From fd6c2099c68f48544c73afb88ac390d305bbb229 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Kumar Damani Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2022 18:18:32 -0400 Subject: routine updates --- self-host.html | 150 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 150 insertions(+) create mode 100644 self-host.html (limited to 'self-host.html') 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 @@ + + + + + + + + + + + +

Why do I self-host?

+ +

Digital freedom/independence

+

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: +

+ 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. + +

+ +

Privacy at the population level

+

I am often asked some variation of: +

+

+
+
+ To such questions, I would pose the counter question: +
+
+
+ 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? +
+
+ +

+ If your answer is no, then no need to read further, the following will not change your mind. +

+ +
+
+ If your answer is yes, but you aren't convinced that these are related, + then the argument goes something like this... +
+
+
+ We live in a world of mass data collection/survailence.
+ This enables corp. X to use ML (Machine Learning) techniques to build/train AI (Artificial Intelligence) + models that aim to predict human behaviour.
+ That in and of itself is not my cause for concern here.
+ The problems arise when corp. X use these techniques for profit + without regard for the harm they cause at a population level (intentionally or not).
+ I have unfortunately lived through enough of these cases to be able to cite a few recent examples of this: +
+
+
+ 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? +
+
+
+ You could say "well thats due to bad parenting", but the point remains that + more and more of the digital world is having real world negative consequences regardless of + your individual participation level. For example: +
+
+
+ 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. + This affects us all. + Even if we don't have/use Facebook, we (most of us) cannot opt out of policy changes. +
+
+ +

+ To summarize, it might not be a problem if individuals disregard their + privacy at the individual level, but in aggregate, a population-wide disregard + has dystopian consequences. + (This is also the primary reason I refuse to participate in social media.) +

+ +
+
+ So the question you have to ask yourself is... +
+
+
+ Do I want to contribute to a dystopian (Orwellian) future? +
+
+ +

+ If your answer is yes, then continue to live as you are. +

+ +

+ If your answer is no, 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 say no! +

+

+ +
+ + Kumar pix + Return to main page + + + + -- cgit v1.2.3