As someone who has spent years advocating for ethical innovation, I see Meta’s move not as a celebration of free speech but as a dangerous gamble. Let’s break down why this shift could have far-reaching consequences.

The Myth of “Community Notes”

Meta’s decision to replace fact-checkers with community-driven moderation echoes moves made by other platforms, like X (formerly Twitter). While the idea of democratizing content oversight is appealing on the surface, the reality is that misinformation thrives in echo chambers.

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are global hubs with billions of users, and the dynamics of online communities often amplify polarization. Without robust mechanisms to ensure accuracy and counter disinformation campaigns, community-driven systems could devolve into a popularity contest where the loudest voices—not the most truthful ones—prevail.

This change risks turning Meta’s platforms into breeding grounds for manipulation, undermining the very trust they aim to rebuild.

Simplification at the Expense of Safety

Zuckerberg’s promise to simplify content policies may sound like a win for clarity, but the devil is in the details. Loosening restrictions on topics like immigration and gender removes guardrails that were established to protect marginalized voices.

Over the years, Meta has struggled to contain hate speech, misinformation, and harmful content. By scaling back policies that address these challenges, the platform risks becoming a haven for regressive ideologies and divisive rhetoric. The argument that such restrictions are “out of touch with mainstream discourse” conveniently overlooks the harm caused to vulnerable communities when toxic content is left unchecked.

Censorship vs. Oversight: A False Dichotomy

Meta’s decision to reduce automated filtering and rely on higher confidence thresholds for content removal is framed as a way to reduce mistakes. But this shift is a calculated trade-off. While fewer innocent posts may be wrongfully removed, harmful content—ranging from hate speech to misinformation—will slip through the cracks.

Platforms of Meta’s scale cannot afford to be reactive rather than proactive. Allowing harmful content to proliferate until someone reports it not only increases exposure but also shifts the burden onto users, who may lack the tools or confidence to flag problematic posts effectively.

Trust and Safety Relocation: Optics Over Accountability

Relocating Meta’s content moderation teams to Texas is portrayed as a move to reduce bias and restore trust. Yet this geographic shift feels more like an effort to court political favor than a genuine commitment to inclusivity or transparency.

Global platforms like Facebook and Instagram require moderation that reflects diverse perspectives and cultural sensitivities. Centralizing operations in a single state—especially one with its own contentious political climate—risks reinforcing biases rather than mitigating them.

A Dangerous Alliance with Power

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Zuckerberg’s announcement is Meta’s intention to work with President Trump to counter global censorship trends. While pushing back against authoritarian crackdowns on speech is vital, aligning so closely with any political figure—particularly one with a history of divisive rhetoric—undermines Meta’s claim to neutrality.

This partnership blurs the lines between corporate interests and political agendas, raising serious questions about whether Meta’s vision of free expression truly serves its users or merely consolidates its influence.

Why This Matters for the Digital Universe

Meta’s pivot isn’t just a shift in company policy—it’s a signal to the entire tech industry. As one of the most influential platforms in the digital ecosystem, Meta’s actions set a precedent. If this gamble fails, it could erode trust across the digital universe, amplifying calls for regulation and further entrenching the divide between users and the platforms they rely on.

More importantly, the rollback of safeguards risks creating a digital landscape where marginalized voices are drowned out, disinformation thrives, and user safety is an afterthought. For a company with Meta’s reach, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Path Forward

Free expression is a cornerstone of any democratic society, but it must be balanced with the responsibility to protect users from harm. Platforms like Meta cannot abandon this responsibility under the guise of simplification or decentralization.

If we are to preserve a digital universe that is safe, equitable, and innovative, we must hold platforms accountable—not just for what they promise, but for how they execute those promises.

Meta’s pivot may mark a new chapter in its story, but for those of us who care deeply about the digital world, it is a call to remain vigilant. The future of online expression—and the integrity of the digital universe—depends on it.

Source: Facebook.

