What's the secret to attaining genuine freedom and autonomy in our digital existence?
Despite numerous attempts, we continue to accumulate knowledge as networks naturally gravitate towards a centralized authority or oligopoly.
This entity initially provides a service but eventually exploits its power. What drives this phenomenon, and how can we avoid it?
Is it an unavoidable outcome, or are we merely witnessing a gradual evolution, failing to recognize the obvious trajectory unfolding before us?
One possible explanation lies in the inherent dynamics of network growth. As networks expand, they tend to centralize around hubs or nodes that offer greater efficiency, convenience, or value.
This centralization can foster the emergence of dominant players, which may eventually abuse their power. Another factor is the human tendency to prioritize convenience over autonomy.
We often favor ease of use and streamlined experiences over maintaining control over our digital lives. This trade-off can lead to a gradual erosion of autonomy as we become increasingly reliant on centralized services.
To prevent this cycle, we must prioritize decentralized systems and technologies that empower individuals to maintain control over their data and digital interactions.
This might involve supporting alternative networks and platforms that promote user autonomy, investing in decentralized infrastructure, and advocating for policies that safeguard digital rights.
Moreover, it's crucial to recognize that achieving true freedom and autonomy in our digital lives is an ongoing process, requiring continuous learning, adaptation, and innovation.
By acknowledging the historical patterns and pitfalls of network growth, we can work towards creating a more decentralized, equitable, and autonomous digital landscape.
Ultimately, the path to genuine digital freedom is not inevitable, but it does require a concerted effort to recognize the risks and opportunities inherent in network growth. And to make informed choices about the kind of digital world we want to create.
“The server owns your data, owns your account, and owns the cryptographic keys used to secure it.
That last bit is obscure, but important. Cryptographic keys are how we enforce security, privacy, ownership, and control in software. Not your keys, not your data.”
— Gordon Brander
This fantastic article by Gordon Brander on the evolution of networks, and the emergence of Nostr will enlighten.
Article:
Nature's many attempts to evolve a Nostr
https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/natures-many-attempts-to-evolve-a
The Argentinean Central Bank (BCRA), started to do an art exhibition in the building of Bitcoin Mining Machines.
It is the first Central Bank in the world to do this. https://m.primal.net/LpPs.bin
"The market of bitcoin holders will ultimately expand to be larger than the size of any single country, and direct exchange will be possible by and between more people than ever before.
That itself might be the single largest driving force that will expand the scope of trade and direct exchange–more people holding and being willing to accept bitcoin will create more trade channels than could possibly exist in the fiat world." — Parker Lewis
Does bitcoin's value surge as it becomes more user-friendly for transactions?
This article delves into the concept that bitcoin's value is tied to its effectiveness as a currency and explores the potential implications for its future growth and mainstream acceptance.
Article: Bitcoin's Exchange Theory of Value
Can your bank provide this setup with little fees and friction?
Boltcard Demo - demonstration of the self sovereign bolt card payment over lightning network
This blog post delves into the specifics of developing a Bitcoin Script Virtual Machine, focusing on creating tools to debug its various states.
It explores how to implement features similar to those found in Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), such as breakpoints and viewing the current Virtual Machine state. Due to Script's stack-based nature, monitoring the main and alternate stacks proves particularly valuable.
The post offers a thorough and intriguing examination of Virtual Machine development.
Optimizing Algorithms for Bitcoin Script (Part 2)
https://bitvmx.org/knowledge/optimizing-algorithms-for-bitcoin-script-part-2
Nodana
This service offers a hassle-free, one-click setup of Lightning and Bitcoin, eliminating the need for command line expertise.
Unlike traditional node-in-a-box providers like Umbrel or Start9, which require users to own and manage their own hardware, this service handles everything remotely.
However, this convenience comes at the cost of having to rely on their security and uptime, which may be a tradeoff some users are willing to make.
Docstr - A simple Document Management System on Nostr
Watch: Inside the FBI’s Secret Phone Company https://www.404media.co/watch-inside-the-fbis-secret-phone-company/
"when stock of Google Pixels started to dwindle because Anom was using so many, the FBI secretly flew a Gulfstream jet loaded with duffel bags full of Android phones over to Europe. Dutch authorities then planted those phones in a dead drop, and Anom’s resellers got their phones, all without knowing the shadowy hand of the FBI had just helped them."
HUGE UPDATE!!
We just established a Meshtastic repeater on top of Big Bald Mountain on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
We had a @Starlink Mini in our pack and maintained connectivity the entire time. Big shout out to Elon Musk.
The really amazing thing was the 194 nodes we have connected from Raleigh, to Knoxville, to Charlotte, to Greenville and all the way down to Atlanta!!
The Freedom Tech Revolution is hitting another gear.
#meshtastic
https://video.nostr.build/143998b29a1e84e569f7c3b90bd2630e638af0cc1b7caf675a5473c8682d23ee.mp4
Thanks gents keep at it
You can enhance the security of your account by using a YubiKey, which offers greater protection compared to SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA).
