ai – Cubicgarden.com…

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (Aug 2026)

Ecosystem of tree roots in a forest — Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed hearing how Meta’s Instagram approving illegal adverts, Claude AI chats appearing in public searches along many others and how did we all let one company break the internet?

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.“

You are seeing aspects of this with Google losing its appeal in the EU anti-trust android case. LG’s 32inch power friendly eink display and with the UK culture secretary leaving X.

Play has limits: The year of the Linux game machines

Ian thinks: Sony is well known for their stance on licencing not owning, recently making their platform even more painful to own. Micrcosft looks to follow suite too. Doubled with the huge costs of memory and console prices rising as discussed on tech won’t save us…Which begs the question, is the next year the year of the Linux game machine?

Libraries to the rescue

Ian thinks: When talking about public service, the importance of librarians is never forgotten. In this discussion with Paris Marx, a number of topics are covered including the notion of library values, algorithmic literacy and libraries as the grass-root resistance to AI.

Rushkoff’s history lesson for us all

Ian thinks: Rushkoff has a lot to say usually and although I don’t always agree. This reminder of history monologue, is so very fitting for where we are now and where we are heading if the status-quo isn’t challenged and changed. A stark warning from history.

Sovereignty: build ecosystems not monocultures

Ian thinks: As a advisory member of the Open Rights Group, I found this essay via a recent live cast about sovereignty. The essay connects and credits a lot of the key points mentioned over this newsletter including rewilding, climate collapse, and open ecosystems. Its needs more attention and I say it deserves it.

Setting light to your community

Ian thinks: I have always been a fan of bonfire, and seeing the direction they have taken the fediverse has been enlightening. This new announcement really cermets their aim to centre the community and their leaders. This is a shining example of the open social future with backbone. Why would deploy anything else?

Modular is the new under-rated metric?

Ian thinks: I usually ignore reviews of consumer technology but watching Marques Brownlee review the Framework 13 pro was enlightening. The key point of why I have included it is because Marques comes to the realisation the longevity of modularity is a feature which is unmeasurable and ignored in reviews

How dating data became a national security problem

Ian thinks: Data and data brokers is a huge problem which is causing too many headaches. In this vid/podcast from 404media, the data which is collected by apps is highlighted and in one case became a national security problem, and I could completely understand why. But you should listen to hear the whole story. Expect chills afterwards.

What are the facts and learnings in the OpenAI LLM cyberattack?

Ian thinks: There has been a lot of talk and disinformation about the Open AI LLM cyber attack on Hugging face. Well Simon Willison’s walk through does underline the lack of security from Open AI, the lack of cooperation and trust in the commercial AI space.

Explaining the AI bubble credit swaps

Ian thinks: This is likely the best and clearest explainer of what is happening with the AI bubble, in regards to the amount of debt which is growing for a number of the AI companies. Ed Zitron has a lot to add to this.

Wearables, making your doctor concerned

Ian thinks: I found this discussion via the quantified self newsletter, In the short video there is a number of questions about how useful user controlled/wearable data is for the medical industry. Its a long running challenge between data and insight.

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

The recruitment agency scam, I almost fell for…

I almost fell for the recruitment agency scam… I was unsure but just had a some useful interaction with a recruitment agency.

Back on 7th July I revived an email on my gmail address, not the one I mainly use for linkedin and lots of sites. Regardless I thought maybe they got it another way.

Here’s the email…

Hello,

I hope you’re doing well.

I’m currently supporting several leadership and specialist searches, and your background stood out as potentially well aligned with a few of them.

Before sharing details, I’d be interested to understand what you’re looking for in your next career move. That way, I can determine whether there’s genuine alignment rather than simply sending over a job description.

If there’s a strong fit, I’d be happy to share more.

Would you be open to exploring opportunities that align with your experience and future goals?

Best Regards,

S*************

Recruiter

B**********

Now looking at it, I should have spotted the genericness of it but I was more interested in the name and company. A name and company I looked up online and on linkedin.

