CIRCLE WITH A DOT

There's lots to dislike about U.S. social media platforms but the harm caused by their algorithms is top of the list. This excellent post from @technically_good provides detail on what algorithms do and helps us understand why the feature is important to tech companies. Remember, our personal data is the product when you participate on corporate owned, profit driven social media.

#DigitalSovereignty
Feeding the Fire: Psychology, Engagement, and Algorithmic Media
https://technically-good.ca/feeding-the-fire-psychology-engagement-and-algorithmic-media/

If you need some inspiration on how to achieve your Digital Independence, check out this the blog post from @parismarx.

#CDNdid
https://disconnect.blog/getting-off-us-tech-a-guide/

Just a reminder for all MastoCanucks that the 1st Sunday of every month is Digital Independence Day. So on March 1st we'll celebrate by sharing what U.S. based tech we've reduced or turned off in our everyday lives. Make a list of the apps you're using from big tech and research open source or less invasive alternatives. Remember to share and brag about your success using the #CDNdid hashtag.

#MastodonCanada
https://itsfoss.com/news/di-day-celebration/

My impression of Evan Solomon,
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, is that he is a cheerleader for the tech industry with no real concern for how individuals might be potentially harmed by abusive use of #AI. This indepth article on his background doesn't make me feel any more confident that adequate guardrails are being considered.

Evan Solomon Wants Canada to Trust AI. Can We Trust Evan Solomon? | The Walrus

The journalist-turned-minister says the tech will make us richer and regulation should be “light”

The Walrus (thewalrus.ca)

@deborahh

Great minds think alike
I just posted it.

@parismarx
Another view of our sovereignty from the perspective of our news media. We've given into everyone of the U.S. demands in return for advancing trade talks, which have gone nowhere. What will our government sacrifice in return for stable trade with America that we had a few years ago? We might give up too much and still be heavily reliant on a predatory neighbour.

#NewsMedia #CUSMA
https://www.thestar.com/business/opinion/defending-canadian-cultural-protection-laws-must-be-near-top-of-cusma-talks-agenda-heres-why/article_e7cdb5ec-e89c-48ab-96c0-14f40a152feb.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=copy-link&utm_campaign=user-share

It's time for a weekend roundup of #DigitalSovereignty news.
First up is this long but interesting blog post from @parismarx. it's a 2 coffee read this morning but important because it points out that Carney's call for Digital Sovereignty may not ultimately match our expectations.

#MastodonCanada
https://disconnect.blog/escaping-the-trap-of-us-tech-dependence/

A month ago the National Observer called out Canadian government officials for remaining on X. Kudos to them for this opinion piece, and for not having an account on that toxic platform. I wish they were part of the #MastodonCanada community so we could all show our appreciation. So I wrote to the National Observer asking them to consider joining us cool kids here in the Fediverse. I'll let you know if I hear back from them.

#MastoCanadaGOV #DigitalSovereignty
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/02/opinion/canadian-government-x-twitter-grok