2.5 Admins 2.5 Admins 239: Collective Power
Mar 20, 2025
The rise of RISC-V in China is shaking up the CPU landscape, as Alibaba launches a new server-grade design. Meanwhile, the controversial use of AI-driven surveillance tech in workplaces raises ethical concerns about employee monitoring and dehumanization. The hosts advocate for collective power and the necessity of unions to combat these invasive practices. Additionally, they dive into encryption strategies for ZFS, including innovative solutions for managing decryption keys using self-encrypting drives. Tune in for a tech-filled discussion!
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RISC-V's Rise in China
- RISC-V is gaining traction, especially in China, due to government support and open licensing.
- This has raised concerns among some US officials who misunderstand permissive licenses.
Power CPUs' Price Problem
- Power CPUs, despite being open-source, face a challenge in competing with RISC-V and ARM due to economies of scale.
- The limited demand for Power CPUs results in higher prices, hindering their market growth.
Surveillance Tech Backlash
- A startup's demo of AI-powered surveillance tech for factories backfired.
- The pitch, focusing on monitoring employee efficiency, sparked outrage among potential users.