The Great Hack

A wake-up call, urging us to scrutinize how our personal information is collected and used. It’s a reminder that in the quest for convenience and connectivity, we must remain vigilant about safeguarding our privacy. https://www.netflix.com/title/80117542https://www.netflix.com/title/80117542

Citizenfour

Both a chilling exposé of mass surveillance and a powerful testament to the courage it takes to challenge systemic abuses of power. It’s a must-watch for anyone concerned about privacy and the balance between security and freedom. https://www.amazon.com/Citizenfour-Edward-Snowden/dp/B0CPGXHSX9/

Risk

A documentary by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras (Citizenfour). Spanning six years, this raw and intimate film offers an unfiltered look at the man behind WikiLeaks, the ethical dilemmas he faces, and the global stakes of his mission to expose the truth. As the world grapples with issues of transparency, power, and freedom, Risk pulls back the curtain on the personal and political battles that define one of the most polarizing figures of our time. https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/ihqBAog_JYddMJ8_R9QW_R0z82VJuAR4/

Terms and Conditions May Apply

Do you read the Terms and Conditions connected to every website you visit or app you use? This film reveals what corporations/governments are legally taking from you and the consequences of clicking “I accept.” https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.5cb65817-d16a-e3a5-d94c-c24d1b93fa7a

Buy Now

A 2024 documentary that exposes the manipulative tactics employed by major corporations to drive consumerism, often at the expense of environmental sustainability. Directed by Nic Stacey, the film features insights from industry insiders and whistleblowers, revealing how companies design products for obsolescence and utilize persuasive marketing strategies to encourage continuous purchasing. The documentary also highlights the environmental consequences of overconsumption, such as the accumulation of electronic waste and pollution in developing countries. By shedding light on these practices, Buy Now encourages viewers to critically assess their consumption habits and the broader impact on the planet. https://www.netflix.com/title/81554996

The Rise of AI-Driven Scams

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a stark warning about the growing sophistication of AI-powered scams. Criminals are leveraging advanced AI tools to create hyper-realistic fake content, from profile photos and identification documents to chatbots on fraudulent websites. These tools eliminate the telltale signs of scams we used to recognize, such as poor grammar or awkwardly doctored images, making it harder than ever to discern truth from deception.

One of the most concerning developments involves the use of AI to clone voices. With just a few seconds of your voice, malicious actors can generate convincing replicas to orchestrate scams or impersonate you. This technology has already been used in distressing ways, such as fake emergency calls designed to manipulate victims into giving away sensitive information. The implications are profound, affecting not only individuals but also businesses and public figures.

Steps to Protect Your Digital Identity

To reduce your risk of falling victim to these scams, the FBI advises limiting the public availability of your voice and images online. Social media, a common repository for personal content, should be approached with caution. Consider making your accounts private and restricting followers to people you know personally. This simple step can significantly reduce the chances of your content being used maliciously.

Another proactive measure involves adopting the concept of a “proof of humanity” word. First introduced by AI developer Asara Near in 2023, this is a unique word or phrase shared only with trusted contacts. The idea is straightforward: if someone receives a suspicious voice or video call claiming to be from you, they can ask for this secret word to verify your identity. While it may seem low-tech in comparison to the high-tech threat, its simplicity is its strength.

Additionally, be mindful of the content you share online. Photos, videos, and even casual voice recordings can be exploited by AI algorithms to create deepfakes. By being selective about what you post and with whom you share it, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a target. Tools and platforms that prioritize privacy and security can also play a key role in maintaining your digital safety.

The Timeless Power of Simple Solutions

It’s fascinating how an ancient concept like passwords remains relevant in combating modern threats. Long before the internet, passwords were used to verify identities in various historical contexts. Now, amid the rise of AI-generated deepfakes, this old practice is making a comeback in the form of secret words. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective, even in the face of cutting-edge technology.

While technology often feels like a double-edged sword, these developments challenge us to think critically about how we engage with it. By implementing thoughtful, proactive measures, we can outsmart even the most advanced scams. Knowledge is our greatest ally in this endeavor, empowering us to protect not only ourselves but also those around us.

Key Takeaways

• AI tools are being used to create convincing scams, including deepfake voices and fake profiles.
• Limit public access to your voice and images by making social media accounts private and restricting followers.
• Adopt a “proof of humanity” word to verify your identity in suspicious situations.
• Be cautious about the content you share online and use privacy-focused platforms whenever possible.
• Simple solutions, like secret words, can be powerful tools for combating high-tech threats.

