The Bayesian Conspiracy 31 – Digital Rights and Privacy
Mar 29, 2017
They debate who truly controls the data in your pocket and whether device ownership includes the software inside. They cover DRM, EULAs, and surprising cases like Kindles wiped and music deleted. The conversation ranges from pacemakers and biometric subpoenas to algorithms shaping news bubbles and ethical open-source alternatives.
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Algorithms Can Be Hidden Censors
- Algorithmic curation on platforms like Facebook can silently suppress topics and shape what people see, undermining freedom of speech.
- Chase notes platforms may blanket-block topics without notifying posters, creating hidden censorship and echo chambers.
Choose Ethical Platforms When Possible
- Use and support alternative platforms and open-source projects when possible to avoid corporate control of communication.
- Chase recommends moving contacts to ethical options (secure group messaging, open-source) even if network effects limit reach.
Prefer Open Source For Transparency
- Prefer open-source software and audited projects (Linux, Firefox, uBlock) to reduce hidden telemetry and black-box code.
- Chase and Steven highlight community review: open code invites scrutiny and faster security fixes.