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jscalzi@threads.net ("John Scalzi") wrote:

I said it elsewhere and I'll say it here too: Muting specific words on social media, temporarily or permanently, can be useful self-care.

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fromjason ("fromjason.xyz ❤️ 💻") wrote:

The persistent myth that #Meta and Mark Zuckerberg doesn't go after their small competitors is exactly how #Facebook, #Instagram, etc have held its monopoly for all these years.

We have short memories and revisionist historians in the tech world, and it's causing us to never learn from our mistakes.

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pzmyers@freethought.online ("pzmyers 🕷") wrote:

I think NFTs died of boredom.

https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2025/09/11/random-thought/

bored ape nft

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fromjason ("fromjason.xyz ❤️ 💻") wrote:

Just like they did with MySpace, #Meta has positioned itself to siphon #Bluesky and #Mastodon users. This time it isn't called scraping. This time they've co-opted the language of revolution and decentralization.

Whether they're successful or not is not clear, but that's not the point. #Fediverse influencers and paid goons gave Meta strategic footing. It's just a matter of when they flip that switch.

An infographic titled "Operation Myspace v2.0: AKA The Siphon Strategy." It illustrates how Meta might attract users from Bluesky and Mastodon servers to Threads. Key elements include icons representing various platforms (Meta's logo, Bluesky Operation Myspace v2.0 AKA The Siphon Strategy How Meta might siphon users from Bluesky and Threads-friendly Mastodon servers to Threads. (Bridgy Fed) Bounce Possible Trigger: Dissatisfaction with ownership/moderation/ verification laws. Possible Trigger: Fear of breaking new laws, or otherwise, compelled by new laws. Activity Pub

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Boosted by slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell"):
bean@twoot.site ("Mr Bouba Bouba 🧄") wrote:

Much like an oven, the C programming language can char anything

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fromjason ("fromjason.xyz ❤️ 💻") wrote:

How much ad revenue do you think Google makes off fraud AI "products"?

A man is wearing a dark, knitted hoodie featuring a pumpkin design with a carved face, set against a natural background. Below, there are thumbnails of various clothing items, including a patterned shirt, a white dress, and a blue dress. All are obviously AI generated and not real products.

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slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell") wrote:

@brucelawson @owa WAT!?!

Apple are claiming (in a footnote) that PWAs might get better, so the CMA shouldn't regulate the App Store! I'm losing my mind:

"The PDD ignores evidence from 12 third parties suggesting that web apps may advance technologically or increase in use, and that this could reduce users’ dependency on Apple’s App Stores: PDD, ¶7.10(a). The PDD places greater weight on developer views collated across the last five years, of which a large proportion “gave no clear view” (PDD, fn. 508)"

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Boosted by slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell"):
brucelawson@vivaldi.net ("Bruce Lawson ✅ ♫ ♿ ✌️♂️✊") wrote:

@slightlyoff @owa The EU rumbled the Safari Unholy Trinity argument pretty smartly, citing Apple's own marketing https://www.apple.com/safari/#:~:text=Same%20Safari.%0ADifferent%20device.

Apple website screenshot: "Same Safari. Different device. Safari works seamlessly and syncs your passwords, bookmarks, history, tabs, and more across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. And when your Mac, iOS, or iPadOS devices are near each other, they can automatically pass what you’re doing in Safari from one device to another using Handoff. You can even copy images, video, or text from Safari on your iPhone or iPad, then paste into another app on your nearby Mac — or vice versa."

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slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell") wrote:

Is there a legal term for having such a weak hand that your defence is actually an indictment?

Asking for a monopolist:

/cc @owa

Fresh off trying to kill web apps, Apple argued to the CMA that the App Store doesn't need to be regulated because web apps: "the App Store competes strongly with the numerous alternative channels and transaction platforms through which iOS and iPadOS users can and do transact for digital goods and services. These include transactions on alternative devices (such as other mobile devices, PCs, game consoles, media player devices and smart TVs), web apps,"

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ChrisWere@toot.wales ("Chris Werewolf ⁂🐧🌱☕ 🎃💀🕸🐺") wrote:

Going live with Drew on YouTube
https://youtube.com/live/oEYWbQ-KAE0

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slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell") wrote:

@brucelawson @owa Wow.

Just, wow.

It's 2025, and after everything Apple has done over the past few years[1], it's really trying the "web apps exist, so you don't have to regulate the app store"?

Cupertino takes everyone else for goldfish, idiots, or fools.

