⚡️#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!

#Ubuntu's #Snap #Store is Under Siege from Scammers, and The Gates are Open

https://itsfoss.com/news/snap-store-under-siege/

Hidden #Telegram proxy links can reveal your IP address in one click

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hidden-telegram-proxy-links-can-reveal-your-ip-address-in-one-click/
#tg

Trick to Force #Reader Mode on Every Webpage and Say Goodbye to #Ads

https://www.maketecheasier.com/force-reader-mode-every-webpage/

3 common USB-C mistakes that ruin your charging speed

https://www.makeuseof.com/common-usb-c-mistakes-that-ruin-your-charging-speed/

#charger
@BonesTechGarage

Buying a new phone in 2026 is going to suck, so plan ahead
https://9to5google.com/2026/01/24/buying-new-phone-2026-sucks-ram-shortage-price-increase-tips/

🇨🇳 In #China, police began using #AI #glasses that provide complete information about a person or vehicle in just a few seconds.

They feature facial and vehicle recognition, a translator for 10+ languages, and a dashcam.

🔗

Join us | @MyLordBebo
#cars #cops

Why This Messenger Has No Accounts, Phone Numbers, or Usernames (SimpleX Interview)

🍿 Techlore | 👀 4901
#simplex #im

#BlackRock’s Larry #Fink says countries with xenophobic immigration policies and shrinking #demographics are better positioned for the future.

“Substituting humans for machines” will be easier, signaling fewer people as the goal in their cyberpunk dystopia.

#kalergi #depopulation

The #WEF #CIA and #Nazi ties run deep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lDPG5JnPwY

David #Beckham jewish freemason satranist

2023 - Sam Tripoli on the coming immigration riots:

"We're in the Bolshevik war right now, bro"
#kalergi