You’ve probably seen two of the most recent popular social media trends. The first is creating and posting your personalized action figure version of yourself, complete with personalized accessories, from a yoga mat to your favorite musical instrument. There is also the Studio Ghibli trend, which creates an image of you in the style of a character from one of the animation studio’s popular films.
Both of these are possible thanks to OpenAI’s GPT-4o-powered image generator. But what are you risking when you upload a picture to generate this kind of content? More than you might imagine, according to Tom Vazdar, chair of cybersecurity at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), in a recent interview with Wired. Let’s take a closer look at the risks and how this issue ties into the issue of responsible artificial intelligence.
Uploading Your Image
To get a personalized image of yourself back from ChatGPT, you need to upload an actual photo, or potentially multiple images, and tell ChatGPT what you want. But in addition to using your image to generate content for you, OpenAI could also be using your willingly submitted image to help train its AI model. Vazdar, who is also CEO and AI & Cybersecurity Strategist at Riskoria and a board member for the Croatian AI Association, says that this kind of content is “a gold mine for training generative models,” but you have limited power over how that image is integrated into their training strategy.
Plus, you are uploading much more than just an image of yourself. Vazdar reminds us that we are handing over “an entire bundle of metadata.” This includes the EXIF data attached to the image, such as exactly when and where the photo was taken. And your photo may have more content in it than you imagine, with the background – including people, landmarks, and objects – also able to be tied to that time and place.
In addition to this, OpenAI also collects data about the device that you are using to engage with the platform, and, according to Vazdar, “There’s also behavioral data, such as what you typed, what kind of image you asked for, how you interacted with the interface and the frequency of those actions.”
After all that, OpenAI knows a lot about you, and soon, so could their AI model, because it is studying you.
How OpenAI Uses Your Data
OpenAI claims that they did not orchestrate these social media trends simply to get training data for their AI, and that’s almost certainly true. But they also aren’t denying that access to that freely uploaded data is a bonus. As Vazdar points out, “This trend, whether by design or a convenient opportunity, is providing the company with massive volumes of fresh, high-quality facial data from diverse age groups, ethnicities, and geographies.”
OpenAI isn’t the only company using your data to train its AI. Meta recently updated its privacy policy to allow the company to use your personal information on Meta-related services, such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, to train its AI. While it is possible to opt-out, Meta isn’t advertising that fact or making it easy, which means that most users are sharing their data by default.
You can also control what happens with your data when using ChatGPT. Again, while not well publicized, you can use ChatGPT’s self-service tools to access, export, and delete your personal information, and opt out of having your content used to improve OpenAI’s model. Nevertheless, even if you choose these options, it is still worth it to strip data like location and time from images before uploading them and to consider the privacy of any images, including people and objects in the background, before sharing.
Are Data Protection Laws Keeping Up?
OpenAI and Meta need to provide these kinds of opt-outs due to data protection laws, such as GDPR in the EU and the UK. GDPR gives you the right to access or delete your data, and the use of biometric data requires your explicit consent. However, your photo only becomes biometric data when it is processed using a specific technical measure that allows for the unique identification of an individual.
But just because ChatGPT is not using this technology, doesn’t mean that ChatGPT can’t learn a lot about you from your images.
AI and Ethics Concerns
But you might wonder, “Isn’t it a good thing that AI is being trained using a diverse range of photos?” After all, there have been widespread reports in the past of AI struggling to recognize black faces because they have been trained mostly on white faces. Similarly, there have been reports of bias within AI due to the information it receives. Doesn’t sharing from a wide range of users help combat that? Yes, but there is so much more that could be done with that data without your knowledge or consent.
One of the biggest risks is that the data can be manipulated for marketing purposes, not just to get you to buy products, but also potentially to manipulate behavior. Take, for instance, the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which saw AI used to manipulate voters and the proliferation of deepfakes sharing false news.
Vazdar believes that AI should be used to promote human freedom and autonomy, not threaten it. It should be something that benefits humanity in the broadest possible sense, and not just those with the power to develop and profit from AI.
