Internet: Weekly Summary (June 02-8, 2025)

The Internet of Consent

So, Anil Dash kicks things off with a topic that’s been buzzing around for a while now—consent on the internet. It’s like, you know when you walk into a store and someone just starts taking your picture without asking? That’s kinda how Anil describes the internet's approach to our data. He’s talking about how our data gets scooped up without a polite "May I?" and how this affects creators and artists. It’s like a call for a new culture online, one where our choices are respected. Anil’s got this way of making you think about the internet like it’s a wild west town that needs some new rules.

Creative Freedom vs. Metrics

Then, Yancey Strickler jumps in with a chat about the creative side of the internet. He’s got this new book out, and he’s talking about how the internet’s all about numbers now—like, how many likes, how many views. It’s like being in a race where you’re always looking at the scoreboard instead of enjoying the run. Yancey’s all about letting creative folks breathe a bit, without the pressure of constant metrics. It’s a bit like trying to paint a masterpiece while someone’s timing you with a stopwatch.

Spam, Spam, and More Spam

And then there’s andrei.xyz who’s got a quick note on spam. You know, that annoying stuff that clogs up your inbox? He’s saying 99% of internet traffic is spam. That’s like going to a party and finding out everyone there is just trying to sell you something. Andrei’s got a list of IPs he’s blocked, which is kinda like having a bouncer at the door of your digital life.

Codex Agent Internet Access

Simon Willison brings up something a bit techy—Codex agent internet access for ChatGPT Plus accounts. It’s like giving your AI a key to the internet, but with a warning label. Simon’s saying it’s off by default, which is probably a good thing, like keeping the cookie jar out of reach of a toddler. He’s talking about risks like prompt injection and exfiltration attacks, which sound a bit like sci-fi but are real concerns.

Trivial Arguments Online

Then, there’s this untitled post from Untitled about how we get sucked into silly arguments online. It’s like arguing over whether the sky is blue or green while the house is on fire. The example given is about whether a kindergarten class raised chickens or ducks. It’s a reminder of how easy it is to get distracted by the small stuff when there are bigger fish to fry.

Cities as Routers

Gordon Brander takes a philosophical turn, comparing cities to routers in a network society. It’s like seeing the world as one big web, with cities as the nodes connecting us all. He’s drawing on McLuhan’s theories, which is like bringing in the big guns of communication theory. It’s a deep dive into how the internet shapes our lives, almost like the nervous system of society.

The Decline of Google Search

Stephen Moore is sounding the alarm on Google Search. He’s saying it’s not what it used to be, thanks to ads and AI-generated content. It’s like going to your favorite restaurant and finding out they’ve changed the menu to all pre-packaged meals. Stephen’s pondering the future of search engines, which feels like wondering if we’ll ever get back to the good old days of the internet.

Starlink and National Security

Dean Blundell brings up a hot topic—Canada thinking about banning Elon Musk’s Starlink. It’s all about national security and who controls the internet infrastructure. It’s like worrying about who’s got the keys to the kingdom when it comes to your internet connection. Dean’s got the scoop on what’s happening up north, and it’s a bit of a nail-biter.

Nominative Mania

Kitten dives into the world of Reddit and the obsession with naming and labeling. It’s like having a name tag for every little thing in life. Kitten’s exploring why we love to categorize everything, from the last known photos of people to all sorts of niche topics. It’s a look at how the internet lets us explore identities and interests in ways we never could before.

Internet Disruptions Down Under

Ruben Schade shares a quirky story about an Australian Navy ship messing with New Zealand’s internet. It’s like having a neighbor who accidentally knocks out your power while fixing their own. Ruben’s got the details on how this happened and what it means for internet safety protocols.

The Librarian and the Vuvuzela

Finally, Robin Kåveland paints a picture of the internet as a library where the librarian tries to sell you a vuvuzela. It’s a metaphor for how search engines and ads have changed the way we find information. Robin’s also touching on the dangers of AI and the financial state of AI companies, which feels like peeking behind the curtain of the digital world.

These blog posts are like a snapshot of the internet’s current state, with all its quirks and challenges. Each author brings their own flavor to the mix, making it a rich tapestry of thoughts and ideas. If you’re curious to dive deeper, check out their posts for the full scoop!