#Technology Must Respect Privacy

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

The Surprising Danger Lurking in Your Smart Glasses: A Wake-Up Call for Privacy

How Brilliant Innovations Can Be Misused and Abused, Causing Unnecessary Stress to the Public As a retired scientist and health advocate in many countries, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing incredible technological advances throughout my 53-year career in the healthcare industry. Privacy issues have always concerned me as they affect our mental health.  From early computing systems to the…

[hoiststowline]

radio silence [w/ hoist, perceptor, & jazz]

Hoist is someone who likely has an abundance of free time, boredom stuck to him like an uncleanable glue. messaging and calls with you are something he looks forward to, entranced by your retelling of the day's events, overeager to hear about what he was up to. he can’t help himself, able to divulge himself when it comes to taking breaks from his daily tasks, always looking for your company if available. so accustomed to your voice that if time passes him by where he’s expecting a call from you, he’s definitely questioning it in the back of his mind. Hoist likely wouldn’t gather the courage to be so forward at first, persuading himself that you hadn’t called because something came up and not because something was amiss. you have things you need to accomplish for the day, getting tied up with another assignment is not anything to get worked up over. 

it’s later the same evening that Hoist breaks the self-restraint, fumbling to give you a call that rings on and on, longer than he’s ever experienced. it dips into your voicemail, to which the green mech offers a supportive and cheerful message, hoping everything is well. toying with the idea the entire time, he eventually concludes the message with an: “I’ve missed you,”. it’s a step outside his comfort zone, saying something so brave over the phone and not in person, but he means it. Hoist misses you so much, and can’t help but fret well into the night that something must be very, very wrong. you’ve never disappeared this long on him before, and while you have situations every now and then where you’re unavailable, you always give him a heads up. being absent for this long raises some distress, insatiable until he hears your voice or sees your face. [preference on the latter].

he steps away from base early the next morning to seek you out. even if he drives past your work to see that your car has moved there, or hopes to catch a glimpse of you on your way out the door. Hoist only finds relief when you call him, rambling apologies over and over. you’re fine, and safe. he doesn’t care the reason for your nonappearance, obviously unless you are hurt or having a problem. you don’t have to explain yourself, but Hoist also can’t keep his composure rightened upon your reunion. his digits find your form and stay there, cradling you to his face as he hums in delight, ecstatic to have you here. he’d likely never tell you just how restless he was, but it’s safe to say all is well in his optics now. 

while Perceptor is known to disappear at times, he’s definitely made better strides to be more vocal and transparent when he is able to do so with you. he enjoys your company, looks for it even when he has the chance to steal you away for a few hours of privacy. however, an unexpected quiet from you is another story, something that sets off alarms in his processor very early on. even when you don’t pick up his call the first time, Perceptor’s brow raises, an audible hum of confusion stumbling forth. he doesn’t bank on you being always available on his schedule, but he’s also well aware that he hasn’t heard from you in a reasonable time frame per your character. when things don’t add up in his mind, he’s pretty quick to set out to find you, asking in passing if anyone has seen you, or knows of your whereabouts. 

while he isn’t the most fondest of communication via technology, he respects its functionality and facility. in instances where he’s away for quite a while, he’s come to anticipate and appreciate your encouraging messages and thoughtful words. Perceptor is well aware that you’ve got him wound around your finger, but he can’t help himself to concede to such small requests you propose every now and then, mostly in his favor regardless. you miss him, and you want to see him. he feels the same, so who is he to tell you no, not now? somewhere along the line, he’s found himself talking to an empty chair, thinking you’re there and seeking your advice but you are attending to your own responsibilities, away. 

Perceptor isn’t going to stop until you’re found, so he does try you a handful more times whilst searching for you. he’d claim he isn’t overly worried, not initially, but his hastened pace gives him away. his only reassurance is perhaps things ran late at work/class, or you had a change of plans that didn’t stick to your schedule. that’s totally fine with him, but if it’s going onto the next day, and still nothing from you? Perceptor is entirely stumped and overly troubled by your unusual behavior. ultimately, upon finding you and discovering the reason for your silence, a sigh of relief can be witnessed in his frame. one that starts in his shoulders, able to visibly see them relax beside a mumble of: “I am so glad you’re alright,”. all he could ever ask is that you’re happy and healthy, so the ease can’t help but flood him when he takes in that you’re well. 

“Radio one to y/n, anybody home?” Jazz isn’t one to fret about impromptu silence on your end, sympathetic to the fact you have daily tasks to be completed that don’t align with his spare time to chat. ever the tease, he’s also very likely to assume you’re being playful or hard to get, sometimes not answering right away or pretending as if he had the wrong number. no, he most definitely has the right number, but plays along if only to hear your fits of giggles. so the first stretch of time with silence from you isn’t insane, and Jazz isn’t all riled up over it until he tries you again later on. then again, knowing full well you are long out of work/class [another mech who has your schedule committed to memory], and you always give him a call afterward. sure, sometimes he can’t be there to pick you up, but he appreciates the check-in more than you understand. you’re safe, and perhaps he can steal some more of your time before being pulled away to responsibilities. 

after the third or fourth try, Jazz leaves a handful of messages. they start a little jokingly, “You’re gonna get it when you finally pick up,” then fall to a little more desperate, “Where did you go? Are you alright?” and eventually settle on something twinged with guilt. “What, did I do somethin’ wrong? Ya mad at me?” you are very important to him, and the grand unknown when he can’t get ahold of you in the way he is so accustomed to, he’s on the move. favors are cashed in if he’s supposed to be elsewhere, and at this point nothing could stop him from heading in the direction of your home. Jazz is also calling you the whole way there as well, ignoring the pit in his stomach that only winds tighter at each going to voicemail, his garbled thoughts filling your inbox and then some. 

his composure remains but it’s a struggle to keep it up when so much worry consumes him. whatever the situation may be, the reason you were away from your phone for a while, he doesn’t need to know. your apologies are not required, all Jazz cares about is that you’re alright, guilty of holding you a little tighter and closer in the aftermath. always gentle, but there’s a protectiveness that brims in him in your regard, and if anything happened to you and he wasted precious time? it’s an unforgivable action in his optics, knowing next time to just head straight to the scene of the crime, either your place or work/class. “Jazz?” you pull back, fingers skating under his chin, wholly in a consoling and gentle manner. “Why did I just get a notification that my voicemail is full?” 

[a/n: many thanks for the suggestions for characters this time around, this was fun to write!! 🫶]

[raaorqtpbpdy]

Respect or Privacy (1)

Tucker is excited for everything about college, even having a roommate for the first time. At least, he is until his roommate Danny turns out to be standoffish and a little bit of a dick. Whatever. It's a disappointment, but he'll survive. The same might not be said of Danny.

This is my first fic for Phic Phight 2024. The prompts I used were:

College AU where the characters don't meet until college and Danny has to hide his halfa status from his dorm roommate (your choice which character that is) [from @shadowfaerieammy], and Tucker fucked up. Hard. But it’s like, how the hell was he supposed to know that hacking the federal government was a bad idea? [from @lexosaurus]

You can also read it on AO3.

Chapter 1: Fuck Around (Chapter 2)

[No warnings apply]

Tucker was excited for college. After the nightmare that was high school (his dad's "just be confident and people will like you and treat you well" advice had been complete garbage), he was looking forward to a school experience where everyone had actually signed up for and more-or-less wanted to be there. He was looking forward to studying programming and information technology, and spending six hours a day on average hanging out with people who were just as interested in those subjects as he was.

Then, obviously, there were the college girls—big bonus to this whole experience. Lastly, he was looking forward to the dorm experience. He'd always been kind of lonely growing up. He was an only child, and he'd never had any close friends. Honestly, he'd been closer with his bullies than he had been to the other guys in the A/V club his mom had convinced him to join which was... embarrassing.

But all freshman were required to live on campus, and he'd signed up for a double room, meaning that he would have a roommate who would have no choice but to spend time with him, and as a result, they would have to get used to each other, and learn to live with each other, and inevitably become best friends—at least until the end of freshman year.

When Tucker reached his new dorm, room 416, he could hear grumbling and shuffling on the other side of the door. His roommate must already be here. He grinned as he opened the door.

"Hey, roomie!" Tucker greeted cheerfully.

His roommate jumped at the sound, and slammed a dresser drawer closed on his finger. "Fuck!" he yelped, and turned around with a wide-eyed look on his face like he'd just been caught doing something illegal.

"Uh... sorry," Tucker said. "Didn't mean to spook ya."

"Heh, you didn't... I mean you surprised me, but I wasn't like... scared...." He cleared his throat and gave Tucker an awkward forced smile. "I'm Danny."

"Tucker Foley." Tucker tossed his duffel bag onto the empty bed and gently placed his box of tech on the desk next to it. "Looked like you were struggling with that drawer, whatcha got in there?"

