The Slippery Slope of Digital ID
There could hardly be a worse time to entrust politicians with an ambitious digital ID programme plagued with risks of government surveillance, technocratic overreach, system failures, and data breaches.
Reproduced with permission
Was Russia Behind Havana Syndrome?
Recent documentation revealed by investigative reporters reinforces the already compelling evidence that Russian operatives were responsible for employing acoustic weapons causing Havana Syndrome.
A Precedent in NZ Education That May Be Huge
Here is the key question: Given that Māngere College is under statutory management due to their students’ results – will the many schools that are doing worse, or only marginally better, also face that situation? Why or why not?
Germany’s Latest War on Freedom
The government will always be there to protect the ‘freedom’ of oversensitive journalists by harshly punishing anyone who calls them a dummkoff.
When Intervention Is Justified… or Not
Maduro deserved his fate. But ‘he deserved it’ is not a framework.
The Liberal Party Backflips on Speech
These new powers will do little to dissuade terrorists (who already operate outside the bounds of the law), but will primarily restrict the free speech and activities of regular Australians, who, when in doubt, will self-censor to minimise risk of prosecution.
We Are, Truly, a Nation Divided
Ngātiwai’s actions and DOC’s subsequent response of ‘do nothing’ is totally unacceptable. Ngātiwai’s breaking of the law was a deliberate criminal act, but they suffer no consequences.
How They Frame the Narrative
The metaphor of truth as a casualty is slightly misleading. Truth does not die accidentally or of natural causes. It is assassinated, early, efficiently, and without remorse.
This Is How We Should Have Responded to Covid-19
In these four areas – epidemiological, medical, ethical and democratic – principles were violated during the Covid-19 pandemic with dire consequences for health, basic freedoms, quality of life, education, business and the economy, and for democracy and society itself.
Going Ahead With the ‘Kill Switch’
The ‘kill switch’ mandate, Massie says at the beginning of his speech that started off the House floor debate over the amendment, “will probably sound like a bad science fiction movie.” However, it is reality.
Is Permissioned Access Still Money?
One unverifiable dispute locked me out. If permission to pay with my own money can be blocked, what does owning it mean anymore?
AI Buries Global Change Notions
You listening Chris Luxon? “Politicians welcomed the chance to blame others: if a wildfire or a flood devastates your town, point the finger at the changing climate rather than your own failure to prepare.”
A Cozy Coffee With Coster
New Zealand’s public service commissioner remains strangely loyal to a disgraced ex-police commissioner.