Source: Your AI clone could target your family, but there’s a simple defense – Ars Technica

The Mission of Privacy International

Privacy International is dedicated to defending the right to privacy across the globe. Through advocacy, research, and collaboration, the organization works to ensure that individuals can live free from intrusive surveillance and data exploitation. Whether it’s pushing for stronger data protection laws or exposing abuses, PI plays a critical role in empowering people to take control of their personal information.

The organization collaborates with partners worldwide to address privacy challenges. By producing research, guides, and resources, PI equips individuals and organizations with the knowledge they need to protect themselves in an increasingly data-driven world.

Key Resources Offered by Privacy International

Privacy International offers a wide range of resources to educate and empower its audience. For instance, the State of Privacy project provides insights into privacy and surveillance issues worldwide. This initiative, developed in collaboration with global partners, sheds light on how privacy laws and practices differ across countries.

Another valuable resource is the Examples of Abuse section, which documents real-world cases of data misuse by governments and corporations. By understanding these examples, individuals and policymakers can work to prevent similar abuses in the future.

For those looking to engage in policy discussions, PI’s Data Protection Guide offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing and improving data protection practices. This guide is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in advocating for stronger privacy protections in their community.

Advocating for a Fairer Digital Future

One of PI’s most powerful messages is that privacy is a fundamental human right. With the rise of data exploitation and invisible manipulation, PI emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness in how technology is used. From Privacy Matters resources to case studies on manipulation, the organization highlights the risks of unchecked technological power.

By challenging surveillance and exploitation in systems like social benefits and immigration, PI also advocates for the dignity and rights of marginalized communities. Resources like guides for migrants and asylum seekers illustrate the organization’s commitment to equity and justice in a world increasingly dominated by data-driven systems.

Key Takeaways from Privacy International

• Privacy International is dedicated to protecting the right to privacy globally.
• The organization provides resources like the State of Privacy, Examples of Abuse, and Data Protection Guide to educate and empower individuals and organizations.
• Through advocacy and research, PI challenges surveillance, data exploitation, and manipulation in systems that impact everyday lives.
• Privacy is emphasized as a fundamental human right that must be preserved in the face of rapid technological advancements.
• By focusing on equity and justice, PI supports marginalized communities disproportionately affected by data misuse.

Source: Privacy International | Learn what we work on

Why Privacy Matters—Even in the Little Things

Every action we take online leaves a footprint. From sharing photos on social media to logging into our favorite apps, these actions may seem harmless. But over time, they create a mosaic of data that paints a picture of our lives—sometimes more accurate than we realize. This data isn’t just used to personalize ads; it can also be exploited in ways we don’t approve of.

When you start small—like adjusting your privacy settings on social media or using a password manager—you begin to regain control over this digital mosaic. These small steps might seem insignificant at first, but they’re the foundation of a stronger, more private online presence. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional.

Simple Changes You Can Make Today

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to make meaningful changes. Start with the basics, such as creating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Password managers like Bitwarden or LastPass can take the guesswork out of this process, ensuring that your accounts are protected without the headache of memorizing dozens of passwords.

Next, take a look at your social media profiles. Are you sharing more information than you’re comfortable with? Review your privacy settings and limit who can see your posts, photos, and personal details. Social media platforms often default to public sharing, but you have the power to change that.

Finally, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection. A VPN acts like a secure tunnel between your device and the websites you visit, preventing third parties from snooping on your activity. While it’s not a silver bullet, it’s a simple tool that adds an extra layer of security to your browsing.

Building Momentum for Long-Term Privacy

Once you’ve tackled the basics, you may feel inspired to go further. This is where your privacy journey evolves. Explore privacy-focused web browsers like Brave or Firefox, which offer built-in tracking protection. Consider switching to encrypted messaging apps like Signal to keep your conversations private.

Learning about privacy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are countless resources, podcasts, and communities dedicated to helping individuals take ownership of their digital lives. As you educate yourself, you’ll find new tools and techniques that align with your values and lifestyle.

