Words & Numbers Episode 479: The NPCs Among Us
Dec 9, 2025
This discussion dives into recent arrests linked to social media, highlighting the contrasting policing cultures in Britain and America. It explores Alaska's innovative AI-driven digital identity system and the implications of automated benefits and digital currency. The hosts tackle the sentience of AI, questioning its ability to be genuinely inquisitive. Plus, they reflect on a notorious racist incident and analyze Bitcoin's turbulent market performance. Finally, the impact of AI on personal relationships and the importance of curiosity in education take center stage.
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British Gun Photo Leads To Arrest
- Antony Davies describes a British man arrested after posting a photo of himself holding a gun taken in Florida.
- The incident highlights cross-jurisdiction policing and strict UK firearm norms that led to repeated police visits.
Alaska's AI Identity Could Be A Test Case
- Antony Davies warns Alaska's plan to weave AI and payments into MyAlaska could let agents act on behalf of residents.
- He notes this creates a slippery path toward AI-controlled digital currency tied to identity and government control.
Avoid Single-Account Digital Payments
- Avoid accepting a single digital-account payment model because it centralizes control and enables direct government transfers.
- Recognize that tying benefits and currency to identity AI makes taxation and redistribution much easier for authorities.
