusive, navigational and accessible to all individuals, including persons with disabilities.

Various laws mandate web accessibility:

• Right of Persons with Disability Act, 2016: The Right of Persons with Disability Act 2016 Is the primary document for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities to ensure their full participation. The Act provides several direct and indirect provisions (such as Section 2(y) “Reasonable Accommodation”, Section 40 on “Accessibility”, and Section 42 on “Access to Information and Communication Technology”) to ensure that technology products and services are accessible to a person with disabilities. 
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules 2017: The 2017 rules under Rule 15 (2) task the respective Ministries and Departments to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
• Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW): The GIGW provide a framework for websites to be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 standards. The GIGW enables websites to obtain certification by the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification Directorate, after audit. 

Various other policies include;

• National Policy on Universal Electronic Accessibility, 2013: The National Policy ("Policy") on Electronic Accessibility recognizes the need to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disabilities and to facilitate equal access to Electronics & ICTs. The National Policy also recognizes the diversity of differently-abled persons and provides for their specific needs. The Policy covers accessibility requirements in the area of Electronics & ICT by different stakeholders. It recognizes the need to ensure that accessibility standards, guidelines and universal design concepts are adopted and adhered to.
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): The WCAG defines how to make web content more accessible to persons with disabilities. While adhering to these guidelines is optional, various versions of the WCAG have been issued. It operates on four principles; perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. It provides a path to ensuring compliance and demonstrating reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.

However, despite the laws, web accessibility remains a challenge. A vast majority of Indian websites, especially e-commerce entities and several government websites remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities and most often do not conform with international accessibility standards. A report by the Centre of Internet and Society states that out of the 7800 websites of the Government of India, 5815 had accessibility barriers and 1985 websites failed to open. The report also notes that more than half of the websites had no navigation markup and only 52 websites had the option to change colours. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITy), during the 258^th Session of the Rajya Sabha on 9 December 2022 noted that 95 websites of the Central Government have been made accessible to persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, only 45 websites of the Central Government have been certified as compliant under the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW). As of that date, certification of the remaining governmental websites remains incomplete due to the pandemic. Meity also stated that the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 2017 sanctioned a project to be implemented by ERNET India for making 917 websites of State and Union territories. Under the project, a total of 647 websites have been made accessible as of that date.

Conclusion 

While India has established a robust legal framework and policies emphasizing the importance of web accessibility as a fundamental right, the existing gap between legislation and effective implementation poses a significant challenge. The reported accessibility barriers on numerous government and e-commerce websites indicate a pressing need for heightened efforts in enforcing and enhancing accessibility standards. 

In addressing these challenges, continued collaboration between government agencies, private entities and advocacy groups can play a crucial role. Ongoing monitoring, regular audits and public awareness campaigns may contribute to improving accessibility for persons with disabilities to ensure an inclusive environment and compliance with fundamental laws.

References:

1. https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-2967-right-to-internet-and-fundamental-rights.html 
2. https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/15939/1/the_rights_of_persons_with_disabilities_act%2C_2016.pdf 
3. https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/National%20Policy%20on%20Universal%20Electronics%281%29_0.pdf 
4. https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/National%20Policy%20on%20Universal%20Electronics%281%29_0.pdf 
5. https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#:~:text=Web%20Content%20Accessibility%20Guidelines%20(WCAG)%202.1%20defines%20how%20to%20make,%2C%20learning%2C%20and%20neurological%20disabilities. 
6. https://www.boia.org/blog/india-digital-accessibility-laws-an-overview
7. https://cis-india.org/accessibility/accessibility-of-govt-websites.pdf/view 
8. https://sansad.in/rs/questions/questions-and-answers  

In an era defined by perpetual technological advancement, the hitherto uncharted territories of the human experience are progressively being illuminated by the luminous glow of innovation. The construct of privacy, once a straightforward concept involving personal secrets and solitude, has evolved into a complex web of data protection, consent, and digital rights. This notion of privacy, which often feels as though it elusively ebbs and flows like the ghost of a bygone epoch, is now confronted with a novel intruder – neurotechnology – which promises to redefine the very essence of individual sanctity.

Why Neuro Rights

At the forefront of this existential conversation lie ventures like Elon Musk's Neuralink. This company, which finds itself at the confluence of fantastical dreams and tangible reality, teases a future where the contents of our thoughts could be rendered as accessible as the words we speak. An existence where machines not only decipher our mental whispers but hold the potential to echo back, reshaping our cognitive landscapes. This startling innovation sets the stage for the emergence of 'neurorights' – a paradigm aimed at erecting a metaphorical firewall around the synapses and neurons that compose our innermost selves.

At institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, researchers, under the aegis of cognitive scientists like Jack Gallant, are already drawing the map of once-inaccessible territories within the mind. Gallant's landmark study, which involved decoding the brain activity of volunteers as they absorbed visual stimuli, opened Pandora's box regarding the implications of mind-reading. The paper published a decade ago, was an inchoate step toward understanding the narrative woven within the cerebral cortex. Although his work yielded only a rough sketch of the observed video content, it heralded an era where thought could be translated into observable media.

The Growth

This rapid acceleration of neuro-technological prowess has not gone unnoticed on the sociopolitical stage. In a pioneering spirit reminiscent of the robust legislative eagerness of early democracies, Chile boldly stepped into the global spotlight in 2021 by legislating neurorights. The Chilean senate's decision to constitutionalize these rights sent ripples the world over, signalling an acknowledgement that the evolution of brain-computer interfaces was advancing at a daunting pace. The initiative was spearheaded by visionaries like Guido Girardi, a former senator whose legislative foresight drew clear parallels between the disruptive advent of social media and the potential upheaval posed by emergent neurotechnology.

Pursuit of Regulation

Yet the pursuit of regulation in such an embryonic field is riddled with intellectual quandaries and ethical mazes. Advocates like Allan McCay articulate the delicate tightrope that policy-makers must traverse. The perils of premature regulation are as formidable as the risks of a delayed response – the former potentially stifling innovation, the latter risking a landscape where technological advances could outpace societal control, engendering a future fraught with unforeseen backlashes. 

Such is the dichotomy embodied in the story of Ian Burkhart, whose life was irrevocably altered by the intervention of neurotechnology. Burkhart's experience, transitioning from quadriplegia to digital dexterity through sheer force of thought, epitomizes the utopic potential of neuronal interfaces. Yet, McCay issues a solemn reminder that with great power comes great potential for misuse, highlighting contentious ethical issues such as the potential for the criminal justice system to over extend its reach into the neural recesses of the human psyche.

Firmly ensconced within this brave new world, the quest for prudence is of paramount importance. McCay advocates for a dyadic approach, where privacy is vehemently protected and the workings of technology proffered with crystal-clear transparency. The clandestine machinations of AI and the danger of algorithmic bias necessitate a vigorous, ethical architecture to govern this new frontier. 

As legal frameworks around the globe wrestle with the implications of neurotechnology, countries like India, with their burgeoning jurisprudence regarding privacy, offer a vantage point into the potential shape of forthcoming legislation. Jurists and technology lawyers, including Jaideep Reddy, acknowledge ongoing protections yet underscore the imperativeness of continued discourse to gauge the adequacy of current laws in this nascent arena.

Conclusion 

The dialogue surrounding neurorights emerges, not merely as another thread in our social fabric, but as a tapestry unto itself – intricately woven with the threads of autonomy, liberty, and privacy. As we hover at the edge of tomorrow, these conversations crystallize into an imperative collective undertaking, promising to define the sanctity of cognitive liberty. The issue at hand is nothing less than a societal reckoning with the final frontier – the safeguarding of the privacy of our thoughts.

References:

https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/neurorights-neurotechnology-brain-implant-9030260/

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Introduction

The two-day Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2023, which was held on the 6th & 7th of June, has become an essential and highly anticipated part of our calendar as frequently as the trend. This year’s keynote announcements will include all of the usual enhancements for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, and more. However, this year is also unique due to the unveiling of the Vision Pro headset, a brand-new Apple product.

In this blog, we will examine the exciting announcements made at Apple WWDC 2023, which was a ground-breaking event.

macOS Sonoma

macOS Sonoma, the new presentation of macOS disclosed at the WWDC full of exciting features. It comes with stunning video screensavers that show stunning scenes from all over the world. Gadgets can now be added genuinely to the work area and adjusted totally based on the client’s action. Also, it changes variety and blurring out of the spotlight while utilising applications. In addition, Death Stranding: Directors Cut for Mac announced that the Game Mode is added to make Macs more suitable for gaming. A presenter overlay enhances video presentations, and viewers can respond to them with interactive responses. Updated Safari is also included in the WebApp feature that turns frequently used websites into dedicated windows, a new Profile system for separating browsing history, and secure password sharing.  Currently, the developer beta is available and the public beta will be available in July, and the final release is anticipated for the fall.

ios 16

Apple WWDC 2023 shows the following iOS, and iOS 16 replication, offering plenty of energising highlights for iPhone and iPad clients. Apple maintains its commitment to privacy with iOS 16, which introduces enhanced privacy settings that give users even more control over their data and online privacy. Users can also personalise their devices according to their preferences thanks to the new operating system’s refinement and customisable user interface.Improved multitasking capabilities like redesigned Files app and advanced note-taking features are just a few of the productivity enhancements included in the iOS 16. With iOS 16, Apple also improves its AR capabilities, allowing developers to develop even more immersive and interactive AR experiences.

