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digital humanities
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- 1Bates alumnus probes human rights abuses with open source materials▼On a purposeful path: Using open source materials, Jack Sapoch ’18 investigates international human rights violations
Jack Sapoch, a 2018 graduate of Bates College, is investigating international human rights violations using open source materials, the college reports. The profile highlights how publicly available information, such as online records and digital evidence, is increasingly used to document abuses worldwide. The piece is part of the college's coverage of alumni pursuing purposeful careers in human rights work.
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The European Research Council has published a piece reflecting on what access to technology actually feels like for people, moving beyond statistics to the lived experience of connectivity, or the lack of it. The item is drawing attention as debates continue over digital divides and unequal access to tools, infrastructure and online services across regions and communities.
- 3Programmer Ola Bini deported from Ecuador, back in Sweden●Kungälvsbon och programmeraren Ola Bini har deporterats från Ecuador och är nu tillbaka i Sverige efter 13 år. https://w
Swedish programmer Ola Bini, originally from Kungälv, has been deported from Ecuador and returned to Sweden after 13 years in the country. Bini, who worked closely with WikiLeaks and Julian Assange, faced a lengthy legal battle in Ecuador over hacking charges, which drew international human rights attention. Observers are now discussing the end of a long-running case that made him a symbol in debates over digital rights and press freedom.
- 4UN rights chief warns AI could amplify systemic racism▼UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warns AI could amplify systemic racism
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a warning that artificial intelligence could worsen systemic racism, as biased data and automated decision-making risk reinforcing discrimination in areas such as policing, hiring and access to services. The warning has drawn attention among human rights observers and digital policy watchers, renewing calls for stronger safeguards, accountability and international rules governing how AI systems are developed and deployed.
- 5Jack Myers' new book explores human–machine co-intelligence●Your Third Brain: Powering a Future of Unimagined Possibilities by Jack Myers, 2026 Examines the rise of human–machine c
Media ecologist Jack Myers has published 'Your Third Brain: Powering a Future of Unimagined Possibilities', examining the rise of human–machine co-intelligence. The book argues that the future of AI lies not in hype or alarmism but in an emergent partnership between humans and machines. Readers are discussing its optimistic framing of AI as a collaborative 'third brain' alongside human biological and digital cognition.
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Commonweal Magazine has published a reflection on memory in the digital age, examining how constant access to online information and digital records is changing the way people remember and forget. The piece joins a wider conversation about whether outsourcing memory to devices and databases is reshaping personal identity and culture.
- 7UN Human Rights Council urged to take holistic approach to protecting defenders▼UN Human Rights Council discussions underline the need for holistic approaches to protect defenders
Discussions at the UN Human Rights Council have highlighted that protecting human rights defenders requires comprehensive approaches, not isolated measures. The Association for Progressive Communications argues that digital rights, physical safety and legal protections must be addressed together, as defenders increasingly face combined online and offline threats. The call comes amid ongoing debate about how effectively the international community shields activists from reprisals.
- 8Austria plans AI government decisions without human oversight●🔥 @ epicenter_works : No Human Required: Austria's Plan for AI Government Decisions # Austria will soon get to find out
Austria is considering a draft law that would allow AI systems to issue legally binding government decisions without human oversight. Digital rights advocates warn the plan shifts legal risk onto citizens, with no requirement for a human to review automated rulings. Critics say the proposal could become a test case for how far states will go in delegating administrative authority to machines.
- 9AI as a digital colleague: judgement stays with the professional●AI prepares, I decide. One more tool in the workshop – the judgement stays with the professional. https:// kruegerpublis
A German-language author and publisher is promoting the idea that artificial intelligence should serve as a 'digital colleague' – a tool that prepares work while final decisions remain with the human professional. The framing, tied to a new publication on AI in the workplace, speaks to freelancers and the self-employed wondering how automation fits into their craft without replacing their expertise.