#TBOT 10: Meta’s Content AI Abused By Governments, Police Surveillance at Your Hardware Store, Build Your Own Pay Phone, Private FOSS Keyboard

#TBOT 10: Meta’s Content AI Abused By Governments, Police Surveillance at Your Hardware Store, Build Your Own Pay Phone, Private FOSS Keyboard

Author: The most important weekly tech news + solutions. August 18, 2025 Duration: 28:10

Here’s the stories for the week:

Meta’s Content AI Abused by Governments: An anonymous group has released the first part of their data leak analysis from Meta’s Integrity Labs. They allege that Meta’s reporting system was abused to minimize discussion around Palestine in the wake of October 7th. These initial reports were then used to train Meta’s Content AI, creating a global information blackout.

Your Favorite Stores Surveil for the Police: A recent records request indicated that “Flock” license plate cameras have been installed at 171 Lowe’s and Home Depot hardware stores across the US. We’ll cover where the stores are and what these cameras can do.

Build Your Own Pay Phone: Electrical engineer Patrick Schlott installed three free pay phones for anyone who wants to use them in his town. It’s more private than a cell phone and they’re free to use. I looked into a number of free phone projects in the US and also looked at how one could build their own.

Solutions: Want a private FOSS keyboard? We take a look at Heliboard and some upgrades like voice typing, swipe, and more.

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🪄 We aim for our show to be well-researched, well-informed and focused on the most impactful stories all in 20 minutes (ain’t nobody got more time than that)

PLUS - Each story comes with recommendations and there’s one cool tech trick or open-source solution every week.

We’ll be publishing full posts and clips of each of these stories soon.

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Hakeem Anwar hosts The #TBOT Show, a weekly podcast dedicated to cutting through the noise of the tech world. Instead of just reporting headlines, this show focuses on the technology news that actually shapes your daily routine, privacy, and digital freedom, explaining why it matters in clear terms. Each episode is designed to be concise and actionable, wrapping up in under twenty minutes. You’ll hear informed analysis and straightforward recommendations on how to navigate the week’s developments. True to its mission, every installment also provides a practical takeaway: this might be a powerful open-source tool you can use, a privacy-enhancing skill to learn, or a sustainable tech solution to implement. It’s a blend of necessary context and usable insight, making it a resource for anyone who wants to understand and take back control of their tech life. Tune in for a focused, efficient update that prioritizes depth over duration, ensuring you stay informed without being overwhelmed. This podcast delivers exactly what its author promises: the most important weekly tech news paired with tangible solutions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 80

The #TBOT Show with Hakeem Anwar
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