In today’s tech landscape, the battle against digital surveillance is gaining significant attention, spearheaded by Ronald Deibert, the founder of Citizen Lab. Deibert’s recent travel to Illinois, where he opted to leave his personal devices behind in Toronto, underscores the heightened risks faced by those engaged in counterintelligence work. He bought a new laptop and iPhone upon arrival, fully aware that his activities render him a target for surveillance. “I travel under the assumption that I am being watched at every moment,” Deibert states, highlighting the pervasive nature of digital monitoring. Citizen Lab, based at the University of Toronto, has made a name for itself by investigating cyber threats with a focus on the public interest, revealing severe digital abuses over the last two decades. As the standard for liberal democracy shifts, Deibert and his team are more crucial than ever in uncovering the realities of our surveillance-laden world.
On another front, the climate technology sector is witnessing promising advancements, as highlighted in the latest Breakthrough Technologies list from MIT Technology Review. This year’s edition showcases innovative solutions such as sodium-ion batteries, next-generation nuclear power, and hyperscale AI data centers that could redefine energy consumption and sustainability efforts. These technologies not only represent a shift towards cleaner energy but also signify a pivotal moment for climate tech amid growing environmental concerns. As part of this initiative, readers are encouraged to subscribe to the weekly newsletter, The Spark, which focuses on technologies aimed at combating climate change. For those interested in the intersection of AI and nuclear energy, an exclusive subscriber-only roundtable event is scheduled for January, providing insights into the future of these technologies and their potential impact on our climate crisis.
Source: The Download: spying on the spies, and promising climate tech via MIT Technology Review