European Tech Sovereignty

If you send an email to a recipient whose email account is hosted by Microsoft, or you share you email address with such entities, you are part of the problem.

I refuse to be part of the problem. So before contacting a recipient (gov agencies in particular), I do an MX lookup on their email address. It almost always points to MS servers.

So snail mail it is. Otherwise sending them email serves as a signal to the recipient that MS is okay for email.

"It's just possible that you, a sentient being with active sensory input, have cause for concern about the security of data hosted both in the United States and by Microsoft. GitHub has been ubiquitous and indispensable for technologists. But maybe it's time to reconsider that status."

https://taggart-tech.com/migrate-to-codeberg/

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/20134554

Archived

After nearly a year of regulatory hurdles, Meta has finally begun deploying its conversational AI assistant across the European Union and neighboring countries this week.

The rollout, which covers 41 European countries and 21 overseas territories, marks Meta’s largest global expansion of Meta AI to date, though European users will initially access only a limited version of the technology.

European users will initially have access to what Meta describes as an “intelligent chat function” available in six European languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Italian.

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The AI assistant will be integrated across Meta’s suite of applications, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Users can access Meta AI by tapping a blue circle icon within these apps to initiate conversations.

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Meta has indicated this limited release is just “the first step” in its ongoing efforts to bring more AI capabilities to European users.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClvjCSmV-js

Update:

This post started as "Petition to the European Union: Transitioning Social Media Presence to the Fediverse" but seems to be clear that what we need is actually an ECI as petitions works different in the EU compared to some local governments. For more information see this link: https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/_en

Hello everyone,

We are writing a petition to the EU to transition as soon as possible their social media to the Fediverse. We will leave the text here for everyone to put comments and help having the best and effective test possible. This text was already presented to other small communities.

To: The European Commission and Members of the European Parliament

We, the undersigned, are citizens of the European Union who believe in the values of transparency, decentralization, and user empowerment. We submit this petition to urge the European Union to transition its social media presence to the Fediverse, a decentralized network of interconnected social media platforms.

Reasons for Transitioning to the Fediverse:

Decentralization and User Control: The Fediverse operates on a decentralized model, allowing users to have greater control over their data and online interactions. By moving to this model, the EU can set a precedent for digital sovereignty and user empowerment. Enhanced Privacy and Security: The Fediverse prioritizes user privacy and data protection, aligning with the EU’s commitment to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This transition would demonstrate the EU’s dedication to safeguarding citizens’ personal information. Fostering Innovation: By engaging with the Fediverse, the EU can support open-source technologies and encourage innovation in social media. This move would promote a diverse ecosystem of platforms that prioritize user needs over corporate interests. Combatting Misinformation: The decentralized nature of the Fediverse allows for more community-driven moderation and content curation. This can lead to more effective strategies for combating misinformation and fostering healthy public discourse. Promoting Inclusivity: The Fediverse is built on principles of inclusivity and accessibility. By adopting this model, the EU can ensure that all citizens have a voice and can participate in democratic processes without the barriers often present in traditional social media platforms. Proposed Actions:

Conduct a feasibility study on transitioning the EU’s social media presence to the Fediverse. Engage with stakeholders, including citizens, tech experts, and civil society organizations, to explore the best practices for this transition. Develop a strategic plan for implementing the transition, including timelines, resources, and potential challenges.