Beating the Algorithm

L.A. Fatzinger's weekly briefing to help us take back control of our online experiences and personal data.

Jan 29, 2025

The Briefing

With dramatic changes unfolding so rapidly in our political and technological landscape, it might be time to ask: Is your head spinning yet?

Beating the Algorithm aims to streamline the message and cut through the noise regarding the apps, algorithms, and AI increasingly influencing our lives. In this redesigned and reimagined weekly briefing, we’ll cover topics such as:

How algorithms, AI, and tech company policies shape what and how we consume and share online.
How our behavior and preferences, collected from any connected service or device, are analyzed, used, and sold.
How our personal data is being leveraged to train powerful new AI services and shape our preferences.
How we can keep using the devices and services we enjoy while ensuring responsible, safe, and trustworthy online experiences for ourselves and those we care about.

Whether you’re tech-savvy or more “tech’d out,” each edition of Beating the Algorithm will deliver easy-to-understand, actionable content and practical advice you can use to stay informed and make better decisions.

This reintroduction also gives you the chance to become an annual member of this publication, The Hidden Scroll, at 10% off the annual rate—and receive a free, signed copy of my psychological thriller, The Salzburg Executioner, which explores the hidden dangers of manipulative algorithms.* If you join before February 15, 2025, your support will fuel our continued research, writing, and advocacy for safer, more transparent online experiences. And, you’ll continue receiving in-depth articles, weekly editions of Beating the Algorithm, access to our members-only safety and privacy briefings for organizations and classrooms, as well as that personalized copy of my book.

Subscribe + Free Book

There has never been a more critical time to get smarter about these issues and to regain control of our data, our online experiences, and our well-being. This is the first step.

With Gratitude,

—L.A. Fatzinger
Salzburg, Austria. 29 January 2025

DID YOU KNOW? A recent study shows that ByteDance’s TikTok pumps about 50 million tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere per year. That’s about the same as Greece’s entire annual emissions of 51.67 million tons of CO₂. Even more striking, ByteDance’s estimate is nearly seven times greater than Meta’s annual carbon footprint. (!)

The News

Missouri rule would require algorithm ‘transparency’ on social media - Route50 - 27 Jan 2025

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey recently unveiled a first-in-the-[USA] regulation that would require social media users in the state to be offered algorithmic choice. The rule would require platforms to be transparent about the algorithms they use and offer users the option to select alternatives.

LAF adds: At first glance, Missouri’s proposed rule looks like a step in the right direction: making users aware of what happens behind the scenes of “engineered addiction.” Hat tip for the attempt. However, the social media platforms will certainly leverage legal and technical roadblocks for as long as possible. Whether it is effective depends on if it passes and if it’s enforced. Or enforceable.

A Mother Says an AI Startup's Chatbot Drove Her Son to Su!c!de. Its Response: the First Amendment Protects "Speech Allegedly Resulting in Su!c!de" - Futurism - 25 Jan 2025

…the Character.AI legal team is saying that holding it accountable for the actions of its chatbots would restrict its users' right to free speech — a claim that it connects to prior attempts to crack down on other controversial media like violent video games and music.

LAF adds: Respectfully, no amount of legal jargon can obscure the fact that when companies create systems powerful enough to escalate dystopian despair rather than offer solace, support, or warning, the argument around free speech needs to be scrutinized much more closely. As similar cases work their way through the US Judicial system, we’ll keep you informed.

LinkedIn accused of using private messages to train AI - BBC - 23 Jan 2025

A lawsuit in the US filed on behalf of LinkedIn Premium users accuses the social media platform of sharing their private messages with other companies to train artificial intelligence (AI) models.

LAF adds: Wait…When you read LinkedIn’s Terms & Conditions, you didn’t clearly see the company can collect and use your data for….almost anything? While this is an ongoing lawsuit, it underscores the critical need for users (yes, you) to demand plain language terms of service from any online service, and be able to tailor what data can be used for new services in the future. Monthly and annual subscribers to The Hidden Scroll will receive our guide to opt-out of online services using your data for AI training in mid-February.

THE GOOD NEWS

AI helps predict memory issues, cognitive decline during menopausal transition - MedicalXpress - 17 Jan 2025

AI effectively identified women with severe subjective cognitive decline (SCD), or self-perceived confusion or memory problems, researchers report in a new study published in the journal Menopause, which involved 1,300 menopausal nurses from 16 hospitals.

Why this is good news: In this case, AI has enabled early detection of cognitive decline through personalized factors like sleep patterns, mood swings, and menopausal symptoms—in a way previous methods and research couldn’t do effectively. It’s a reminder that technology, harnessed responsibly, can empower rather than exploit.

Beyond The Headlines

DeepSeek: how a small Chinese AI company is shaking up US tech heavyweights - The Conversation - 28 Jan 2025

Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company DeepSeek has sent shockwaves through the tech community, with the release of extremely efficient AI models that can compete with cutting-edge products from US companies.

LAF adds: For casual users and consumers, the name DeepSeek may have appeared out of nowhere. But from nowhere, as they say, the Phoenix arises. The Chinese AI startup sent shockwaves through AI industry (and the US equities markets) with very cost-efficient AI models the company claims can perform just as well as rivals from OpenAI, Google, and Meta. Whereas the giants have spent billions developing their models, Before downloading Deepseek, which is currently ranking Number 1 on the Apple and Google app stores, be sure to familiarize yourself with several reported security flaws.

Life[off]line

A [Colorado] bill requiring schools to have cell phone policies aims to boost classroom learning - CPR News - 27 Jan 2025

A key partner in developing the legislation is the Colorado Children’s Hospital, which has seen increases in youth with anxiety, depression and su!c!dal ideation connected to cell phones. Officials also report an increase in cyberbullying and exposure to harmful websites and messaging.

LAF adds: Schools globally have varying levels of resources to enforce full device bans in schools, something The Hidden Scroll supports, with exceptions. Last year, France instituted a nationwide ban on mobile devices in schools for children under thirteen. Sweden, Netherlands, Italy and the UK have similar bans in place. Austria has an approach similar to what Colorado is proposing—national guidelines with regional flexibility. As long as Colorado’s guidelines are serious about restricting most mobile device use with the exception of direct connection to classwork, children will retain more and improve social skills.