Getting tired of your data being used? Me too.

Approaching Utopia Newsletter 1.8

It’s really frustrating to me that we keep hearing stories about our data being used without our permission. Here’s he latest one: IBM didn’t inform people when it used their Flickr photos for facial recognition training.

I’m afraid to look and see if I even still have a Flickr account…I should just go look.

Personally, I’m not even really comfortable with the thought of facial recognition in the first place. That’s why I removed all images of myself from Facebook as soon as they started that up. I replaced all my photos with glitched photos of me that were semi-recognizable to people, but didn’t trigger the “would you like to tag this person?” box.

That said, my iPhone is still using facial recognition to organize my photos, so, /shrug-guy.

Let’s get to some happier stuff!

In GOOD news, we’ve got New Mexico becoming the third state to legally require 100% renewable energy. This is definitely kind of tough because on one hand, I don’t particularly care for the government forcing citizens to do something. On the other hand, I also believe this is ultimately good for everyone on Earth.

I previously reported that sustainable energy is cheaper now. Ideally, government regulation wouldn’t be necessary because businesses and municipalities would both see that sustainable energy is better for everyone not just in the long run, but immediately now.

Unfortunately, it seems that many are still invested in unsustainable resources and want to continue to milk it out as long as they can.

Ever think you’re too old to start something new, like a new skill?

This dude is 72 years old, now, but he started learning to make beats at 66. Now he’s producing well known music. Only 6 years of learning and practice. And past retirement age!

Don’t ever tell me you’re too old for a new skill or hobby or endeavor.

That’s all I got for you this week. See you next week!

-Garrett
ApproachingUtopia.com