The thing which stood out was they were in America not the UK. I remember having a conversation with my partner about the what kind of opportunity they could be offering, and not wanting to work in the USA. Plus the agency is based in Washington DC.

With that I tried to arrange a video call, which of course I got knocked back. I wrote something back saying I want to stay in the UK or western Europe for family and values. Thinking there would be a proposal for something state-side. I also made clear I was working on things which matter for the public rather than giant corporates money.

A few days later, I got an job proposal back a hybrid position as AI Innovation Director in the UK Cabinet Office in London. I scratched my head and beard with a salary of up to 180,000 gbp, I browsed through the detail and it felt unhuman but then again its from a job spec (I thought). The recruiter kept asking me to provide my CV and cover letter.

I hope you’ve been doing well.

I just wanted to follow up on the AI Innovation Director opportunity I shared. I appreciate that you’re likely busy, so I simply wanted to check whether you’ve had a chance to review it.

If it still aligns with what you’re looking for, I’d be happy to review your resume against the mandate and determine the most appropriate next step.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you have a moment.

But I wasn’t sure about it, so pushed back and then they provided an alternative job a day later

Thank you again for your thoughtful response. I really appreciated the additional context you shared, particularly your interest in opportunities centered on the ethical use of technology, AI, open data, and responsible innovation. That gave me a much clearer picture of the type of mandate that would genuinely resonate with you.

Based on that, I came across a role that I believe is a much stronger fit.

Director, AI Ethics & Responsible Use
Marriott International | Remote

This executive leadership role is focused on shaping the organization’s Responsible AI strategy by establishing governance frameworks, guiding the ethical adoption of AI across the business, and partnering with executive, legal, technology, and product leaders to ensure AI is deployed responsibly, transparently, and in line with emerging regulations. The position also offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a six-figure base salary, annual bonus, and equity.

Given your background in ethical technology, emerging technologies, open source initiatives, and your passion for driving meaningful societal impact through responsible innovation, I thought this opportunity aligned much more closely with what you described.

If this resonates with the direction you’re looking to take, I’d be glad to share the full job description.

This is when I did what I should have done much earlier. I messaged the named recruiter on linkedin. It was a early message and I was 3 degrees away but they replied.

Hi Ian thank you for making me aware of this. That is NOT me. Please do not continue to respond to them. My legitimate email is ******************

It all clicked then and I realised I should have done this right at the start. The email was from the company, not a gmail. It also matched the recruiter company domain.

We talked for a bit and I shared all the emails with them, as they wanted to share it with their company security. This also made me think knowing this is a scam, I should share it with the NCSC, which I have done too.

Lastly because I am very aware of the social pressure to bury this stuff, I decided to write this blog to warn others of this scam and how easy it is to be tricked.

Be-careful out there!

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (July 2026)

Social playing cards with some on fire — Generated by Gemini modified by Ian

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed reading the rule of the super rich on hearing about gig working nurses and is W social European and open or not??

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.“

You are seeing aspects of this with a google engineer charged for inside trading on polymarket, cheap balcony solar equipment flooding the market and the open rights groups notes to our new prime mister in the UK.

Intimacy at risk

Ian thinks: This is such a good conversation about the state of looks-maxing, the difficulty of dating apps, and ultimately intimacy Its the reason why I started the podcast making the familiar strange.

You also fill every moment with media?

Ian thinks: I am so guilty of filling every moment with media, mainly podcasts, I am so use to my text to speech to read a lot of the stories in this internet notes. But this piece points the problems and reminds me of societies which don’t have lots of advertising everywhere.

Enshittification as an opportunity for better?

Ian thinks: Cory Doctorow and many others have mentioned the opportunities which have arisen due to the regime Trump and the silicon valley billionaires have pushed us into. One opportunity is highlighted here, with Meta providing a binary choice to existing users. There is always a third way, and that is to leave for something far better.