Remember, privacy isn’t a destination—it’s a habit. By committing to small, ongoing changes, you’ll not only protect yourself but also contribute to a culture where privacy is respected and valued.

Takeaways: Steps to Begin Your Privacy Journey

• Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords.
• Review and update your social media privacy settings.
• Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection.
• Switch to privacy-focused browsers like Safari, Brave, or Firefox.
• Use encrypted messaging apps such as Signal for secure communication.
• Educate yourself through podcasts, articles, and online communities focused on privacy.
• Remember, small actions add up—start where you are and build from there.

Your journey toward better privacy doesn’t have to be daunting. Start with a single step, and watch as your confidence grows. You hold the power to shape your digital life—one small change at a time.

Understanding Location Permissions

Both operating systems provide a list of apps with varying permissions—whether they can access location data always, never, only while the app is in use, or if they should prompt the user for permission each time. This flexibility allows users to tailor their experience based on the app’s needs. For instance, apps related to navigation or photo services typically benefit from precise location access, enhancing their functionality.

Conversely, some applications, such as those used in bars for jukeboxes, may function adequately with approximate location data. Thus, users must evaluate which apps genuinely require precise access and which ones can operate with less detailed information. Generally, apps should not need continuous location access unless there is a compelling reason.

Managing Location Permissions on Android

For Android users, managing location permissions involves several steps. To restrict intrusive location tracking, users should navigate to Settings > Security & Privacy > Ads and select “Delete advertising ID.” While the warning from Google might seem alarming, it’s essential to confirm this action to enhance privacy. If this option is unavailable, it indicates that the advertising ID has already been removed, which is a positive step towards privacy.

Android’s settings also offer a granular approach, allowing users to modify permissions for each app individually, ensuring that only necessary applications have access to their location data.

Managing Location Permissions on iOS

On the other hand, iOS users benefit from a system that, by default, limits app access to the “Identifier for Advertisers,” which provides a unique tracking number for devices. Users should regularly check their settings by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking. Here, they can see which apps have requested permission to track their activity and can revoke access as needed.

Additionally, in this section, users can disable the “Allow Apps to Request to Track” option and ensure that personalized ads are turned off to further protect their privacy. These settings allow users to maintain a higher level of control over their data.

If you’re an iCloud+ subscriber, you have the option to further obfuscate your location. Look at Settings > Apple Account > iCloud+ > Private Relay. Private Relay hides your IP address and browsing activity in Safari and protects your unencrypted internet traffic so that no one-including Apple-can see both who you are and what sites you’re visiting.

iOS settings also offer a granular approach: See Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

Key Takeaways

Understanding and managing app permissions for location access is essential for maintaining privacy on mobile devices. Both Android and iOS provide tools to help users navigate these options effectively. Regularly reviewing app permissions and adjusting them according to personal needs can significantly enhance user privacy and control over their data.

Take the example of Bluesky’s open engagement versus the throttled experience on X (formerly Twitter). The Mississippi Free Press posts the same content on both platforms but sees 20x the engagement on Bluesky. Why? Because X intentionally throttles links to control user behavior. This is data weaponization in action—your clicks, likes, and time spent are being used to drive their agenda, not yours.

2025 will demand vigilance. Protecting your data is as essential as protecting your identity. Simple steps, like using a VPN (ProtonVPN is a great start) and/or enabling private browsing, can make a world of difference. These tools may not be foolproof, but they’re better than doing nothing.

Your data deserves the same care as those precious items in a safe. Lock it up, guard it well, and stay mindful of who might be trying to pick the lock.

Imagine scrolling infinitely through a feed of every image uploaded to a social media platform. With Ludovision, you can click on an image to view a larger version or jump to the uploader’s profile. It’s not complicated, nor is it secretive—it’s just data the platform already makes available. Yet, the experiment revealed a glaring truth: most people don’t understand the digital footprints they leave behind.

