# Politics Published articles for Politics. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## Jill Lepore's The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State Examines Technology, Democracy and Automation DevFeed: [Jill Lepore's The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State Examines Technology, Democracy and Automation]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Steven Heller Published: 2026-09-15T12:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [PRINT Magazine]() Topics: [Artificial Intelligence](), [AI Strategy]() Tags: [artificial-intelligence](), [book](), [politics](), [print-homepage-rotation](), [the-daily-heller]() ### AI overview This commentary reviews Jill Lepore's The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State, which examines how private technology companies, automation and artificial intelligence could challenge liberal democracy and reshape civilization. The writer remains uncertain whether Lepore's thesis is intended partly as satire, noting the book's cover reference to RUR. ### Source excerpt Jill Lepore and 'The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State.' The post The Daily Heller: About Civilization as We Knew It appeared first on PRINT Magazine. ## Bailey Flanigan uses computational and mathematical tools to study democratic participation DevFeed: [Bailey Flanigan uses computational and mathematical tools to study democratic participation]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michaela Jarvis | MIT Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems Published: 2026-07-17T17:25:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [MIT AI News]() Topics: [Computer science](), [Electrical engineering and computer science (EECS)](), [math](), [MIT Schwarzman College of Computing]() Tags: [ai-and-democracy](), [ai-in-politics](), [algorithms](), [artificial-intelligence](), [bailey-flanigan](), [computer-science](), [computer-science-and-technology](), [defending-democracy](), [democracy](), [democratic-decision-making](), [electrical-engineering-and-computer-science-eecs](), [faculty](), [government](), [labor-and-jobs](), [laboratory-for-information-and-decision-systems-lids](), [math](), [mit-eecs-faculty](), [mit-faculty-profile](), [mit-lids](), [mit-political-science](), [mit-schwarzman-college-of-computing](), [political-legitimacy](), [political-science](), [politics](), [profile](), [public-health](), [research](), [school-of-engineering](), [school-of-humanities-arts-and-social-sciences](), [science](), [technology-and-society](), [wisconsin-innocence-project]() ### AI overview An MIT faculty member, Bailey Flanigan studies how computational and mathematical tools can create new avenues for meaningful democratic participation. The article describes her interdisciplinary path across computer science, political science, medicine, public health, economics, and related fields. ### Source excerpt Assistant Professor Bailey Flanigan has arrived at complex computational methods for helping democracy thrive. ## Sovereignty, reindustrialization, and the loss of practical skills DevFeed: [Sovereignty, reindustrialization, and the loss of practical skills]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Daniel Lemire Published: 2026-06-09T18:39:32Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Daniel Lemire]() Topics: [Computing](), [Arm]() Tags: [arm](), [canada](), [computing](), [politics](), [robotics](), [uk]() ### AI overview An opinion article argues that contemporary calls for sovereignty reflect a push toward reindustrializing key economic sectors. It connects globalization, financialization, managerial work, the COVID-era workplace, and educational misalignment with a decline in practical skills, using computing and robotics as examples. ### Source excerpt The keyword in politics these days is 'sovereign'. What few will admit is that it is effectively the adoption of the American strategy: Make America Great Again. In other words, reindustrialization of key sectors of the economy. The UK used to be a computing champion. Our chip designs (ARM) originated from the UK. Canada had ... Continue reading Sovereign ## How Europe Could Develop a More Self-Sufficient Cloud DevFeed: [How Europe Could Develop a More Self-Sufficient Cloud]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2025-03-17T11:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Bert Hubert's writings]() Topics: [Cloud](), [Amazon Web Services](), [microsoft-azure](), [Google]() Tags: [article](), [cloud](), [politics](), [strategy]() ### AI overview This opinion article argues that European governments cannot rely solely on American cloud providers and that market forces have not produced comprehensive European alternatives. It proposes coordinated industrial policy and long-term work to build European cloud services and related workplace applications. ### Source excerpt The very short version: It has now become clear that European governments can no longer rely on American clouds, and that we lack good and comprehensive alternatives. Market forces have failed to deliver a truly European cloud, and businesses won't naturally buy as yet unproven