Danny's smile fell. "Look, I don't wanna sour our relationship right out of the gate, but that's really none of your business. I would appreciate it if you kept your nose out of my stuff."

"Uh... okay, sure," Tucker agreed. "Wasn't trying to be nosy or anything, anyway. Sorry."

"Good," Danny said, the tension in his body language easing slightly. "As long as you respect my privacy, I think we'll get along fine."

Tucker smiled, but he felt his heart sink. 'Respect my privacy' sounded a lot like it meant 'leave me alone', and 'leave me alone' was pretty much the same as 'I don't want to be your friend', which sounded a lot like all Tucker's hopes for dorm life flushing down the toilet.

"So where're you from, Danny?" Tucker asked. "Or is that information too personal."

Danny paused before answering, like he was genuinely trying to decide if it was too personal or not.

"Illinois," he said finally. "You?"

"Illinois, also. What town?" Tucker asked. "Man, wouldn't it be wild if we grew up in the same place and never met before? I'm from Elmerton."

"Elmerton? Ew," Danny said with a laugh. "I'm an Amity Parker. I'd rather die than live in Elmerton. Elmerton sucks."

"Hey! It may be kinda boring, I'll give you that much, but it's still better than haunted-ass Amity Park!" Tucker argued, thankful it seemed like things were starting to lighten up a bit between him and his new roommate. "At least I didn't grow up surrounded by a bunch of evil ghosts taking revenge on the living."

Tucker was laughing, but just like that, Danny's demeanor got cold and closed off again. Shit. Tucker let his laughter awkwardly trail off, wondering what he'd said wrong. Man, making friends was even harder than he thought.

"Is that all your stuff?" Danny asked. "Just the one bag and a cardboard box?"

"Oh! No! I still have some things to bring up; I left them with the dorm supervisor. I better go get 'em."

"Yeah, you probably should," Danny agreed. "I wouldn't put that much trust in the dorm supervisor, he seemed kinda shady."

"Er... right."

Tucker went down to grab the last of his stuff, and by the time he reentered the dorm room, Danny was gone.

He sighed. "Great first impression, Tuck. Well done."

Danny must've arrive much earlier in the day than Tucker had, because most of his stuff was already unpacked. His bed was made and everything. As Tucker's eyes wandered over Danny's side of the room, they were drawn to the bottom drawer of his dresser, the one he'd accidentally slammed his finger in, trying to make sure Tucker didn't see what was in it.

"I shouldn't," he said out loud. "Danny literally asked for one thing—that I respect his privacy."

Poking around now would be completely stupid. It would ruin my chances of ever being friends with him. Tucker reminded himself internally.

Still, he couldn't tear his eyes away from that drawer.

And he doubted Danny would be back any time soon. It wouldn't be dark for a few more hours at least, and Danny was clearly avoiding him.

Against his better judgement, Tucker knelt down on the floor and opened the dresser drawer, expecting to see sex toys, or lingerie, or something similarly embarrassing. Instead, he found strange, futuristic looking weapons and technology. It looked like alien shit. Was Danny secretly an alien? No, that was stupid.... Right?

Tucker slowly pushed the drawer closed again, questioning everything he knew about the universe.

He would have preferred sex toys.

No, they had to be earthly technology, because Tucker distinctly remembered seeing a logo emblazoned on everything that said 'Fenton Works'. All he had to do was look that up online and put his mind at ease. Danny seemed like a... fairly reasonably guy. There had to be a good explanation for him having a cache of high tech weapons in a college dorm. Although, to be honest, it wasn't looking too good at the moment.

Tucker unpacked his box of tech, set up his desktop PC set up and plugged in his laptop and PDA to charge. Then, he looked up Fenton Works, which brought him to an absolutely hideous orange and teal website for what seemed to be a small family business in Amity Park that specialized in ghost hunting and developing ghost hunting technology.

A sigh of relief escaped him.

Danny definitely wasn't an alien. He was just another paranoid Amity Parker, worried about ghosts attacking, even though they were all the way in Wisconsin. That was probably why he'd tensed up when Tucker made a crack about ghosts before. Tucker's dad sometimes went to Amity Park for work, and he said they were super serious about ghosts there, and didn't appreciate jokes about their haunting situation. Honestly, Tucker should have known better from the start, but he'd thought they were riffing. He hadn't gotten all offended when Danny made fun of Elmerton.

Whatever. He could apologize when Danny got back. In the meantime, he started programming his class schedule for this semester into his PDA, making sure there would be room for homework—and, more importantly, college parties.

As the days passed and classes started and the two of them both got busier, Tucker made an effort to talk to Danny as much as possible, and even though Danny smiled and responded politely, he always dodged any personal topics. Also, Tucker was pretty sure he was avoiding spending more time together than was strictly necessary, but he couldn't be sure. Still, he was determined for he and Danny to be friends.

"So Danny, I heard about this party one of the frats is hosting to draw in pledges," Tucker said. "Obviously I'm not planning to join a frat, but it could still be fun. Wanna come with me?"

"Uh... I'm not really a party person," Danny said apologetically. "I'm more of a bed person, enjoyer of sleeping and chilling."

"I get that, sure, but don't you want to meet people? Make friends? Maybe find a girlfriend? Or boyfriend, I don't judge."

"Thanks, but no thanks," Danny refused. "You have fun, though."

Tucker left it at that, but he couldn't help wondering what exactly was up with Danny being so standoffish. Did he have a problem with Tucker in particular, or was he just anti-social? It wasn't exactly unusual for someone not to want to go to a party. It could be that he didn't like crowds, or loud music, or being around drunk people, or frats in general. There were plenty of reasons Danny might not want to go—and no evidence that Tucker was part of the reason at all.

That didn't stop Tucker from wondering if he was.

That trend continued for the first month. Tucker would invite Danny to do something as friends, and Danny would decline for one reason or another, no matter what it was Tucker had proposed. Everything from parties in the dorm, to just going to get coffee or tea before classes, whether it was loud or quiet, crowded or solitary—even going to study at the library in silence, Danny always had a reason to say 'no', and Tucker was starting to take it personally.

"Okay, what's your deal?" Tucker demanded after Danny once again refused to join him, this time for literally just takeout in their dorm room—Tuck had offered to pay and everything. "Do you have some kind of problem with me, or something? I just want us to get along and shit, 'cause we're roommates, and we have to live with each other all year, but you keep shutting me down! So what gives?!"

"Nothing," Danny insisted. "Honestly, I'm just not hungry."

"Yeah, this time you're not hungry, but you refused laser tag 'cause you're not very athletic, and studying at the library 'cause you had other plans with your classmates, and coffee before class 'cause you don't drink coffee—even though I've literally seen you drinking coffee before!" Tucker snapped. "Dude, it's ten pm, and you haven't eaten since breakfast, you can't not be hungry, so what's wrong with you?!"

Danny flinched at the question, but Tucker couldn't feel too bad for mildly offending the guy who'd been blowing him off all month.

"Nothing," Danny said again, not meeting Tucker's angry gaze. "I'm just... I'm just a regular, ordinary guy. So go ahead and order takeout if you care so much, I'm not gonna stop you."

"No. That's not good enough," Tucker insisted. "I been trying to hang with you since we moved in, and you keep blowing me off for no good reason. So what's the issue? Is it 'cause I'm black?"

"What?! No!"

"Then what?! Give me one good reason why you're treating me this way?"

"Look, it's not about you, okay?"

"Oh, you're gonna pull out an 'it's not you, it's me'? I'm not your overbearing girlfriend, I'm your roommate, and all I wanted to do was get along."

"I don't want any friends, okay?!" Danny finally burst out. "I don't have any problem with you, I just... I just think I'm better off on my own."

All Tucker could do was stare in disbelief.

"I made up excuses because I didn't want to offend you or anything, because I didn't want us to be on bad terms," Danny continued. "We're still roommates. I know that, and I'm not so stupid that I wanted to torch that relationship right out of the gate, but I'm not looking for someone to be best friends with, you know? All I wanted from a roommate was mutual respect and privacy."

"Why?" asked Tucker at length.

"What do you mean 'why'?"

"I mean, why do you want to be alone all the time?" Tucker pressed. "I been there, and it sucks. It's lonely and sad and pathetic and people make fun of you for being some kind of defective human being who can't get anyone lo like you. Why would you want that?"

"I like my solitude," Danny mumbled. He was back to not being able to look at Tucker again.

"You're afraid," Tucker refuted.

"What makes you say that?"

"It's obvious," Tucker said. "I don't know why, but for some reason you're just fucking terrified of people getting close to you? So what is it? Are you terminally ill or something? Do you secretly just have a totally shitty personality? What?"

For a long moment, Danny was silent, but he did tilt his head up to look Tucker squarely in the eye before speaking.

"That's none of your business."

Tucker's forehead wrinkled and his mouth fell open incredulously. Slowly, he shook his head. "Fuckin' fine. Whatever," he said finally. "You want a roommate who'll leave you alone—you got it. But mutual respect is off the table, 'cause you just lost mine."

