The tech industry is pushing for a massive build out of hyperscale data centers — regardless of the community impacts or social benefits. When we see what’s really driving it, it’s clear they must be stopped. I’ve put a lot of work into this series. Excited for you to hear it!.

We know the tech companies are exploitative and dishonest, but Microsoft’s latest action takes the cake. It got off easy during the antitrust push, but it’s just as bad as the rest. It’s another company we should be trying to rid ourselves of.

Here’s the thing: my plan never changed. Microsoft added generative AI features, then tried to charge me more for them. Even though they clearly still had my old plan, without those features, as a hidden option it would only tell me about when I canceled.

Generative AI is a massive con, and an expensive one to keep running. As companies keep splashing out on massive data centers to power the technology, they need money — and part of the way they’re getting it is by squeezing existing customers.

Last week, I got an email from Microsoft telling me I’d be paying 46% more for my Office subscription. But when I tried to cancel, it offered me the same price I was already paying — without the generative AI features I never asked for in the first place.

RT @kofiemeritus: "In the process, he appears ready to hand over the country’s research agenda to an industry that fuels financial bubbles….

RT @parismarx: It’s always such a pleasure to have @danmcquillan on the show! I was particularly excited to chat about decomputing, the pos….

RT @TheBreachMedia: The Liberal government wants to push ahead with adopting AI—handing the reins to Big Tech. @ParisMarx breaks down the….

Mark Carney promised “elbows up” against the US, but he’s offering a warm embrace to US tech companies and the AI hype they’ve unleashed. As Canada’s AI minister suggests AI regulation is off the table, we should be worried about Carney’s tech agenda.

It’s always such a pleasure to have @danmcquillan on the show! I was particularly excited to chat about decomputing, the possibilities it offers, and how it can focus our critique of the exploitative tech systems we depend on.

RT @kitgrier: Can’t believe I’ve lived far enough into the future to learn the first slur for robots.

RT @VassB: "Being a purist isn’t poss. what’s important is making effort. If we can reduce customer base for dominant players + show a mar….

RT @parismarx: Silicon Valley’s alliance with Donald Trump was a mask off moment and showed the world we can’t depend on US tech companies.….

More than anything, we need a different kind of technology that isn’t so exploitative and extractive, and that’s easy for non-technical users to pick up. That’s why we need government resourcing of alternatives. In the meantime, I hope this guide helps.

Through the process, I’ve also come to question what services I even need and the ways I use digital tech — not just to get off US services, but to reduce my screen time altogether. I’m already happy with the results I’m getting.

Getting off US tech isn’t always an easy feat, and I don’t think it’s useful to be a purist. US tech is everywhere and it’s very hard to fully extricate oneself, which is why governments must step in. But I still think there’s value in making the effort.

Silicon Valley’s alliance with Donald Trump was a mask off moment and showed the world we can’t depend on US tech companies. I’ve been trying to get off US tech and put together a guide so you find alternatives too. I hope you find it helpful!

RT @Vahn16: he’s right and he should say it.

RT @parismarx: I don’t talk about video games much on the show, but I always love when I get the opportunity and this conversation with @Va….

I don’t talk about video games much on the show, but I always love when I get the opportunity and this conversation with @Vahn16 is no exception!. It was great to get his insights on what’s happening at Microsoft and the broader troubles facing game workers.

RT @parismarx: Canada can see the costs of US dependence. Trump is a bully and Silicon Valley used his leverage to kill the digital service….