Summary
Overview
A tech news roundup covering major developments in internet archiving, privacy violations, router import bans, and various industry updates. The episode discusses the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine being blocked by news outlets, big tech companies tracking users despite opt-outs, Netgear's exclusive router import exemption, and several quick hits including Windows Recall security issues, undersea cable concerns, and Snap's AI-driven layoffs.
News Outlets Block Internet Archive's Wayback Machine
Twenty-three major news outlets have begun blocking the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine from crawling their sites, citing concerns about AI scrapers. Ironically, USA Today used the Wayback Machine to expose ICE for altering detention statistics before blocking the tool themselves. The Guardian took a more measured approach by only blocking the API, while groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation rallied journalists to support the archive, with over 100 signing a letter calling it an essential tool.
- 23 major news outlets are blocking the Wayback Machine from crawling their sites
- USA Today used Wayback Machine to call out ICE for altering detention stats, then blocked it
- The Guardian is only blocking the API, not the entire crawler
- Over 100 journalists signed a letter thanking the Internet Archive and calling it essential
" Because, you know, we cannot, in fact, have nice things anymore. "
" We kind of need you to fact-check our bosses, please. "
Big Tech Ignoring Cookie Opt-Outs
An independent privacy audit by WebXray revealed that Google, Microsoft, and Meta continue tracking users even after they opt out of cookies. Google failed to honor opt-outs 86% of the time, Meta 69%, and Microsoft 50%. All three companies disputed the findings, with Google calling it a "fundamental misunderstanding" and Microsoft claiming rejecting all cookies would break websites. The report's founder noted these companies have already paid billions in privacy fines but treat them as a cost of doing business.
- WebXray audit found 55% of California websites set ad cookies even after users clicked reject
- Google, Microsoft, and Meta failed to honor opt-outs 86%, 50%, and 69% of the time respectively
- All three companies disputed the findings
- The companies have paid billions in privacy fines but see them as cost of doing business
" You can't make an omelet without breaking a few billion eggs. "
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