Data-driven prison sentences promise fairer, more accurate decisions. But as Wisconsin v. Loomis demonstrates, proprietary third party software could unfairly keep vulnerable defendants behind bars.
Whispering data
Body cams + facial recognition = ?
It's only a matter of time before police-worn cameras and facial recognition converge into one powerful, invasive, and legally challenging technology. In the video below, TASER's /Axon CEO gives us a glimpse into his business model: leverage facial recognition technology and data analytics to provide real-time threat scores for citizens crossing officers' path. https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000004859799/the-rise-of-body-cameras.html Similar… Continue reading Body cams + facial recognition = ?
ReFrag: anecdotic approaches to a neo-medieval era
I hope to articulate an inchoate intuition in this post: we are experiencing a return to medieval times – if we ever left them at all. Fear over facts hu·man·ismˈ[(h)yo͞oməˌnizəm/]: Philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and affirms their ability to improve their lives through… Continue reading ReFrag: anecdotic approaches to a neo-medieval era
Simulation: a reality check
Two unnamed billionaires are funding scientists to break us out of the Matrix. What’s that about? Word on the street, or in the Valley rather, is that we are probably living in a technology-powered virtual reality. Our lives a computer simulation. The rapidly expanding power of technology to mimic our environment makes this hypothesis highly… Continue reading Simulation: a reality check
Bandwidth is the message. Taxing ISPs in the era of music as data flow
A few thoughts on copyright law in the digital world. Skip to part C if you’re hungry. Background info here Music is consumed as an immaterial service rather than single object-unit. Accordingly, when we ask ourselves how to make money from music in the 21st century, we should be looking at both massive downloads and individual… Continue reading Bandwidth is the message. Taxing ISPs in the era of music as data flow
Music and monay
I love my 'Dilla changed my life' t-shirt. It speaks to the unparalleled potential of music–in this case that of a prolific beat maker who died in his prime–to inspire me, take me new places and meet like-minded people. But if the music ecosystem were to wear a t-shirt, it would probably say something like… Continue reading Music and monay
Banning ostentatious religious symbols : veiling substantive integration
Regulating the veil worn by Muslim women is a misguided effort to achieve integration and to maintain social peace. Indeed, limiting the ability to perform and obtain government services in face-covering veils only exacerbates the risk of isolation. Québec is considering such a questionable approach to accommodating religious ostentatious symbols with Bill 94[1], effectively relegating… Continue reading Banning ostentatious religious symbols : veiling substantive integration
Barcelone, Turin et Montréal: festivals et villes créatives
La seconde édition barcelonaise du festival MUTEK propose un panel sur les festivals comme destinations touristiques et catalyseurs créatifs. Les villes se targuant d’être des pôles créatifs sont-elles vraiment prêtes à appuyer les arts émergeants? Retour sur un panel avec trois organisateurs de festival de musique électronique : Alain Mongeau de MUTEK (Montréal), Sergio Ricciardone… Continue reading Barcelone, Turin et Montréal: festivals et villes créatives
AD HOC THOUGHTS 