[christinenoora]

The Responsible Way to Navigate Social Media: A Guide for Users

In these modern technological times, social media turned out to be a great part of communication and connecting with other people, and sharing sources of information. It's an opportunity that you cannot ignore; however, the risks are huge. Mindful exposure to these platforms, however, can keep social media usage a positive one. Following are some guidelines that will help you effectively and safely use social media.

Protecting your privacy

Make sure you know how each social media platform handles your data before you start sharing sensitive information. A good rule of thumb is not to share too much publicly, like a phone number, home address, or other sensitive information. Of course, once it’s out on the internet, it may stay there indefinitely, no matter if you take it down later.

2. Think Before You Share

Consider the possible effects of sharing, especially on might turn out different topics, before you post your emotions in the heat of the moment because one word can create misunderstanding and a conflict. Thus think before you begin sharing.

3. Be Respectful and Kind

You know how sometimes social media seems to ooze negativity? You must take that ingrate inner voice within you and encourage otherwise. Have meaningful discussions and let each person assess whether your words are going to affect the audience. Online abuse or bullying causes harm as well as possible serious repercussions for those involved.

4. Fact-Check Information

In that case of an epidemic of misinformation, anything you want to share should be verified, especially news articles or statistics. Take the time to cross-check facts with reliable sources. Unsubstantiated information leads to the misunderstanding from the truth and thus increases the rapid spread of misinformation that ultimately may prove dangerous for the society at large.

5.Balance Online and Offline Life

Everyone creates time to engage socially online in today's age, but one must still engage with real-life interactions. A lot of screen time may thus make one develop anxiety and may lead into a poor quality of life. Setting boundaries on usage will ensure everyone still gets quality time for face-to-face interactions and self-reflection.

6. Understand the Emotional Impact

Social media is, in fact, capable of affecting our emotions and mental well-being. Recognizing that a number of things are not exactly an accurate representation of reality can, at times, be quite hard. When comparing one's life to the highlights of another's curated existence, being left feeling inadequate is easy. Being aware of one's emotional responses to social media may allow one to lessen these effects.

7. Report Inappropriate Content

There can be instances of hate speech, cyber bullying, and other harmful content. Feel free to report such types on most popular platforms, which usually allow users to flag inappropriate behavior directly. This action can help make the community a little safer for everyone.

Conclusion.

Social media can be a powerful tool in connecting and growing when used effectively. Such a perfect awareness of online interactions, respect for others, and mental well-being at times results in positive contributions to the global community. It is wiser to keep in mind that what makes your image on social media should also be synonymous with wider reflection and thus, together making the online sphere a respectful and supportive space.

As we continue to integrate social media into the very fabric of our existence, let us all commit to using it to foster connection, not by the disconnection of safety, respect, and accuracy.

[ngdrb]

Evaluating the Concerns and Potential Extremism of Project 2025

This far-right, extremist agenda is a threat to a multiracial, diverse democracy

Introduction

Project 2025 has garnered significant attention and sparked debate among various stakeholders. This analysis aims to explore the reasons why some individuals and groups express apprehension about the project and to evaluate whether these concerns are deemed extreme. Additionally, this discourse will consider potential modifications to address these concerns  and Perceptions of Extremism

Scope and Ambition

 Project 2025 has been widely viewed as ambitiously forward-thinking. While some express concerns about its comprehensive scope possibly causing unforeseen disruptions to current systems, critics suggest these challenges are natural in pioneering endeavors. The project's magnitude naturally provokes apprehensions regarding its feasibility and long-term sustainability. However, such bold initiatives are essential to drive innovation and address pressing global challenges. By carefully navigating potential pitfalls and leveraging comprehensive planning, Project 2025 can emerge as a transformative force for progress, laying a robust foundation for a sustainable future.

Political and Social Implications

The project's political and social ramifications are pivotal concerns. Detractors argue it could bring about sweeping alterations to societal norms and governance, potentially marginalizing specific demographics. These transformative shifts are frequently perceived as revolutionary, thereby evoking apprehensions about its radical nature. Such apprehensions underscore the need for a careful examination of its potential impact on inclusivity and social cohesion. It is imperative to navigate these concerns with a balanced approach that ensures equitable outcomes and fosters constructive dialogue about the project's goals and implications for a harmonious society.

Economic Impact

Concerns abound regarding the economic repercussions of Project 2025. Critics contend that the necessary financial resources might overburden public finances, potentially necessitating higher taxes or diverting funds from essential sectors. Such economic uncertainties are seen as fueling perceptions of radicalism. It is crucial to address these apprehensions through careful planning and transparent communication about the project's long-term benefits. By emphasizing strategic economic growth and prudent resource management, we can mitigate fears and build consensus on the project's potential to foster sustainable development and economic stability. This approach ensures that Project 2025 is viewed not as a risk, but as a catalyst for positive change.

Technological and Ethical Concerns

The integration of advanced technologies in Project 2025 raises significant ethical and privacy concerns, making it a contentious initiative. The potential for surveillance, data misuse, and erosion of individual freedoms stokes widespread fears. As we embrace these technologies, we must address the ethical implications to safeguard privacy and uphold fundamental rights. Ensuring transparent and responsible use of data can alleviate concerns and foster trust. By prioritizing ethical considerations, Project 2025 can become a beacon of innovation that respects privacy and individual freedoms, turning a potential threat into an opportunity for responsible technological advancement.

Potential for Adaptation

To mitigate the perceived extremism of Project 2025 and address the apprehensions, the following adaptations could be considered:

Incremental Implementation

Adopting a phased approach to project implementation offers the opportunity for continuous assessment and refinement at each stage. This strategy not only facilitates better risk management but also mitigates concerns about abrupt changes. By breaking down the project into manageable phases, we can identify and address issues promptly, ensuring smoother transitions and more effective solutions. This method fosters a more controlled and adaptable environment, increasing the likelihood of success while minimizing disruption. Embracing this incremental approach will ultimately lead to more sustainable and positive outcomes for the entire team.

Transparent Communication

Improving transparency regarding the project’s objectives, procedures, and potential outcomes is crucial for fostering public trust. Engaging openly with stakeholders and employing effective communication strategies are essential steps in combating misinformation and alleviating concerns. By clearly articulating our goals and methods, we can establish credibility and reassure the community about the project’s positive impacts. Emphasizing these aspects not only enhances understanding but also cultivates a supportive environment where informed decisions can be made collaboratively. This approach ensures that all parties are well-informed and aligned, promoting a constructive dialogue that strengthens confidence and minimizes uncertainties.

Ethical Guidelines and Oversight

Implementing stringent ethical guidelines and independent oversight mechanisms effectively addresses worries regarding privacy and data security. Prioritizing ethical considerations not only safeguards sensitive information but also cultivates trust and support from the public. By adhering to these principles, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability, fostering a climate where individuals feel secure and valued. This approach not only mitigates risks but also enhances our credibility, ensuring that our practices align with the highest standards of integrity and responsibility. Ultimately, integrating robust ethical frameworks is pivotal in garnering widespread endorsement and maintaining ethical leadership in data management.

Economic Safeguards

Implementing economic safeguards is crucial to shield vulnerable groups and promote fair resource allocation, alleviating concerns about financial burdens. Transparent budgeting and stringent financial accountability are indispensable in fostering trust and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. By instituting these measures, we not only protect the most vulnerable but also uphold principles of fairness and responsibility. This proactive approach not only mitigates fears of economic strain but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive economic framework that benefits all segments of society.

Conclusion

Project 2025’s ambitious nature and potential for significant societal impact inevitably lead to concerns about its extremism. By understanding these apprehensions and considering adaptive strategies, it is possible to address the fears and work towards a more balanced and acceptable implementation. Engaging with stakeholders, ensuring transparency, and prioritizing ethical considerations are critical steps in this

[aressida]

My entry: "Digital ID and the Australian Constitution." - Aressida. 28.3.24

Right before the Digital ID Bill was passed by the Australian Senate, Senator Roberts made a last-minute addition:

“Life is about to change for every Australians. As much as Senator Gallagher seeks to downplay the significance of introducing one central digital identifier for each and every Australian, the reality is that this is the most significant legislation I've seen in my time in the Senate. It's the glue that holds together the digital control agenda by which every Australian will be controlled, corralled, exploited and then gagged when they speak or act in opposition.”

“Socialists love control. Socialism needs control. For socialism to exist, there must be control. The government knows control will be used by government to identify people who say mean things on social media to speed up enforcement of our new laws against saying home truths to crazy or dishonest people.”

And from Pauline Hanson, “This law is designed to control the Australian people. It's a step towards the 15-minute cities already being imposed in the United Kingdom, heavily penalising anyone trying to travel outside their community. This is a secretive international effort to establish a one-world government with no freedom and no capacity for dissent.