Responsible Artificial Intelligence
OPIT’s Master’s in Responsible AI combines technical expertise with a focus on the ethical implications of AI, diving into questions such as this one. Focusing on real-world applications, the course considers sustainable AI, environmental impact, ethical considerations, and social responsibility.
Completed over three or four 13-week terms, it starts with a foundation in technical artificial intelligence and then moves on to advanced AI applications. Students finish with a Capstone project, which sees them apply what they have learned to real-world problems.
-
From the same author
Read the articleOPIT – Open Institute of Technology offers an innovative and exciting way to learn about technology. It offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, plus a Foundation Year program for those taking the first steps towards higher education. Through its blend of instruction-based and independent learning, it empowers ambitious minds with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
This guide covers all you need to know to join OPIT and start your educational journey.
Introducing the Open Institute of Technology
Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of the OPIT application process, here’s a brief introduction to OPIT.
OPIT is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers exclusively online education in English to an international community of students. With a winning team of top professors and a specific focus on computer science, it trains the technology leaders of tomorrow.
Some of the unique elements that characterize OPIT’s approach include:
- No final exams. Instead, students undergo progressive assessments over time
- A job-oriented, practical focus on the courses
- 24/7 support, including AI assistance and student communities, so everyone feels supported
- A strong network of company connections, unlocking doors for graduates
Reasons to Join OPIT
There are many reasons for ambitious students and aspiring tech professionals to study with OPIT.
Firstly, since all the study takes place online, it’s a very flexible and pleasant way to learn. Students don’t feel the usual pressures or suffer the same constraints they would at a physical college or university. They can attend from anywhere, including their own homes, and study at a pace that suits them.
OPIT is also a specialist in the technology field. It only offers courses focused on tech and computer science, with a team of professors and tutors who lead the way in these topics. This ensures that students get high-caliber learning opportunities in this specific sector.
Learning at OPIT is also hands-on and applicable to real-world situations, despite taking place online. Students are not just taught core skills and knowledge, but are also shown how to apply those skills and knowledge in their future careers.
In addition, OPIT strives to make technology education as accessible, inclusive, and affordable as possible. Entry requirements are relatively relaxed, fees are fair, and students from around the world are welcome here.
What You Need to Know About Joining OPIT
Now you know why it’s worth joining OPIT, let’s take a closer look at how to go about it. The following sections will cover how to apply to OPIT, entry requirements, and fees.
The OPIT Application Process
Unsurprisingly for an online-only institution, the application process for OPIT is all online, too. Users can submit the relevant documents and information on their computers from the comfort of their homes.
- Visit the official OPIT site and click the “Apply now” button to get started, filling out the relevant forms.
- Upload your supporting documents. These can include your CV, as well as certificates to prove your past educational accomplishments and level of English.
- Take part in an interview. This should last no more than 30 minutes. It’s a chance for you to talk about your ambitions and background, and to ask questions you might have about OPIT.
That’s it. Once you complete the above steps, you will be admitted to your chosen course and can start enjoying OPIT education once the first term begins. You’ll need to sign your admissions contract and pay the relevant fees, then begin classes.
Entry Requirements for OPIT Courses
OPIT offers a small curated collection of courses, each with its own requirements. You can consult the relevant pages on the official OPIT site to find out the exact details.
For the Foundation Program, for example, you simply need an MQF/EQF Level 3 or equivalent qualification. You also need to demonstrate a minimum B2 level of English comprehension.
For the BSc in Digital Business, applicants should have a higher secondary school leaving certificate, plus B2-level English comprehension. You can also support your application with a credit transfer from previous studies or relevant work experience.
Overall, the requirements are simple, and it’s most important for applicants to be ambitious and eager to build successful careers in the world of technology. Those who are driven and committed will get the best from OPIT’s instruction.
Fees and Flexible Payments at OPIT
As mentioned above, OPIT makes technological education accessible and affordable for all. Its tuition fees cover all relevant teaching materials, and there are no hidden costs or extras. The institute also offers flexible payment options for those with different budgets.