A few things struck me while building and using Ludovision:

• is super common. I expected NSFW content, but I didn’t expect to see the sheer quantity of s I have.
• Your brain will thank you if you don’t try to figure out every image. Some things are better left unseen. Scrolling quickly becomes a survival mechanism.
• Everything is public. Every image uploaded, every like, every follow—it’s all part of an enormous digital trail. And this isn’t unique to Bluesky; this applies to nearly every platform.
• No server required. The tool runs entirely client-side (I ran it in Private Browsing mode on Mac), and has no need for external libraries or remote code loading. There’s zero tracking of any kind. Privacy is respected—even in this experiment on the fragility of online privacy.

The experiment wasn’t about voyeurism—it was about understanding how fragile the idea of privacy through obscurity really is. We like to believe our contributions to the internet are small, insignificant, or lost in the noise. But tools like Ludovision expose how easy it is to aggregate that “noise” into something startlingly revealing.

The name Ludovision is a nod to A Clockwork Orange—specifically, the aversion therapy scene where the protagonist is forced to watch disturbing images as part of his “reconditioning.” Scrolling through this unfiltered firehose feels a little like that. It’s a vivid reminder of just how much we throw out into the world, often without realizing anyone can pick it up. See Wikipedia on “The Ludovico Technique.”

What Ludovision Taught Me About Privacy

This experiment drove home an important point: privacy through obscurity is not privacy at all. Just because you assume no one is paying attention doesn’t mean your data is safe. Platforms may feel ephemeral, but the data they generate is anything but.

The fragility of online privacy lies in how easily it can be pierced—not just by sophisticated hackers but by someone with a little curiosity and a bit of code. It’s not difficult to parse public APIs, gather metadata, or build tools like Ludovision to visualize what people are posting.

If you’re reading this, take a moment to think about the last thing you uploaded to the internet. An image, a comment, a like. Ask yourself: Would I be okay with someone aggregating this into a larger picture of me? Because someone can.

A Closing Thought

Ludovision is just one small experiment, but it highlights a much larger issue. We need to move beyond assuming obscurity equals security. Privacy doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentional choices, both by the platforms we use and by us, the users.

Until we collectively take privacy more seriously, tools like Ludovision will continue to be easy reminders of just how much we’re giving away—one upload at a time.

#Privacy #Experiment #DigitalFootprints

This eye-opening documentary pulls back the curtain on how online shopping platforms leverage your browsing history, purchase patterns, and even your subconscious preferences to create a feedback loop of consumption. But more than just selling you products, these platforms trade in your most valuable resource: your attention.

Convenience at What Cost?

The allure of convenience—one-click purchases, personalized recommendations, same-day delivery—has become the cornerstone of modern consumerism. But as Buy Now illustrates, convenience is not free. Every time you click, swipe, or linger on a product, you’re leaving behind digital breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs tell a story about your preferences, habits, and even vulnerabilities, which companies use to target you with uncanny precision.

The result? A shopping ecosystem where the boundaries between genuine need and manufactured desire blur. The algorithms that suggest “items you may like” aren’t just helpful; they’re designed to keep you browsing, clicking, and buying—often at the expense of your financial and mental well-being.

Privacy: The Silent Price Tag

One of the most unsettling revelations in Buy Now is how shopping platforms quietly harvest your data, feeding it into a vast network of ad brokers and third parties. Your email address, browsing habits, and even offline activities (tracked via apps and loyalty programs) are commodities in this ecosystem. This lack of transparency leaves consumers vulnerable, trading their privacy for the illusion of convenience.

This issue parallels the themes explored in another Netflix documentary, The Great Hack, which delves into how data manipulation played a pivotal role in global elections. The connection is clear: whether it’s your political beliefs or your shopping habits, your data is the fuel driving massive industries built on influencing human behavior.

Attention Is Currency

If your privacy is the silent cost of modern shopping, then your attention is the currency. Every second you spend scrolling through curated product pages or targeted ads adds to the profits of platforms that excel in keeping you engaged. This isn’t accidental—it’s a calculated strategy.

The documentary urges viewers to reflect on the idea that attention is finite. What you give your attention to shapes your reality. By spending hours navigating the digital mall, you might be neglecting more meaningful pursuits—or worse, falling deeper into cycles of unnecessary spending.

