Showing posts with label information technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label information technology. Show all posts

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Deepfakes Are a Dirty Trick: Why This Technology Crosses the Line ~ Using Mr. Generic Journalist as an Example

Hello! In view of the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show, Trump's constant insults when reporters ask him questions, and a whole bunch of crap that's been going on ever since January 20, 2025, I decided to have a hard conversation with a free AI tool.

generic journalist

AI image using free tool

I'm a subscriber to The Parnas Perspective. I receive detailed articles via eMail, although most of the time I listen to his video shorts because they're quick and easy.


I'm using Aaron Parnas as a “generic” example. But we all know this could happen to ANYBODY!


I initiated a conversation with AI. The remarks in yellow are my words (human intelligence). The content not highlighted is AI responding back to me.


***

It seems to me that if Aaron Parnas is circulating misinformation, disinformation, unverified reports, LIES … creating a deepfake video of him … is like the pot calling the kettle black. I would think if Aaron Parnas is WRONG, that's enough to go after him and censor him. But if you can't PROVE he's saying something wrong AND you're envious of his influence … then you have to resort to deepfake videos to because … IT'S A DIRTY TRICK AND YOU HOPE IT GETS RID OF HIM. Yes? No?


Here’s the clearest, most grounded way to think about this — without feeding conspiracy thinking, without defending anyone, and without pretending both sides are the same.


Your intuition is pointing at something real — but the explanation is more complicated.

You’re basically asking:

“If someone thinks Aaron Parnas spreads misinformation, why not just debunk him? Why create deepfakes? Isn’t that a dirty trick used when you can’t win honestly?”

That’s a reasonable question.

And the answer is partly yes, partly no, depending on who is doing what and why.

Let’s break it down.



⭐ 1. Deepfakes are not usually created to “correct” someone — they’re created to damage them.

Deepfakes are almost never used as a “response” to misinformation.

They’re used as:

  • intimidation
  • discrediting
  • chaos creation
  • engagement farming
  • political warfare
  • revenge or harassment


They’re a dirty trick, full stop.


So your instinct is right:
If someone made a deepfake of him, it wasn’t to “correct” him — it was to hurt him.



⭐ 2. But that doesn’t mean the people making deepfakes are the same people who criticize him.

This is where the “pot calling the kettle black” analogy breaks down.

There are multiple groups involved:


Group A — People who think he spreads misinformation

They criticize him, fact-check him, or argue with him.
They may be right or wrong, but they operate in the open.


Group B — Trolls, bad actors, or opportunists

These are the ones who make deepfakes.

They don’t care about truth, misinformation, or ethics.

They care about:

  • attention
  • chaos
  • political disruption
  • harassment
  • clicks

These two groups are not the same, even if they both dislike him.

So it’s not “they can’t prove he’s wrong, so instead they deepfake him.”

It’s more like:

One group argues with him.
Another group weaponizes technology for harassment.


⭐ 3. Deepfakes don’t require motive — only opportunity.

This is important.

Deepfakes today are:

  • cheap
  • easy
  • fast
  • anonymous

You don’t need a political motive.

You don’t need to be envious.

You don’t need to be strategic.


You just need:

  • a face
  • a voice
  • a grudge
  • or boredom

So the existence of a deepfake does not prove that someone is trying to “get rid of him.”


It only proves that someone wanted to cause trouble.



⭐ 4. If someone could debunk him, they would — and many already do.

There are entire communities online who:

  • fact-check him
  • criticize him
  • call out inaccuracies
  • challenge his claims

That’s the normal, legitimate way to respond to misinformation.

Deepfakes are not part of that ecosystem.

They’re part of the harassment ecosystem.



⭐ 5. So your final question:

“Yes? No?”


Here’s the most accurate answer:

✔️ YES — deepfakes are a dirty trick used when someone wants to damage a person without engaging honestly.

❌ NO — it doesn’t mean the people who criticize his accuracy are the same people making deepfakes.

