Discussions include unethical practices of Windows Core graphics engineers, Apple's new requirement for API disclosure, rooted Android devices and e-waste, impacts of funding on the community, and reaching goals with gratitude and updates.
The FBI investigation reveals the market for malware and zero-day exploits fueled by world governments paying top dollar for access.
Apple's new regulations require developers to disclose and describe their use of certain APIs, aiming to improve privacy but raising concerns about user experience and paperwork.
Deep dives
Investigation into US government's use of malware
The White House commissions the FBI to investigate the use of malware that is on the no-no list by the US government. The subcontractor that facilitated the exchange of the malware is ultimately found to be responsible. This highlights the ongoing marketplace for malware and zero-day exploits, fueled by world governments paying top dollar for access.
Changes to app API requirements by Apple
Apple's new App Store regulations will require developers to disclose and describe their use of certain APIs, including user defaults. This move aims to improve privacy and prevent the misuse of sensitive data for advertising purposes. However, developers are concerned about the potential impact on user experience and additional burdensome paperwork.
Web Integrity API by Google
Google is developing a new API called the Web Integrity API to discriminate between users and bots. This API aims to verify the authenticity of users viewing ads, prevent cheating in games, and block access to certain websites. Its impact on the privacy and accessibility of the web remains a concern.
The future of the tech industry and open source software
The tech industry is transitioning as easy money becomes scarce, resulting in reduced funding for free and open source software (FOSS) projects. This has created an extractive relationship between tech companies and FOSS communities. Additionally, the rise of large language models is seen as strip mining and whitewashing FOSS code. However, the impact of language models on the FOSS community is overstated, and these models can actually make it easier for newcomers to participate.
Microsoft's dirty old API games, the new, even more restrictive rules Apple developers will now have to follow, and why Google's "Web Integrity API" seems gross.
About 7 years ago I was in a meeting with a former Windows core graphics engineer — Proceeded to explain to me that this was how he, and many other core Windows engineers lined their pockets for years - write complex implementations, do the absolute bare minimum documentation, then take a 6 month sabbatical and publish a reference book that was absolutely required to actually use the API.
App Store developers must detail why they're using some APIs — As detailed on the Apple Developer website, some APIs are now classified as “Required Reason APIs.” This means that in order to use them in an app, the developer must describe to Apple the purpose of that API in the app.
Free and open source software projects are in transition — The tech bubble—the one that has been kept inflated over the past sixteen years with low interest rates, non-existent antitrust regulation, and a legal environment for tech that, in the US at least, has effectively been a free-for-all—is now over.