Imprison the government?

Ian thinks: During the PublicSpaces conference, myself and Laurens talked about the challenges to democracy. In his latest newsletter, he clearly links the unlawful riots in Northern Ireland and the external influences. I can only add, the UK police’s statement feels like they don’t fully grasp the impact of social media controlled by disruptive trillionares.

Standing for democracy and the rule of law ?

Ian thinks: This interview with Palantir UK head is unreal. Its one thing for Thiel and Karp to go off the very deep end but its quite something trying to defend them as the UK head. This is must watch to truely understand how shadowy this company represents its self, by not really answering straight forward questions.

World has moved on, have you?

Ian thinks: Cory’s connection with the Dark tower and the enshittified state we are in (and its getting worst every day) is a good connection. Cory’s addressing of nostalgia is also perfect, as this is not that. There is a lot in the post but the main point, about this being a political problem is apt. I recommend the open rights group in the UK, which I’m an advisor for.

We need to talk about AI successionism

Ian thinks: In my research into AI, I have seen points towards people who believe human kind is purely here to foster super AI in to existence. Booster, doomer or somewhere else, this is a something we should all be very aware of. The religion of AI is very real.

Watch the AI doc? TL:DR?

Ian thinks: Quote a lot of the time, people talk to me about AI and I always ask them what aspect of AI are they focusing on. Secondary I suggest watching the AI Doc, as I have done here. Now if most can’t watch because its not freely available. Now there is a TL:DR summary all can watch freely.

AI is here so what next?

Ian thinks: There is a lot of conversations about AI, but this mature conversation about what to do with AI is something we need a lot more of. Although I don’t agree with everything which is said, there is a lot of questions we should all be asking instead of the race to AI general intelligence.

Telling us to get off X? Why don’t YOU get off X?

Ian thinks: This is great someone in the UK government actually says this out loud. But it doesn’t go far enough. Recently the University of Sheffield Student Union took a strong stance calling out much of the US big tech for their complicity; and them selves up on the Fediverse. If only democratic governments would do the same?

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (June 2026)

Hands surround a white man's head while one of his own hands cover part of his saden face

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed seeing the problems with single sign on, Google chrome forcefully downloading 4gig of a LLM and why on earth is meta smart glasses selling so well, despite privacy worries?

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.“

You are seeing aspects of this with the dailyshow solve a male loneliness battle, Kindle owners jail breaking their devices and Flickr.org proving death is not a edge case.

The fed up partners of AI workers

Ian thinks: Although the piece about the wives of AI skilled workers Wired magazine makes clear the wider sad effect of everything centring around AI, is causing huge problems for partners, friendships and families. The domination of AI in every conversation is something I have noticed more and more. Sad times indeed.

Wrapped in optimistic from Doctorow?

Ian thinks: This piece titled comrade trump sums up a lot of the points have made about the Trump effect. Of course, its all side effects of some of the worst political policy’s in decades (it can be argued). But Cory and others are right, this disruption to the order does provide a green light for public value alternatives. Also worth watching Cory from Republica this year which touches on these these themes.

AI likely won’t cure cancer any time soon

Ian thinks: One of the biggest claims about AI is it will solve cancer. This episode breaks down the claims and puts everything in perspective. The idea of AI solving cancer gets thrown around a lot and its not just a lie but also takes resources away from existing efforts which shocked me.

The Fediverse built a bigger tent

Ian thinks: I didn’t get much time to be involved in this years Fediforum but Laurens, covered the event and pulls some good ties between it and 2mr.social. The interesting point is how its become a bigger tent for much more than the technology of the activitypub. Having the green party give a keynote and even larger conversations about sovereignty from American traditional social media; is a clear sign of maturity.

Ai psychosis one of many stories

Ian thinks: This is one so many true stories of the ongoing problem of AI psychosis. Its unreal but so dangerous. The analysis afterwards is good but doesn’t go into enough depth. You might look at it and shrug but the recent research isnt looking good either, with AI frying our brains in other ways.