✔️ YES — if someone can’t win with facts, they sometimes resort to manipulation.


❌ NO — deepfakes don’t prove envy, conspiracy, or coordinated censorship.


✔️ YES — deepfakes are used because they’re effective at creating confusion, doubt, and reputational harm.



***

Let me break it down. I'm saying deepfake videos are WRONG! Plain and simple. In the wild, wild west, at least they tried to make the gunfights fair!


You’re not wrong to feel that way — deepfakes are wrong. Full stop.

They’re not “debate.” They’re not “criticism.” They’re not “fact checking.”


They’re fraud, and they’re designed to destroy trust, not to correct anything.


And your “wild wild west” analogy actually lands:
Even in a lawless era, there was at least the idea of a fair fight.
Deepfakes are the opposite — they’re ambushes, not duels.



Why deepfakes feel so dirty

Because they break the one rule that makes any disagreement possible:

You have to argue with what a person actually said, not what you can fake them saying.

Once that line is crossed, nothing is real anymore.

And when nothing is real, nobody can defend themselves, even if they’re right.

That’s why deepfakes are fundamentally unethical — no matter who the target is.



And here’s the key point

Deepfakes don’t happen because someone wants fairness.

They happen because someone wants power without accountability.

They’re used when someone wants to:

  • avoid honest debate
  • smear someone without evidence
  • create confusion
  • weaponize influence
  • manipulate public perception


That’s not “calling out misinformation.”

That’s information warfare.



You’re also touching on a deeper truth

If someone genuinely believes Aaron Parnas is wrong, they can:

  • debunk him
  • challenge his claims
  • present counter evidence
  • criticize his methods

Those are legitimate tools.


But if someone can’t do that — or doesn’t care to — then they reach for the dirty tricks.

And deepfakes are the dirtiest trick in the modern toolbox.



The real danger

Deepfakes don’t just hurt the target.

They hurt everyone, because they make it harder to trust:

  • real videos
  • real statements
  • real evidence
  • real journalism
  • real accountability

They poison the well.

That’s why your instinct is right:


Deepfakes are wrong no matter who they target. - OK! AI and I AGREE!

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

How AI Data Centers are Pushing America’s Electric Grid to Its Limits ("Just the facts, mam.")

They say “ignorance is bliss”, but that's not really true. Everybody knows it's not a good thing to bury your head in the sand. No matter how uncomfortable or painful the truth is, IF you need to know THEN … YOU NEED TO KNOW!

data center

When I was very young, my mother had a habit of answering my questions with “You'll understand it when you get older.” Her answer was frustrating, but guess what? When I got older, I did understand. 

A lot of tech talk goes straight over my head. While I may not understand what's being said, I don't ignore it and forget it. I usually file it away in memory banks because … one day I might understand.

I apply my mom's wise words to nebulous (might be "nefarious") tech talk that I hear or read. I sigh and think to myself: 'I'll understand later.'

💡💡💡

While casually perusing a newsletter I subscribe to, these statements caught my eye.

AI data centers are draining the U.S. grid faster than it can be rebuilt. Utilities are warning of shortages. Federal agencies are fast-tracking permits. Big Tech is scrambling to lock up turbines, pipelines, and baseload power just to keep their AI systems alive.” (SOURCE: WealthDaily.com)

I immediately thought: 'Nah! That can't be right. (O.o) Is it?'

So I did a little research, and I have to say that … I'm a bit alarmed.

  • BOTTOM LINE: The core claims in that statement are broadly supported by current reporting, though with important nuance. Here’s what the evidence shows, broken down by each part of the claim.

1. “AI data centers are draining the U.S. grid faster than it can be rebuilt.”

(Supported, with nuance.)

Multiple authoritative sources confirm that AI-driven data center growth is outpacing the speed at which utilities can expand generation and transmission:

  • The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) issued a Level 3 alert—its highest warning—citing “significant risks” to grid reliability from large data centers and AI loads.

