Top Tech Trends of 2023
In 2023, four trends dominated Jamaican tech news: Artificial Intelligence (AI), the surge in cybercrime, cashless concerns, and the undeniable influence of TikTok.
AI Revolutionizes Education and Sparks Dialogue
The debate surrounding ethical vs unethical use of genrative AI by students continues. Other forms of AI have long been used in education.
Following last year's introduction of ChatGPT - a free, online, generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform - it is not surprising that AI was selected as the Word of the Year for 2023 by British dictionary publisher - Collins.
Local AI expert Adrian Dunkley of StarApple AI touted the benefits and potential pitfalls while advocating responsible use.
Among many other sectors, AI has upended education. AI facilitated teachers in crafting personalized lesson plans, quizzes, and resources with unprecedented efficiency. Conversely, AI also facilitated students as well, sparking discussions on ethical usage.
AI has had similar opposing effects on cybercrime.
Cybercrime's Alarming Surge
A darker narrative unfolded in 2023 as cybercrime, hacking, and digital scams reached unprecedented levels. Organized groups and lone wolves alike orchestrated targeted assaults on institutions ranging from financial entities to governmental bodies.
Courts, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), Mayberry and Jamaica Eye are some organizations that reported attacks; many have not and, so far, are not required to report. PICA's enterjamaica.com site was spoofed, leading many unsuspecting travellers to think they were completing the required 'C5' form to hand over personal information to nefarious characters. And stories of customers losing their savings to scams dominated local news throughout the year.
Cybersecurity experts, including tTech's Norman Chen, issued urgent calls to adopt robust security measures, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats.
For your personal cybersecurity, I recommend using strong passwords, 2FA, and biometrics to protect our accounts, think before we click, and treat all unsolicited offers with a dose of healthy scepticism.
These tips become increasingly crucial in a digital payment economy.
Cashless Concerns Canned
The Bank of Jamaica embarked on a multi-million dollar project to design, print and issue durable modern polymer banknotes - cash - in 2023.
Following big launches and bigger pushes of the digital currency JAM-DEX, digital wallets Lynk, MyCash and NCB Pay, digital payments for JUTC and TransJamaica Highway, digital banking, banking hall closures and an alarming string of deadly attacks on ATMS, cambios and banks across the island it seemed Jamaica was destined to become 'cashless'.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness was forced to address the reasonable concerns and unfounded fears, asserting that the aim was not cash extinction but rather the establishment of robust digital payment systems to enhance accessibility and physical safety. In this instance, cashless means 'less cash', especially for large transactions.
You were not alone if you followed the 'cashless' drama on TikTok.
TikTok's Resonance Across Jamaica
Without a doubt, TikTok "Drifted" through our lives in 2023. Hit tracks, catchy dances, shocking revelations, shopping, controversy and more captivated us on the popular platform.
Teejay’s Drift is the vital sensation on TikTok for 2023. The hit track Panda, DJ Mac, and Teejay’s Top Braff Entertainment and captivating dance created by Gabbi Don, who along with Snow, formed the backup dance duo for Teejay’s performance in the music video is popular on YouTube as well
The free mobile app orchestrated trends that resonated far beyond the confines of the app itself. With over one billion monthly active users globally and an estimated 200,000 Jamaicans actively engaged, TikTok's influence extended to other platforms, shaping content and trends on Instagram and YouTube. The platform's dynamic presence ensured that no one remained untouched by its cultural impact, whether a participant or an observer.
Honorable Mentions and Glimpses into the Future
Amidst these narratives, several noteworthy developments emerged.
The implementation of biometric systems for exiting passengers at Sangster International Airport (SIA), the issuance of high-security electronic passports, and the effectiveness of the island-wide camera surveillance network Jamaica Eye in fighting crime signal the effective use of technology each captured our attention over the year.
As we bid farewell to 2023, the intricate dance between technology and society persists. The next chapter awaits, promising challenges and opportunities on Jamaica's ever-shifting digital frontier.