Again, exact fees vary depending on which course you want to take, so it’s important to consult the specific info for each one. You can pay in advance to enjoy 10% off the final cost, or refer a friend to also obtain a discount.
In addition to this, OPIT offers need-based and merit-based scholarships. Successful candidates can obtain discounts of up to 40% on bachelor’s and master’s tuition fees. This can substantially bring the term cost of each program down, making OPIT education even more accessible.
Credit Transfers and Experience
Those who are entering OPIT with pre-existing work experience or relevant academic achievements can benefit from the credit transfer program. This allows you to potentially skip certain modules or even entire semesters if you already have relevant experience in those fields.
OPIT is flexible and fair in terms of recognizing prior learning. So, as long as you can prove your credentials and experience, this could be a beneficial option for you. The easiest way to find out more and get started is to email the OPIT team directly.
Join OPIT Today
Overall, the process to join OPIT is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible. Everything from the initial application forms to the interview and admission process is straightforward. Requirements and fees are flexible, so people in different situations and from different backgrounds can get the education they want. Reach out to OPIT today to take your first steps to tech success.
Read the articleWith the proliferation of the internet, the rise of smart devices, and the emergence of AI, the world has become increasingly technological. Unsurprisingly, then, many young and ambitious minds are eager to engage with technology on a professional scale, planning careers in the field. But to succeed in the complex, evolving world of tech, it helps to have a strong foundation of core skills.
That’s where the Foundation Year Program at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) comes into play. This program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Covering digital business, computer science, mathematics, and other important topics, it prepares tech leaders of tomorrow for the next steps in their development.
Introducing OPIT
The Open Institute of Technology is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in addition to the Foundation Program. OPIT’s mission is to provide high-quality, inclusive, and affordable technology education.
The institute distinguishes itself from other educational establishments as follows:
- Exclusively online education, delivered in English
- A team of top professors from leading universities around the globe
- No final exams, but a system of progressive assessment to track students’ progress organically
- European-level accreditation
- Round-the-clock support
- Affordable prices
Education at OPIT is flexible, focused, and built for career success. Its hands-on approach to learning can unlock countless doors of opportunity for those who enroll.
Learning Methodology for the OPIT Foundation Year
Technology is a rapidly evolving field. However, higher education in technology has stagnated somewhat. That was the view of Riccardo Ocieppo, and it was the reason he founded OPIT. He wanted to provide an innovative, online, and international institution to prepare students for careers in technology in the best ways possible.
OPIT delivers on this mission through an innovative approach to learning. This approach is centered around competence-based teaching. In other words, OPIT not only teaches students foundational skills but also demonstrates the practical, real-world applications of those skills.
In addition, despite being entirely online, the Foundation Program aims to foster a sense of community. Students have continuous access to their peers, tutors, and professors. This way, they always feel part of a team, and they never feel cut off or isolated from their educational community.
An Overview of the Foundation Program
The Foundation Program is OPIT’s sole pre-bachelor program. As its name implies, it focuses on foundational knowledge and skills. It equips students with the education they need to springboard onwards into further education, like a bachelor’s degree. This is invaluable, as too many students have the drive to begin degrees in technology, but lack the required MQF or EQF Level 4 qualification.
The Foundation Program provides a pathway for students in that situation and others. It eases their entry into the professional technological world. Core aims of the program include:
- Strengthen technical proficiency
- Development of an understanding of ethical and social responsibility relevant to technology
- Promotion of a human-centered approach to technology
- Improvement in core skills like mathematics, English, and computer literacy
- Creation of an EQF Level 4-tier academic base, so students can proceed into a bachelor’s degree
The Foundation Program lasts for six months and is fully online. It is comprised of two terms, lasting 13 weeks each. Students complete three courses per term, each worth 10 ECTS credits, for a total of 60 credits.