The market certainly will not solve everything

Ian thinks: With the insanity of predication markets comes a crypto driven site called Dare market. Its exactly like Black Mirror’s common people. But comes from the madness of the memecoin era when people would do outrageous things to convince people to buy their memecoins. A time of corruption, foolishness and rug pulls.

Are you paying attention to the words coming out of my mouth?

Ian thinks: 404 interview the highly rated Natasha Dow Schüll, who’s excellent book Addicted by design, I quote a lot. Its great to see how relevant her book is during social media addiction then and now prediction markets. If you haven’t read her book go do it! I also noticed a lot uptick in this space with Mozilla, tech wont save us and even Jon Oliver talking about prediction markets (not available outside the USA, so here is a reaction video).

Jumping on the European sovereignty bandwagon

Ian thinks: When W Social jumped into the limelight and claimed to be the only European social network to fill a void. Many of us couldn’t believe what we were seeing. Elena’s uncovering post cuts the cord on the whole shambles which is W Social and is a clear reminder to work together not alone in darkness.

Designing for after the feed

Ian thinks: The New_public live events are always worth watching even before I started working for them. Tackling the AI monster with human and public thoughts is a good start for a conversation about a future most of us would rather make happen.

How I Became an Apocaloptimist?

Ian thinks: I recently watched the full titled AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist. Watching with my partner and friends raised an interesting discussion. The AI doc really tears down the binary wall of AI boosters and doomers, with some practical suggestions we can all do.

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

We really need to talk sensibly about intimacy and AI

I didn’t see this session live because it was originally in German and it clashes with another session I wanted to see.

There is so much in this session but it was a good reminder of why I was keen to setup making the familiar strange podcast. The nuance of intimacy and the sessions final point is something which comes up in the AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist.

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (May 2026)

Beach with a oil like container on its side written on the side is Facebook, where it would usually say toxic. The sea in the background

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed hearing how Tesla robotaxis being remotely driven, seeing Linkedin spying and fingerprinting job hunters and the absolute madding thoughts of Palantir CEO Alex Karp, translated for us lay people?

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.“

You are seeing aspects of this with few people posting on social media, a new plan to bring plugin solar to the UK and the EFF leaving X because its just too much!

On being a glasshole?

Ian thinks: What’s it like to walk the streets and live your life with the Meta smartglasses? Well you don’t need to put down the money yourself because Ella has described in a lot of detail her experiences. I find the privacy recommendations at the end useful but will meta learn and act? Not likely…

AI is a insecurity wonderland

Ian thinks: When are we going to take the well established practice of the separations of concerns seriously. It seems most people have forgotten, never run commands you don’t understand and certainly don’t provide access to sensitive data. This is why Google’s AI will never have explicit consent to my drives and data.

Imagine consumer technology had recall warnings?

Ian thinks: Its quite a serious question and In this podcast, about a Android streaming box, which is pretty much a Trojan horse. The question becomes a lot more serious, especially when thinking about national security and the endless IOT junk found and shipped from many shopping sites. Does your coffee cup really need to be connected and what is it up to on your network?

How can age verification actually work and be private?

Ian thinks: Age verification and stopping harms from young people is always in the news I found Proton’s summary of the alternatives quite useful for anyone being told this is a binary choice. The CEO’s blog is also worth reading too.

We have to talk about prediction markets

Ian thinks: At the start of April I gave a talk to European broadcasters about the future of social. At the very end I mentioned prediction markets, and the impact of a number of trends; being crypto, gamestop and economic reality of today. It was a surprise for many but a reality worth understanding. I was pleased to see Last week tonight’s John Oliver’s segment about the exact thing a week ago too.

Ian thinks: This report from OFCOM, highlights how less people are posting on traditional social media. There are many reasons for this but when I saw the report, it was a clear call back to the future of social report where we described people migrating to smaller private networks. Like it or not, companies like Meta did this to themselves with their emphasis on algorithms, enshitification and so much more.

