Inbox 5K
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Facebook’s “Privacy-Focused Vision for Social Networking”.
Today, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg published a lengthy roadmap for creating a social networking environment built around (or that at least one that gives the impression of having been built around) the privacy of various interactions and activities. You have doubts, you say? Zuck knows:
“I understand that many people don't think Facebook can or would even want to build this kind of privacy-focused platform -- because frankly we don't currently have a strong reputation for building privacy protective services, and we've historically focused on tools for more open sharing.”
But, he’s done his research and read his analytics:
“Today we already see that private messaging, ephemeral stories, and small groups are by far the fastest growing areas of online communication.”
Great, so the plan is to stop selling peoples’ activities, interactions, demographics, and characteristics to third parties, right? Since that’s so much of what’s gotten Facebook into its current, miasmic PR and legal pickle? Well, no. But there will be thoughts — significant ones even:
“[S]ignificant thought...needs to go into...the role of businesses and advertising…"
Phew, that’s a relief. Well, at least Zuck seems really focused on the privacy and security of data, which certainly means there will be strong, end-to-end, encryption securing that data, right? Uh, not so fast. It seems the encryption might very well be backdoored, which would guarantee, according to every infosec wonk I know, read, and respect, that the data will NOT be private or secure.
“We are working to improve our ability to identify and stop bad actors across our apps by detecting patterns of activity or through other means, even when we can't see the content of the messages, and we will continue to invest in this work. But we face an inherent tradeoff because we will never find all of the potential harm we do today when our security systems can see the messages themselves.”
Three strikes, he’s out. #privacytheater
Save the Internet Act introduced. U.S. lawmakers introduced consensus bills in the House and Senate today, both called the Save the Internet Act. The bills would restore ‘Net Neutrality, instituted by the FCC in 2015, but revoked two years later by a different administration’s FCC. The current bill would reinstate restrictions against blocking and throttling Internet traffic, and preclude Internet “fast lanes.” It also would deem the Internet a “utility” under the Communications Act. Chances of the Save the Internet Act passing or even getting much traction this year are slim, given that the Republican majority in the Senate will be inclined to side with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who undid the 2015 Open Internet rules. But Net Neutrality impacts the quality and price of voters’ online experience, and thus for many will be part, perhaps even an important part, of their decision matrix in the 2020 elections. A hearing before the House Energy and Commerce committee next week will discuss Legislating to Safeguard the Free and Open Internet.
Gear Grind. Francine Hardaway turned me and the G3 gang on to these cool ring lights from UBeesize. They are perfect if you do a lot of video conferencing, video podcasting, or live streaming from your phone or computer; phone clamp included. Easy toggles to tweak the light from warm to cool, dim to bright. Let there be light!
(Want to see all the Inbox 5K Gear commentary? Here you go.)
Support: It’s Women’s History Month. As a woman with history I encourage you to check out and support the Every Woman Treaty, which stands for “a life free from all forms of violence for every woman and girl, everywhere,” and hopes to establish “a global treaty to eradicate violence against women and girls.” There is much good information about treaties in general, and why this one is needed to lend legal support to global efforts to eradicate violence against women, at the Every Woman Treaty site.
(Want to see all the Inbox 5K “Support” recommendations? Here you go.)
Sustain: Like much or most of the country, California has had a very stormy winter. Unlike much or most of the country, California is ocean-adjacent. Particularly during storm season, we see firsthand how much plastic waste washes in from the open ocean. And I do mean “washes in:” it’s not just the beaches, but the nearby biodiverse estuaries, wetlands, rivers, and lakes that take the hit. This piece from The Hermes Homestead has more information on the plastic waste problem (91% of plastic waste isn’t recycled??), as well as easy things you can do, every day, that will help better the situation.
(Want to see all the Inbox 5K “Sustain” recommendations? Here you go.)
Imbibe/Ingest: Here’s one for your four-legged friends of the canine persuasion. The tastiest dog treats I’ve (well, my dog) has ever encountered hail from Just Food For Dogs, a SoCal company dedicated to making sure your pup eats fresh, healthy food. Dem yummy, yummy treats? Their baked/dehydrated chicken breast strips. And if you can’t lay your hands on the Just Food for Dogs version, Purina has a jerky alternative available at lots of supermarkets. Both are Caramel approved.
(Want to see all the Inbox 5K Imbibe/Ingest recommendations? Here you go.)
Programming note: I’m on deck to host the 3/15 and 3/22 episodes of Triangulation on TWiT.tv. Did you miss the episodes I hosted recently with Kate Klonick and Tom W. Bell? Well that’s unfortunate, what are you waiting for?
Inbox 5K Note: endorsements, suggestions, and recommendations in Inbox 5K are unpaid unless indicated otherwise. I highlight and recommend things I like or find useful, in hope you might feel the same. Sometimes I’ll mention a company, product or service offered by a friend, acquaintance, or family; rest assured they’re not paying me or haven’t asked for placement here unless I tell you that’s the case.
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Denise M. Howell, Esq., 1048 Irvine Ave., #141, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA