The Tech-Industrial Complex: Misuse, Misinformation, and Murder

Daily Digest
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Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/the-tech-industrial-complex-misuse-misinformation-and-murder/

US News & Politics

In his farewell address, President Joe Biden issued a warning about the rise of a “tech-industrial complex” in the United States. Specifically, Biden expressed concerns over what he perceives as an emerging oligarchy of extreme wealth and influence, which he believes threatens democracy and basic freedoms. He highlighted the role of misinformation and the erosion of a free press, reportedly exacerbated by recent changes at Meta, which has shifted away from fact-checking. Biden also emphasized the need for stringent controls on artificial intelligence, advocating for the U.S. to lead in its development to ensure it remains safe and beneficial for humanity. Elon Musk and several tech CEOs have publicly disagreed with Biden’s characterization, arguing that innovation and free speech are essential for progress, while a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows a divided public opinion on tech companies’ power and government regulation.

In a related development, allegations have surfaced regarding the death of an OpenAI whistleblower, Suchir Balaji. His mother claims that her son was killed over sensitive documents he possessed against the company. The allegations, shared in an interview with Tucker Carlson, have not been independently verified but add to the ongoing discourse surrounding AI and corporate accountability. The LAPD is investigating the death, and OpenAI’s legal team is reportedly cooperating with law enforcement, while concerns about whistleblower protection in the tech industry are being highlighted.

European Politics

In Germany, a leaked memo has revealed that police officers affiliated with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party face potential dismissal under a new decree by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The decree, which applies to civil servants, warns against sympathizing with or joining the AfD, citing the party’s classification as “right-wing extremist” in certain regions. This move has sparked debate over civil servants’ rights and political neutrality, as the AfD is projected to become the second-largest party in the Bundestag. The German Interior Ministry defends the decree as necessary to uphold democratic order, while legal experts suggest it may face challenges regarding civil servants’ rights to political participation.

In the UK, a controversy over free speech and political correctness is unfolding. The government faces criticism for its handling of gang rape cases involving Pakistani men and underage girls, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer under scrutiny for past inaction. The issue has been reignited by Elon Musk’s involvement, highlighting what some see as a reluctance to address these crimes. The Labour Party’s stance on Islamophobia and political correctness has drawn further criticism, as calls for a national inquiry persist. Starmer has defended his record, citing efforts to improve prosecutions, while public and political reactions remain divided over the need for a national inquiry.

Geopolitics

Turkey has confirmed an attempted attack on the TurkStream gas pipeline amidst accusations from Russia that the United States is encouraging destabilization of European energy infrastructure. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged that Ukrainian drones targeted the pipeline, but Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar assured that gas flow remains unaffected. TurkStream, a critical energy corridor for Russian gas into the European Union, continues to operate at full capacity, highlighting its significance for regional energy security. The United States has denied involvement, emphasizing its commitment to energy stability, while the European Union has expressed concerns over supply disruptions. Meanwhile, European nations are focusing on diversifying energy sources to reduce dependency on Russian gas, as the ongoing conflict underscores the vulnerability of energy infrastructure in the region.

Health

A Washington Post investigation has revealed that police departments across the United States are increasingly relying on AI facial recognition software, leading to a rise in false arrests. The investigation found that many departments arrest suspects based solely on AI matches without corroborating evidence, reportedly violating internal policies. This misuse of technology has resulted in wrongful arrests, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in policing practices. The ACLU has called for stricter regulations to prevent misuse, while some police departments defend the technology as a valuable tool when used correctly.

Sources

Biden’s Farewell Warning: The Rise of the “Tech-Industrial Complex” and Threats to Democracy

“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that really threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedom and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said from the Oval Office.

Source

German Police Officers Face Dismissal for AfD Affiliation Under New Government Decree, Leaked Memo Reveals

“They should expect to be fired,” said Faeser.

Source

Turkey Confirms Attack on TurkStream Pipeline Amidst Russian Accusations Against US

There was no interruption in gas flow after the attack. The pipeline continues to deliver gas at the same capacity.