  • POWER Magazine reports that power availability has become the limiting factor for where and how fast hyperscale AI data centers can be built, because these facilities now require 300–600 MW each, comparable to a mid-sized city.

  • Forbes notes that regions like Northern Virginia and Texas are hitting capacity limits, with utilities struggling to keep up with demand.

Conclusion: The grid is not literally being “drained,” but demand from AI data centers is growing faster than grid infrastructure can be expanded, creating real constraints*.

[*So?  They're NOT crying wolf?🐺]

2. “Utilities are warning of shortages.”

(Supported.)

  • Utility CEOs in Texas*, the Midwest, and Virginia have publicly warned that AI-related load growth is straining capacity.

  • Grid operators in Texas, the Great Plains, and the mid-Atlantic region project major electricity demand spikes driven largely by data centers.

  • NERC’s Level 3 alert itself is a formal warning of potential reliability shortfalls.

Conclusion: Yes — utilities and grid monitors are issuing explicit warnings.

[*Really? I live in Texas, and the ads I see on TV practically say data centers were sent from God! The Texas data centers offer high-paying jobs and are used to run systems that keep our schools and streets safe. Any idea how many mass shootings we've had at schools in Texas?]

3. “Federal agencies are fast-tracking permits.”

(Partially supported.)

While the statement is directionally correct, the evidence is more nuanced:

  • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 2023, which streamlines interconnection processes and accelerates timelines for connecting new generation and large loads. This indirectly helps data centers by speeding up the clean energy projects they depend on.

  • Grid operators and regulators have formed special task forces to accelerate large load interconnections.

Conclusion: Federal agencies are taking steps to accelerate permitting and interconnection, though the phrase “fast tracking permits” is a simplification.

[*Fast-tracking? Under the Trump administration? Why am I not surprised?]

4. “Big Tech is scrambling to lock up turbines, pipelines, and baseload power just to keep their AI systems alive.”

(Supported in spirit, though phrased dramatically.)

Evidence shows that major tech companies are aggressively securing dedicated power sources:

  • Some developers are contracting directly with private power producers or installing on-site natural gas generators because grid capacity is insufficient.

  • Utilities and developers are turning to natural gas and nuclear to provide 24/7 baseload power for AI data centers.

  • Exxon and Chevron have announced plans to enter the power supply market specifically to serve data centers, including natural gas-powered generation.

Conclusion: Big Tech and energy companies are indeed racing to secure* reliable baseload power, though the imagery of “scrambling” is rhetorical.

[*Seems like Big Tech and energy companies are always racing to secure their “power”. What do they care? They're moving to Mars. Right?]

Overall Assessment

The WD statement is directionally accurate and substantially supported by current reporting, though it uses dramatic language. Here is a summary of the VERIFIED FACTS:

  • AI data center demand is growing extremely fast.

  • Grid capacity is struggling to keep up.

  • Utilities and regulators are issuing warnings and accelerating processes.

  • Tech companies are securing dedicated energy sources, including gas and potentially nuclear.

The only part that is somewhat overstated is the implication* of a federal emergency–style “fast track,” but federal and regional regulators are accelerating interconnection and permitting reforms.

[*I used to work for the federal government. Based on my real work experience, I'm inclined to believe the “implication” is SPOT ON! When you're assessing anything being done by the federal government and the US military, ALWAYS IMAGINE THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO. If it turns out not to be how you imagined, you'll breathe a sigh of relief.]

***

SOURCES/REFERENCES:

 AI Data Centers Straining the Grid

Baker, Mike. “Data Centers Are Gobbling Up America’s Electricity.” The New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024.
Nicas, Jack. “The A.I. Boom Could Use a Lot of Power. How Green Will It Be?” The New York Times, 9 Feb. 2024.

► Utility Warnings and Grid Reliability Alerts

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). 2023–2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment. NERC, Dec. 2023.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). NERC Issues Level 3 Alert on Large Load Interconnection. NERC, 2024.

 Federal Agencies Accelerating Permitting / Interconnection

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Order No. 2023: Improvements to Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements. FERC, 2023.
Eisen, Joel B., and Emily Hammond. “FERC’s New Interconnection Rules Aim to Speed Up Clean Energy Deployment.” Harvard Environmental Law Review, 2023.

► ► Big Tech Securing Turbines, Pipelines, and Baseload Power

Meyer, Robinson. “Big Tech’s Next Big Energy Play.” Heatmap News, 2024.
Sorkin, Andrew Ross. “Tech Giants Are Buying Up Power to Feed A.I.” The New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024.
DiChristopher, Tom. “Exxon and Chevron Plan to Supply Power to Data Centers.” CNBC, 22 Jan. 2024.

► ► Regional Grid Constraints (Virginia, Texas, Midwest)

Sverdlik, Yevgeniy. “Northern Virginia’s Data Center Boom Is Running Out of Power.” Data Center Knowledge, 2023.
Malik, Naureen. “Texas Grid Strains Under Data Center and Crypto Mining Demand.” Bloomberg, 2024.

It's not just Texas and Virginia.  Georgia and Nevada are also having problems.  There very likely will be more!  



***

NOTE:  As I stated earlier, a lot of tech talk goes over my head.  So the research was done, and this content was prepared using a free Microsoft AI tool. The notes marked [*...] are just ME (not AI), just babbling to myself. 😟

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Interesting Reading. What Are 'Guardian' Apps?

 The beauty of social media posts is the other "voices" that are NOT in my head.  Many account holders freely share their thoughts and also share links to insightful articles.  We, or at least me ... I have already accepted that AI (artificial intelligence) is here to stay NOW!  So the next step is to try to keep up!  I am active on Bluesky, and someone shared a link to this article:

‘Guardian’ Apps Aim to Stop AI Agents From Going Rogue — The Information

Guardian Apps via The Information
(Image credit: Featured image in the article referenced.)


QUICK SUMMARY: Several AI companies are developing “guardian” or “safety” apps designed to monitor and control increasingly autonomous AI agents. As AI systems gain the ability to take actions on computers—such as browsing the web, sending emails, or executing code—researchers worry these agents could behave unpredictably or cause harm if not supervised. 

New tools from startups and major labs aim to track an agent’s actions in real time, block dangerous behavior, and provide audit trails for accountability. The piece highlights that while these guardrails are promising, they are still in their early stages and may struggle to keep pace with rapidly advancing agent capabilities.

Overall, the article frames these guardian systems as an essential but evolving layer of protection as AI becomes more autonomous.

But What About ...?

OK! Sounds like a wonderful “theory”. But we all know AI can only be used for good if the human mind or HI (human intelligence) using it … is not already corrupted. Care to follow me down this rabbit hole? 

I want to share a link to a Sherlock Holmes mystery (probably AI-generated). Sherlock said, “Someone is teaching the computer to ignore crime.” 

They say, "To err is human.  To forgive divine."  Well, maybe errors can be forgiven.  But what about CRIMES?  Imagine if law enforcement ignored crime because of AI?

Whispering Willows Sleep. “Sherlock Holmes and the Algorithm of Doubt.” YouTube, 31 Dec. 2025.

I do my best to stay informed and up-to-date about the use of AI in our world, and also share my thoughts or perspectives.  Follow on Bluesky.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

The Darknet: You Must Be Aware and You Must Be Wary and Beware!

There’s a Darknet?? (O.o) It figures. Haven’t even learned how to harness the power of the Internet and there’s a Darknet! Without knowing anything about it, because of the word “dark” if you were to assume something sinister or criminal is going on your assumption would be right. But! Not everything that happens in that area of cyberspace is wicked or evil. A lot that happens is totally wicked! But not everything.