[1]: https://infrequently.org/2024/02/home-screen-advantage/

Apple's trying to claim, after trying to kill web apps in a fit of pique last year, that they are a reason the App Store doesn't need to be regulated: "the App Store competes strongly with the numerous alternative channels and transaction platforms through which iOS and iPadOS users can and do transact for digital goods and services. These include transactions on alternative devices (such as other mobile devices, PCs, game consoles, media player devices and smart TVs), web apps,"

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slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell") wrote:

@brucelawson @owa And here's Apple spinning its own failure to police IABs as somehow a strong show of developer friendliness?

I covered the situation recently, and you at least have to respect Apple's chutzpah in claiming that selling out users as a positive, actually:

https://infrequently.org/2025/08/apple-vs-fb-kayfabe/

Apple's trying to argue it isn't a monopoly because sometimes it helps other monopolists, too: "Many developers, such as Meta and Reddit, have taken the tools that Apple provides to build their own in-app browsers. Apple cannot reasonably be described as controlling such in-app browsers, and it is therefore inappropriate to include them within the scope of Apple’s potential SMS designation. "

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slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell") wrote:

@brucelawson @owa Here's Apple trying to duck responsibility for forcing use of all the same stuff everywhere by citing [ checks notes ] it's own UI and API choices:

You can't make this stuff up folks. In claiming that Safari and in-app browsers have nothing to do with each other, Apple claims: "For example, in-app browsing technologies generally do not allow for internet searches or website navigation via a URL bar—core features of any browser. In-app browsing technologies serve the simpler purpose of enabling native apps to facilitate access to web content for end users without disrupting their experience by sending them to a standalone browser. This is illustrated by widespread use of SFSafariViewController that far exceeds the number of standalone browser apps on Apple’s UK App Store (c. 20,000 apps using SFSafariViewController vs. 100 browsers)"

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slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell") wrote:

@brucelawson @owa The play here is obvious: argue that everything is separate, nothing is actually linked, and therefore that in each of the (veeeery tiny) markets there can't be any sort of monopolisation. Hilariously blatant and wrong, but also shockingly weak and repetitive.

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slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell") wrote:

@brucelawson @owa And if you want to understand the sort of weak sauce Apple has been serving to regulators around the world, you can start reading Apple's response from page 12. It really is a piece of work:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68c04961838e7712ea2bfdb9/Apple.pdf

Here's Apple trying the Trinitarian claim for Safari (rejected in the EU) all over again:

In arguing that Safari on the iPad and Safari on iOS are totally different products, Apple peevishly bleats: "Safari on iOS and iPadOS are “offered and consumed” separately, as Apple has previously explained—and evidenced—to the CMA: • Safari on iOS and iPadOS support different user needs and preferences. Users generally use iPhone browsers for “on-the-go” tasks (e.g., checking the opening hours of a shop), and iPad browsers for in-depth browsing. • Safari for iOS and iPadOS are also offered differently. Safari for iPad brings a Mac-like browsing experience to the iPad. For example, it loads the desktop rather than mobile versions of websites, while Safari on iOS defaults to mobile versions. Safari on iPadOS also enables users to display a sidebar containing the user’s open tabs and tab groups, shared links, bookmarks, reading list, and web history. Sidebar is designed for iPad’s larger screen and multitouch interface, making it a significant feature on iPad but not iPhone. "

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slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell") wrote:

Via @brucelawson, all of these responses are worth reading, but I'm particularly impressed with Mozilla. Has the dozy t-rex finally woken up? PDF:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68c04961838e7712ea2bfdba/Mozilla.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-decision-sms-investigation-into-apples-mobile-platform

/cc @owa

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aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan") wrote:

@joynewacc I’ve updated the list of Mastodon instances whose admins have publicly announced that their servers are safe spaces for people from Gaza:

Arabic: https://gaza-verified.org/guide-arabic/#servers
English: https://gaza-verified.org/guide/#servers

If you’d like yours added to the list, please let me know by replying here.

Mastodon and the fediverse is the last lifeline for many people facing the unthinkable – genocide and famine – in Gaza.

Let’s do everything we can to make them welcome, seen, and loved here.

💕

#mastodon #fediverse #Gaza #Palestine #genocide #famine #GazaVerified

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Boosted by slightlyoff@toot.cafe ("Alex Russell"):
brucelawson@vivaldi.net ("Bruce Lawson ✅ ♫ ♿ ✌️♂️✊") wrote:

Vivaldi's response to the CMA's proposed decision after its investigation into Apple's mobile platform is at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-decision-sms-investigation-into-apples-mobile-platform, along with those from Mozilla, Which?, FruitCo itself, EPIC, Spotify and some Anons. (Nothing says 'healthy ecosystem' like stakeholders fearing retaliation from platform gatekeepers, right?)