Source

AI Facial Recognition: The New Face of False Arrests and Orwellian Policing

AI Facial Recognition Software Is Fueling A Rise In False Arrests

Source

Allegations Arise: OpenAI Whistleblower’s Mother Claims Son Was Killed Over Sensitive Documents

My son had documents against OpenAI. They attacked him and killed him.

Source

Britain’s Speech Suppression and Scandals: A Deep Dive into Controversy

Instead of tackling the real issues, EU and UK politicians seek to silence Musk, control AI, and suppress freedom of speech.

Source | Submitted by bcoop

In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Elon Musk on X, TechCrunch, Reuters/Ipsos, German Interior Ministry’s X post, Dr. Hans Müller’s X post, BBC News, The Guardian, US State Department on X, European Commission on X, ACLU X post, Reuters, and The Los Angeles Times.

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Build-Back-Better-Biden warns about the threat posed by oligarchies?

And at the same time he decries the end of censorship by Facebook!

The hypocrisy is breathtaking.

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With Biden saying this, I suppose the Dems can later say “We warned you”, when Trump and his team of technocrats implement digital tyranny - or start to.

But that’s the thing. Neither party is really on our side. One party does some stuff, then the other party gets in and does other stuff.

The beast walks with two feet - left, right, left right…

RFK’s stuff is going up against a multibillion dollar industry and universities full of (bought off) professors. = Hard.

The digital tyranny is going to be promoted by the Kings of the technocrat industry who will shower gov money onto tech companies that will all want a piece of the action. = Easy.

You can fantasise about RFK all you like, but you will be lucky to get any changes there. On the other hand, in 4 years time, the digital landscape will likely look very different as far as your freedoms go.

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That is true. Right now the Republican party is the free speech party. But it wasn’t that long ago that Newt Gingrich was saying that it was time to start limiting freedom of speech. His justification was the same as the current Democrats - certain things are “too important to be decided by ordinary people. Only people with ‘expertise’ should be making important decisions.”

It all depends on who is in power and how firmly entrenched the monied interests have become.

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Also, re free speech, I don’t think it will welcomed soon/it will pave the way for people begging for (what will turn out to be a part of the digital tyranny).

I mean:

  • Musk and Twitter - You get free speech now. But not always the reach

  • What is getting the reach? News that is incentivised to be nonsense - ad money being funnelled to posts that get clicks even if what they say is false and includes a (fake) jpeg tweet so you can’t see if it is fake. The structure of the reward programme is deliberate. To break the concept of free speech by filling the space with nonsense.

  • Because of this, people will beg for restrictions on speech but, regardless of that, will voluntarily use the solution that Musk (the same guy who did the above) gives people - an AI tool to give you “your” news and facts etc. People walk into a system that they probably won’t come out of - even as it is slowly tweaked - just like Twitter was.

Also, I half wonder whether free speech (but not reach) gives the platforms the best of both worlds. It encourages people to post what is on their mind (rather than self censor) so it is better stuff to feed into these chat models and will build a more accurate picture/social credit score/threat assessment of a person.

That’s how I see the “free speech game” that is currently going on on Twitter and Facebook. Of course, that’s just my take on it.

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Biden=more clown show. Anyone surprised?

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Good to remind Musk models his “X” from WeChat in China, just name is different. Total control concept, all in one app concept(that allows CBDC’s and other “nice stuff” for control). Peter Thiel behind curtain, backing Vance, is behind Paypal. Perhaps old foes departed again join forces and Paypal is put to X? That would allow AI powered negative bank account score from saying bad things in social media. Usually some key trigger words still today.

AFAIK in China before Mao’s great purge early 1960s, people in 1956-1958 were encouraged to speak freely about their concerns. Result? Sent to gulags and prison camps to work to death some years later as enemy of state.
With this machinery in place, should be careful of any relaxing of rules… likely to be trap.

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