Bernard Keenan
@bernardkeenan.bsky.social
Lecturer, UCL Laws. Law, theory, tech.
Interception: from postal systems to global networks (MIT 2025)
Interception: from postal systems to global networks (MIT 2025)
Pinned
Bernard Keenan
@bernardkeenan.bsky.social
· May 28
Interception: State Surveillance from Postal Systems to Global Networks
A media history of how the UK and US governments have surveilled citizens by intercepting their private communications.It may not be Big Brother (yet), but
direct.mit.edu
Open Access link:
direct.mit.edu/books/oa-mon...
direct.mit.edu/books/oa-mon...
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Oh, the grand old duke of york
He ██████████████████
He ██████████████████
And he ██████████████████
He ██████████████████
He ██████████████████
And he ██████████████████
February 19, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Oh, the grand old duke of york
He ██████████████████
He ██████████████████
And he ██████████████████
He ██████████████████
He ██████████████████
And he ██████████████████
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
They’re so clearly going to try to fix the elections
Every US outlet should be reporting on this every single day between now and mid terms
Every US outlet should be reporting on this every single day between now and mid terms
Leavitt: "You need an ID to go and purchase alcohol. You need an ID to go to the library and check out a book. So the president thinks you should have an ID to vote in our nation's elections."
February 18, 2026 at 8:48 PM
They’re so clearly going to try to fix the elections
Every US outlet should be reporting on this every single day between now and mid terms
Every US outlet should be reporting on this every single day between now and mid terms
When I occasionally lecture Irish college students, it's often on the topic of social media and censorship. One of the things I try to impress upon them is that up until the 1990s, Ireland had the most draconian state censorship regime in the Western World, & Playboy was only unbanned here in 1994.
the Irish censorship regime was insane until, what, the late 1980s or so?
February 18, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
My first piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social - a primer of sorts on Ireland’s role in EU tech regulation
Context for the year ahead, as the 2 foundations of the economy - the 2 forces that dragged post independence Ireland out of poverty - the EU & US FDI - go to war
Context for the year ahead, as the 2 foundations of the economy - the 2 forces that dragged post independence Ireland out of poverty - the EU & US FDI - go to war
Tech Policy Press fellow Liz Carolan unpacks how Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, became the EU’s chief enforcer of the Digital Services Act, now facing lawsuits from tech companies and mounting political pressure from Washington.
Why Ireland is at the Center of the Transatlantic Battle Over Digital Regulation
Coimisiún na Meán is at the center of a transatlantic clash over EU tech rules, facing US political pressure and lawsuits as it enforces the DSA.
buff.ly
February 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM
My first piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social - a primer of sorts on Ireland’s role in EU tech regulation
Context for the year ahead, as the 2 foundations of the economy - the 2 forces that dragged post independence Ireland out of poverty - the EU & US FDI - go to war
Context for the year ahead, as the 2 foundations of the economy - the 2 forces that dragged post independence Ireland out of poverty - the EU & US FDI - go to war
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Since the government is about to introduce a social media ban for under-16s based largely on vibes – and Jonathan Haidt's shitty book – in the hopes it boosts its popularity (it won't), I'll re-up this.
If we're banning under-16s, why not over-60s?
If we're banning under-16s, why not over-60s?
On almost everything – fraud, polarisation, radicalisation, misinformation – evidence suggests that over 60s are in much more urgent need of online protection and education than teenagers.
But that issue gets zero political attention, and is a total non-starter. Nothing good will come of it.
But that issue gets zero political attention, and is a total non-starter. Nothing good will come of it.
This was a minor story on London news this morning - but suspect is a real cautionary (and alarming) tale of an older man getting radicalised online.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
February 16, 2026 at 9:48 AM
Since the government is about to introduce a social media ban for under-16s based largely on vibes – and Jonathan Haidt's shitty book – in the hopes it boosts its popularity (it won't), I'll re-up this.
If we're banning under-16s, why not over-60s?
If we're banning under-16s, why not over-60s?
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Here are some thoughts on the Palestine Action ruling for the @lrb.co.uk. The ruling shows the importance of the UK Government's national security assessments being challenged - which doesn't happen enough under our current system.
‘The Palestine Action ruling is another warning against always taking the government at its word.’
@daniellalock.bsky.social on the blog:
www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2026/fe...
@daniellalock.bsky.social on the blog:
www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2026/fe...
Daniella Lock | Unlawful
The High Court has ruled that the British government’s proscription of Palestine Action – which has led to the...
www.lrb.co.uk
February 16, 2026 at 8:36 AM
Here are some thoughts on the Palestine Action ruling for the @lrb.co.uk. The ruling shows the importance of the UK Government's national security assessments being challenged - which doesn't happen enough under our current system.
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Breaking: on two counts, the High Court has ruled that the Labour government's proscription of the campaign group Palestine Action was unlawful – a win for its co-founder Huda Ammori, who sought a judicial review of the ban
February 13, 2026 at 10:07 AM
Breaking: on two counts, the High Court has ruled that the Labour government's proscription of the campaign group Palestine Action was unlawful – a win for its co-founder Huda Ammori, who sought a judicial review of the ban
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
The European Commission’s first DSA fine against X reveals an enforcement strategy focused on corporate ownership and control, interface design, and barriers to data access, writes Matteo Fabbri.
