Tech Talk Y'all Popes, Platforms, and Plaintext: What Could Go Wrong?
May 9, 2025
Dive into the intriguing intersection of tech and the Vatican, as cardinals gear up for the papal conclave while social media shakes things up. Discover the risks of Meta's Facebook cuts in Nigeria and the quirky side of retail returns with Amazon and Walmart's new policies. Marvel at Google's new desktop mode for Android, enabling a whole new experience on your travels. Plus, laugh along with whimsical hypotheticals on hacking mishaps, and get inspired by transforming the Popemobile into a health clinic for Gaza's children.
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Skype's Stagnation Despite Early Lead
- Skype had a significant first-mover advantage but stagnated rather than innovating continuously.
- This stagnation led to its decline despite multiple acquisitions and attempts to revive it.
Meta's Power and Country Dependency
- Meta's threat to shut down Facebook in Nigeria reveals platforms' societal dependency and political leverage.
- Countries might benefit from forcing new platforms to emerge by standing firm against such threats.
Facebook Targets Vulnerable Users
- Facebook allegedly monitors when teen girls delete selfies to target beauty ads, showing how ad algorithms prey on vulnerability.
- The saying 'if it's free, you're the product' exemplifies these platforms monetizing user data.