To add a security key to your account, visit the website's settings or security section, insert the YubiKey into a USB port or tap it against your phone for NFC support.
Follow the instructions provided by the website to associate the YubiKey with your account, and store the device in a safe place for future use during login.
How to use two-factor authentication
https://help.x.com/en/managing-your-account/two-factor-authentication
"A victory in revolution doesn’t come free or easy. For Bitcoin to really do what many of us hope it can, it’s really necessary at the end of the day to walk a painful path.
And that means people have to choose to walk it. Many people in this space think that governments will simply roll over and let Bitcoin win, but that is just a feint to move in and capture it.
We need to push to build around them, build in parallel, and force their hand. If they don’t actively fight it, then there is something else going on. That isn’t good for us." — Shinobi
The possible paths for Bitcoin's future, as outlined in an article by Shinobi, include capitulation to the existing financial system, a revolution against it, or fragmentation into smaller, less effective networks.
These possibilities are explored in the context of the 2013 musings of Mircea Popescu. The future of Bitcoin will depend on various factors, including its ability to maintain its decentralized and open nature, its adoption by the general public, and its potential to disrupt the traditional financial system.
SHINOBI: There's Three Doors. Which One Will Bitcoin Step Through?
A look at a prolific post by the infamous Mircea Popescu, positing with a rare clairvoyance the possible paths that Bitcoin could take in its road into the future.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/the-three-doors-which-one-will-bitcoin-step-through
Tens of thousands of Dutch traffic lights are vulnerable to hackers, allowing them to be controlled remotely and switched to green or red, according to research by RTL Nieuws.
The vulnerability, which can only be fixed by physically replacing the affected traffic lights, was discovered by a security researcher who exploited a leak in the system that controls the lights.
Article: Tens of thousands of Dutch traffic lights vulnerable to hackers: report
https://nltimes.nl/2024/10/07/tens-thousands-dutch-traffic-lights-vulnerable-hackers-report
Nostr and relays protocol
Is like
HAM radio and repeater technology
Both decentralized
Run your own relay and repeater
Imagine a scenario where Bitcoin becomes the most reliable price indicator for the global economy, even if it doesn't yet serve as a primary medium of exchange.
In this scenario, Bitcoin's value would likely remain a pure risk asset, unencumbered by external factors such as supply changes, market conditions, or jurisdictional economic effects.
Its price movements would potentially offer a clear, unbiased reflection of global liquidity and monetary supply, making it a superior asset for directional correlation with economic conditions.
But what if the analysis in this peace confirmed this notion? Sam Callahan and Lyn Alden, who have conducted a groundbreaking investigation into Bitcoin's role in the global economy.
Their findings may surprise you - and offer valuable insights into the potential of this emerging asset class. Don't miss this exclusive exploration of Bitcoin's surprising significance in the world of finance.
"These findings are notable because they demonstrate that even though the strength of the correlation may vary based on the time frame, Bitcoin’s price direction generally aligns with the direction of global liquidity.
Furthermore, its price direction more closely mirrors global liquidity than any other traditional asset analyzed." — Sam Callahan
Original article: "Bitcoin: A Global Liquidity Barometer"
https://www.lynalden.com/bitcoin-a-global-liquidity-barometer/
I am Satoshi Nakamoto!
A recent 48-page report has likened smart TVs to a "digital Trojan Horse" due to their invasive data harvesting practices.
The report claims that connected TVs and streaming devices are collecting a vast amount of sensitive user data, including viewing habits, location, and even conversations, often without users' knowledge or consent.
This data is then used for targeted advertising, and in some cases, even sold to third-party companies, raising serious concerns about consumer privacy and manipulation.
The report is urging regulatory bodies, such as the FTC and FCC, to investigate the connected TV industry's practices and take action to protect consumers from this unprecedented level of surveillance and manipulation.
Smart TVs are like “a digital Trojan Horse” in people’s homes
48-page report urges FTC, FCC to investigate connected TV industry data harvesting.
Michael Saylor's open source calculator to determine if 0.1 Bitcoin is enough to retire by the year 2030
Bitcoin24 Calculator ► https://github.com/bitcoin-model/bitcoin_model/blob/main/Bitcoin24%20v1.0.xlsm
Monster X-class flare launches massive solar storm towards Earth — and could trigger auroras this weekend
A massive solar flare has erupted from the Sun, hurtling towards Earth and causing a radio blackout over the Pacific.
This stark reminder highlights the ever-present threat of solar activity to our technological security.
As our sole source of light and energy, the Sun is a single point of failure that can cripple our systems.
To safeguard against this risk, consider shielding your electronic backup wallets with a Faraday cage or bag to protect them from electromagnetic interference and solar flare-induced damage.
Thousands of Linux systems infected by stealthy malware since 2021
The ability to remain installed and undetected makes Perfectly hard to fight.
These vulnerabilities are inevitable and having a reduced attack surface helps mitigate this risk.