The forward-leaning morning newsletter for those
who love all things green
May 22, 2023
Topics: Google, passkeys, tech, Twitter, Bluesky, social media, TikTok bans, Montana, cannabis, Minnesota, EVs, RoveCharge
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🔑Passkeys...what are they? Note: this applies to gmail accounts and Android/Google devices! User safety and security have been a primary concern of the tech industry since the inception of modern technology. Today, over 900 password attacks happen every second, according to a 2022 Microsoft study.
All tech companies have been working to introduce a new way for users to sign into their accounts without using a password. At last year's World Password Day, Google announced that they would roll out passkey technology to replace traditional password-based authentication. One year later on May 3 Google announced that they had done it!
AGREEN1 visited the Google website to learn how they work. Passkeys are very different than passwords. First, passkeys can only exist on devices, and they cannot be stolen by or sold to a bad actors. "When you use a passkey to sign in to your Google Account, it proves to Google that you have access to your device and are able to unlock it."
Note, if you share devices, do not create a passkey on that shared device, use your unshared device. You can create different passkeys for each device you use. However, Apple is different according to Google; "If you create a passkey on your iPhone, that passkey will also be available on your other Apple devices if they are signed in to the same iCloud account. This protects you from being locked out of your account in case you lose your devices, and makes it easier for you to upgrade from one device to another."
Passkey technology works using offline security keys that are stored on a user's computer or mobile device.
👬🏼Does Twitter have a twin? Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey had the vision to move Twitter to a decentralized network before things went downhill for him at the tech company he helped create. He continued working on his idea of a decentralized social app platform and it's called Bluesky.
Bluesky has a similar user interface as its twin, Twitter but promises to offer users a richer experience, counting on its decentralized nature to make the difference. With Bluesky, Jack Dorsey is trying to fix the built-in problems that Twitter experienced. The biggest one being that the algorithms in the coding that is controlling the posts and feeds users see. The company designed algorithms promote certain posts and would censor others. Of course they are all designed to be controlled by ad money. It was all pay to play.
Dorsey said; "Of course governments want to shape and control the public conversation, and will use every method at their disposal to do so, including the media. And the power a corporation wields to do the same is only growing. It’s critical that the people have tools to resist this, and that those tools are ultimately owned by the people. Allowing a government or a few corporations to own the public conversation is a path towards centralized control."
Why is Bluesky an improvement to its twin, Twitter? They say that users will be in charge of their feeds and what they see, so no more paid algorithms. This user-control platform has become a new home for ex-Twitter users and anti-Twitter people. By the end of April 2023, Bluesky reached 50,000 users on the platform, recording over 200,000 downloads. It has limited availability through invite only as its is still in beta mode and being perfected.
Image: TikTok GIF: AGREEN1
🚫TikTok ban update TikTok's worldwide sensation has been greater than any other over the last decade. Within five years of emerging in 2018, TikTok has surpassed apps like Instagram as one of the most popular social platforms and is the most loved app by younger populations. But the reports that ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, allows Beijing to access users’ data on TikTok have created such a bad image on the video app, and now governments of countries are banning it.
Countries such as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Taiwan, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands, the United States, the U.K., Canada, and Australia have all banned TikTokon the phones of government officials. The EU placed an even broader ban.
The heads of ByteDance also recently appeared before the U.S. Congress and Privacy Committee to answer questions concerning how the tech company handles its business. Within the last two years, ByteDance has faced at least 12 lawsuits from countries worldwide. The tech company is even currently facing a lawsuit filed by the state of Arkansas over dark pattern practices.
Behold Montana is the first U.S. state to ban the app. Governor Gianforte posted on Twitter: "To protect Montanans' personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party, I have banned TikTok in Montana,"
🍁Minnesota the 23rd U.S. state Legally regulated adult-use cannabis has been approved by the Minnesota state legislature. The bill passed in the House of Representatives 73-57 and squeaked by the Minnesota State Senate by 2 votes. Governor Walz tweeted; "When the bill reaches my desk, I’ll be proud to sign it into law."
Retail sales likely won't happen until early 2025, as a framework is still being constructed, but effective August 1, adults over 21 years old can legally grow 8 plants at home. Medical cannabis has been legal in the state for about 10 years, so the transition should go smoothly.
Image: Rove GIF: AGREEN1
🌴More EV charging in the OC We all know the OC... it's Orange County, California of course! Coming this year, a new company called Rove is rolling out EV charging centers. What is that? Well, they are a new EV charging experience and they look great!
Make no mistake, the future is being written. Rove's website states: We are accelerating the transition to EV mobility, starting with a better charging experience. How are they delivering on that promise? They will provide at least 40 of the fastest charging stations (Level 3) and will offer a lounge that is open 24-7, a doggie park, market, carwash, espresso/coffee and even "grab-and-go foods". Pretty sure they will have bathrooms also!
Stay Curious... Who are we?
Fun question of the day: Do you think adult-use cannabis will become federally legal by 2025?
Who are we?
Last fun question of the day: Are you going to Electrify Expo near you?
0% of respondents said YES
Thanks again for being you. Until the next issue, be sure to add more green to your life!
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