I've been trying not to be alarming, this last year, because I keep hoping anyone will listen, but by next year, between Google and Apple scanning your private stuff, the ongoing proliferation of cameras at every corner hooked up to AI face and plate trackers (We already have dozens in my city), more and more retail corporations refusing cash payments so they can track and squeeze us just a little more, AI companies destroying everything, and a government that no longer follows any laws, I have real, unexaggerated fears about becoming a literal dictatorship just before the economy collapses and destroys us.
But hey, at least some states will let you smoke weed as you fight off the raiders...
Unus Nemo likes this.
Unus Nemo
in reply to Blaise • •@Blaise
So, you are saying that you believe our Oligarchy will be overthrown by a dictatorship? 😉 😛
Blaise
in reply to Unus Nemo • •@Unus Nemo Literally yes!
We've been on the path for decades. People have fought it, slowed it down, even sometimes held it back for a while. But now the edge of the hole is right there, and we are on a shrinking ledge.
Unus Nemo likes this.
Unus Nemo
in reply to Blaise • •@Blaise
I have the same concern. We will see when the next presidential election is supposed to occur whether our current president steps down or attempts to remain in office. I suspect that he will not willingly leave.
Blaise
in reply to Unus Nemo • •Unus Nemo likes this.
Unus Nemo
in reply to Blaise • •@Blaise
I am still working up my article on why so-called Age-Verification is about ending privacy on the Internet not about protecting children. If allowed to move at its current trajectory then even the Fediverse may become a part of the Internet Archive due to the fact that there is noway all us Independent Instances can afford to comply with UK, Brazil and New York, New York's Age verification requirements. The California and Colorado model does not effect us yet, but after they get legislation in place it is very easy for them to amend it to their own devices.
Blaise
in reply to Unus Nemo • •Unus Nemo likes this.
Unus Nemo
in reply to Blaise • •@Blaise
That is an interesting idea.
Unus Nemo
in reply to Blaise • •@Blaise
It would likely require a UUID and a private/public key. The key to establish a secure connection and the UUID to identify the correct end point. The I2P protocol could likely be a bases to begin from.