scene report
Being a Luddite Is Fun Again
As tech backlash hits the mainstream, the ‘Summer of Ludd’ proves we don’t need social media to hang out and have a good time.
Wikimedia Foundation
Wikimedia Will Not Voluntarily Recognize Union a Supermajority of Its Workers Want
The Wikimedia Foundation waited until immediately after its largest annual conference to say it wouldn't voluntarily recognize its workers' union.
News
Person Opposing Data Center Arrested for Clapping at City Meeting
Police refused to release the arrest report, saying it could "could interfere with ongoing investigative efforts."
Podcast
This Man Bought Phone Location Data from Around the World (with Mike Yeagley)
Joseph speaks to Mike Yeagley about how he bought the world's location data, and what that means for everyone's privacy and security.
Cybersecurity
Tons of Peoples’ Claude Chats and Creations are Exposed on Google
Claude users are creating public share links, but probably don't realize that means their chats are now ending up in Google searches where anyone can dig through them.
News
Spotify's AI Problem Is So Bad Random People Are Stepping In to Track the Slop
Spotify doesn’t label AI music on its platform, so websites like SoullessMusic.com and SlopTracker.org do it instead.
scene report
Being a Luddite Is Fun Again
As tech backlash hits the mainstream, the ‘Summer of Ludd’ proves we don’t need social media to hang out and have a good time.
The Abstract
Scientists Uncover Lost ‘Golden Age’ of Languages That Ended 1,000 Years Ago
Scientists have predicted that human linguistic diversity flourished between 3,000 and 1,000 years ago, before declining with the rise of multinational states and colonial expansion.
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: No Spoilers
This week, we discuss astrology, Flock on the brain, The Odyssey, and more.
AI
A Court Reporter Submitted AI-Generated Errors in Official Court Transcript, Judge Says
A judge in Indiana warns a court reporter that it's their job to proofread their work, after catching errors likely made by AI transcription services.
Flock
Flock's CEO Says its ALPRs Don't Do Video After Repeatedly Announcing They Can
Flock's CEO Garrett Langley says people don't understand the capabilities of its ALPR system, but they do.
patreon
Patreon Lays Off 20 Percent of Its Workforce
In an internal email shared with creators, CEO Jack Conte wrote that AI doesn’t replace human creativity — but it does affect how the company operates.
Flock
The Rise of Anti-Flock Influencers Who Make Things Up for Clout
Instagram influencers are creating fake cease-and-desist letters, making themselves go viral and muddying the waters about mass surveillance.