First Blog

The Dark Side of Big Data, IV – Deadly Algorithms It is important to look in advance of the information, to establish what is possible before the possibility becomes reality. Every truth discovered begins as a possibility. The promise of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data is that it takes the human out of the decision process.   The promised truth of AI (the algorithms) in tandem with big data is better analysis, faster execution of decisions, safer driving, correct diagnoses, or whatever lies on the table.   What could be bad about that? Everyone has heard of algorithmic data analysis with built-in triggers for action.   The most prominent example is with the stock market.   Algorithms are so entrenched within the buy-sell patterns, many brokerage firms are now controlled by news reports and financial input for potential transactions. Oil problems in the Middle East signals sell, and baby, they sell.   China trade deal is near signals buy, and baby, they buy. In t

On the Google engine for snooping on Chinese citizens linking Internet use to cell phone numbers.   Perhaps now, per the Google CEO on December 11, 2018, this engine may or may not be delivered to the Chinese government.  So what! Do we not realize this engine, now apparently created, can be marketed to anyone, any country, any company, any agency, any party, any billionaire, with only few simple tweeks (aka adjustments)?   Its very existence is not unlike a nuclear bomb.   If deployed, it could destroy millions of lives, level groups and companies, ruin governments, and decimate universities.   China may have been a mere foil for Google to develop such a tool it could itself use – or sell. Do they not already sell customized versions of their search engine to private companies? Yes.   Do they not already sell search data to private merchants or politicians?   Yes. Forget China.   For the power players of the world, let the bidding begin... Logic .   Nonsense you

---------------- The only benefit of disaster. It brings people together, in work and in sympathy. We surely saw it in Hurricane Harvey – to the max.  Let us hope Florida, with Hurricane Irma experiences the same human congeniality, compassion and collective effort.  Deference to government for all help is at best a poor selection. ----------------   There is a great line from the movie  Tremors  that applies to Congress.  We see the hero (Kevin Bacon) tell the group, "We always have a plan.  That way we don't have to do anything right now." In particular, Mitch McConnell loves more than anything else to make a carefully worded speech.  The plan.   Loves it.  This means, he doesn't have to do anything now.  And he doesn't! Leadership is more than merely signing off on documents coming to your desk. ------------- Most people facing a law suit wear a cloth suit. Moral: don’t wear a suit, or even have soot in your chimney. ---------------------