How to Reclaim Control

1. Be Intentional: Before making a purchase, ask yourself whether it’s a need or a want. Don’t let algorithms decide for you.
2. Protect Your Privacy: Use tools like ad blockers, VPNs, and privacy-conscious browsers. Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information with retailers.
3. Value Your Attention: Recognize that every moment you spend online is a choice. Spend it wisely, whether by learning, creating, or connecting with loved ones.
4. Diversify Your Shopping Habits: Support local businesses or second-hand shops where possible. It’s a small way to push back against the monopolies driving these trends.

The Bigger Picture

Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy and The Great Hack both serve as reminders of the growing commodification of our lives in the digital age. While the conveniences of modern shopping are undeniable, they come with strings attached. By understanding the mechanics behind these systems, we can take steps to shop more consciously and live more intentionally.

In the end, the power lies in your hands—or, rather, in your attention. Choose where you spend it, because your clicks and views aren’t just fleeting actions; they’re votes for the kind of world you want to live in.

The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Data

Every time you grant an app permission to access your location or connect to a website, you are unwittingly feeding a multibillion-dollar data brokerage industry. These brokers collect and sell data for advertising purposes, but the same data can reveal highly sensitive information about your routines, movements, and preferences.

Investigations have shown how this data has been used to track the movements of US military personnel, mapping everything from their homes to classified locations. While this may sound far removed from civilian life, the implications are universal: if governments and malicious actors can exploit this data, so can scammers, stalkers, and criminals.

How Your Data is Collected

• Mobile Advertising IDs (MAIDs): Unique identifiers assigned to your device, used to target you with ads.
• Location Data: Collected through apps, this data can pinpoint your movements to within a few feet.
• Personal Metadata: Combined with other data, even “anonymous” location information can be de-anonymized to identify you.

Before an ad appears on your phone, countless companies—data brokers, ad platforms, and exchanges—process information about your device and location. These players repackage and resell your data in ways that you have little control over or visibility into.

Why It Matters to Civilians

For everyday people, the risks are just as real as for government personnel:

1. Stalking and Harassment: Your routine—where you live, work, and shop—can be mapped and used by malicious actors.
2. Blackmail: Sensitive locations you visit (e.g., medical facilities or private venues) can become tools for coercion.
3. Identity Theft: When location data is combined with other personal information, it creates a full profile ripe for exploitation.

Protecting Your Privacy

To minimize your exposure, take these actionable steps:

1. Reset Your Advertising ID: Both Android and iOS allow you to reset your MAID, disrupting trackers from linking new data to your old profile.
   • On iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking > Reset Advertising Identifier.
   • On Android: Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Ads > Reset Advertising ID.
2. Restrict Location Permissions: Only grant location access to apps that genuinely need it and choose “While Using the App” instead of “Always.”
3. Turn Off Ad Personalization: Disable targeted ads in your device’s settings to limit the reach of data brokers.
4. Use Privacy-Focused Tools: Apps like Signal for communication and browsers like Safari, Firefox or Brave can help minimize data collection.
5. Adopt VPNs and Privacy Extensions: A VPN (like ProtonVPN) masks your online activity, and browser extensions like uBlock Origin can block trackers.

The Need for Systemic Change

While individuals can take steps to protect their privacy, the larger issue lies with the unregulated data broker industry. Comprehensive privacy legislation is essential to:

• Ban the sale of sensitive data.
• Impose accountability on companies that collect and sell data.
• Protect consumers from the misuse of their digital footprints.

Efforts like the stalled American Privacy Rights Act and the Fourth Amendment Is Not for Sale Act show the need for urgent reform. Until lawmakers take action, the responsibility of staying safe largely falls on individuals.

Reclaiming Privacy takes action

Surveillance and data misuse aren’t just abstract threats—they have real-world consequences for civilians. By adopting data hygiene practices and advocating for stronger protections, you can safeguard your privacy in a world increasingly shaped by digital tracking.

Start today: Reset your advertising ID, review your app permissions, and demand accountability from the companies and legislators that profit from your data. Privacy is a right—not a privilege.

Inspiration: Anyone Can Buy Data Tracking US Soldiers and Spies to Nuclear Vaults and Brothels in Germany [Wired]