Quantum Baloney Gives Money People Indigestion
June 9, 2022
I won’t mention quantum supremacy. Okay, I did mention quantum supremacy. No, I won’t explain why trivial issues like chaos make assertions about quantum computing less than a slam dunk. I will mention a report with the snappy title “The “World’s Most Powerful Quantum Computer” Is A Hoax With Staged Nikola-Style Photos – An Absurd VC Pump With A Recent Lock-Up Expiration Takes SPAC Abuses To New Extremes.” The document consumes more than 180 pages. The author or authors obviously wanted to explain that there’s a burr under the Wild Rest pony herders’ saddle.
The main idea is that a couple of academics used jargon, nice personalities, and the pixie dust of quantum computing to suck in some investment and deliver digital digital horse manure. Now is the criticism justified? I mean more than 180 pages to make clear that talking about quantum computing is really easy. Demonstrations are only a bit more difficult unless one is an expert in 18th century American buttons. (No, that’s a real thing.)
My reaction to the write up in particular and the quantum computing baloney in general is that some folks have engaged in disinformation.
From the point of view of the authors of the 180 page document, the information seems clear, reasonably well documented, and focused on making life difficult for those who cooked up the “hoax.”
From the point of view of quantum researchers, there may be a different view. What self respective quantum wizards wants to dump on a colleague unless there is a specific payoff in the criticism.
Now here’s the problem: Disinformation.
The quantum computing “discipline” is chock full of claims, reports of breakthroughs, and marketing opportunities. A good example is that one vendor has developed a quantum resistant cryptographic system using plain Jane computers using traditional methods which would be familiar to Grace Hopper.
I can envision a scenario in which the founders of the company drawn and quartered in the cited document can explain what has been accomplished. If a really tough question comes up, the Silicon Valley ploy of apologizing and sending more information may work. Competitors will be able to explain why their approach is a home run. Commercialization is just around the corner. Lawyers will be compensated to try and figure out who is on first and why is I don’t know such a popular reference.
What’s accurate? What’s not accurate?
Welcome to the remarkable world of disinformation with a touch of information weaponization.
Stephen E Arnold, June 9, 2022
Bitcoin Dip: Buy a Dubai Villa Today?
June 9, 2022
Now there is an easy way to buy property with Bitcoin—if one is looking to settle in Dubai, that is. The International Business Times reveals, “Coinsfera Makes It Easy to Buy Real Estate in Dubai with Bitcoin.” Reporter Anjali Kochhar writes:
“If a buyer is not a UAE national, then they need to have an original ID or passport to buy properties in Dubai through Bitcoin. Meanwhile, the payment through Bitcoin will be considered in US Dollars or Dirhams. The crypto exchange will help the buyers with selecting different properties at premium locations in Dubai by assigning real estate agents who will help in property dealing. After that, the company will arrange a meeting for further dealing where you can negotiate and finalize the deal. Once all things are decided, buyers can transfer the capital amount in Bitcoin through their wallet. The buyers can have possessions of the villa right after the transfer of Bitcoins. ‘Coinsfera offers luxurious apartments in the great buildings of Dubai. We will not just save your time but also your cost in the transaction process. You just have to select your apartment and we will take care of the rest,’ the statement read.”
Sounds convenient. But who are the customers? We are not sure, but some people in Russia, the Middle East, and Monaco may be interested. The service’s launch follows the passage of recent legislation designed to position the Dubai Emirate as a leader in crypto currencies, NFTs and any other virtual assets that might come along. Founded in 2015, Coinsfera is a Bitcoin exchange firm based in Dubai that also serves customers in Istanbul, London, and Kosovo.
Cynthia Murrell, June 9, 2022
NSO Group: A Spanish Road Trip Planned
June 8, 2022
Spain’s judicial system stretches back centuries. The idea, as I understand it, was for Courts and Tribunals to administer justice in the name of the King of Spain. Now perhaps some of these alcaldes de crimen became frisky; support for the Catholic Church’s Index Librorum Prohibitorum, banishments, property seizures aimed at people of a certain religious persuasion, decisions about precious metals from the lands across the sea, etc., etc.
