Scott MacLeod's Anthropology of Information Technology & Counterculture: African Turquoise Killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri): New CDT Report - Content Moderation in the Global South: A Comparative Study of Four Low-Resource Languages & Public Webinar Aug 7, 2025 added to https://wiki.worlduniversityandschool.org/wiki/Languages in "Select References" on W July 16, 2025 - Elswah, Mona, Aliya Bhatia, Dhanaraj Thakur. 2025. [https://cdt.org/insights/content-moderation-in-the-global-south-a-comparative-study-of-four-low-resource-languages/ Content Moderation in the Global South: A Comparative Study of Four Low-Resource Languages]. (https://cdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250628-2-Comparative-final.pdf). June 28. Washington DC: Center for Democracy and Technology - https://cdt.org. * * * for low resource countries could a clinic hospital or medical school emerge in the back of a Toyota Ambulance Van and with humanoid robot MD professors of surgery? What else would be needed?

[Air-L] New CDT Report - Content Moderation in the Global South: A Comparative Study of Four Low-Resource Languages & Public Webinar Aug 7, 2025

added to https://wiki.worlduniversityandschool.org/wiki/Languages in "Select References" on W July 16, 2025 -

Elswah, Mona, Aliya Bhatia, Dhanaraj Thakur. 2025. [https://cdt.org/insights/content-moderation-in-the-global-south-a-comparative-study-of-four-low-resource-languages/
Content Moderation in the Global South: A Comparative Study of Four Low-Resource Languages]. (https://cdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250628-2-Comparative-final.pdf). June 28. Washington DC: Center for Democracy and Technology - https://cdt.org.

[Air-L] New CDT Report - Content Moderation in the Global South: A Comparative Study of Four Low-Resource Languages & Public Webinar Aug 7, 2025

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) invites you to join us for a public webinar on August 7th, 2025 at 9AM

ET, where we will explore key themes from the study. RSVP to attend:
Interrogating
content moderation systems in indigenous and low-resource languages (Maghrebi Arabic, Kiswahili, Tamil, and Quechua) of the

Global South
<https://cdt.org/event/interrogating-content-moderation-systems-in-indigenous-and-low-resource-languages-of-the-global-south/>.
Live interpretation will be available in English, Swahili, Arabic, and
Spanish.

In brief our findings suggest that:

-

Currently, global tech companies use two main approaches to content
moderation: Global and Local. Many of these “global” policies applied
uniformly across regions at scale often originate from U.S. laws and norms
and can ignore unique linguistic and cultural nuances. The local approach
involves tailoring policies, particularly those related to cultural
matters, to specific regions. This approach, despite its promise of
inclusivity, sometimes poses obstacles and limitations on users trying to
challenge local norms that violate their rights.
-

The use of global and local approaches combined with the outsourcing of
content moderation for the low-resource languages can lead to ineffective
moderation and pressure on human moderators working for these companies.
For example, moderators from a single country are often tasked with
moderating content from across their region, despite dialectical and
contextual variations.
-

Resistance is a common phenomenon among users in the Global South. Many
users across the case studies employed various tactics to circumvent and
even resist against what they saw as undue moderation. This involved
changing letters in the language, using emojis, uploading random content
alongside material they believed would be restricted, and avoiding certain
words. In other cases, users realized that the automated tools used by the
platforms did not understand their indigenous language and so they simply
posted in that language to avoid moderation.
-

Lastly, many NLP researchers and language technology experts in the
Global South have developed tools and strategies to improve moderation in
many low-resource languages. However, these scholars and experts often feel
underutilized or unheard by tech companies

You can access the full report here
<https://cdt.org/insights/content-moderation-in-the-global-south-a-comparative-study-of-four-low-resource-languages/>
for detailed insights, or read threads on Bsky
<https://bsky.app/profile/cdt.org/post/3ltkdrfw6c726> and LinkedIn
<https://www.linkedin.com/posts/center-for-democracy-%26-technology_over-18-months-cdt-studied-content-moderation-activity-7348765548677095424-5XR7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABmRVjQBbSXIuPC3_K9dGpdU_vv3AzZW62k>
.

Over the past 18 months, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has
been studying how content moderation systems operate across multiple
regions in the Global South. Our team studied four languages: Maghrebi
Arabic, Kiswahili, Tamil, and Quechua. We are excited to announce the
publication of a new research report, "Content Moderation in the Global
South: A Comparative Study of Four Low-Resource Languages
<https://cdt.org/insights/content-moderation-in-the-global-south-a-comparative-study-of-four-low-resource-languages/>"
which compares and synthesize the insights we gained from studying the four
regions and includes our recommendations for improving content moderation
in low-resource languages of the Global South.

Join us for our public webinar and launch event–Interrogating content
moderation systems in indigenous and low-resource languages of the Global
South
<https://cdt.org/event/interrogating-content-moderation-systems-in-indigenous-and-low-resource-languages-of-the-global-south/>
on August 7th, and in the interim we invite you to read and share this
report within your networks. We also welcome your feedback.

