#TBOT 23: KYC for Your Phone, New ReCAPTCHA, UK Digital ID, Decentralized Social Media - NOSTR

#TBOT 23: KYC for Your Phone, New ReCAPTCHA, UK Digital ID, Decentralized Social Media - NOSTR

Author: The most important weekly tech news + solutions. May 19, 2026 Duration: 28:24

Tonight, the FCC, Google, and the UK Government make big moves against private and free technology. The hits don’t stop — keep ’em coming, and we’ll keep the solutions coming on #TBOT.

Bye Bye Burner Phones?: A new FCC rule threatens to end phone anonyminity by demanding IDs when getting a phone number. Why? To stop robocalls. What its probably going to do; destroy privacy and put millions at risk of data theft. We only have 7 days to comment, so let’s look at their featherbrained reasoning and strategize a push back.

reCAPTCHA Hypocrisy: Google’s new reCAPTCHA was just pushed to 14 million websites. This new version uses a QR code that must be scanned by your phone. The bombshell? It works on iPhones but not de-googled phones. Don’t worry - there’s a workaround, watch for more.

UK Digital ID to Work: The King and UK government are moving forward with Digital ID even after public outcry and a petition. Is it still going to be required to work? Yes, in a way. And more than that, the UK government is asking how they can make you love it even more.

Decentralized Social Media with Nostr: I tried a new social media platform and liked it. Nostr is a protocol, not a platform and it shines at social media. I’ll give you the download and we’ll play around with a popular client for today’s solution.

AI Data Center Report Update: Hakeem’s new site and report to help people track data centers is almost ready, we’ll give you a sneak peek of what you can expect — and a humble request for your help.

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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: 50

The #TBOT Show with Hakeem Anwar
Podcast Episodes
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The reason I started using cryptocurrency was because I didn't want anyone to be able to spy on what I spend my money on. Can you relate? In part 2 of IRS Attempts to Trace Monero I'm asking the hard questions - Is Moner…
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Duration: 3:47
In a significant blow to open access advocates, the Internet Archive has lost its appeal against major publishers in a landmark copyright case. The dispute centered on the Archive's "Open Library" system, which operated…
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If Google Maps went down this very moment, would you be able to get directions to the nearest grocery store? Would you be able to get back home if you're on the other side of town?Probably not, because we have lost our s…