The instruction is delivered in several formats. These include video lectures, learning materials such as e-books, and weekly live sessions. Students must also complete two to three assessments during the course. These, too, can take multiple formats, like tests, essays, and projects.
By the end of the course, students will have a stronger understanding of technology. They will also have gained or improved upon numerous essential skills needed to move on with their education. They will be better prepared to succeed, no matter which direction they choose to follow next.
Student Support Systems
To ensure no student feels isolated or lacking assistance, OPIT offers a strong support system.
For example, the institute’s professors regularly check in with students, answer queries, and provide vital guidance. OPIT also provides an AI assistant that has been specially trained to help students succeed. The OPIT AI Copilot answers questions instantly, finds resources, sums up complex topics, and more. Students can also chat with one another over Slack, so no one will ever feel alone.
Future Prospects
The OPIT Foundation Program is all about preparation. It’s about getting students ready for the next steps, and it unlocks a lot of doors. For those who haven’t got a formal Level 4 qualification, for example, the Foundation Program creates a path to bachelor’s degrees. It lets students move on to a BSc in Digital Business or a BSc in Modern Computer Science, for example.
What’s more, those who intend to continue their education with OPIT receive several big benefits. These include a 25% scholarship reduction in tuition fees for any OPIT bachelor’s program. Plus, those who follow the Foundation Program will become familiar with OPIT’s modes of education and the OPIT community. So, transitioning onward into a degree should be easy and seamless.
Admissions Information and Requirements
For those who are interested in pursuing a foundation year with OPIT, there are certain requirements:
- Applicants must hold a High School Leaving Certificate in any discipline.
- They must also demonstrate a certain level of English language ability.
The application process is entirely online. Applicants will have to provide some information and supporting documents. They will be invited to a 30-minute interview to discuss their background and ambitions. Once admitted, it’s simply a matter of signing the relevant paperwork, paying the fees, and officially entering the OPIT community.
A Solid Foundation Year for Future Success
The OPIT Foundation Program breaks the barriers that have prevented ambitious technology enthusiasts from pursuing their dreams. In this exciting sphere, it leads the way towards higher education and gives students the knowledge they need to succeed. It is the ideal way to begin your journey towards a long and fulfilling career in technology.
-
Go to all authors
Related posts
OPIT – Open Institute of Technology offers an innovative and exciting way to learn about technology. It offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, plus a Foundation Year program for those taking the first steps towards higher education. Through its blend of instruction-based and independent learning, it empowers ambitious minds with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
This guide covers all you need to know to join OPIT and start your educational journey.
Introducing the Open Institute of Technology
Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of the OPIT application process, here’s a brief introduction to OPIT.
OPIT is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers exclusively online education in English to an international community of students. With a winning team of top professors and a specific focus on computer science, it trains the technology leaders of tomorrow.
Some of the unique elements that characterize OPIT’s approach include:
- No final exams. Instead, students undergo progressive assessments over time
- A job-oriented, practical focus on the courses
- 24/7 support, including AI assistance and student communities, so everyone feels supported
- A strong network of company connections, unlocking doors for graduates
Reasons to Join OPIT
There are many reasons for ambitious students and aspiring tech professionals to study with OPIT.
Firstly, since all the study takes place online, it’s a very flexible and pleasant way to learn. Students don’t feel the usual pressures or suffer the same constraints they would at a physical college or university. They can attend from anywhere, including their own homes, and study at a pace that suits them.
OPIT is also a specialist in the technology field. It only offers courses focused on tech and computer science, with a team of professors and tutors who lead the way in these topics. This ensures that students get high-caliber learning opportunities in this specific sector.
Learning at OPIT is also hands-on and applicable to real-world situations, despite taking place online. Students are not just taught core skills and knowledge, but are also shown how to apply those skills and knowledge in their future careers.
In addition, OPIT strives to make technology education as accessible, inclusive, and affordable as possible. Entry requirements are relatively relaxed, fees are fair, and students from around the world are welcome here.