NSO Group now has an opportunity to interact with Spain’s judiciary up close and personal.
“Spanish Judge to Visit Israel Seeking Testimony from NSO on Pegasus Spyware Use” reports:
The [Spanish] court said that José Luis Calama has decided to lead a judicial commission that will travel to Israel to “take testimony from the CEO of the company that commercializes the Pegasus program.”
The article added:
NSO says that it only sells its Pegasus spyware to governments for security purposes. Pegasus has been linked to the hacking of other political leaders and activists in other countries. NSO has denied playing any part of this apparent misuse of its evasive technology that has come to light thanks to the work of digital-rights groups inspecting individual phones.
I assume that the trappings of the chat will be free of the methodologies used in investigations centuries ago. Probably pencils and papers because iPhones… well, you know.
Stephen E Arnold, June 8, 2022
Are There Google Wolves in Stealth Privacy Clothing?
June 8, 2022
A growing number of search engines are cropping up that purport to protect one’s privacy. Lukol is one of these. A brief entry at The New Leaf Journal questions that site’s privacy promises in, “Lukol Search Engine Shows Up in Logs.” New Leaf editor Nicholas A Ferrell noticed a paradox: though Lukol bills itself as an “anonymous search engine,” it is also “powered by Google Search.” Further investigation revealed this paragraph in the site’s privacy policy:
“We use cookies to personalise content and ads, and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information you’ve provided to them or they’ve collected from your use of their services. If you wish to opt out of Google cookies you may do so by visiting the Google privacy policy page.”
It seems the word “privacy” does not mean what Lukol thinks it means. Farrell comments:
“So this anonymous search engine stores cookies on your computer to serve you with personalized ‘content and ads’ and it shares information about your use of the site with ‘advertising and analytics partners.’ It then directs you to Google’s privacy policy page for information about how to opt out of Google cookies. While I struggle to see how Lukol is privacy-friendly (much less anonymous), it is a great example for why it is important to look behind catchy promises about privacy and anonymity.”
Agreed. Lukol is basically Google Search with some added manipulations. None of which appear to protect user privacy. Let the searcher beware.
Cynthia Murrell, June 8, 2022
Could the Zuck Vision for Meta Be a Web 3 Game Engine?
June 8, 2022
Could this be a sign of some common sense at Zuckbook? Anything is possible. Input reports, “Meta Won’t Build a Dedicated Metaverse After All, Exec Says.” Writer Matt Wille examined a recent, extensive blog post from Meta’s president of global affairs Nick Clegg. He reports that some early assumptions about the company’s metaverse plans were apparently off the mark. We learn:
“After months of teasing the expansion of a world filled with legless avatars and virtual boardrooms where nothing gets done, Clegg is telling a different story of what we can expect from Meta’s metaverse. Instead, he posits, the metaverse will be more of an umbrella beneath which Meta can launch a thousand or so new products. ‘All of us have a stake in the metaverse,’ Clegg writes. ‘It isn’t an idea Meta has cooked up. There won’t be a Meta-run metaverse, just as there isn’t a ‘Microsoft internet’ or ‘Google internet’ today.’ Meta’s vision, as Clegg explains it, is for the ‘metaverse’ to be a ‘universal, virtual layer that everyone can experience on top of today’s physical world — one where you can have a consistent identity (or even set of identities) that people can recognize wherever they see you.’ This idea raises many questions for Meta’s business, perhaps most importantly: If the metaverse isn’t owned, how can Meta possibly maximize its profits off of it?”
Likely the same way it makes money off Facebook—its users are its product. That won’t change when those products sport 3D avatars. And Meta has no need to create a stand-alone meta reality to continue raking in the cash.
The write-up challenges Clegg’s vision of a decentralized metaverse. Wille points out that, though it is true there is no “Microsoft internet” or “Google internet,” both those companies wield great power over how the internet is structured. He observes:
“That control is how Big Tech makes its big bucks. If Meta isn’t owning the metaverse space — owning at least its share of the market — then it loses what’s kept it so valuable. It’s unlikely the company will purposefully give up the control it’s wielded for so long to stick to this decentralized ideal.”
