Author name: Zach Varnell

Welcome to another exciting episode of Banish Big Brother! This week, hosts Zach and Elizabeth dive into the rising AI surveillance at the Paris Olympics and the implications for privacy and civil liberties. They discuss the ease of breaking into smartphones and what this means for personal security. Zach and Elizabeth also explore the futuristic […]

In this episode of Banish Big Brother, hosts Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive deep into the unsettling intersections of AI and modern society. They explore the rise of AI candidates in political races, the increasing use of deepfakes in campaigns, and the chilling advent of autonomous killer drones. The duo also discusses the invasive

In this episode of Banish Big Brother, hosts Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive into the complex world of AI, discussing whether AI has lived up to its promises or turned out to be a disappointment. They explore the rise of decision-making AI, also known as agentive AI, and debate the possibility of a privacy-respecting

In this episode, we dive into the latest developments in smart home technology and AI. We start with Apple’s integration of ChatGPT into its operating system and Elon Musk’s outspoken opposition. We discuss a shocking incident where a Roomba captured a private photo of a woman on the toilet, which then ended up online. We’ll

In this episode of Banished Big Brother, Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive into some of the most intriguing and alarming stories in the world of AI and surveillance. First, they dissect a convincing AI-driven hoax involving a supposed head transplant system, highlighting the fine line between science fiction and reality. They then explore the

Welcome back to Banished Big Brother! In episode 2, hosts Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive deep into the unsettling world of AI and surveillance technology. This episode is packed with discussions on global networks of smart street lights, proposals to blanket the Amazon rainforest with hidden cameras and sound devices, and the creation of

In the inaugural episode of “Banish Big Brother,” Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton explore the impact of AI and surveillance technology on education. They discuss impressive and unsettling examples of AI tools in schools, including AI-generated historical figures teaching lessons and the potential for inaccuracies. They address the use of AI and the ethical implications