Thanks,

Dhanaraj

Dhanaraj Thakur
Center for Democracy & Technology

Content Moderation in the Global South: A Comparative Study of Four Low-Resource Languages
June 28, 2025 / Mona Elswah, Aliya Bhatia, Dhanaraj Thakur

https://cdt.org/insights/content-moderation-in-the-global-south-a-comparative-study-of-four-low-resource-languages/

Maghrebi Arabic, Kiswahili, Tamil, and Quechua

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On Wed, Jul 16, 2025 at 6:05 AM Dhanaraj Thakur via Air-L <air-l@listserv.aoir.org> wrote:

Hi everyone,

Over the past 18 months, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has
been studying how content moderation systems operate across multiple
regions in the Global South. Our team studied four languages: Maghrebi
Arabic, Kiswahili, Tamil, and Quechua. We are excited to announce the
publication of a new research report, "Content Moderation in the Global
South: A Comparative Study of Four Low-Resource Languages
<https://cdt.org/insights/content-moderation-in-the-global-south-a-comparative-study-of-four-low-resource-languages/>"
which compares and synthesize the insights we gained from studying the four
regions and includes our recommendations for improving content moderation
in low-resource languages of the Global South.

We invite you to join us for a public webinar on August 7th, 2025 at 9AM
ET, where we will explore key themes from the study. RSVP to attend:
Interrogating
content moderation systems in indigenous and low-resource languages of the
Global South
<https://cdt.org/event/interrogating-content-moderation-systems-in-indigenous-and-low-resource-languages-of-the-global-south/>.
Live interpretation will be available in English, Swahili, Arabic, and
Spanish.

In brief our findings suggest that:

-

Currently, global tech companies use two main approaches to content
moderation: Global and Local. Many of these “global” policies applied
uniformly across regions at scale often originate from U.S. laws and norms
and can ignore unique linguistic and cultural nuances. The local approach
involves tailoring policies, particularly those related to cultural
matters, to specific regions. This approach, despite its promise of
inclusivity, sometimes poses obstacles and limitations on users trying to
challenge local norms that violate their rights.
-

The use of global and local approaches combined with the outsourcing of
content moderation for the low-resource languages can lead to ineffective
moderation and pressure on human moderators working for these companies.
For example, moderators from a single country are often tasked with
moderating content from across their region, despite dialectical and
contextual variations.
-

Resistance is a common phenomenon among users in the Global South. Many
users across the case studies employed various tactics to circumvent and
even resist against what they saw as undue moderation. This involved
changing letters in the language, using emojis, uploading random content
alongside material they believed would be restricted, and avoiding certain
words. In other cases, users realized that the automated tools used by the
platforms did not understand their indigenous language and so they simply
posted in that language to avoid moderation.
-

Lastly, many NLP researchers and language technology experts in the
Global South have developed tools and strategies to improve moderation in
many low-resource languages. However, these scholars and experts often feel
underutilized or unheard by tech companies

You can access the full report here
<https://cdt.org/insights/content-moderation-in-the-global-south-a-comparative-study-of-four-low-resource-languages/>
for detailed insights, or read threads on Bsky
<https://bsky.app/profile/cdt.org/post/3ltkdrfw6c726> and LinkedIn
<https://www.linkedin.com/posts/center-for-democracy-%26-technology_over-18-months-cdt-studied-content-moderation-activity-7348765548677095424-5XR7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABmRVjQBbSXIuPC3_K9dGpdU_vv3AzZW62k>
.

Join us for our public webinar and launch event–Interrogating content
moderation systems in indigenous and low-resource languages of the Global
South
<https://cdt.org/event/interrogating-content-moderation-systems-in-indigenous-and-low-resource-languages-of-the-global-south/>
on August 7th, and in the interim we invite you to read and share this
report within your networks. We also welcome your feedback.

Thanks,

Dhanaraj
_______________________________________________
The Air-L@listserv.aoir.org mailing list
is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org
Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org

Join the Association of Internet Researchers:
http://www.aoir.org/

* * *

for low resource countries could a clinic, hospital or #MedicalSchool (@WorldUnivAndSch) emerge in the back of a #ToyotaAmbulanceVan & w #HumanoidRobot #RobotMDprofessorsOfSurgery? What else would be needed?
#GoogleAI : https://g.co/gemini/share/de6e736fca9c & big reply https://scott-macleod.blogspot.com/2025/07/african-turquoise-killifish.html ~

for low resource countries could a clinic, hospital or #MedicalSchool (@WorldUnivAndSch) emerge in the back of a #ToyotaAmbulanceVan & w #HumanoidRobot #RobotMDprofessorsOfSurgery? What else would be needed?#GoogleAI : https://t.co/unTjtDMxhp & big reply https://t.co/XXF4NiLxn3~
— WorldUnivandSch (@WorldUnivAndSch) July 16, 2025

https://x.com/WorldUnivAndSch/status/1945534418950787408

https://x.com/Q_YogaMacFlower/status/1945534577352888415

https://x.com/TheOpenBand/status/1945535094468612424

https://x.com/HarbinBook/status/1945535522535084258

https://x.com/scottmacleod/status/1945535226073289124

https://x.com/WUaSPress/status/1945535395342798903

https://x.com/sgkmacleod/status/1945534959223291933

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/scott-macleod-4691a011a_medicalschool-toyotaambulancevan-humanoidrobot-activity-7351302498747416583-Y-3P

