Space Fascism is one of those big topics in sci-fi, from Helldivers to Starship Troopers. There’s nothing easier than beating up a big evil empire full of conformity and evil, nor is there better social satire than one. But something happens sometimes where we create fascist villains and have to ask “Can they ever be better people?” Like with all things, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
In this video essay, Anthony will discuss the idea of redemption and fascist characters. Not all of these characters are strictly speaking fascists, but they all push the boundaries of how evil and wicked an evil overlord can be before we try to redeem them. And…why do we want to redeem them? By the way, the worst person in this video? He ain’t in the thumbnail….
This week, YouTube rolled out automatic age verification in the US. Users who the company’s AI system determines may be under 18 are forced to provide their ID or a full biometric scan just to watch certain videos. YouTube is the latest major tech platform to preemptively normalize invasive identity verification for everyday online activity—and it’s a disaster.
This new identity verification system sets a dangerous precedent. It builds a surveillance infrastructure that normalizes the tracking of legal and previously anonymous content consumption—all under the guise of child safety.
On this week’s Free Speech Friday, I explore why the preemptive AI age and identity verification used by YouTube and other tech companies like Instagram and Roblox is so harmful and how it could change YouTube forever.
Is YouTube secretly applying an AI filter to Shorts without telling creators? I recently noticed my videos looked strange and smeary on YouTube compared to Instagram, almost like a cheap deep fake. In this video, I investigate what’s going on and why I believe it’s a massive problem for everyone on this platform.
After talking with Rick Beato and seeing discussions on Reddit about the same “oil painting” effect on videos from creators like Hank Green, it’s clear there is some kind of non-consensual AI upscaling being applied to our content. For me, this is a huge issue that threatens to erode the most important thing a creator has: the trust of their audience.
Produced by Brian Tyler Cohen California Governor Gavin Newsom delivers a passionate message urging people to take action and be aware of pressing issues. His call to “wake the f— up!” emphasizes the need for public awareness and engagement on critical challenges facing society. Full video available at the provided YouTube link.
Produced by Jessica Kellgren-Fozard In this video, Jessica discusses her experience with TAPS (Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence) and TTTS (Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome), serious complications affecting identical twins sharing a placenta. She aims to provide clarity and reassurance for those interested in twin pregnancies, while also sharing links to her merchandise and social media.