Let's never forget how easily Australian governments imposed restrictions on us during the pandemic. We couldn't go anywhere without a digital vaccination certificate. Our freedom of speech was suppressed by government and by tech, and it continues in social media content. I will call it out the way I see it, as I always have done. Digital ID is the first step towards these restrictions being imposed on us permanently.”

She gets cut off at the end before she can finish Klaus’ infamous saying…..”You will own nothing and you will be happy!”

————————————————————————————————

We need to firmly oppose this perilous course of action. The imminent implementation of a Digital ID system will enable complete authoritarian control over the state, leading to the establishment of a techno-communist society.

We are rapidly moving towards a future where vaccination passports, CBDCs, and social credit/Co2 scores are all combined into one digital format.

We must not tolerate this encroachment on our individual rights and privacy. It is crucial that we stand against these actions and safeguard the principles that form the foundation of a free and democratic society.

I think the proper order is:

1) The Australian Constitution should include a beginning highlighting the need to protect personal information, protecting individual privacy, and finding a balance between technology progress and individual rights and freedoms.

2) A strong bill of rights that clearly defends the freedoms of expression, privacy, and unjust surveillance in the physical and digital spheres should come after it.

3) In order to safeguard citizens against the misuse of digital ID, the constitution ought to have provisions that clearly define the government's obligation to safeguard citizens' private information, stop illegal access, and guarantee fair and transparent use of digital ID programs.

4) To protect individual privacy, clear regulations pertaining to the gathering, storing, and use of personal data related to digital ID systems should be put in place. These regulations should specify what constitutes informed permission, how data should be minimized, and how long data must be kept.

5) To monitor and control digital ID systems and ensure accountability, openness, and respect for privacy rights, independent oversight bodies need to be set up. These organizations must be able to look into complaints, punish violators, and release periodic reports on privacy conditions.

6) To protect against the marginalization or disadvantage of specific groups, provisions should be included that forbid discrimination based on digital ID.

7) The judiciary should be empowered to invalidate unlawful legislation or activities that violate people's privacy, and a strong system of judicial review should be put in place to allow people to contest abuses of their digital ID systems or rights to privacy.

Let's raise awareness, defend our rights, and ensure government accountability.

[sjsmith56]

All This Time, Chapter 13 - Eyes of the Father

Summary: Bucky’s successful treatment permits him to live in a Wakandan village for several months. Then King T’Challa arrives with his prosthetic arm and Bucky accepts the necessity of returning to war.

Length: 4.4 K

Characters: Bucky, Shuri, Lacey, T’Challa, Steve

Warnings: Bucky and Lacey have a serious argument. Bucky feels increasingly anxious over a feeling of doom. Thanos.

Author notes: A significant part of this chapter summarizes events of The Avengers: Infinity War.

<<Chapter 12

🛖 🦾

Wakanda

He heard the giggling before he opened his eyes.  It was bad enough they didn't respect the privacy of his home but to wake him up early as well on his rest day was irritating at best.  He opened his eyes and they scattered, running out of his hut while calling him White Wolf.  He sat up and heard Shuri's voice outside gently chastising the three boys.  Quietly he rose from the bed and smoothed the red robe he was wearing before bending his head to exit the hut.  He looked around and felt the peacefulness of the village before he approached Shuri.  She greeted him cheerfully, calling him Sergeant Barnes.  He insisted she call him Bucky and she bowed her head in acknowledgement.  When she asked him how he was feeling he replied that he felt good, then he fixed his gaze intently on her.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me," he said quietly.

She smiled then told him they still had much to learn.  He gazed at the serenity of the lake near his hut for a moment then turned away from it and followed her.  In the five and a half months he had been there he had worked as a goat farmer, learned to make goat cheese, had helped with the harvesting of crops, all while still having sessions with Shuri on modern history and technology.  In many ways it had been a surreal existence, balancing the old ways of living with the realities of modern society.  But it had been peaceful and calm.  The villagers accepted him and every once in a while he would play with the children, especially when they brought a soccer ball out, as he didn't need both of his arms for that.  They went to a modern structure in the heart of the village where a computer terminal was set up.  Bucky sat before it, with Shuri at his side.

"Before we start I have a question," he said calmly.  "How exactly did you undo the HYDRA programming?  Unlike the other treatments I have no memories of you trying anything.  Which means either you took a big chance and did it in one try or you tried it on someone else first.  Which was it?"

"Neither, really, Sergeant Barnes," replied the young woman.  "If you must know I recreated your brain in a digital format.  I copied every aspect of it and created a holographic version of it.  Then I created an algorithm to feed into your recreated brain that would remove the trigger words and render them incapable of affecting you.  I would enter the calculations and then enter the trigger words and see what the digital copy of your brain did in response.  I wanted to remove the effect of the words but not remove the core of your own personality, the good man that was still in you, the protector."

"How many times did you have to adjust the algorithm to achieve success?" he asked.  "As brilliant as you are I can't believe it worked the first time."

"It didn't," she admitted.  "It took many tries."  She hesitated for a moment wondering if she should tell him then remembered her promise to be truthful to him.  "There were 387 attempts over the 4 months, 2 weeks and 6 days you stayed in full cryostasis.  We were close several times and almost decided to apply the algorithm to your brain but not all problems were evident at first.  Some problems took days to become known and we had to start from the beginning again."

"So the final treatment on me, on my brain, was a one shot attempt," he stated.  "Even though you tested it on the holographic version of my brain you didn't really know for sure it would work on the real brain, the physical one."

He looked steadily at her, with no judgement or emotion evident on his handsome face.  "I wouldn't have tried it if I wasn't 100% sure it would work," she replied confidently.  "There were no short cuts taken, no long shot theories; everything was tested and retested multiple times before we were confident that it would work.  May I ask why you are asking this now, and not five and a half months ago when you came out of cryostasis for the last time?"

"I didn't think of it then," smiled Bucky.  "But here, in this village, I have more time and inclination to think and reflect.  Remembering what I do of the scientific process it struck me that you needed a way to test your treatment without the possibility of damaging this broken white boy any further."

Shuri grimaced and coloured slightly.  "I apologize for using that term," she said.  "It was flippantly said as I was attempting to save the life of another American when you were here."

"But I was a broken white boy," insisted Bucky.  "Did you know Lacey's first book was called Confessions of a Broken White Girl?  It seemed fitting that you thought I was broken.  I felt like Humpty Dumpty when I first came here, unsure if all the King's horses and all the King's men could ever put me back together again."

"It was a challenge," stated Shuri.  "Never had I or any of our scientists faced such a task before.  Which made it all the more imperative that we get it right.  The stakes of your recovery are high, Sergeant Barnes."

"How so?" he asked, puzzled.

"What do you know of child soldiers?" she asked.  "You may have come across the term in your studies."

"Children kidnapped, drugged and forced to be foot soldiers in a conflict," he replied.  "You mean they are brainwashed?"

"Not in the same way as you but yes," she said.  "Treated with violence and cruelty then injected with all manner of drugs they learn only to kill and abuse others.  For many, when they are finally rescued they remember nothing else and struggle to return to a normal life, even if they are reunited with family.  It was hoped that what we developed to treat you could be used to treat them; to remove the violent memories and restore the good memories they had before they were kidnapped.  So far, the results have been promising."

Bucky let out a long slow breath and looked at Shuri.  "So what you are learning about me is helping children?" he asked.

"Most definitely," she said firmly.  "Is there anything else you would like to ask me or discuss?"

"What about the nightmares?" he asked.  "I still have them."

"Yes, I know," she replied sadly.  "Unfortunately there was little we could do to mitigate all of them.  They originate mostly in the amygdala and are connected to PTSD, which you do suffer from.  I personally suspect it is your own conscience that generates the nightmares as you still haven't forgiven yourself for what the Winter Soldier did.  Even though Bucky Barnes was helpless to stop the soldier you still feel guilt for his actions."

He looked away for a moment considering her words then nodded and turned to the computer.  "What am I learning about today?" he asked.

"American history, from 2000 to the present year," she said.  "Shall we begin?"

She sat with him directing him to online resources on 21st century history.  As he looked at the various entries he remembered some of them from the perspective of the Winter Soldier, for he had been the Fist of HYDRA, shaping history to their benefit.  It distressed him at times, especially when there was a loss of life involved but before he could return to normal life he needed to know what had happened in the world.  After several hours of it Shuri touched his arm.

"I think that is enough for today, Sergeant Barnes," she said.  "Perhaps it is time for you to do something more enjoyable, like call Miss Williams and your son.  It has been several days since you last spoke with them.  Is everything alright?"

"Yes ... and no," he said, frowning slightly.  "I've had an increasing fear that we will never be able to see each other.  We both talk about it when we are together and look forward to it but there is a sense of inevitability that seems to foreshadow that it will never come to pass.  It troubles me and I'm having a hard time keeping positive on the calls."