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/world-university-and-school_medicalschool-toyotaambulancevan-humanoidrobot-activity-7351302334422945794-zCxW

for low resource countries could a clinic hospital or medical school emerge in the back of a Toyota Ambulance Van and with humanoid robot MD professors of surgery? What else would be needed?

Asked Google AI by speaking to my smartphone "OK Google ... "

reply -

Mobile Clinic Needs: Power, Internet, More

You would also need a power source, reliable internet, access to medical supplies, and a robust maintenance system. Additionally, you would need protocols for sterilizing equipment and managing patient records, as well as a way for the robots to interact with human staff and patients.

https://g.co/gemini/share/de6e736fca9c

AND extensive AI reply from typing the question -

Potentially, yes, a mobile clinic/hospital/medical school could emerge from a Toyota Ambulance Van equipped with humanoid robots, especially in low-resource settings, but significant additional elements are needed to make it a practical reality:.

Here's a breakdown of what would be needed

1. Technological advancements

Robust and reliable robots: Humanoid robots would require advanced capabilities for performing intricate surgical procedures with precision and for interacting effectively with patients and students.
Intuition and adaptability: Robots currently lack the intuitive decision-making and adaptability of human medical professionals. This would be crucial in unpredictable environments and for addressing complex medical situations.
Secure data and connectivity: Sensitive patient data collected by robots needs robust protection from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Reliable internet connectivity would be essential, especially in rural areas where infrastructure limitations and network coverage can be challenges.
Specialized equipment: The van needs to be equipped with essential surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and potentially low-cost, adaptable medical technologies like portable ultrasound machines or 3D printing capabilities for creating surgical models or equipment.

2. Infrastructure

Power source: A reliable power source like a generator or the ability to connect to external power sources is crucial for running medical equipment and charging robot batteries.
Operating environment: The van needs a functional and adaptable operating environment, including a designated space for surgical procedures and recovery facilities.
Sterilization and sanitation: Strict sterilization protocols and equipment are necessary to maintain a sterile environment for surgeries and to prevent infections.
Connectivity: High-speed internet access is crucial for remote surgical guidance, real-time data sharing, telemedicine consultations, and online medical education resources.

3. Personnel and training

Skilled human staff: Even with advanced robots, human surgeons, nurses, and technicians would be needed to oversee and assist with procedures, manage the clinic's operations, provide patient care, and train students.
Robot maintenance and support: Expertise in maintaining and troubleshooting humanoid robot systems would be essential to ensure smooth operation and address any technical issues.
Hybrid approach: Consider using a combination of robotic assistance and traditional methods, leveraging the strengths of both approaches. This might involve robotic tools assisting in certain parts of the surgery while traditional methods are employed for others, notes Colorado Cardiovascular Surgical Associates.

4. Financial considerations

Cost-effectiveness analysis: The high cost of acquiring, maintaining, and training personnel to use robotic systems is a significant barrier. A thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing robotic options to existing solutions and evaluating the long-term impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs is needed to determine the viability and justify the investment.
Funding and resources: Securing funding, potentially through partnerships with governments, non-governmental organizations, or private sector initiatives, is essential for acquiring the necessary technology and training the workforce.

5. Ethical considerations

Safety and liability: Addressing concerns about robot malfunctions, safety regulations, and liability in cases of error or adverse events is crucial for widespread adoption.
Patient consent: Patients need to be fully informed about the risks and benefits associated with robotic-assisted procedures and provide informed consent.
Patient privacy: Robust data privacy and security measures are essential to safeguard patient information collected by robots and other medical equipment.
Workforce impact: Consider the potential impact of robot integration on job displacement among healthcare professionals and implement strategies for retraining and workforce development.
Equity of access: Ensuring that access to this advanced technology is equitable and does not exacerbate disparities in healthcare delivery is vital.

6. Social and cultural factors

Acceptance and trust: Building trust in robotic systems among both patients and healthcare professionals is crucial.
Cultural sensitivity: It's important to understand and adapt to the social and cultural norms of the community served by the mobile clinic.
Patient education: Patients need clear and accessible information to understand the role of robotic systems in their care and make informed decisions.

In summary, while the idea of a mobile clinic with robot MD professors of surgery in a Toyota Ambulance Van holds promise, it requires addressing numerous technical, infrastructural, human, financial, ethical, and societal challenges to be effective and sustainable in a low-resource country

Scott MacLeod - World University books

Society, Information Technology, and the Global University (2025, forthcoming)

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