Clegg’s 8,000 word blog post as full of high-minded theories on how the metaverse can improve the world. But will such dissertations translate to outside enthusiasm? The market has already shown impatience with Meta’s direction. It might want to focus on producing something more concrete than lofty ideals. Or at least reassure stockholders that, whatever visions its executives espouse, it will continue to maintain its grip on Big Tech power and profits.
Cynthia Murrell, June 8, 2022
Quantum Computer: A Home Version?
June 8, 2022
I read “This Is The World First Operational Room Temperature Quantum Computer.”
Source: Quantum Brilliance, Pawsey, and Wonderful Engineering who presumably have rights to the image of a black box with silver handles and the nifty diamond logo thing.
The idea is that this device uses “implanted nitrogen-vacancy centers in synthetic diamonds (where a nitrogen atom is used in place of a carbon one).”
If you understand that phrase, you are ready to slap this puppy under your desk. Imagine. You could crack any known cryptographic scheme. Keep in mind that some quantum supremacy outfits defeat any attempt to crack quantum cryptographic methods even if those don’t yet exist.
The write up points out:
“We [CEO and engineers of Quantum Brilliance] the look forward to seeing enterprises and researchers utilizing HPC as a hub to explore novel classical-quantum codes using Setonix and the quantum accelerator as a step towards the hybrid computing future…”
Heat, programming tools, apps — coming any day. Next up, a mobile phone form factor. And power draw? What?
Stephen E Arnold, June 8, 2022
Amazon Artifice: Can Clever Become Cunning and Then Crime?
June 7, 2022
I spotted about 250 comments on Hacker News in response to this question: Anyone else quickly losing confidence in Amazon?
The answer is, “Yep.”
What’s interesting is that a number of comments address governance issues; that is, Amazon appears to some people to be allowing third party sellers to market products which create perceived and real problems. Examples range from pet supplies that cause owners and beasties problems to products which are unlikely to receive the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval (huh, what’s that?)
The comments contain some interesting assertions or accusations. I noted these:
- lt1970: It’s against Amazon policy to let others know that sellers are buying reviews.
- taurath: The resellers are more important customers than the buyers are.
- dcchambers: The [Amazon] number crunchers have determined actually dealing with the fraud isn’t yet worth it financially.
- KVFinn: The [Amazon ecommerce] search feels actively hostile.
Another write up dated June 3, 2022) was “Amazon Urges Consultant to Push Message from Minority Groups.”
The subject? The narrative that regulation would harm “communities of color.”
Okay, is this weaponized information?
The point of view I am taking in my forthcoming book for law enforcement, analysts, and intelligence professionals would identify this “shaped info payload” is designed to benefit corporate interests, not those individuals who fit into the euphemistic phrase “communities of color.”
Stephen E Arnold, June 7, 2022
A Modest Proposal: Shut Down the Intelware Companies
June 7, 2022
Oy! “As the WEF Meets, Pressure Is on World’s Powerbrokers to Shut Down Spyware Industry” advances an idea which may be tough to implement. The write up asserts:
In 2022, there is no business case for spyware technology. Its abuse is tainting the entire tech sector. If the industry’s big players do not step up and take a bold stand on surveillance now, it’s not only the human rights of millions of people at risk, it’s their own futures.
The business case is that companies engaged in cyber and threat intelligence are generating revenue. But the big news is that the more promising outfits are selling to larger firms. Who owns Terbium Labs? A consulting and accounting outfit. And what happened to Digital Shadows? Snapped up by a bigger cyber threat outfit. Plus there are investors looking for a big win in cyber security.
No business case? Sorry. I don’t agree.
The write up does include a useful item of information. Google’s write up about NSO Group’s methodology has drifted from public view, but some bad actors treasure the Googley analysis. If you have not seen the document, “A Deep Dive into an NSO Zero-Click iMessage Exploit: Remote Code Execution” it is a gem. I heard of some folks in Eastern Europe who found the document — how shall I phrase it — inspirational.
Here’s a suggestion from the write up:
For example, companies can take immediate steps such as terminating any direct contractual relationships with spyware vendors and implement concrete measures to avoid directly or indirectly supporting spyware tools and related technologies — and ensure investors, suppliers, clients and customers do the same — through robust pre-contractual due diligence and monitoring.