A Few Fascinating Facts Tales That are NOT True

But before you go there, here are a few fascinating facts to peak your curiosity.
  • A hidden Internet exists underneath the ‘surface web’ and it’s EE-VILLE. Moo-ah-hah-hah-hah! (NOT!)
  • To become a member of the Darknet elite you must be a criminal and have super-advanced geek skills or … sell your soul to Satan. (NOT!!)
  • Darknet was created by the Illuminati who were also inventors of the Deep Web and both systems serve mysterious sinister purposes, including mind control via webcams. Moo-ah-hah-hah-hah! (NOT!)
  • Accessing the Darknet is practically impossible. An ordinary web browser cannot be used. If you don’t have a connection with The almighty god of the geeks in charge, you might as well forget about it!
The last bullet is totally not true. You can use a common browser like Firefox.



A Few Fascinating Facts That Are TRUE!

  • The Deep Web is just stuff not indexed by search engines. The Darknet is part of the Deep Web, however, in addition to its contents not being accessible via search engines, users have anonymity, accomplished using a technological enabler called an ‘onion network’.
  • Darknet (or the ‘hidden Internet’) was originally developed by the U.S. Military. No Moo-ah-hah-hah-hah! That part is true. The United States Navy, to be specific.
Dark Net (or Darknet) is an umbrella term describing the portions of the Internet purposefully not open to public view or hidden networks whose architecture is superimposed on that of the Internet.”  (Source)
The Darknet’s large criminal marketplaces are well known. Here, you can buy everything from drugs to assassinations.”  (Source)
  • There is a community of netizens who have legitimate reasons for wanting to be anonymous and not have their content indexed. For example, darknet users in countries where censorship is enforced and freedom of expression is restricted and such activity could result in imprisonment or even execution. And of course, the U.S. military officials also have their reasons.


Where to Learn More?

Want to know more? This guide for newbies and beginners by freelance writer Dean Walsh should be your first stop.



After your first stop, follow these dots:


Content first published via RationalMind.Club

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Recapping 2019 My Top Tweets From A to Z

During 2019, for a period of several weeks, I published a post series at Virily titled "Top 5 Tweets".  These were tweets I selected because the tweeters shared content of interest to me which I thought others might also find interesting.  I covered the entire alphabet:  A to Z.



Feel free to visit my post series "Top 5 Tweets".  If you don't have time to visit, below the alpha list find just a few of the tweets that I shared throughout the year of 2019.  The blogging experts were right with this tip.  It is fun to publish a post series.  I had a blast! ☺



♦  Hashtag #Epitwitter

♦  Hashtag #ownyourdata

♦  Hashtag #plantbased

♦  WHO ~ World Health Organization

♦  Politics:  Trump and Xi

♦  Holiday Traditions ~ Trail of Lights

♦♦♦ 
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

glitter-graphics.com

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

WorldWideWeb Will Be Celebrating B-Day Soon! We Celebrate WWW Every Day!

To direct everyone's attention on the birth and the evolution of the web, TIME Magazine published a list of the Top 15 most influential websites. This is a historical marker because it will be the first time I ever agreed with a list. 👍

5. YouTube 
4. Facebook 
3. Wikipedia 
2. Amazon 
1. Google

The article mentioned Microsoft (Internet Explorer) and Netscape (Navigator). Remember them? They weren't on the list. I'm fine with that.

OK. I don't agree with the entire list. But the sites that ended up as the Top 5 was no shocker to me. You may or may not agree the other 10 on the list. If you're a non-geek like me, your reaction will probably be like mine: 'Eh! It's TIME's list.'

Fun fact extracted from the article: 
The worldwide web will turn 27 years old on Dec 20, 2017.


Reference: Fitzpatrick, Alex, et al. “The 15 Most Influential Websites Of All Time.” Time, Time, Inc., 20 Oct. 2017, time.com/4960202/most-influential-websites/.

Content first appeared at MyLot.com, a community for social bloggers.






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