We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed seeing the AI reskins, hearing how AlJazeera was hacked with a zero click attack and reading about cognitive atrophy
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 fining Microsoft’s adfirm for using Grindr data, Proton making clear where those flock camera are and thank you Ondřej Surý and many more for their time working on PHP
Does AI make closed source, open?
Ian thinks: There has been a lot of talk about Photocraft which is allegedly a whole recreation of adobe’s suite of tools written in Rust. However the important part is the ethical aspects and could this mean all closed source could become exist? Also worth watching the 404 media video about this all and a related keynote from Anil Dash, which mentions proprietary platforms are like ice cubes..
Services without servers
Ian thinks: The freenet project is one of those projects you heard about decades ago and forget about. In the background they have been working hard using modern technology to build out decentralised systems which suit modern times. I am interested how this interop’s with open social networks. Love to see bridges on to Matrix and other networks.
The environmental impact of data centres in the UK
Ian thinks: It’s so good to hear Matha Dark from Foxglove talking about the state of data centres in the UK and the ramifications for future data centres in other countries in the Europe and who knows where next? I was truly open mouthed that data centrers can make claims and are never held accountable to them. Unbelievable. I would also recommend Paris Marx talking on better offline, as he’s book Hyperscale just hit the shelves.
What are AT proto spaces?
Ian thinks: This is a keynote via the Fediforum, which explains the new feature a lot of people have been asking for in the AT/skies ecosystem. Private social spaces which isn’t readable in the AT fire-hose of conversations. Its going to be very useful for many people, and answers some of the questions of companies and scrapers using conversations. It doesn’t quite go as far as I would have liked but its good to see progress.
Team human is done?
Ian thinks: When I heard about Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon on stage at the pro-human AI event calling for team human. I wanted to understand how Rushkoff thought about this movement, which he coined and shepherded. Rushkoff reflects back on many years of this and where things sit now. Its worth listening
Trust me, this is not your muse
Ian thinks: Meta’s Muse AI IOT device is unlikely to make it to the UK or Europe, thankfully. The muse is aimed at adults but looks like something for kids, I honestly think this is highly and morally irresponsible. But its not like Meta are not known for this type of behavior. Good reminder to check out the social reckoning before it disappears.
Drinks made for the internet only?
Ian thinks: I have been following the culture of things made to share online for a long while. However this video shows the real impact of private/venturer capital on the culture of sharing online, this is well worth focusing on. But even the idea of a drink which has enough sugar and calories for the average human is insane.
Are you human or a bot?
Ian thinks: I found the identity part very interesting as there is mention of community identity. The idea of using this to combat the onslaught of AI bots is a interesting one because it can help create a verifiable proof of humanity alongside privacy preserving verification,
Could Starlink be beaten in Europe?
Ian thinks: Deep down I said no but this video shows a more positive view that it can be done due to the strong legal framework of Europe. I wonder how long it may take and will the Kessier syndrome will come into effect sooner?
Why do they do it? Profit!
Ian thinks: Jess Asato’s story and courtcase against X/AI’s Grok is incredible and a reminder of how deeply troubling for everyone but mainly women; how AI systems can be used to weaponise harm against people.
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