Yeah, great idea.
Stephen E Arnold, June 7, 2022
DarkTrace: A Tech NATO Like a Digital “Sharknado”?
June 7, 2022
Don’t get me wrong. I think the idea of group of countries coordinating cyber actions is a good idea. Maybe that’s why there is a Europol and alliances like Five Eyes. “Darktrace CEO Calls for a Tech NATO Amid Growing Cyber Threats” reports that the UK company thinks the idea is a good one. I learned:
Gustafsson [the senior executive at DarkTrace] wants to see the creation of a dedicated international cyber task force, or a “tech NATO”, where global partners can collaborate, agree, and ratify norms for the cybersphere—including what kind of response would be warranted for breaches.
The write up loses me with this passage:
Greater cooperation is certainly needed to combat evolving cyber threats. However, Gustafsson’s call for a “Tech NATO” is surprising—not least because NATO itself already has one in the form of the CCDCOE (Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence).
If NATO has such an entity, why not build on that confederation?
I think that DarkTrace has been innovative in its messaging, not confusing. Most of the cyber threat firms are struggling with marketing messages. Each vendor discovers threats apparently unknown to any other vendor. Military cyber intelligence folks seem to be wrestling with 24×7 automated attacks at the same time the effervescent Elon Musk thwarts attempts to kill off his satellite-centric Internet service. After 100 days of deadly skirmishes, Russia has managed to turn off Ukrainian mobile service in several disputed regions. Speedy indeed.
Has DarkTrace succumbed to cyber threat marketing fatigue and aiming for the fences with Tech NATO? The 2013 was pretty wild and crazy. Will Tech NATO follow a similar trajectory? But it’s summer and marketing is hard.
Stephen E Arnold, June 6, 2022
Google Experiences a Kangaroo Punch
June 6, 2022
When I was in Australia giving a talk, I did see red kangaroo. The critters did not seem to pack much of a punch, but there were quite a few of them on the road to Canberra. I knew that some in Australia use the kangaroo as a symbol in some sporting venues. I asked about the punch. The roo uses its forelegs to hold a humanoid or other creature. Then the hind legs slash away at the victim’s under belly. Those skilled in the art of kangaroo behavior point out that the animals don’t box. They disembowel. Who knew?
Google may have an opportunity to learn about roo behavior. “Google Told to Pay Australian Politician $515,000 for Defamation” reports:
Judge Steven Rares said the videos, which were posted by political commentator Jordan Shanks amounted to a “relentless, racist, vilificatory, abusive and defamatory campaign” against Barilaro. The videos questioned the former legislator’s integrity, including labelling him “corrupt” without evidence, and called him racist names that were “nothing less than hate speech”, the judge said. He found that Alphabet Inc’s Google, which owns content-sharing website YouTube, earned thousands of dollars by hosting the two videos but failed to apply its own policies to prevent hate speech, cyber bullying and harassment. The videos were viewed nearly 800,000 times between them since being posted in late 2020.
A half million US is more like a paper cut, if that.
The Vice report “Google Will Pay Massive Damages for Hosting YouTuber’s ‘Racist’ Anti-Italian ‘Abuse’” uses the word “massive” which is a bit overblown. That story includes this statement:
“Google cannot hide behind the use of its Californian head office or American understandings of the English language as being the same as in Australia,” Rares [an Australian Federal Court Justice] said. “It operates a very large business in Australia, has Australian staff and lawyers and could not suggest that it was somehow ignorant of how hurtful and bullying the ‘bruz’ video was in its use of the slurs and venomous hate speech that Mr Shanks directed avowedly, deliberately at Mr Barilaro, for criticising Mr Shanks’ earlier racist behaviour.
Interesting, particularly the reference to understanding, a notion popular among some artificial intelligence professionals at the Google .
One kangaroo scrape makes not difference. As I saw firsthand in Australia, there are lots of kangaroos. What if these use their hind quarters in a coordinated dust up with the Google. But Australia is a mere country. Google is the Alphabet with Chrome trim and a fascinating management method.
Stephen E Arnold, June 6, 2022
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