Christian Dawson, Executive Director of the Internet Infrastructure Coalition, discusses the troubling trend of VPN services disappearing from Indian app stores due to recent government regulations. These changes raise critical questions about online privacy and security, particularly for vulnerable populations. Yuval Noah Harari, a prominent historian, shares his thoughts on the potential impacts of AI, framing it within the context of historical technological advances and its implications for creativity and society. Their insights provoke reflection on the balance between innovation and individual rights.
The withdrawal of VPN services in India highlights a concerning clash between user privacy and government cybersecurity mandates.
Advancements in solar-powered aircraft technology, like the Phaser 35, showcase innovative solutions for extended aerial operations and data collection.
Deep dives
Disappearance of VPNs in India
The removal of several popular VPNs from app stores in India has raised significant concerns regarding user privacy and governmental authority. Following new directives issued by India's cybersecurity body, CERT-IN, VPN providers are now required to collect and store extensive user data, including personal details and usage purposes, for five years. This approach contradicts the fundamental purpose of VPNs, which is to protect user anonymity and privacy. As a reaction, many major VPN services began withdrawing their operations from India, signaling a troubling trend in the balance between cybersecurity measures and individual privacy rights.
Innovations in Stratospheric Aviation
The development of ultralight, solar-powered aircraft like the Phaser 35 represents a significant advancement in aerospace technology, aiming to function like steerable satellites. With a wingspan comparable to a commercial jet, Phaser 35 remains lightweight due to its extensive solar panel coverage, allowing it to stay aloft for extended periods by harnessing solar energy during the day and relying on batteries at night. Its potential applications range from military surveillance to disaster relief, providing real-time data on affected regions. The engineering challenges involved in flying at stratospheric altitudes include managing the aircraft's weight while maximizing solar energy efficiency to maintain prolonged flight.
The Future of Artificial Intelligence
The ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence introduces both optimism and concern, as it transforms various sectors and may outpace human capabilities in creating content. Historical parallels highlight how technologies, like the printing press and radio, have been used for both beneficial and detrimental purposes, suggesting that AI could follow a similar trajectory. AI's capacity to generate written works and make independent decisions raises questions about its impact on cultural production, potentially reshaping human civilization. While concerns about job displacement persist, there is potential for AI to revolutionize areas such as healthcare by providing better diagnostic support, emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement with this rapidly advancing technology.
In this edition we're trying to find out why some popular security and privacy services - known as VPNs - are disappearing from app stores in India.
Also on this week's Tech Life, we speak to the team behind a super-lightweight plane, powered by the sun's rays, that could be used like a steerable satellite.
And does talk of artificial intelligence make you worried about your job, or make you wonder what the future might hold ? Don't worry, it's not all gloom ! We hear from a historian who is taking a very long view of AI.
We’re always keen to hear from you. You can email us: techlife@bbc.co.uk, or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp: +44 330 1230 320.
Presenter: Zoe Kleinman
Producer: Tom Quinn
Editor: Monica Soriano
(Image: An illustration of Internet access via a VPN. A shield with the inscription VPN and a globe. Credit: Getty Images)
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