Conference on Computing, IT Concludes at University of Tabuk

The conference was organized by the University of Tabuk with the participation of a group of IT experts and specialists. SPA
The conference was organized by the University of Tabuk with the participation of a group of IT experts and specialists. SPA
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Conference on Computing, IT Concludes at University of Tabuk

The conference was organized by the University of Tabuk with the participation of a group of IT experts and specialists. SPA
The conference was organized by the University of Tabuk with the participation of a group of IT experts and specialists. SPA

The 2023 3rd International Conference on Computing and Information Technology (ICCIT) concluded in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

The conference was organized by the University of Tabuk with the participation of a group of experts and specialists in the field of computing and information technology (IT) from different countries around the world at the Millennium Hotel in Tabuk.

The two-day ICCIT aimed to provide an opportunity for researchers to exchange ideas and expertise, and interact with experts in the fields of computing, IT, and engineering.

During the ICCIT, a number of sessions and workshops were held on the future vision of artificial intelligence (AI), information security, emerging technologies, engineering, and information systems. These areas were selected according to the university's research directions, which are in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 to promote the knowledge economy.

The ICCIT witnessed the presentation of scientific research that exceeded 518 research papers from 33 countries, of which 122 were accepted.

The Deputy Dean of the University of Tabuk for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Saad Al-Mutairi, honored the participants in the ICCIT and the first-place winners for research.



Facebook-Parent Meta Settles with Australia’s Privacy Watchdog over Cambridge Analytica Lawsuit

The logo of Meta Platforms' business group is seen in Brussels, Belgium December 6, 2022. (Reuters)
The logo of Meta Platforms' business group is seen in Brussels, Belgium December 6, 2022. (Reuters)
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Facebook-Parent Meta Settles with Australia’s Privacy Watchdog over Cambridge Analytica Lawsuit

The logo of Meta Platforms' business group is seen in Brussels, Belgium December 6, 2022. (Reuters)
The logo of Meta Platforms' business group is seen in Brussels, Belgium December 6, 2022. (Reuters)

Meta Platforms has agreed to a A$50 million settlement ($31.85 million), Australia's privacy watchdog said on Tuesday, closing long-drawn, expensive legal proceedings for the Facebook parent over the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner had alleged that personal information of some users was being disclosed to Facebook's personality quiz app, This is Your Digital Life, as part of the broader scandal.

The breaches were first reported by the Guardian in early 2018, and Facebook received fines from regulators in the United States and the UK in 2019.

Australia's privacy regulator has been caught up in the legal battle with Meta since 2020. The personal data of 311,127 Australian Facebook users was "exposed to the risk of being disclosed" to consulting firm Cambridge Analytica and used for profiling purposes, according to the 2020 statement.

It convinced the high court in March 2023 to not hear an appeal, which is considered to be a win that allowed the watchdog to continue its prosecution.

In June 2023, the country's federal court ordered Meta and the privacy commissioner to enter mediation.

"Today's settlement represents the largest ever payment dedicated to addressing concerns about the privacy of individuals in Australia," the Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd said.

Cambridge Analytica, a British consulting firm, was known to have kept personal data of millions of Facebook users without their permission, before using the data predominantly for political advertising, including assisting Donald Trump and the Brexit campaign in the UK.

A Meta spokesperson told Reuters that the company had settled the lawsuit in Australia on a no admission basis, closing a chapter on allegations regarding past practices of the firm.