TechZerker @techzerker@librem.one

My blog post on what makes #fosstodon the best mastodon instance.

https://lottalinuxlinks.com/fosstodon/

Replies to this toot will be in the comment section of my blog.

There is no such thing as a backdoor that only lets the good guys in. Together with Tresorit, @threemaapp and Tutanota, we are calling on EU policy makers to rethink anti-encryption proposals that would introduce backdoors in encryption platforms: https://protonmail.com/blog/joint-statement-eu-encryption/

I'm just thinking about this blog post I wrote in 2018. Because even when Twitter makes a good decision, the first sentence comes to mind: Why does the entire world have to wait on the CEO of one US company to make a decision?

https://blog.joinmastodon.org/2018/03/twitter-is-not-a-public-utility/

Personally I think ‘free speech’ is far less important than respect. If your on the #Fediverse and not on your own server be sure you read and agree with the instance guidelines you are on.

Remember, you are in someone’s digital home, respect the rules or get out and signup somewhere that’s more fitting..

Happy New Year, world!

Stay safe.
Stay private.
Stay ethical.
Stay compassionate.
Stay human.

#2020

Remember, it's okay to turn off the news for a bit.

Is anybody going to #100DaysToOffload as a resolution for 2021?

https://100daystooffload.com/

Dear web developers and admins,
please stop embedding Google's hideous #ReCaptcha into your websites. Its algorithm is faulty, forcing regular users to click dozens or even hundreds of fire hydrants, bicycles, or traffic lights each day. It puts a 'suspicious activity' flag on users who won't obey to Google's business model - such as people who don't sign into Chrome, use anonymity VPNs, or use browser extensions to suppress common tracking mechanisms. Enough is enough. Stop it.

How can you reduce the amount of social media you're consuming?

I am here because I love Gnu/Linux and its philosophy. I am using it since I have installed it on my first computer in 1998. I used to buy computer magazines and they used to have program CDs or Floppies. One day I saw a program called Slackware Linux and it changed my life. #introductions

Since I deleted my Instagram, I still reflexively tap on the location of where it's app-icon used to be. That indicates just how addictive these apps are.

"Google Maps knows everything," says @SebMeineck. "Ask yourself how much personal data you’re willing to sacrifice [for] convenience."

At DuckDuckGo, we offer a private alternative (for business lookup, route planning, etc.): https://spreadprivacy.com/duckduckgo-search-map-directions/
https://www.vice.com/en/article/3an84b/six-reasons-why-google-maps-is-the-creepiest-app-on-your-phone

Original tweet : https://twitter.com/DuckDuckGo/status/1330160791887241216

Another Linux app I use pretty much every time I deal with images is ImCompressor.

Pretty, easy to use, works very fast and reduces the image size by a lot! I just compressed all these images with it. It took 5 seconds in total.

https://flathub.org/apps/details/com.github.huluti.ImCompressor

A coalition is asking EU citizens to petition for a ban on biometric mass surveillance, demanding:

• Transparency into facial recognition
• An end to discrimination & unfair treatment
• End using the general public as mass surveillance test subjects

https://reclaimyourface.eu

Original tweet : https://twitter.com/DuckDuckGo/status/1329798407167365126

I can recommend this PBS series:

https://www.pbs.org/show/rise-nazis/episodes/

It breaks down every little step that led from post-WWI Germany to the Holocaust. It's effective at drawing parallels with contemporary politics, and warning signals. The show is ongoing, and youtube-dl groks this website.

And remember kids, if anyone tells you to implement DRM, tracking software, anti-patterns, gambling apps disguised as social media, and so on - you tell them to "FUCK OFF". If you get fired over it (and you might not, for the record), give me a call and we'll help you find somewhere better.

The writing was on the wall. Chris Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) fired by tweet for speaking truth, leaving a hole in homeland security.

W-T-F? 🤓

https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-400-the-70-desktop-pc/

Raspberry Pi 400 - 70$ Desktop PC.

Only one possible message for Raspberry: SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY.

Our Flarum (forum) has been updated. Maintenance on it is complete. Feel free to use it to report any issues! - Joshua