What You Need to Know About Joining OPIT
Now you know why it’s worth joining OPIT, let’s take a closer look at how to go about it. The following sections will cover how to apply to OPIT, entry requirements, and fees.
The OPIT Application Process
Unsurprisingly for an online-only institution, the application process for OPIT is all online, too. Users can submit the relevant documents and information on their computers from the comfort of their homes.
- Visit the official OPIT site and click the “Apply now” button to get started, filling out the relevant forms.
- Upload your supporting documents. These can include your CV, as well as certificates to prove your past educational accomplishments and level of English.
- Take part in an interview. This should last no more than 30 minutes. It’s a chance for you to talk about your ambitions and background, and to ask questions you might have about OPIT.
That’s it. Once you complete the above steps, you will be admitted to your chosen course and can start enjoying OPIT education once the first term begins. You’ll need to sign your admissions contract and pay the relevant fees, then begin classes.
Entry Requirements for OPIT Courses
OPIT offers a small curated collection of courses, each with its own requirements. You can consult the relevant pages on the official OPIT site to find out the exact details.
For the Foundation Program, for example, you simply need an MQF/EQF Level 3 or equivalent qualification. You also need to demonstrate a minimum B2 level of English comprehension.
For the BSc in Digital Business, applicants should have a higher secondary school leaving certificate, plus B2-level English comprehension. You can also support your application with a credit transfer from previous studies or relevant work experience.
Overall, the requirements are simple, and it’s most important for applicants to be ambitious and eager to build successful careers in the world of technology. Those who are driven and committed will get the best from OPIT’s instruction.
Fees and Flexible Payments at OPIT
As mentioned above, OPIT makes technological education accessible and affordable for all. Its tuition fees cover all relevant teaching materials, and there are no hidden costs or extras. The institute also offers flexible payment options for those with different budgets.
Again, exact fees vary depending on which course you want to take, so it’s important to consult the specific info for each one. You can pay in advance to enjoy 10% off the final cost, or refer a friend to also obtain a discount.
In addition to this, OPIT offers need-based and merit-based scholarships. Successful candidates can obtain discounts of up to 40% on bachelor’s and master’s tuition fees. This can substantially bring the term cost of each program down, making OPIT education even more accessible.
Credit Transfers and Experience
Those who are entering OPIT with pre-existing work experience or relevant academic achievements can benefit from the credit transfer program. This allows you to potentially skip certain modules or even entire semesters if you already have relevant experience in those fields.
OPIT is flexible and fair in terms of recognizing prior learning. So, as long as you can prove your credentials and experience, this could be a beneficial option for you. The easiest way to find out more and get started is to email the OPIT team directly.
Join OPIT Today
Overall, the process to join OPIT is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible. Everything from the initial application forms to the interview and admission process is straightforward. Requirements and fees are flexible, so people in different situations and from different backgrounds can get the education they want. Reach out to OPIT today to take your first steps to tech success.
With the proliferation of the internet, the rise of smart devices, and the emergence of AI, the world has become increasingly technological. Unsurprisingly, then, many young and ambitious minds are eager to engage with technology on a professional scale, planning careers in the field. But to succeed in the complex, evolving world of tech, it helps to have a strong foundation of core skills.
That’s where the Foundation Year Program at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) comes into play. This program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Covering digital business, computer science, mathematics, and other important topics, it prepares tech leaders of tomorrow for the next steps in their development.
Introducing OPIT
The Open Institute of Technology is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in addition to the Foundation Program. OPIT’s mission is to provide high-quality, inclusive, and affordable technology education.
The institute distinguishes itself from other educational establishments as follows:
- Exclusively online education, delivered in English
- A team of top professors from leading universities around the globe
- No final exams, but a system of progressive assessment to track students’ progress organically
- European-level accreditation
- Round-the-clock support
- Affordable prices
Education at OPIT is flexible, focused, and built for career success. Its hands-on approach to learning can unlock countless doors of opportunity for those who enroll.
