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diff --git a/self-host.html b/self-host.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..990386c --- /dev/null +++ b/self-host.html @@ -0,0 +1,150 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML> +<html lang="en"> + +<head> + <title></title> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> + <link rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' href='style.css'> +</head> + +<body> + <h1>Why do I <a href="https://wiki.r-selfhosted.com/getting-started/what-is-self-hosting/">self-host</a>?</h1> + + <h2>Digital freedom/independence</h2> + <p>To put it simply, I do not want to depend on the existence of corp. X for data that is important to me. + Many things could happen to corp. X such that your data could become inaccessible or worse: + <ul> + <li>Corp. X could vanish/close/"declare backruptcy" (as with many cryto corps. lately).</li> + <li>Corp. X could make a policy change and lock you out.</li> + <li>You could forget to pay the bills a few times and get locked out.</li> + <li>Corp. X could get hacked, and ransomed for data. This is the new fad!</li> + </ul> + I have a lifetime's worth of file, photos, media, passwords etc. and I 💤 much better at night knowing + I am avoiding most if not all of the risks above. + + </p> + + <h2 id="privacy">Privacy at the population level</h2> + <p>I am often asked some variation of: + <ul> + <li> + <em>"Why do I care if corp. X has my data? I have nothing to hide!"</em> + </li> + <li> + <em>"Since I'm aware of targeted advertising, it won't work on me, + so why should I care if corp. X has my data?"</em> + </li> + + </ul> + </p> + <dl> + <dt> + To such questions, I would pose the counter question: + </dt> + <br> + <dd> + <strong> Do we have a moral responsibily to ensure we leave the world in a better state than we inherit, + or the very least, not in a worse state?</strong> + </dd> + </dl> + + <p> + If your answer is <em>no</em>, then no need to read further, the following will not change your mind. + </p> + + <dl> + <dt> + If your answer is <em>yes</em>, but you aren't convinced that these are related, + then the <em>argument goes something like this...</em> + </dt> + <br> + <dd> + We live in a world of mass data collection/survailence. <br> + This enables corp. X to use ML (Machine Learning) techniques to build/train AI (Artificial Intelligence) + models that aim to predict human behaviour. <br> + That in and of itself is not my cause for concern here. <br> + The problems arise when corp. X use these techniques for profit + without regard for the harm they cause at a <em>population level</em> (intentionally or not). <br> + I have unfortunately lived through enough of these cases to be able to cite a few recent examples of this: + </dd> + <br> + <dd> + Instagram (etc.) designs its apps/products based on user behaviour data + to keep its userbase on its platform for as long as possible [0]. + You might think you are "too smart" to fall for these tricks, and you may be right, + but what about the millions of boys, and girls who aren't as wise as you? + Do they deserve to suffer from mental health, body image, confidence issues for the rest of their lives? + </dd> + <br> + <dd> + You could say "well thats due to bad parenting", but the point remains that + more and more of the digital world is having <em>real world</em> negative consequences regardless of + your individual participation level. For example: + </dd> + <br> + <dd> + It is well documented that Facebook's (etc.) targetted advertising + played a significant a role in the 2016 US elections [1]. + Many of the policies implemented during this time has real world consequences to millions + of people potentially for many generations. + <em>This affects us all.</em> + Even if we don't have/use Facebook, we (most of us) cannot <em>opt out</em> of policy changes. + </dd> + </dl> + + <p> + To summarize, it might not be a problem if individuals disregard their + privacy at the individual level, but in aggregate, a <em>population-wide</em> disregard + has dystopian consequences. + (This is also the primary reason I refuse to participate in social media.) + </p> + + <dl> + <dt> + So the question you have to ask yourself is... + </dt> + <br> + <dd> + <strong>Do I want to contribute to a dystopian (<a + href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orwellian">Orwellian</a>) future?</strong> + </dd> + </dl> + + <p> + If your answer is <em>yes</em>, then continue to live as you are. + </p> + + <p> + If your answer is <em>no</em>, than we must put an end to mass data-collection by + not voluntarily giving our data to corp. X, and finally acknowledging the value of our privacy. + Fortunately, there are a few ways you can <em>say no!</em> + <ul> + <li> + <strong>Limit your exposure to these services.</strong> If a friend stops talking to you because + of this, then congratulations, you've just gotten rid of a fake friend. You're welcome. + </li> + <li> + <a href="https://wiki.r-selfhosted.com/getting-started/what-is-self-hosting/">Self-host</a> + as much as you can. + You can see how I <a href="https://gitlab.com/kdam0/vps">implement</a> this and replicate it yourself, + though it is a bit involved for normies. + </li> + <li> + If neither of the above work for you, then you'll need to do some research to + find an alternative source that you can trust isn't doing the same thing. + Use <a href="https://github.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted">this</a> + as a starting point and try to search (Ctrl+f) for your service. For eg. Twitter, and + Instagram both have popular options available. + </li> + </ul> + </p> + + <br> + <big> + <img src="pix/kumarsmall.gif" alt="Kumar pix"> + <a href="index.html">Return to main page</a></big> + +</body> + +</html> |