Goodbye Sora and thank goodness

Ian thinks: Good reddens, it was a machine pumping out so much AI slop and misinformation. Of course we know the real reason of Sora closure; the huge costs to Open AI and there already over inflated stock price.

True stories affected by incentives

Ian thinks: We have all heard the stories about AI use, but I found this podcast with Oprah Winfrey and Tristan Harris, quite captivating and a clear reminder of the problem of incentives. This is also a big part of the newly released AI Doc, which I do recommend watching.

The Facebook museum?

Ian thinks: Does Facebook need its own museum, I wonder? But like the recently compiled geocities archive, there was moments of creativity and personal joy we all had. Is this worth celebrating and archiving, is another question?

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (April 2026)

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed seeing Gran-parents doom-scrolling, seeing Attie launching during the ATmosphere conference and the study showing people prefer sycophantic AI bots.

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

You are seeing aspects of this with Norway taking aim at Enshittification, graphene finally getting its time and the rush for a global human-made/non AI made logo.

Privacy is not negotiable

Ian thinks: Naomi’s points about privacy and how its been watered down year after year is key. I haven’t heard anyone say privacy is dead for a while, but they act like it is gone and not needed any-more.

Avoiding the eyes of the glass-holes?

Ian thinks: Resistance against smart glasses, is fair. Although I do find the Bluetooth signatures fascinating, I guess like MAC addresses sniffing could be used to filter/avoid all types of Bluetooth devices in the present and future?

Ian thinks: We are so use to the share this button on legacy social media sites but this careful critique of the new Mastodon share this post button, uncovers the difficulty of sharing with privacy and in a federated way.

Age verification law hits FLOSS

Ian thinks: This blog post from Linux distribution system76 – Pop!OS. Is a excellent read about the problems with age verification. Education is the corner stone of the argument and seems to be sadly forgotten in debates on high.

Ian thinks: The ban of social media and young people is everywhere right now. I have personal problems with the over reach and wider effects of this, including age verification as in the link above. Like above the call for education is echoed with better alternatives like safety by design and stronger regulation of design and practice.

Piracy is tipping the scale

Piracy never disappeared but is gain some momentum recently due in part to the enshittification of streaming services. What I find interesting about this post is the global look at countries and the concerns such as privacy and security in them.

Lego did the smart thing?

Ian thinks: In this tear down of Lego’s smart book, its clear Lego did a good job making it as simple and smart as possible. There was always a worry it would require a external service or completely locked down. Will it change the way Lego is seen is a bigger question

The weaponisation of psychology

Ian thinks: There is so much off the back of Meta and Google losing the first of many court cases following the landmark court case. I have tried to explain the underlying problems to friends without getting too technical or too fluffy. So I sent this video a few which seems to have worked much better.

Bernie vs Claude

Ian thinks: Bernie asks Claude the questions we should all be asking not just AI companies but each other. Wait for the long awkward pause from Claude AI as it comes back with a more realistic answer.

The AI doc interview

Ian thinks: In this podcast Tristan and friends talk about a new AI documentaries, comparing it to some very thoughtful docs from the past. I agree with the idea, just hope it turns out to be half of what they say it could be.

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (March 2026)

A teenage girl looks at her smartphone while a algorithm recognises her face and places a box around it — mollyvsthemachines.com

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed hearing the insanity of prediction markets, potential governmental influence on app stores and Open AI confidence is dispensing.

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

You are seeing aspects of this with a potential global privacy standard, The EU getting very serious about sovereignty and NHS doctors are urged to not use Palantir’s platform.

The worst idea of the 21st Century

Ian thinks: New scientist’s video conversation is a fantastic summary of some of the worst recent technology ideas. There’s all the usual ones and a few surprising ones but make sense when explained.