"How long have you felt this way?" asked Shuri, concerned.

"I first noticed it a couple of weeks ago and it keeps getting stronger and stronger," he answered.  "You don't think the treatment has stopped working, do you?  I'm not regressing?"

"I don't think so," she said.  "Are your nightmares related to it?"

"They're my usual HYDRA nightmares," he replied.  "Nothing out of the ordinary.  When I'm working here I don't feel it.  It's usually when I talk to Lacey."

"Would you object to me observing a video call with Miss Williams?" asked Shuri.  "I will have a kimoyo bead monitoring your brain activity to see if it shows up."

He nodded his assent and they went back to his hut to retrieve the tablet.  He sat on the bench outside and Shuri activated one of her kimoyo beads to monitor Bucky while he made the call.  Lacey answered quickly and she smiled.

"Hi, Bucky," she said warmly.  "It's been a few days.  Everything okay?"

"Just been really busy," he replied.  "I have a few new baby goats that are taking up my time.  I've been studying more with Shuri.  How are you and Tommy?"

She called to Tommy and while she waited she smiled.  "Really good," she said.  "I've started on my third book ... the writing part finally." 

Tommy's face appeared in the screen.  "Hi Dad!" he said.  "Guess what?  I lifted a straw bale today."

"The whole bale?" asked Bucky.

"No, just one end of it," explained Lacey.  "Only about six inches and he put it down right away.  Clint got straw bales in today and Tommy thought he would help.  As soon as Clint saw him he told him to drop it."

Bucky shifted, unsettled by this development.  "Tommy, have you been lifting other heavy things?" he asked, frowning slightly.

He looked at his mother and she tilted her head.  "Yeah," admitted the boy.  "I picked a dead tree up and I rolled some big rocks."

"That's too dangerous," replied Bucky.  "Lacey, you need to watch him better."

"Excuse me?" asked Lacey.  "I'm watching him all the time but he's almost three and there are times when I have to do other things.  He hasn't tried to do anything overtly dangerous."

Bucky gave out a sharp breath.  "All it takes is one slip and he could be trapped," snapped Bucky.  "Then who would get him out of trouble?  You?"

"Yeah, me," replied Lacey, her voice rising.  "I'm the parent who's raising him!  My whole life is watching over him, keeping him safe.  You're sitting in the cheap seats and telling me how to raise my son?"

Bucky was stunned and his face became red.  "You're right," he said angrily.  "I'm not there.  I'm aware of that every moment that I'm here and you're there.  It eats me up inside that I haven't been there for you and Tommy.  All I've been is the sperm donor and that doesn't give me much right to criticize does it?   I'll make it easy for you.  You won't have to put up with me interfering any more.  Goodbye."

He broke the connection, dropped the tablet, looked at Shuri then ran.  "Sergeant Barnes ... Bucky," she called but he was already gone into the distance.

Sitting back Shuri looked at her kimoyo bead that had been monitoring Bucky's functions.  There was something going on and it had affected him emotionally to the point where he turned away from Lacey and Tommy.   She brought up Lacey on her communication bead and saw she was crying.

"Shuri, what's wrong with Bucky?" asked Lacey.  "We just had a fight over the video call and I think he just broke up with me."

"I was here, monitoring him," admitted Shuri.  "He told me he has been troubled by fears that your relationship will never go past these video calls.  After the call he ran away.  Whatever it is, it's real and it has affected him emotionally."

"It's not a failure of the treatment, is it?" she asked.

"No, there was no indication of that," replied Shuri.  "Let me do some more investigating on this end and I will contact you when I find out something.  It will be okay."

Shuri ended the call and then brought up monitoring software asking it where Sergeant Barnes was.  It reported that he was approximately five miles away and was stationary at the moment.  She debated about whether to take a flyer to him or to wait and chose to wait, spending the time analyzing the readings she had taken.  An hour later she saw him approaching from a pathway and stood up.  He hesitated briefly then kept walking towards her.

"I thought you would be gone," he said quietly.  "I messed that up, didn't I?"

"She was crying when I spoke to her after," said Shuri.  "Was it your intention to end the relationship?"

"No, but she's probably better off without me," he answered.  "What good have I been if I can't be with her?"

"You believe that, don't you?" asked Shuri.  "You truly believe that you will never see her in person again.  Never know your son or be there for him."  She looked intently at him then brought up the data of his video call.  "This fear that you feel is coming from the same place as your nightmares but it is deeper than I believed.  It's almost as if you are reacting to stimuli that isn't there, at least not there in a measurable sense."

"So, I'm imagining it," he stated.

"No, I don't think you are," replied Shuri.  "Your senses were greatly increased by the super soldier treatment that you underwent.  Not just the physical senses but your intuitive ones as well.  They are so sensitive that they register that something will happen well before it does.  I think you're experiencing premonitions of a coming event but just the feeling of it, not the event itself."

"Something that will keep me from Lacey and Tommy?" he asked.  "Only death will do that.  Do you think I've been experiencing premonitions of my death, my actual death?"

Shuri took a deep breath and spread her hands in surrender.  "I don't know," she replied.  "Perhaps if you think on it with this perspective you may find some answers.  Whatever it is, it has caused you to fear it."

She took her leave of him and he watched her walk away for some time before he picked up the tablet and entered his hut.  He considered calling Lacey back but decided against it, wanting to wrestle with and control the fear first.   The following day Lacey called him.   After the third pulse of the incoming video call he answered it and felt ashamed when he saw the misery on her face.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.  "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"What's going on?" she asked.  "Something has you on edge.  That wasn't you that was speaking to me that way."

"I've been experiencing an impending sense of doom," said Bucky.  "I don't know how else to explain it.  Shuri thinks my intuitive senses are on high alert from something that hasn't happened yet.  Whatever it is it's made me afraid, mostly that I'll never be with you and Tommy."

"Can it be treated?  I still believe we'll be together someday, for what it's worth."

He smiled slightly.  "It's something I have to work out on my own," he replied.  "It means a lot that you still want me, especially after what I said yesterday.  Don't give up on me, please."

"Never," said Lacey.  "You're stuck with me.  I love you, Bucky."

"I love you, too," he smiled.  "Give Tommy a hug for me.  Tell him I love him."

"I will," said Lacey.

They spoke of other things for several more minutes then ended the conversation.  Bucky slept better that night and on the following morning he got up with a purpose.  There were bags of animal feed that were arriving at the goat paddock.  He would load them onto the cart for transport to the village.  He put his singlet on, then one of his work shirts, buttoning it up with his right hand.  Pulling on his work pants he tucked his shirt in then zipped his pants up.  Then he covered his shoulder unit up with the shawl.  He ate some breakfast then made the mile walk to the paddock.  A couple of the village boys were already there and as he began loading the feed onto the cart they asked him questions.  He answered them as best he could while he tossed the bags into the cart with his one arm. 

"Ukumkani," said one of them, jumping down from the tree where he had been perched.

Bucky looked in the direction the boy pointed and saw King T'Challa, General Okoye and two of the King's Guard, one of them carrying a case.  He watched as they approached him and the man with the case put it on top of the feed bags on the cart, opened it and stepped back.  Bucky approached it and saw a prosthetic arm, gunmetal black with a gold design on it.  T'Challa watched, his demeanour apologetic and Bucky knew that he was being asked to defend Wakanda.  When he asked where the fight was the King said it was on it's way.  Bucky nodded and pulled the shawl off exposing the shoulder insert.  T'Challa picked up the arm, approached him, and Bucky watched as the socket portion of the insert opened in readiness for the attachment of the arm.  It clasped on firmly and instantly he could feel it's presence.  Looking at the hand he flexed it open then closed it into a fist.  He looked at the King impassively.

"Let's go," he said and began walking away from the paddock.

"Is there anything you need from your hut?" asked T'Challa.

At first he was going to say no then he hesitated.  "My tablet," he replied.  "My clothes, although they aren't suitable for fighting."

"We have a uniform for you," said T'Challa.  "Something to honour your past."  Bucky gave him a look of alarm.  "Your good past."

After picking up Bucky's things he accompanied T'Challa and Okoye back to the capital.  On the way T'Challa told him what he knew.

"An extraterrestrial attacked New York," he said.  "Iron Man and a sorcerer with an infinity stone were taken into space and haven't been heard from since.  Shortly after another extraterrestrial attacked a being called Vision, who carries the Mind Stone.  He was injured but was rescued by your friends Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, and Natasha Romanoff.  They are on their way here for Shuri to find a way to remove and destroy the Mind Stone so that it cannot be used by the being who wishes to have its power, Thanos.  We expect him to attack us to prevent the Mind Stone from being destroyed."

Bucky smirked.  "End of the world stuff," he said.  "At least it's a fight worth fighting."

"That's the spirit," said T'Challa.  "Thank you for answering the call."

"If we don't succeed?" asked Bucky.