cloud services, even when adorned with a beautiful European 🇪🇺 flag, so for now nothing will happen. This article is part of a series of posts on (European) cloud challenges. ## It is no longer safe to move our governments and societies to US clouds DevFeed: [It is no longer safe to move our governments and societies to US clouds]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2025-02-23T11:15:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Bert Hubert's writings]() Topics: [cloud-infrastructure](), [data](), [Google](), [systems]() Tags: [autonomy](), [data](), [google](), [government](), [politics](), [trump]() ### AI overview This opinion argues that European governments and societies should stop increasing their dependence on US cloud services. It criticizes convenience- and cost-based justifications for transferring government systems and data to American providers, using a Dutch government job site and Google as an example. ### Source excerpt The very short version: it is madness to continue transferring the running of European societies and governments to American clouds. Not only is it a terrible idea given the kind of things the "King of America" keeps saying, the legal sophistry used to justify such transfers, like the nonsense letter the Dutch cabinet sent last week, has now been invalidated by Trump himself. And why are we doing this? Convenience. ## CSAM Regulation Update: Dutch Intelligence agency weighs in DevFeed: [CSAM Regulation Update: Dutch Intelligence agency weighs in]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2024-10-01T17:52:22Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Bert Hubert's writings]() Topics: [End-to-End Encryption](), [Security](), [Cryptography](), [Mobile](), [Artificial Intelligence](), [communications]() Tags: [aivd](), [apple](), [civil-rights](), [csam](), [encryption](), [eu](), [politics](), [privacy](), [security](), [signal](), [telegram](), [whatsapp]() ### AI overview The article discusses a proposed EU CSAM regulation that could require scanning private messages and images on encrypted communication services. It reports that the Dutch government consulted the AIVD, which regarded detection orders and the associated scanning infrastructure as too large a security risk for digital resilience. ### Source excerpt A quick update - The European Commission and EU member states have been pondering, for years now, if they should force WhatsApp/Apple/Signal/Telegram to scan all our private messages for suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM). For various reasons it is a horrendous idea to break end to end encryption in this likely highly ineffective way. Variations of the proposal have also included a mandate to perform such scanning of images using AI, and even to also read our text messages to see if we aren't "grooming" children. ## Why "Europe Must Invest" Is an Imprecise Call for European Action DevFeed: [Why "Europe Must Invest" Is an Imprecise Call for European Action]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2024-07-09T08:51:53Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Bert Hubert's writings]() Topics: [Artificial Intelligence](), [communications](), [email]() Tags: [ai](), [communications](), [email](), [eu](), [europe](), [government](), [invest](), [meetings](), [policies](), [politics](), [reports]() ### AI overview The article argues that calls for "Europe" to invest in technology are imprecise because Europe is not a single actor and "invest" can mean either spending money or producing policies and reports. It urges writers to identify the responsible institution or group and specify the proposed action. ### Source excerpt "Be even more suspicious [...] of all those who employ the term 'we' or 'us' without your permission. This is another form of surreptitious conscription, designed to suggest that 'we' are all agreed on 'our' interests and identity. [...] Always ask who this 'we' is" - Christopher Hitchens in Letters to a Young Contrarian. It is so easy to write "Europe must invest more in AI", but it is a red flag that reveals sloppy thinking on two levels. ## Transcript Dutch parliamentary hearing on EU Chat Control and Client Side Scanning DevFeed: [Transcript Dutch parliamentary hearing on EU Chat Control and Client Side Scanning]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2023-10-12T10:21:10Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Bert Hubert's writings]() Topics: [client](), [Artificial Intelligence](), [Security](), [communications]() Tags: [ai](), [client](), [dutch](), [eu](), [politics](), [security]() ### AI overview This article presents a translated transcript of an introduction to a Dutch parliamentary hearing on the EU Chatcontrol proposal, focusing on client-side scanning. It describes concerns that communications, photos, and videos could be scanned by computers using known-material databases and AI. ### Source excerpt On the 11th of October, Dutch parliament organized a hearing on the EU "Chatcontrol" proposal, with a focus on client side scanning. Dutch parliament had earlier passed two motions calling on the Dutch government not to support this proposal, but our government has declared it will ignore those motions. This hearing was timely because next week, or even this Friday, EU member states vote on how to proceed with this terrible proposal (Lawfare review from a US perspective). ## Proposed Dutch law would ease warrants for hacking non-targets DevFeed: [Proposed Dutch law would ease warrants for hacking non-targets]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2023-06-07T18:10:43Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Bert Hubert's writings]() Topics: [Security](), [Hacking]() Tags: [civil-rights](), [intelligence](), [politics]() ### AI overview An opinion article examines a proposed addition to the Dutch intelligence and security services act. It argues that the proposal would automatically extend hacking warrants to non-targets and make the criteria for targeting them less strict than for actual targets. ### Source excerpt This is a mirror of the original about:intel post, since the about:intel server is sadly sometimes overloaded. Also do read the opposing view from Jan-Jaap Oerlemans and the reflection by Lotte Houwing The Dutch government is proposing adding a lex specialis to its existing intelligence and security services act. This addition significantly changes the scope of many powers and also extends who they can be applied to. A draft of an English summary of this proposed law can be found here. ## EU Cyber Resilience Act part two: Updates & Impracticalities DevFeed: [EU Cyber Resilience Act part two: Updates & Impracticalities]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2023-03-23T15:51:39Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Bert Hubert's writings]() Topics: [cyber resilience act](), [Resilience](), [Cybersecurity](), [Software](), [Hardware](), [Linux Kernel](), [Firewall]() Tags: [cyber-resilience-act](), [cybersecurity](), [eu](), [firewall](), [hardware](), [linux](), [linux-kernel](), [politics](), [programming](), [security]() ### AI overview This follow-up commentary examines practical questions about how the EU Cyber Resilience Act might work, focusing on third-party components in hardware and software products. It discusses concerns about regulatory workability and possible effects on innovation, while noting the draft's due-diligence expectations for manufacturers. ### Source excerpt This is a living document - I'd normally spend a few days polishing everything, but since CRA talks are ongoing right now, there's simply no time for that. Check back frequently for updates! Also please let me know urgently on bert@hubertnet.nl if you think I'm reading things incorrectly! As a follow-up to my earlier post on the EU Cyber Resilience Act, here I'd like to address some practicalities: how would it actually work. ## "Practical Math" Preview: Collect Sensitive Survey Responses Privately DevFeed: ["Practical Math" Preview: Collect Sensitive Survey Responses Privately]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2022-05-14T09:40:49Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Jeremy Kun]() Topics: [math](), [Statistics](), [Code](), [Software]() Tags: [bias](), [code](), [collect](), [differential-privacy](), [mathematics](), [politics](), [practical](), [practical-math](), [privacy](), [programming](), [python](), [random](), [randomized-algorithm](), [research](), [responses](), [survey]() ### AI overview This chapter preview explains randomized response, a survey technique for estimating aggregate statistics about sensitive questions while preserving respondents' privacy. Respondents use private coin flips to introduce randomization and maintain plausible deniability. ### Source excerpt This is a draft of a chapter from my in-progress book, Practical Math for Programmers: A Tour of Mathematics in Production Software. Tip: Determine an aggregate statistic about a sensitive question, when survey respondents do not trust that their responses will be kept secret. Solution: import random def respond_privately(true_answer: bool) -> bool: '''Respond to a survey with plausible deniability about your answer.''' be_honest = random.random() < 0.5 random_answer = random.random() < 0. ## Great Talks and Presentations at 33C3 DevFeed: [Great Talks and Presentations at 33C3]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Chris Hager Published: 2017-01-03T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Chris Hager]() Topics: [Hacking](), [Security](), [Internet of things](), [Linux]() Tags: [christmas](), [conference](), [embedded](), [europe](), [exploits](), [germany](), [hacking](), [iot](), [politics](), [security](), [space](), [surveillance](), [talks](), [tech]() ### AI overview A personal selection of notable talks and presentations from the 33rd Chaos Computer Congress (33C3), covering technology, embedded systems and IoT, gaming, surveillance, space, hacking and security, politics, and lightning talks. ### Source excerpt The Chaos Computer Congress is Europe's leading hacker and tech community conference, taking place annualy in Hamburg, Germany between Christmas and New Year. This year was the 33rd time (hence 33C3), and as usual featured a large number of amazing talks and presentations. My personal favorites Making