Links for Tuesday, September 3rd 2024

• Facebook Partner Brags About Listening to Your Phone’s Microphone to Serve Ads for Stuff You Mention

I’ve been operating on the assumption for a while now that if I see a uncannily relevant ad that it was either coincidence or the recommend-er algorithm finding connections between disparate, seemingly unrelated digital traces. This leak provides evidence that the reality is creepier (and more boring, TBH): They might just literally be listening and watching us through our phones.

• Long-term unemployment leads to disengagement and apathy, rather than efforts to regain control

This resonated with me. I was unemployed for over 3 years, with much of that time being spent isolated due to the COVID-era lockdowns. My experience matches near-exactly with the study participants. I did manage finally find a job this past March, and it’s a job that I genuinely enjoy.

• You probably don’t need VPS customers connecting to your boxes

I never considered this, but it makes perfect sense. Going forward I’ll be implementing these rules on my personal network(s).