"Thanos will kill half of all beings in existence according to someone who had an encounter with him in space," said T'Challa, looking grimly at him.  "High stakes."

They arrived at the palace and Bucky was shown to his previous quarters where a uniform was laid on the bed.  It was modern but he saw it had the colours of his Howling Commandos sniper uniform, a navy jacket with the left arm cut out, black pants and boots.  As he took his work clothes off and began to dress in the uniform he realized he was using the prosthetic arm without even thinking of it.  He looked at it again and the part of him that was interested in technology was impressed.  It was much lighter than the HYDRA arm and although it was distinctive in appearance he found himself liking it much more than he expected.  A knock on the door drew his attention and he opened it to Ayo.

"Sergeant Barnes," she said crisply.  "Our visitors have just landed."

He followed her outside to where T'Challa was greeting Steve and several others.  The blond woman who he recognized as Natasha had just asked how they were looking.  The young King was describing his force then glanced back to see Bucky coming and gestured towards him.  He smiled broadly at Steve, truly happy to see him and they hugged each other.  While Steve, Bruce, Wanda, Natasha, and T'Challa went to the medical centre to find out what Shuri could do with Vision, Bucky stayed outside with the others.  He nodded at Sam, who nodded back then a man in a metal flying suit looked at him.

"Colonel James Rhodes," he said.  "Also known as War Machine."

"Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes," replied Bucky.  "Call me Bucky.  You were on the other side in Leipzig."

"Well, time has a way of changing a man's mind," said Rhodes.  "You're no longer the Winter Soldier?"

"No, I'll never kill another human," said Bucky.  "These guys that are coming?  I won't hesitate."

"Glad to hear it," said Rhodes.

Sam pointed up to the sky and they watched a series of glowing lights approach.   He signalled to Steve that something was coming.  The glowing light hit the protective shield over the city and exploded, preventing whatever it was from landing.  They watched as many more spacecraft burned through the atmosphere to land outside the dome protecting the city.  Within minutes they were on their way to the edge of the dome where thousands of Wakandan warriors had already assembled.  As their group joined them Bucky watched as T'Challa, Steve, and Natasha approached two aliens standing outside the crackling protective shield.  They saw one of the aliens give a signal and the spacecraft expanded.  When Steve returned to his side Bucky asked if the other side had surrendered.  Steve replied cryptically but Bucky got the gist of it.

Thousands of creatures jumped from the spacecraft and ran towards the shield.  No one had ever seen their like before and they watched with uneasy fascination as the creatures threw themselves at the shield.  Many of the monstrous beings died trying to get through the shield before several were successful.  The successful multi-armed creatures with mouths of jagged teeth roared their pleasure at breaking through and began charging the assembled forces.  Bucky took short bursts with his machine gun before grimacing and opening fire completely.  It was noticed that more creatures were circling around the perimeter and T'Challa made the decision to open the barrier to keep them from getting to where Vision was being treated.  As the creatures poured in everyone was surrounded by the nightmare beings, fighting desperately to keep from being overrun.  Bucky's machine gun was knocked from his hands just as he was knocked to the ground.  Grabbing a knife from his thigh sheath he stabbed the creature sending it flying backwards.  Everyone was swarmed by the terrifying beings, overwhelmed by the sheer numbers.  Suddenly a beam of energy broke from the sky sending the creatures tumbling away.  An axe trailing lightning broke from the beam and sliced through the creatures freeing many of the Wakandan force.  When the energy beam cleared the axe returned to the hand of Thor who was accompanied by a walking raccoon and a walking tree creature.

The god roared for Thanos and ran towards the opening in the dome, levitating up into the air and gathering the power of lightning in his axe before redirecting it down into the ground, destroying hundreds of the alien beings in an instant.  Still, they kept coming through the hole in the barrier.  The raccoon creature yelled as he fired his weapon at them.  His roars attracted Bucky's attention as he noticed several of the larger creatures bearing down on the much smaller raccoon.  Picking him up by the collar he turned in a circle, firing his weapon as the raccoon fired his.  When they had both killed their fill Bucky dropped him and the raccoon looked up at him, asking how much the gun was but Bucky replied it wasn't for sale.  Then he asked about the arm and Bucky stared him down before moving on.

From outside the dome another disturbance was tearing through the forest beyond.  Great wheeled machines dove into the ground, undercutting the dome and entering inside.  So devastating were they that the only one who could handle them was Wanda who had left the medical centre to join the fight.  Once she was there an attack was made on Vision inside the medical centre and he came out fighting as best he could.  For a few moments everyone thought they had a chance then Cap called everyone to his position as they all noticed a change in the wind.  Bucky, who was far out on the field began running towards the trees and fired his weapon at a giant of a man who must have been Thanos.   He just pushed Bucky aside as if he was nothing.  He watched painfully from the ground as everyone tried to stop Thanos and failed.  When Thanos plucked the Mind Stone from Vision's head and felt its power rush through him Bucky tried once more to get up but he couldn't.  Thor's axe suddenly came through the air and pierced Thanos' heart but it didn't stop him from snapping his fingers before disappearing into a portal.  Only then could Bucky rise, along with the others.  He felt strange and called out to Steve before seeing his prosthetic arm turn to dust, the processing moving up towards the rest of his body.  His last thought was "It's happening," then he was no more.

Chapter 14>>

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[frank-olivier]

Regulating for Harmony: AI, Privacy, and the Quest for Equilibrium in the Digital Era

In the intricate landscape of the digital era, the interplay between Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation and privacy concerns presents a profound challenge, necessitating a nuanced regulatory approach to maintain equilibrium. Julie Brill, Microsoft’s Chief Privacy Officer, offers invaluable expertise, garnered from her distinguished career spanning regulatory bodies and the tech industry, to inform this delicate balancing act.

The convergence of regulatory frameworks for AI and privacy, as evidenced by the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the proposed AI Act, sets a significant precedent. This harmonization, potentially to be emulated by the United States, with California at the vanguard, underscores the growing acknowledgment that AI’s development and deployment must be inextricably linked with robust privacy safeguards. To achieve this synergy, policymakers, innovators, and privacy advocates must collaborate on crafting a regulatory framework that reconciles innovation with protection, ensuring the digital ecosystem’s alignment with societal values.

Effective regulation is distinguished not solely by its legislative provisions, but critically by the efficacy of its enforcement mechanisms. The GDPR and California’s data breach notification law exemplify this dual imperative, demonstrating how well-crafted regulations can elevate global standards and cultivate a culture of accountability among organizations. This emphasis on both regulation and enforcement highlights the complexity of striking a harmonious balance between the imperative to innovate and the necessity to protect.

In navigating this complex digital terrain, Brill’s career trajectory offers instructive guidance. By embracing interdisciplinary approaches, fostering dialogue between regulatory, technical, and privacy disciplines, and engaging in open communication, professionals can navigate the intertwined realms of AI and privacy with greater agility. In an era where these domains are increasingly interdependent, such adaptability and collaborative spirit will be essential for maintaining equilibrium.

The pursuit of regulatory harmony in the digital age is contingent upon addressing several pivotal challenges, including the cultivation of international cooperation to establish adaptable yet consistent standards, the innovation of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) to guarantee anonymization, and the enhancement of public and regulatory literacy regarding the intricate relationships between AI, privacy, and effective regulation. By addressing these challenges through a concerted effort, we can foster a digital ecosystem where technological innovation, privacy, and regulation coexist in a state of dynamic equilibrium.

Brill’s insights underscore that regulating for harmony in the digital era is a continuous process, demanding ongoing collaboration, adaptation, and a deepening understanding of the interplay between AI, privacy, and regulation. By embracing this challenge, we can ensure the digital landscape evolves in a manner that enriches lives while respecting the privacy and dignity of all, striking a lasting harmony between innovation and protection.

Julie Brill with Prof. Aileen Nielsen: Artificial Intelligence & The Future of Privacy (The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, December 2024)

Monday, December 9, 2024

[elsa16744]

Building a Robust Data Governance Framework: Best Practices and Key Considerations  

A good framework for data governance compliance assists organizations in ensuring data security. As a result, they can combat cybersecurity risks and fulfill regulatory requirements for responsible enterprise data operations. This post will focus on building a relevant, outcome-oriented data governance framework and strategy. 

A comprehensive strategy will help protect an organization’s digital assets from different data breaches. Global brands want to avoid reputational damage and regulatory penalties by picking up governance initiatives. However, they seek reliable compliance approaches to maximize the value of data. That is why they want to know how to foster data etiquette for accuracy, timely access to insights, and relevance to business decisions. 

Best Practices and Key Considerations for Building an Effective Data Governance Framework 

1. Clearly Communicating Process Objectives and Data Ownership 

Before a data governance framework is implemented, the objectives need to be clearly defined. What is the organization aiming to achieve by employing a data governance company? Some objectives may include the following. 