Your vibes are killing open source

Ian thinks: Everyone is talking about vibe coding and there is a lot of discussion for and against. However this well researched piece in hackaday, really breaks down the destruction of the open source ecosystem. From the endless bug reports to the degrading of reusable code. Those vibes are the new kool-aid, rooting ecosystems everywhere.

Artificial intimacy

Ian thinks: The FT have a new series looking at the many issues which come from AI systems and intimacy. Perfectly timed for Valentines day… Through the series covers a lot of my thoughts about intimacy, the artificial intimacy, really touches so much of the future challenges we see with emotional hijacking

Perfectly intimacy programmed? (nsfw)

Ian thinks: Following on from the last link, Dr.Malik breaks down the different ways artificial intimacy is realistically happening now and finds research which points at its impact. There is blunt and real figures which are suitable for adults, but its worthy of watching as it makes this whole era of intimacy very real.

Gamifying life, sounds fun?

Ian thinks: This interview sheds a lot of light on the very dark side of gamification. If you were under any illusion how damaging gamification can be when controlled by someone else or entity. This discussion will make you rethink and readdress existing ideas. I personally sent it to someone in the last month.

Ian thinks: Being in the space of digital legacy, I can not understand how Meta was granted the patent as there are so many people who have setup DIY systems to do similar. Its pretty gross I personally think, especially if not done in a honest way.

A future trend report from Public broadcasters

Ian thinks: Future Media Hubs is a combination of many public service broadcasters mainly across Europe. This year, has some noticeable points for many different sectors including social, AI and young people. If you want to get a grip of what’s on broadcasts minds, this trend report speaks volume.

We should all be Luddites

Ian thinks: I recently finished blood in the machine, about the luddities movement started in the north of England. Since then I have been thinking about how this applies to the technology we use everyday. Of course I’m not the only one as the story of the luddite club first heard on Tech won’t save us, makes super clear. Can’t wait to see the documentary.

Stop Google from going back on its pinky promise for Android

Ian thinks: A while Google said they were going to get all developers to register before they can publish apps, then made side-loading even more difficult. The response from Android users & developers was strong, google then backed off. However months later, the pinky promise is no more, as Fdroid makes clear in their blog. If you care for an open ecosystem even if you are a IOS user, sign the petition.

Algorithms rules everything around you

Ian thinks: The trials over social media currently happening in the states is horrifying. There is a lot be said about each and every case. Taking a look just one, Mollys case is a real eye opener and this online piece really demonstrates how the incentives of traditional social media companies are so misaligned with humanity and real life.

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (Feb 2026)

The Future Is Europe 6 floor Mural in Brussels. Belgium. Maalbeek metro station

By Linda DV

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed hearing about the whisperpair flaw, Windows Bitlocker keys available to the FBI and owning nothing is freeing of your money.

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

You are seeing aspects of this with the quiet advances with graphene, the windfarm project agreement and Denmark very much in news recently is also trying red street lights for environmental reasons.

2026 has to be the year of digital sovereignty?

Ian thinks: This is a perfect summary of where we are right now. Marx combines the huge geopolitical and challenges with the world order, with the rush for AI and control. Recorded at the very start of 2026, the rest of the month felt perfectly placed.

EU making FOSS a priority?

Ian thinks: This is long time coming but I have seen Germany make huge changes to open source adoption. A few people I have spoken to recently have pointed out Trump is most likely the biggest reason for the push.

Ian thinks: If you read the press, you might think the new W network is the one and only social network out of Europe. Of course this is a lie, with wedium.social and the most thoughtful eurosky also in the same hat. The main point I think people are missing is, it doesn’t matter who is first but rather how they are run, governed and their underlying values.

Atwood is sharp as a ever

Ian thinks: This interview with Margaret Atwood is a breath of fresh air. Atwood is always on point with her scrutiny but also brings a level of humour to some of the societies deepest problems. Love her thoughts on AI like fire.

How game theory influences so much of the world?