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andreu@andreubotella.com ("Andreu Botella :verified_enby:") wrote:

That moment when you were editing git history, and you fuck it up.

I guess it's time for git reflog, commit nechromancy, and praying to Githulhu.

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Boosted by aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan"):
shathamohammed123 ("Shatha Mohammed") wrote:

📚✏️ On this day, children everywhere return to school full of joy. My daughter Tulin should have started 3rd grade, and my son Waleed kindergarten. But war has taken away even this simple right — the right to education. Tulin, a creative girl who loves drawing, dreams of her own colors, while Waleed, who needs special care, was denied his first school experience. My children deserve to learn, play, and dream of a better future. Please support them and bring back a little hope. 💙


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Boosted by aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan"):
shathamohammed123 ("Shatha Mohammed") wrote:

The occupation demands the evacuation of Gza City—over 1 million people. Imagine: each family needs nearly $5,000 just to flee—paying for transport, a tent, a small rented plot of land, and even a makeshift bathroom. They ask for the impossible! Families have nothing, not even the choice to survive. Even those who wish to leave can’t afford it. What are people supposed to do? #Genocide #ForcedDisplacement #StopTheOccupation #GazaUnderAttack

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Boosted by aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan"):
Aseelsehwel@mas.to ("Aseelsehwel🇵🇸") wrote:

A little girl lifts her eyes to the sky lit up with incendiary flares... a scene that captures the terror of childhood in Gaza under Israeli fire.
@palestine #gaza #StopGenocide #war #genocide

A little girl lifts her eyes to the sky lit up with incendiary flares... a scene that captures the terror of childhood in Gaza under Israeli fire.

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Boosted by aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan"):
aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan") wrote:

@Aseelsehwel @palestine These monsters are pure evil. Pure evil. And yes, they’re monsters. People don’t do this. Monsters do.

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Boosted by aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan"):
Aseelsehwel@mas.to ("Aseelsehwel🇵🇸") wrote:

Israeli occupation forces set fire to the tents of displaced civilians using incendiary bombs dropped from drones, in an attempt to force them out of Gaza City.
@palestine #gaza #StopGenocide #war #genocide

Attachments:

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Boosted by aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan"):
NouranKhaledGh ("Nouran 🍉") wrote:

Good morning my freinds,

I woke up today to loud gunfire and many explosions. As usual I checked that my family is ok. I succesfully completed the chemistry exam. I'll spend most of my time today preparing for the next exams. Hopefully nothing bad happens to us today.

I'm not a number. I'm human being. I have life details. I have a story. I have a dream. I love my life even if it's too difficult.

#gaza #palestine

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keul@fosstodon.org ("Luca Fabbri") wrote:

Do you know one thing I love of #Mastodon and the app I use on the smartphone (in my case is Tusky)?

No automatic feed refresh when I focus back on the app or on the site.
I cannot count the times I have lost something in my linkedin or FB feed because I moved away for few seconds from the page/app

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Boosted by aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan"):
katzenberger@tldr.nettime.org wrote:

Il existe effectivement des arnaques automatisées qui envoient des messages à d'autres comptes Mastodon. Cependant, la plupart de ces comptes sont simplement tenus par des personnes en situation de détresse.

Des personnes comme @aral ont entrepris de vérifier l'identité des personnes via des vidéoconférences, s'assurant qu'il s'agit bien de quelqu'un de Gaza, ne possédant qu'un seul compte sur Mastodon et n'utilisant pas de robots. Il ajoute ensuite ces personnes à https://gaza-verified.org/, en créant un lien vers leur compte Mastodon afin qu'elles puissent utiliser la fonctionnalité de vérification pour obtenir une coche verte dans la biographie de leur compte.

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db@social.lol ("David Bushell 🪡") wrote:

linters are such cry babies

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Boosted by fromjason ("fromjason.xyz ❤️ 💻"):
heydon@front-end.social ("Large Heydon Collider") wrote:

If you want to make your mark in a meeting but have nothing to contribute to the ongoing discussion, try one of these:

"What about AI?"
"Can AI help here?"
"Will this support AI?"
"Is this AI ready?"
"Could AI solve this instead?"

This will make you come across as technically savvy and forward thinking, not as an embarrassing waste of space.

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aral@mastodon.ar.al ("Aral Balkan") wrote:

This is also why it’s so important to get people in sensitive areas (e.g., Gaza) to use Signal instead of WhatsApp whenever possible.

👇 https://mastodon.ar.al/@aral/115184734179289961