Learning Methodology for the OPIT Foundation Year
Technology is a rapidly evolving field. However, higher education in technology has stagnated somewhat. That was the view of Riccardo Ocieppo, and it was the reason he founded OPIT. He wanted to provide an innovative, online, and international institution to prepare students for careers in technology in the best ways possible.
OPIT delivers on this mission through an innovative approach to learning. This approach is centered around competence-based teaching. In other words, OPIT not only teaches students foundational skills but also demonstrates the practical, real-world applications of those skills.
In addition, despite being entirely online, the Foundation Program aims to foster a sense of community. Students have continuous access to their peers, tutors, and professors. This way, they always feel part of a team, and they never feel cut off or isolated from their educational community.
An Overview of the Foundation Program
The Foundation Program is OPIT’s sole pre-bachelor program. As its name implies, it focuses on foundational knowledge and skills. It equips students with the education they need to springboard onwards into further education, like a bachelor’s degree. This is invaluable, as too many students have the drive to begin degrees in technology, but lack the required MQF or EQF Level 4 qualification.
The Foundation Program provides a pathway for students in that situation and others. It eases their entry into the professional technological world. Core aims of the program include:
- Strengthen technical proficiency
- Development of an understanding of ethical and social responsibility relevant to technology
- Promotion of a human-centered approach to technology
- Improvement in core skills like mathematics, English, and computer literacy
- Creation of an EQF Level 4-tier academic base, so students can proceed into a bachelor’s degree
The Foundation Program lasts for six months and is fully online. It is comprised of two terms, lasting 13 weeks each. Students complete three courses per term, each worth 10 ECTS credits, for a total of 60 credits.
The instruction is delivered in several formats. These include video lectures, learning materials such as e-books, and weekly live sessions. Students must also complete two to three assessments during the course. These, too, can take multiple formats, like tests, essays, and projects.
By the end of the course, students will have a stronger understanding of technology. They will also have gained or improved upon numerous essential skills needed to move on with their education. They will be better prepared to succeed, no matter which direction they choose to follow next.
Student Support Systems
To ensure no student feels isolated or lacking assistance, OPIT offers a strong support system.
For example, the institute’s professors regularly check in with students, answer queries, and provide vital guidance. OPIT also provides an AI assistant that has been specially trained to help students succeed. The OPIT AI Copilot answers questions instantly, finds resources, sums up complex topics, and more. Students can also chat with one another over Slack, so no one will ever feel alone.
Future Prospects
The OPIT Foundation Program is all about preparation. It’s about getting students ready for the next steps, and it unlocks a lot of doors. For those who haven’t got a formal Level 4 qualification, for example, the Foundation Program creates a path to bachelor’s degrees. It lets students move on to a BSc in Digital Business or a BSc in Modern Computer Science, for example.
What’s more, those who intend to continue their education with OPIT receive several big benefits. These include a 25% scholarship reduction in tuition fees for any OPIT bachelor’s program. Plus, those who follow the Foundation Program will become familiar with OPIT’s modes of education and the OPIT community. So, transitioning onward into a degree should be easy and seamless.
Admissions Information and Requirements
For those who are interested in pursuing a foundation year with OPIT, there are certain requirements:
- Applicants must hold a High School Leaving Certificate in any discipline.
- They must also demonstrate a certain level of English language ability.
The application process is entirely online. Applicants will have to provide some information and supporting documents. They will be invited to a 30-minute interview to discuss their background and ambitions. Once admitted, it’s simply a matter of signing the relevant paperwork, paying the fees, and officially entering the OPIT community.
A Solid Foundation Year for Future Success
The OPIT Foundation Program breaks the barriers that have prevented ambitious technology enthusiasts from pursuing their dreams. In this exciting sphere, it leads the way towards higher education and gives students the knowledge they need to succeed. It is the ideal way to begin your journey towards a long and fulfilling career in technology.
Have questions?
Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with us!
Write us at +39 335 576 0263
Get in touch at hello@opit.com
Talk to one of our Study Advisors
We are international
We can speak in:
