⚡️Surveillance on the Rise: The Impact of License Plate Readers

I was recently on True Health Report with Andrew Kaufman and we delve into the growing use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) in public spaces. From Home Depot parking lots to municipal surveillance, these cameras are creating a massive network of data collection. We explore how this technology is expanding and the privacy implications it brings.

👀 How do you feel about the Flock cameras popping up in our cities?

🔗 Watch the full interview here

📲 Look into privacy-respecting options from Above.

—
🫶 @takebackourtech
📩 WEBSITE & NEWSLETTER | 🎥 VIDEOS| XMPP | SUBSTACK

To all my vapers out there.

A groundbreaking study from researchers at UC Davis, published in ACS Central Science, analyzed aerosols from popular disposable e-cigarettes. They found that certain devices emitted lead, nickel, and chromium at concentrations higher than traditional tobacco smoke. Shockingly, one device released more lead in a single day of use than 20 packs of cigarettes.[1]

Lead exposure, even at low levels, can impair neurological development, especially in adolescents. Nickel and chromium are known carcinogens linked to respiratory ailments and allergic reactions. The culprit? The degradation of metal coils and the use of lead-containing alloys in internal components. The lack of standardized quality control in these disposable products makes their toxicity not just likely—but inevitable.

But the danger doesn't end there. Many of these metals also fall into a category called "metalloestrogens"—metallic compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body and bind to hormone receptors. According to GreenMedInfo's previous coverage, these metalloestrogens may fuel estrogen-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.[4] This hormonal mimicry is especially concerning given the already endocrine-disrupting properties of other vape constituents

https://sayerji.substack.com/p/puffing-poison-is-vaping-the-new

⚡️Privacy Coins vs. Bitcoin

Over the past year and a half, privacy coins have outperformed Bitcoin and Ethereum, but what does that mean for the future? In this clip with Aaron Day, we get into how regulatory measures aim to shut down privacy coins and why compliance alone won't defeat technocracy. Discover the resilience of privacy coins and the ongoing battle for financial freedom.

▶️ Watch the full interview

📲 Switch to tech designed for autonomy. Check out Above.

—
🫶 @takebackourtech
📩 WEBSITE & NEWSLETTER | 🎥 VIDEOS| XMPP | SUBSTACK

⚡️#TBOT 20

Here are this week’s stories:

Watch on Substack!

U.S. & EU Exchange Biometrics + Demand Family Data:
The U.S. and EU are planning to share travel data, including biometric data. The ESTA Mobile app could also demand family names, phone numbers, DOBs, residencies, plus your biometrics. Find out the details.

Credit Unions Roll Out Biometric Scanning:
If you use a credit union and try to do an out of state teller transaction, you may have to enroll in biometric verification and submit ID. We break down which network is driving this and what you can do.

Humanoid Robots Are Here:
Boston Dynamics unveiled a production ready robot Atlas. It can work around the clock and handle heavy loads. Do you think this could replace your job?

Personal Knowledge Mgmt:
I tried “private” self hosted PKM systems and only one fit the bill: AnyType. I’ll show you why.

✍️ We’re Accepting #TBOT Contributors
✊ Break the limits of big tech with Above Phone.

⚡️EU/U.S Biometric Travel Agreement

The EU approved negotiations with the U.S. to build a shared framework for exchanging travel data, including biometrics like facial images and fingerprints. The decision was made without public debate, then presented as a “security partnership.”

Each member state can opt in. Denmark says it will not participate, and Ireland will also sit out. Meanwhile, the European Commission has already set up a committee to negotiate the data sharing terms.

Do you trust governments to keep biometric databases from being expanded, repurposed, or breached?

🪧 Read the full article on Substack

✈️ Traveling internationally? Don’t let your phone become the next data trap.

—
🫶 @takebackourtech
📩 WEBSITE & NEWSLETTER | 🎥 VIDEOS| XMPP | SUBSTACK

⚡️Biometrics at Credit Unions

If you have walked into a credit union out of state lately, you may have hit a new hurdle. Before the teller lets you deposit cash, withdraw funds, or update account info, you are asked to enroll in IDCheck and scan your faceprint.

IDCheck is already active at 5,600 credit union branches nationwide. Any teller transaction out of state can require enrolling.

Credit unions rely on shared services networks. The biggest is Velera, formerly PSCU, and its Co Op network includes 30,000 plus ATMs and 5,600 shared branches. Fraud prevention is the excuse. The result is financial geo locking.

🪧 Read the full article on Substack

📲 A Phone That Works for You: Open-Source Apps, No Trackers, Total Freedom

—
🫶 @takebackourtech
📩 WEBSITE & NEWSLETTER | 🎥 VIDEOS| XMPP | SUBSTACK

📑Finding a Private Knowledgebase That Works

I have been testing private PKM tools for years, trying to find something powerful without the usual privacy tradeoffs. My latest find is Anytype, and it has been working well for me so far.

What stands out is how it is built to work offline. You can use it without constant syncing, and you can even sync devices inside your local network without connecting to the outside world. It also asks for zero personal data. No email, no phone number, just an encryption key you get as a seed phrase.

The main drawback is storage for files. The base tier gives 100 MB for uploads, so images and attachments add up fast unless you pay. Also worth noting, Anytype is funded by VC firms, so keep your eyes open.

What are you using for your PKM?

🪧 Read the full article on Substack

📲 Ready to take your knowledge management to a whole new level? Do it all privately with Above Book + Above Phone!

I'm settling into my next educational project about AI Data Centers and the impacts we'll see — this work is going to be mostly U.S focused since most of the DCs are being built here.

What would you like to know about your local data centers? Would a massive ecological impact of a data center influence your decision to live in that location?

Is there any use in making people aware of the ecological dangers? Is there any real way to withdraw our consent?

If you haven't already - check out my latest webinar on AI, its nuances, and local AI - or share it with a friend

Send me your thoughts at @takebackourtech_chat