Friday links for July 3rd 2026

The “panopticon” issue.

1. Google’s exponential path to climate-wrecking digital bloat

This is wild. Google’s generative AI-induced power demand increased 1,5× in just one year and the curve is exponential. I think we should start naming heatwaves like we do storms – and the next one should be called Gemini.

2. Women Who Use AI Seen As Incompetent; Men Who Use AI Seen As Pragmatic

Say what you want about the Patriarchy, but it’s quick at adapting to new technologies.

3. Apple ‘Hide My Email’ Has a Flaw That Can Expose Your Real Address

You may want to switch to another service like addy or simplelogin if you like using site-specific email addresses (and if you don’t, you should).

4. This startup wants to turn the world into a searchable video feed, starting in San Francisco

This startup has installed 200 cameras in San Francisco and are planning another 900, in order to build a “search engine for the physical world”. Apparently that’s legal in the US. Luckily, not in Europe.

From the article:

The company's early focus is public safety. Orchestra has built a product called 'Robocop,' an AI agent designed to investigate incidents before a human is assigned to a case

So, no self-awareness then…

5. I'm Begging You to Leave Your AI Note-taker at Home

Don’t record everything, don’t add to the dark data pile. When people know they're being recorded, they (unconsciously) stop being people and start giving a performance.

On rotation

This week’s soundtrack is Full Circle by Tom Misch

Don't get eaten by wolves…
Colin