-          better quality of information, 

-          regulatory compliance, 

-          data-driven decision-making (DDDM). 

These goals will determine the governance framework’s structure. 

It also becomes very important to define data asset ownership. The data governance team, led by a data governance officer (DGO), must be held responsible for this. Those data professionals will develop data access and usage policies. They will also monitor data quality and address data-related issues across the entire organization. 

2. Drafting Comprehensive Data Protection and Anti-Espionage Policies 

A good data governance framework is based on well-articulated policies and standards. Those documents will guide data solutions and management practices, helping the firms and their suppliers. Such policies should define the most important compliance areas. 

Considerations must include unbiased data classification and 24/7 security incident tracking. Moreover, privacy assurance assessments may be conducted. A broader data lifecycle management (DLM) vision can further streamline governance compliance efforts. Companies must also establish user permission standards. They will help allow access to data only if authorized personnel submit requests to their respective superiors. Similar access controls help prevent corporate espionage actors from entering IT systems and compromising sensitive business intelligence. 

The policies developed should be flexible. After all, you will need to modify business governance frameworks. Otherwise, you cannot keep up with the regulators’ amendments to applicable laws. 

3. Focus on Data Quality and Integrity 

Ensuring data quality and integrity is very fundamental to data governance. Remember, inaccurate data leads to poor decisions. It inevitably results in misaligned strategies, causing inefficiencies in business activities. Therefore, data validation rules must be implemented. You want to encourage regular integrity audits based on those rules. Furthermore, adequate data cleansing practices will help ensure businesses’ dataset accuracy and reliability. 

Consider data stewardship programs. It involves a competent individual or a team assuming responsibility for the quality of specific data assets. 

4. Leverage Technology for Scalability and Automation 

Data management can be enhanced by using modern technologies. Newer data governance platforms, artificial intelligence, and automation tools will aid you in improving governance compliance. These technologies will, therefore, make it easier to automate the tracking of data changes. Many tools also enforce governance policies. So, users can bypass the manual work of optimizing data protection measures based on the organization’s growth. 

Conclusion 

Building a strong data governance framework will demand definite objectives. Leaders will want to develop cross-functional collaborative environments to promote data ethics and integrity policies. 

Accordingly, the best compliance assurance practices involve defining data ownership, ensuring data quality, and using novel technology. These measures would help organizations protect their data assets. Their superior compliance levels also make them attractive to more investors. 

A robust data governance framework and compliance strategy does not just mitigate risk. Rather, it would deliver strategic success while respecting regulatory and consumer values concerning privacy. 

[technicaltalkhere]

What Are the Ethical Considerations for Undress AI?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about numerous innovations, but it has also raised significant ethical concerns. Among these is the development of "Undress AI" – AI systems designed to generate images that remove clothing from photos of individuals. This technology has sparked a heated debate on privacy, consent, and the potential for misuse. This article delves into the ethical considerations surrounding Undress AI, examining the implications for personal privacy, consent, and societal impact.

Privacy Concerns

Invasion of Personal Privacy

One of the primary ethical issues with AI Undress is the invasion of personal privacy. These AI systems can take images of individuals, often without their knowledge or consent, and produce altered versions that strip them of their clothing. This blatant disregard for privacy can have severe psychological and emotional impacts on the individuals targeted. The unauthorized manipulation of personal images is a direct violation of an individual's right to privacy.

Data Security

Another significant concern is the security of the data used to train and operate these AI systems. The development of Undress AI requires large datasets of images, which can be harvested from social media, public forums, and other online sources. The collection and use of these images without proper consent and security measures can lead to data breaches and the misuse of personal information. Ensuring data security and ethical sourcing of training data is crucial to address these privacy concerns.

Consent and Autonomy

Lack of Informed Consent

Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical behavior, particularly when it involves personal data. Undress AI technology often operates without the knowledge or consent of the individuals whose images are being manipulated. This lack of informed consent violates the principle of autonomy, as individuals are deprived of their right to control how their personal images are used. Ethical AI development must prioritize obtaining explicit consent from individuals before using their images.

Exploitation and Coercion

The potential for exploitation and coercion is another serious ethical concern. Undress AI can be weaponized to create non-consensual explicit content, leading to blackmail, harassment, and reputational damage. Victims of such exploitation may feel powerless and vulnerable, facing significant emotional and psychological distress. Addressing these risks requires strict regulations and safeguards to prevent the misuse of AI technologies.

Societal Impact

Reinforcement of Harmful Stereotypes

Undress AI has the potential to reinforce harmful gender stereotypes and objectification. By creating explicit images without consent, the technology contributes to a culture that objectifies and commodifies individuals, particularly women. This perpetuation of harmful stereotypes can have long-lasting effects on societal attitudes towards gender and body image. It is essential to consider the broader societal implications of AI technologies and work towards promoting respectful and ethical use.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

The rapid advancement of AI technologies often outpaces the development of legal and regulatory frameworks. AI Undress poses significant challenges for lawmakers and regulators, who must balance innovation with the protection of individual rights. Developing comprehensive regulations that address the ethical use of AI is crucial to prevent misuse and ensure accountability. This includes establishing clear guidelines for consent, data security, and the consequences of unethical behavior.

Conclusion

Undress AI presents a complex web of ethical considerations that demand careful scrutiny. The invasion of personal privacy, lack of informed consent, potential for exploitation, and reinforcement of harmful societal norms are all critical issues that must be addressed. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize ethical considerations and develop robust legal and regulatory frameworks to safeguard individual rights and promote responsible innovation. By doing so, we can harness the power of AI while minimizing its potential for harm, ensuring a more ethical and respectful technological future.

[datastate]

hi... 🙋‍♀️ id like to know more about your mr c dies au but im unsure where to start since ive seen you mention it from time to time...

i wanna know how emiri would behave and feel in a situation like that... theres already a contrast in what emiri says and does and what michiru says and does and how they both tie into asunaro SO do you have any kai and emiri interactions in mind?

theyre both really interesting in general and its a shame they only have the frying pan interaction in the game... for now (smiles darkly)

looks at you so sweetly... here's how emiri & kai both being begrudgingly trapped in a timeloop can still win-- but that. is an entirely separate & less fleshed out au. still very fun to me though <3

in any case! :D

because of the amount of characters i'm balancing, emiri's only accepted into asunaro's inner circle only a few months after mr. chidouin has already died (she was previously quite restricted) & the conflicts have (mostly) settled down, -- however, because of his role as the leader of asunaro, there's still reference to the absence he's left; even if it's only implied through the characters surrounding her. it really formed a bit more resentment + feeling of inferiority with the thought that she was only brought in to speed up work on the death game, even if she's been intended to join for a while now...

but i digress. even after being accepted, emiri and kai are separated because of kai's position as the aide/sage of asunaro's godfather. thus, he has the privilege to the same sort of privacy that the heirs of the original hades incident were granted... but when the initial assignment he was given (surveying the chidouins) is expanded into some of the other candidates, that is when he must interact more often with the asu-agents we know, who are focused on the technological development of the death game.

i focus more on emiri w the others (mainly michiru), but... some of the key scenes i have in mind for kai & emiri specifically. smiles.

even though it takes a little working, i do find it fun specifically having emiri confront kai on the hopelessness of all he's trying to do. he finds the malicious manner in which she kills people to be in poor taste, but it's clear to her he's had to (or would) kill to keep the chidouins safe. and, sure, she'll give it to him that it's a nice gesture. but when does the bloodshed end? he knows asunaro's going to crop up again somewhere, sometime, and as long as it has its hands on the people he cares about, they're going to be held hostage. hell - even the ais... they're holding the idea of sara hostage. is there something in their bloodline that just makes them the most arrogant bastards, or is he just stupid?

emiri has... a lot of potential and is well aware of this. it's the only thing she truly does know about herself -- is that she's resilient, and can push herself past any previously imagined breaking points to prove she still has this value if she has no right to anything else in her life.

it's. difficult for her to see gashu, especially, as a reflection of what she could have if she was truly respected within the organization -- and even he's still left to the whims of what the organization needs. it's alive in its own right and devours even those who've helped it survive this long. from mr. chidouin, to those of her similar position who are killed to settle petty conflicts between the patriarchs, even to complete innocents like her partner who endure something crueler for the sake of asunaro's privacy... civilians who don't know why they were played with before they died, or even how asunaro had trapped them.

and yet kai believes he can pressure this destructive force to work for him. but she's learned from experience just how impossible it is to fight the tide. she's surviving, but kai's fighting to live. it's a losing battle, and it's almost frustrating to see him actually make progress through it when he shouldn't. emiri's only salvation is in the destruction of asunaro, but because kai's grown up within it and seen how it overcomes each attack against it, he also has an idea of how to mislead or blind it. it's been a given in his life since the beginning, so he knows how to anticipate it -- a chance she was never given because of the safety she harbored for most of her life. it's such an interestingly strange sort of exchange seeing two people who feel as if they've lost everything, including any standard for morality, now trying to recreate their lives from the ground up.

