Las Vegas was hit by a cyber attack on 7 January which followed an earlier attack in New Orleans, with the city declaring a state of emergency on 13 December. The threat of cyber attacks is growing as cities digitalise their services and use datasets to provide more efficient delivery to citizens.
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Why we should stop talking about self-driving cars (3/8)

The term 'self-driving car' is used for a wide variety of technical support systems for car drivers. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has distinguished six types, as mentioned in the tabel above. This classification is recognized worldwide.
At SAE level 0, a car has been equipped with various warning systems, such as unvoluntary deviation from lane, traffic in the blind spot, and emergency braking.
At SEA levels 1 and 2, cars can steer independently or/and adjust their speed in specific conditions on motorways. Whether drivers are allowed to take their hands from the steering wheel depends on national law. That is certainly not the case in Europe. As soon as environmental conditions make steering and acceleration more complex, for example after turning onto a busy street, the driver must immediately take over the steering.
A properly functioning SAE Level 3 system allows drivers to take their eyes off the road and focus on other activities. They must sit behind the wheel and be on standby and are always held responsible for driving the car. They must immediately take over control of the car as soon as 'the system' gives a ('disengagement') signal, which means that it can no longer handle the situation. There is currently no car worldwide that is accredited at SEA-3 level.
This level of control is not sufficient for driverless taxi services. Automotive and technology companies such as General Moters and Alphabet have been working hard to meet the requirements of the higher levels (SAE 4). Their expensive cars (up to $250,000) have automated backups, meaning they can handle any situation under specified conditions, such as well-designed roads, during the day and at a certain speed. Under these circumstances, no driver is required to be present.
SAE Level 5 automation can operate without a driver in all conditions. There is currently no vehicle that meets this requirement.
The variety of options in this classification explains why the term 'self-driving car' should not be used. Cars classified at SAE level 1 and 2 can best be called 'automated cars' and cars from SAE level 3 onwards can be called autonomous cars.
The state of California introduced new rules in 2019 that allow cars at SAE 4 level to participate in traffic. Very strict conditions apply to this. As a result, Alphabet (Waymo) and General Motors (Cruise) have been allowed to launch driverless taxi services. All rides are monitored with cameras to prevent reckless behavior or vandalism.
<strong>Last week, you might have read the last in a series of 25 posts about improving environmental quality. Right now, I have finalized an e-book containing all posts plus additional recommendations. If you follow the link below, you can download the book (90 pages) for free. A version in Dutch language can be downloaded HERE**</strong>
Aan de slag met Digitale Transformatie: Data & AI Seminar

Wil je optimaal profiteren van data?
Ben jij volop bezig met datagedreven projecten? Wil je leren hoe je het maximale uit data kunt halen en hoe je de uitdagingen kunt tackelen? Dan mag je ons Data en AI Seminar op 30 januari absoluut niet missen. Dit event gaat verder dan enkel inspiratie; het biedt je concreet praktische tools om data effectief in te zetten. Onze experts delen waardevolle inzichten, best practices en direct toepasbare tips om jouw organisatie te laten excelleren in de datagedreven wereld.
Voor wie is dit event?
Ben jij de drijvende kracht achter digitale transformatie in jouw organisatie? Sta je voor grote veranderingen en zoek je praktische tools die direct inzetbaar zijn? Ons seminar op 30 januari 2024 is speciaal ontworpen voor managers en besluitvormers die willen excelleren in de wereld van AI, analytics en data. Ontdek hoe je deze krachten kunt inzetten voor een tastbare impact in jouw organisatie. Ook professionals die hun kennis willen vergroten op deze baanbrekende onderwerpen zijn van harte welkom. We bieden inzichten en praktische tools die jou een voorsprong geven.
Wat kun je verwachten?
Vier inspirerende sprekers nemen je mee in het succes van datagedreven werken. Ze delen waardevolle inzichten en praktische tips om je op weg te helpen. Dit evenement biedt ook uitstekende mogelijkheden om te netwerken en ervaringen uit te wisselen.
Programma en locatie
Het programma is samengesteld uit een openingssessie en drie sprekerssessies.
Natuurlijk sluiten we de dag gezamelijk af met een hapje en drankje.
Datum: 30 januari 2024
Locatie: Royal HaskoningDHV, Amersfoort (Laan 1914 35, 3818 EX)
Responsible apps and other digital dilemmas

Scrolling endlessly? Get off your screen and join us for an evening of insights and inspiration with remarkable speakers at our upcoming meetup event! Mike Lee of Stichting Appsterdam will revisit the crucial topic of ethics in app development, shedding light on principles for the future. Joris de Leeuw will share some useful techniques to avoid our constant digital distractions. Mohamed S Bah, founder of City Rights App, will share creative solutions for migrant challenges through podcasting and storytelling. Social designer Anna Noyons of (ink). social design will discuss designing products that bring out the best in people. Emiel Poot will explore the balance between human nature and the digital landscape. See you there for a night of discovery and connections!
AGENDA:
- 17:00 Welcome drinks - Welcome drinks to break the ice and network a bit with fellow attendees.
- 17:30 Opening and Welcome - Pinch / Appsterdam
- 17:45 Kick-off Speaker - Mike Lee - Mayor of Appsterdam. Mike will be revisiting his 2013 flagship talk “Ethics Made Easy”. How does this talk still hold up ten years later? What has changed, what principles should app makers consider going forward?
- 18:10 Joris de Leeuw - focus trainer at Diep Werk Doen. With his company Diep Werk Doen Joris trains knowledge workers how to better concentrate on their work and resist the constant lure of apps, calls, email and media. His method teaches the principle of attention by design; how we can reshape our own thoughts and behaviours to become more productive and less restless and distracted. He will give a talk on a few of the most recent insights in the field of focus and productivity. Website: https://www.diepwerkdoen.nl.
- 18:30 Mohamed Bah - City Rights App and City Rights Radio. Mohamed is the founder and host of the City Rights Radio and co-founder of the City Rights App. With his platforms he tries to find creative solutions to problems faced by migrants. Concerned with the dangers of negative stereotypes and its impact on the already marginalized community, he uses podcasting, and storytelling to reframe migrant representation in media.
- 18:40 Food is served
- 19:10 Anna Noyons - Anna is a social designer and the founder of (ink). social design. Anna will give a talk about designing services, products and systems that bring out the best in us, people.
- 19:30 Emiel Poot - De Jonge Strateeg & Appsterdammer - Emiel will delve into the balance between our human nature and todays digital landscape. We all have a fundamental need for social connection, but how have our instincts adapted to digital relationships, communication, and sense of belonging? Join us as we navigate the fascinating synergy between our wired brains and the virtual networks that have reshaped the very essence of human interaction.
- 20:00 - Closing and networking drinks.