Technology Inclusive Through Papercraft and Sound - Introducing the Love to Code Platform, by Bunnie Huang Dissecting modern (3G/4G) cellular modems - all the way to running apps directly on the modem's Linux OS (Blog, Slides, HN) Topics ## Why Theoretical Computer Scientists Aren't Worried About Privacy DevFeed: [Why Theoretical Computer Scientists Aren't Worried About Privacy]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2013-06-10T09:51:27Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Jeremy Kun]() Topics: [online privacy](), [Security](), [national security](), [Computer science](), [Google](), [backdoor](), [Statistics](), [Databases](), [Users]() Tags: [backdoor](), [computer-science](), [cryptography](), [databases](), [differential-privacy](), [google](), [homomorphic-encryption](), [national-security](), [politics](), [privacy](), [security](), [statistics](), [users]() ### AI overview This opinion article discusses public concern about government surveillance and privacy, arguing that privacy, convenience, and security can be maintained together technologically. It also distinguishes the author's personal privacy preferences from opposition to privacy violations as policy. ### Source excerpt There has been a lot of news recently on government surveillance of its citizens. The biggest two that have pervaded my news feeds are the protests in Turkey, which in particular have resulted in particular oppression of social media users, and the recent light on the US National Security Agency's widespread "backdoor" in industry databases at Google, Verizon, Facebook, and others. It appears that the facts are in flux, as some companies have denied their involvement in this program, but regardless of the truth the eye of the public has landed firmly on questions of privacy. ## Decision Trees and Political Party Classification DevFeed: [Decision Trees and Political Party Classification]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2012-10-08T14:49:21Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Jeremy Kun]() Topics: [Algorithm](), [Python](), [data](), [Code]() Tags: [algorithm](), [code](), [data](), [decision-trees](), [machine-learning](), [mathematics](), [politics](), [python](), [voting-prediction]() ### AI overview This tutorial explains how decision trees address limitations of k-nearest-neighbors when data is categorical, incomplete, or noisy. It presents a Python implementation applied to predicting the political party affiliation of US congressional members from their votes. ### Source excerpt Last time we investigated the k-nearest-neighbors algorithm and the underlying idea that one can learn a classification rule by copying the known classification of nearby data points. This required that we view our data as sitting inside a metric space; that is, we imposed a kind of geometric structure on our data. One glaring problem is that there may be no reasonable way to do this. While we mentioned scaling issues and provided a number of possible metrics in our primer, a more common problem is that the data simply isn't numeric. ## A Comparison of Microsoft, Java, and Python Community Cultures DevFeed: [A Comparison of Microsoft, Java, and Python Community Cultures]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Guido van Rossum (noreply@blogger.com) Published: 2009-07-21T18:50:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Guido van Rossum]() Topics: [Java](), [Microsoft](), [Python](), [Open Source]() Tags: [book-review](), [java](), [microsoft](), [open-source](), [politics](), [python]() ### AI overview An opinion piece compares perceived Microsoft, Java, and Python community cultures using George Lakoff's strict-father and nurturing-family political models. It also speculates about Oracle, Sun, Linus Torvalds, and Richard Stallman. ### Source excerpt [Warning: loose thoughts ahead!] Microsoft's Eric Meijer gave a talk at Google yesterday, and afterwards I had lunch with him. One of his remarks was (I paraphrase) that Microsoft users want to be told what to do, while the Java community is more vocal or argumentative. (He didn't discuss the Python community but in my experience it falls in the latter category.) Now, while lying sick in bed with a hacking cough, I am reading George Lakoff's "The Political Mind". This book tries to model the distinction between conservative and progressive politics on the differences between two different ideal family models: the strict father (from which most conservative moral virtues flow according to Lakoff), and the nurturing family, from which the progressive moral virtues derived. The parallel with Microsoft users vs. Java users seems to be all too obvious: Microsoft as the strict father: If you are loyal you will be rewarded, but if you stray you will be punished; whereas in the Java (or Python) community benefits and moral goodness flow from helping each other (which includes sharing open source software, and, apparently, bikeshedding :-). What about other companies and communities? I can't help thinking of Oracle as the ultimate strict-father company, which makes me worry about the Sun takeover. Are Linus Torvalds and Richard Stallman strict fathers?