& of course... whether kai means to or not, he is making it more difficult for not only emiri, but michiru too, to make their way through asunaro without also becoming a target. which is also a source of conflict for how he treats them as compared to civilians that he can still "save" before asunaro gets to them -- which, as a thought that emiri verbally reinforces, ironically means he cannot save sara from it. even after her father's death, kai's moved in and is still putting them in danger through association + the fact that asunaro is so ingrained in who he is. the other agents have seen the worst of it, and emiri cynically believes that this is who kai 'truly' is, but. gah. even if it's untrue, the only one with the heart to counter emiri here would be michiru, because she was there for the point that kai began to change... and is still the only person within asunaro that she can say she trusts, and that he trusts in return.

... in essence: emiri resents kai for overcoming what asunaro is trying to enforce (similarly to gashu in the main game, he's breaking the new rules she's presently trying to adapt to so that she can find her standing), and yet also betraying concern as someone who's already lost her life. even if kai can navigate asunaro well -- he shows that painfully well in how he regards most other agents -- he still doesn't understand the amount of ways that asunaro can invade everyday life. even if he gets rid of the ais, of the patriarchs, of whoever and whatever else that's keeping the death game project running... how will he explain it to sara. emiri's been in that position of having asunaro's actions hidden from her, she's experienced that helplessness first-hand. does he have any idea the sort of resentment and fear he's embedded in the very people he thinks he's saving? does he even understand the guilt that will be left when asunaro finally catches up to him? he's acting like an agent, still paying into this belief that all things are a matter of equivalent exchange, of give and take, with his life being no different. but he can't live like that, and he's stifling everyone around him through surviving like this.

it's one of the first warnings, you know... sara will find out. and who knows if she'll have the heart to forgive someone like you, really. she doesn't even know you anymore, or did she ever? are you too arrogant to look past what you're doing, and ask what she wants before you arrange your grand scheme? don't you see you're no different from him?

[dmiherwardha]

Engineering Ethics in the Modern World

In the bustling area of technology and innovation, where every day brings a discovery, the role of ethics in engineering cannot be overstated. At its core, engineering is about solving problems and making life easier and more efficient. However, as we race towards the future, the ethical implications of our decisions become increasingly significant. 

This is especially relevant for students and professionals associated with esteemed institutions like the Faculty of Engineering & Technology, which is the Datta Meghe College of Engineering, one of the best engineering colleges in Wardha, where the foundation of ethical engineering practices is laid.

The Pillars of Engineering Ethics

Several key principles form the foundation of engineering ethics:

1. Safety: Ensuring the safety of the public, the environment, and the workforce is paramount. This involves rigorous testing, transparent reporting, and constant vigilance against potential hazards.

2. Honesty: Engineers must be honest in their communications and reports. This includes acknowledging limitations, risks, and uncertainties associated with their work.

3. Fairness: This involves treating everyone with respect and without discrimination. It also means considering the impact of engineering projects on all stakeholders, including marginalized communities.

4. Privacy: With the rise of digital technology, respecting and protecting individuals' privacy has become a significant concern for engineers in all fields, from software development to civil engineering.

Real-world Applications of Engineering

Institutions like FEAT, the Datta Meghe College of Engineering, are recognized as one of the best engineering colleges in Wardha, are at the forefront of integrating ethical considerations into their curriculum. This ensures that graduates are not just technically proficient but also morally grounded. 

Let's explore how these ethical principles are applied in real-world scenarios:

Developing Sustainable Solutions: Engineers are increasingly tasked with creating solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable. This means considering the environmental impact and striving for solutions that promote conservation and reduce waste.

Ensuring Data Privacy and Security: In the digital age, engineers must design systems that protect users' privacy and secure their data against unauthorized access and breaches.

Ethical AI Development: As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our lives, ethical concerns around bias, transparency, and accountability become paramount. Engineers must work to ensure AI systems are fair and do not perpetuate existing inequalities.

Public Safety and Infrastructure: Civil engineers, in particular, directly impact public safety through the design and maintenance of infrastructure. Ethical considerations include ensuring structures are safe, resilient, and accessible to all.

Challenges in Modern Engineering Ethics

While the principles of engineering ethics are clear, applying them in the modern world comes with its own set of challenges:

Rapid Technological Advancement: The fast pace of technological innovation can make it difficult to fully assess the long-term impacts and ethical considerations of new developments.

Globalization: Working on projects that span different countries and cultures can introduce complex ethical dilemmas, requiring engineers to navigate varying legal and moral frameworks.

Interdisciplinary Work: Modern engineering projects often involve professionals from various fields, making maintaining cohesive ethical standards more challenging.

The Role of Education

Educational institutions like FEAT, the Datta Meghe College of Engineering, play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of engineers to face these challenges. By embedding ethical considerations into the engineering curriculum, students learn to integrate ethical thinking into all aspects of their work. 

This includes case studies, ethical dilemma discussions, and projects that simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make ethical decisions professionally.

Conclusion

As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, the importance of ethics in engineering cannot be overstated. Every engineer is responsible for upholding these principles, ensuring that our advancements lead to a better, safer, and more equitable world. 

The ethical landscape of engineering is both complex and ever-evolving. As technology continues to advance, the need for ethical vigilance remains constant. By fostering a deep understanding of engineering ethics, institutions, and professionals ensure that the future of engineering is not just innovative but ethically sound and sustainable.

[snezfics-n-shit]

What if I made a snez attorney discord server 🤔🤔🤔

Mostly as an info dump paradise about the Whump Cinematic Universe honestly but what fun is info dumping all by yourself?

If/when it does open, I'll make a note about it in my ask box and you can ask for an invite there if you want one + a little announcement post. I'm very protective of my personal contact info because technology is scary, so I hope you'll understand.

There might be a vetting process for people I don't know very well but I would intend it to be lenient, i.e., just making sure there's an established respect of others' privacy, also you must be over 18 of course, and no fandom discourse because it's a chat room not a cage match.

This closes in a week because by then I'll be over halfway done with my current classes and can better assess what I'll have to do.

[stagnate-03]

Data Privacy and Security in the Age of Rapid Data Processing

In the age of rapid data processing, data privacy and security have become paramount concerns across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, and beyond. The proliferation of digital information and the advancement of technology have led to the generation, collection, and processing of vast amounts of data. This evolution has significantly increased the risks associated with data breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse of personal information, emphasizing the critical need for robust data privacy and security measures.

Data privacy refers to the protection of sensitive information collected by organizations or individuals, ensuring that this data is handled, stored, and shared in a way that respects the rights of individuals and complies with relevant regulations and laws. On the other hand, data security involves safeguarding data against unauthorized access, breaches, or alterations throughout its lifecycle.

Several factors contribute to the challenges of maintaining data privacy and security in the current landscape of rapid data processing:

Big Data and Rapid Processing

Cyber Threats and Attacks

Regulatory Compliance

Data Monetization and Ethics

To address these challenges and mitigate risks, organizations and individuals must adopt comprehensive strategies for data privacy and security:

Implement Robust Security Measures

Privacy by Design

Data Minimization and Consent

Employee Training and Awareness

Regular Audits and Compliance

In conclusion, as data processing capabilities continue to advance, prioritizing data privacy and security is essential to maintain trust, protect individuals' rights, and mitigate the risks associated with the vast amounts of data generated and processed daily. Adopting proactive measures and a privacy-centric approach to handling data is crucial in this evolving digital landscape.

To know more: data processing in research

survey programming services

survey development service

[boompanistarattarat]

"How can you observe Social, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities in the use of technology tools and resources?"

By being mindful of our actions and expanding our knowledge of ethics in our society. Respecting everyone's privacy is a must. Reading the laws and pertaining to the technology we use will help us being legally responsible. We should avoid causing harm to anyone on the internet like cyberbullying in the view of the fact that it's unlawful. Having self discipline helps too, it enables you to stay in control of yourself and to your actions when using the internet.

RASAY

9 MUSGRAVITE

[whosabie]

Aloha Abegail Albis

9-Moissanite

"How can you observe Social, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities in the use of technology tool and resources?"

For my opinion being correct and responsible in using technology resource tools is being responsible and having the right work for it. For what I notice as a student, there are people who don't know how to be responsible in using the tool and they don't know where to get this technology. We are now using technology just like in studies and at work so we must learn what is right and the responsibilities.

Always follow these guidelines:

-Follow laws and regulations

-Respect Privacy

-Be resourceful

By following these guidelines, we can use technology tools and resources in easy way. Responsible and ethical manner that benefits both individual and society as a whole. Always use it correctly so that technology can be used properly.

And my observation this is a lot people who still don't know a right and not right use of technology. Because it's depends to the people who didn't know how to use technology.

#schoolpurposes #SCHOOLPURPOSES #SchoolPurposes