PSA Newsletter 41: Privacy, Security, Automation!
Hackers Pull Back the Curtain on Flock Cameras, LG TV's Are Absolutely Spying on You, Apple Repeats Microsoft's AI Blunders, and more...
Head's Up
The format of the podcast is going to change, starting with this episode, PSA 41. Previous episodes have been a 1:1 read of the written newsletter and in my opinion, are a bit dry. Going forward, the format will also include light commentary and additional insights, as well as a more casual tone. Public ratings will also be enabled. Thank you for continuing to read and listen to this newsletter!
Privacy
An interesting breakdown from Wired and 404 Media on the capabilities and operations of Flock cameras. The more I learn about these cameras, the more I am convinced that they are irrensponsibly deployed mass surveillance technology. [1]
Security
As predicted in Newsletter 19, LG has recently been caught using screen scanning software to periodically capture the contents of Smart TV's and sharing that information with partners. Agreeing to use a Smart TV app in exchange for monitoring is one thing, but a TV watching your screen while you watch it is something else. Another reminder to never connect your Smart TV's to the internet under any circumstances. [2]
Automation
macOS 27 has shipped and with it, Apple Intelligence. Unfortunately, it appears as though macOS Sequoia 15.7.9 will be the last version of macOS I personally use, unless Apple reverses course on shoving Apple Intelligence into macOS without an option to disable it. This move is as jarring as Microsoft's strategy of injecting CoPilot and its privacy-invading AI features into every nook and cranny of Windows. Unfortunately, I will have to revise my guidance on purchasing Mac laptops in addition to Windows laptops, as now it seems I have no choice but to move to Linux as the last remaining bastion of sanity in personal computing. It's truly a dark day for those who still prefer to do their own thinking. [3]
Speaking of AI, Computer Science professor Cal Newport's podcast, Deep Questions with Cal Newport, just published an incredible episode where he and his guest discuss the long-term effects of using consumer AI. I've long held most of the same positions and it was nice to hear them echoed back by an authority in the space. It's definitely worth a listen, as is the entire series. [4]
Sources:
- [1] Wired: Hackers Got Inside a Flock Camera. Its Data Shows How the System Really Works
- [2] Apple Insider: Disconnect your LG television from the internet, now
- [3] Jamf Support: Can I disable Apple Intelligence with Jamf Now?
- [4] Deep Questions with Cal Newport: The AI Resistance is Forming. (Should You Join?)