WatchOS 9

Apple WWDC 2023 carried energising updates to the Apple Watch with the presentation of watchOS 9. The Apple Watch is an essential companion for sustaining a healthy lifestyle because the most recent version of the operating system includes cutting-edge health and fitness features. WatchOS 9 gives users unprecedented control over their health, offering personalised fitness recommendations and advanced sleep tracking.

Additionally, new watch faces were added, enhancing communication capabilities and improving app performance in watchOS 9, making the Apple Watch even easier to use daily.

ios 17

Rather than focusing on major features, Apple focused on quality-of-life enhancements when it announced iOS 17 at WWDC 2023. Live Voicemail with real-time transcripts of voicemails, personalised personal contact “posters,” and video voicemails for FaceTime are all part of the update. Search filters, a catch-up arrow, live location sharing, and a safety feature called Check-In are all available in Messages. AirDrop now supports NameDrop for transferring contact information; stickers have been expanded. The autocorrect and recording features on the keyboard have been improved for accuracy. Standby in the lock screen is an intelligent home display that shows the weather, upcoming appointments, and notifications. Siri works on Standby and adjusts itself for the night. The developer beta is currently available now, and a public beta will take place next month before the full release is in the fall.

Vision Pro VR Headset

Apple unveiled the Vision Pro AR headset, their first foray into virtual reality (VR), during the WWDC keynote. The Vision Pro is a virtual reality headset that competes with PlayStation VR2 and Meta Quest 3. This is in contrast to the long-awaited Apple smart glasses. Apple put a lot of effort into making a thin and light headset by using premium materials when needed. Voice, hand, and eye commands are all used to operate the Digital Crown-equipped device. The showcases offer extraordinary clarity, which is fueled by Apple’s M2 processor with a committed R1 chip. The Vision Pro combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), enabling users to interact with Apple apps and gain access to the company’s existing ecosystem. The expanded reality space created by the headset’s sensors and cameras allows users to place apps in real-world environments and adjust their level of concentration. Optic ID is a security and unlocking eye-tracking technology that is incorporated into the Vision Pro. It allows for a more immersive screen experience because it is compatible with Apple accessories like Magic Keyboard and Mac. At launch, the Vision Pro supports over a hundred Apple game galleries. Disney gave a hint that Apple and Disney might work together in the future by announcing support for the Vision Pro and making the Disney Plus app available immediately. The show highlighted the headset’s lightweight plan and recommended Apple clients wear it for extended periods. However, widespread adoption may be difficult due to the high price of $3,499 (₹289,093.01 approx). Apple is expected to release the Vision Pro for public use in 2024.

15-inch MacBook Air

At the WWDC event, Apple revealed a new MacBook Air with a larger 15-inch model instead of the standard 13-inch model. The 15-inch MacBook Air features a powerful Apple M2 processor, a thin, light, and long-lasting design, and a stunning 15.3-inch Retina display. It comes in four colours and has a headphone jack, two USB-C ports, and MagSafe charging. The display has six spatial speakers, a 1080p webcam, and 500 nits of brightness. Apple claims a battery life of up to 18 hours.  

Conclusion

At Apple’s 2023 WWDC, the company demonstrated its commitment to developing technology that is user-friendly and accessible to all. Apple’s commitment to improving the user experience across all of its products is demonstrated in the updates to operating systems, improvements of Siri, breakthroughs in augmented reality, and enhancements to health and fitness.By making complex innovations more like-minded and easy to understand, Apple is enabling people to use the maximum capacity of their gadgets. Apple’s innovations at WWDC 2023 are expected to shape the future of technology, simplifying everyday tasks and revolutionising how we interact with the digital world.As we push ahead, it is exciting to guess what these advancements will proceed to develop and decidedly mean for our lives. The future holds even more incredible possibilities for all of us because of Apple’s focus on privacy, user-centric design, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Thus, prepare to embrace a future where innovation flawlessly incorporates into our lives because of the endeavours displayed at Apple WWDC 2023.