Ian thinks: I had no idea that the prisoners dilemma was not taught in Finland due to the country being strong on trust and collaboration. This interview with Sonja Amadae, is a very good reminder of the broken theories which grip the world now and future.

An enshittification resistant internet is possible?

Ian thinks: Doctorow talking at the CCC 39 over the holidays, is grand. No mixing of words and lots of great examples well thought out. This is certainly Cory on top form and the message is very strong.

Ian thinks: I have heard the idea of a tool library a few times, including via Rushkoff. This podcast digs deep into the genuine sharing economy and if you think it can’t really work, I found one in Manchester.and will likely sign up soon. Have a look for one in your area, you might be surprised.

Do you really trust your operating system?

Ian thinks: Hearing Signal talk from CCC 39 about all the work they had to do to stop Microsoft Recall from doing just that, is a little insane. All this adds up to the end of application security and the end of trust in operating systems?

Ian thinks: To fully understand the mindset of the people in mainstream social platforms such as meta. You should read through this court evidence. Or you could read through the high/low lights in the verge post about it. It’s not pretty and you can feel the absolute contempt for their users.

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (Jan 2026)

This scientist predicted AI-induced delusions…

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed reading Arduino’s new terms of service, reading the awful story of the man behind evil twin wifis on airplanes and please stop using AI browsers.

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

You are seeing aspects of this with Apple working with the EU’s DMA, E-petition digital ID debate now on youtube and UK flat owners could have a legal right to fibre.

France turns hostile to privacy and encryption?

Ian thinks: Worrying that the stance on open Android apps outside the play-store is undecided, but even worst to see the crack down on encryption comes to the likes of privacy centred Graphene OS.

Remember the pipe dream of the metaverse?

Ian thinks: Travel back a few years when Facebook become Meta, Horizon worlds was on the tip of lots of tongues. But for the wrong reasons as this video makes super clear. Even I was shocked to see an average of 900 people using it along side #4.4 billion in loss income while Zuck’s glaze is elsewhere.

Remember Facebook dating?

Ian thinks: Talking about Meta, surprisingly Facebook dating its doing very well, although not promoted or talked about at all. There’s a plan to do more in 2026, I expect the changes at Hinge will have an influence to reflect Zuckerberg’s plans for more AI bots?

Dating coaching with Chat GPT?

Ian thinks: We all know people who are using AI for different aspects of life but as a dating coach is on the up-tick The notable part is this has been published in the female fashion magazine Elle, and indicates a worrying trend of AI mingling with human intimacy.

The enshittification of Airbnb and so much more…

Ian thinks: As a Airbnb host myself, I can agree about the enshittification of the platform Airbnb. I personally have had to fight against the decay of the platform from AI pricing, scramble for superhost status and so much more.

The everyday problems of privacy

Ian thinks: This video explains just a few of the problems with being private on the internet today. I recently did similar and found it painful, emailing back and forth to confirm everything, in the end I just gave up.

Talking LLM bias in detail

Ian thinks: AI bias was heavily talked about for years, then things went quiet. I found this detailed conversation with Harvard psychologist Mahzarin Banaji, perfectly timed in the face of the rise of LLMs. I found the API vs chat interface differences really powerful.

AI psychosis? What could be done?

Ian thinks: You likely have heard of it but its when AI echos and encourages paranoia and delusions. There are many real examples, but this well watched video although curated for performance shows how things can accelerate downwards ever so quickly. The big question is what can be done?

The authoritarian pipeline made visible

Ian thinks: Francesca Bria and others clearly highlight the huge problems with the current tech setup in the states. In this interactive mapping, its insane how interwoven everything is, but hardly surprising. What this means for Europe is a big question and the key point.

The next 10 years of public service in the UK?

Ian thinks: Every 11 years the UK government puts out a green paper for the future of the BBC public charter. As a public consultation, there is a call for feedback and thoughts on the future of public service and the BBC. Highly recommend spending the time on this, and its open to all

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
					1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31