What the EU’s X Decision Reveals About How the DSA Is Enforced
The European Commission's €120M fine against X exposes how it enforces the DSA, targeting design, transparency, and data access failures across the platform.
buff.ly
February 13, 2026 at 3:30 AM
The European Commission’s first DSA fine against X reveals an enforcement strategy focused on corporate ownership and control, interface design, and barriers to data access, writes Matteo Fabbri.
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Discord recently announced that many more users will need to scan their face or upload ID, verifying their age so they can continue to access parts of the platform. Someone quickly made a tool that they say bypasses it with a simple 3D model you control
www.404media.co/free-tool-sa...
www.404media.co/free-tool-sa...
Free Tool Says it Can Bypass Discord's Age Verification Check With a 3D Model
The tool presents users with a 3D model they can then manipulate to, the creator says, bypass Discord's age verification system.
www.404media.co
February 11, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Discord recently announced that many more users will need to scan their face or upload ID, verifying their age so they can continue to access parts of the platform. Someone quickly made a tool that they say bypasses it with a simple 3D model you control
www.404media.co/free-tool-sa...
www.404media.co/free-tool-sa...
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
'Jesse Nicholls represented al-Libi at the hearing ... describing it as ‘unprecedented’ and ‘extraordinary’, and expressing the conclusion that the targeted barrister had been singled out in order to gain a litigation advantage for the Defendants ... in al-Libi’s claim against the UK Government.'
A hearing has been held to consider allegations that GLD staff unlawfully entered the office of a Special Advocate representing the interests of Abu Faraj al‑Lib in his claim against MI5, MI6 and others. Jesse Nicholls is instructed by Bhatt Murphy.
ow.ly/uNuz50Ycbke
ow.ly/uNuz50Ycbke
February 10, 2026 at 12:22 PM
'Jesse Nicholls represented al-Libi at the hearing ... describing it as ‘unprecedented’ and ‘extraordinary’, and expressing the conclusion that the targeted barrister had been singled out in order to gain a litigation advantage for the Defendants ... in al-Libi’s claim against the UK Government.'
I think this complaint is a kind of guilty conscience - Starmer was seen as safe because he was willing to put aside his personal convictions and pander to what the British media supposedly wants from a 'sensible' government... now the media isn't playing along, so it's their fault. Cynical reason.
Getting really tired of "this is all a media concoction"...
Starmer has the lowest approval rating of any PM in history bar Truss. Senior ministers are openly and unsubtly positioning. His Chief of Staff, Director of Comms and Cab Sec have all resigned on the same day.
I mean come on...
Starmer has the lowest approval rating of any PM in history bar Truss. Senior ministers are openly and unsubtly positioning. His Chief of Staff, Director of Comms and Cab Sec have all resigned on the same day.
I mean come on...
February 10, 2026 at 9:36 AM
I think this complaint is a kind of guilty conscience - Starmer was seen as safe because he was willing to put aside his personal convictions and pander to what the British media supposedly wants from a 'sensible' government... now the media isn't playing along, so it's their fault. Cynical reason.
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
"TikTok’s Terms of Service now explicitly include tracking of location and citizenship status (among other identity markers, such as sex)." newrepublic.com/article/2059...
How TikTok 2.0 Became a Weapon for ICE
In just one week, the company has gone from being Gen Z’s preferred social media platform to a tool for spying on Americans and the suppression of information.
newrepublic.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:02 PM
"TikTok’s Terms of Service now explicitly include tracking of location and citizenship status (among other identity markers, such as sex)." newrepublic.com/article/2059...
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
People often jump to saying online propaganda is either the work of radicalised actors, or else Russia.
In practice, it’s amazing how often the answer is much simpler – someone is chasing either (a) clout, (b) money, or (c) both.
In practice, it’s amazing how often the answer is much simpler – someone is chasing either (a) clout, (b) money, or (c) both.
Hate-filled fake videos about London are everywhere. We've obtained a recording of a TikToker confessing to secretly filming Londoners in their homes for clicks.
He says it's not political. He just wants to make money from far-right anger.
Read what he says: www.londoncentric.media/p/london-tik...
He says it's not political. He just wants to make money from far-right anger.
Read what he says: www.londoncentric.media/p/london-tik...
February 8, 2026 at 9:50 AM
People often jump to saying online propaganda is either the work of radicalised actors, or else Russia.
In practice, it’s amazing how often the answer is much simpler – someone is chasing either (a) clout, (b) money, or (c) both.
In practice, it’s amazing how often the answer is much simpler – someone is chasing either (a) clout, (b) money, or (c) both.
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
This piece is as good as everyone's saying. It's striking how willing this bonehead is to outsource all ethical judgement to the tiktok algorithm. Just a humble participant in the market, responding to the incentives on offer.
February 8, 2026 at 10:57 AM
This piece is as good as everyone's saying. It's striking how willing this bonehead is to outsource all ethical judgement to the tiktok algorithm. Just a humble participant in the market, responding to the incentives on offer.
UCU GS election challenge next week should be interesting.
Certification Office hearings are via zoom but can be joined remotely -
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Certification Office hearings are via zoom but can be joined remotely -
www.gov.uk/government/n...
February 5, 2026 at 10:14 AM
UCU GS election challenge next week should be interesting.
Certification Office hearings are via zoom but can be joined remotely -
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Certification Office hearings are via zoom but can be joined remotely -
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell
Somewhat devastating news today from the CIA: One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. There's not even a hint as to why they …
simonwillison.net
February 5, 2026 at 12:25 AM
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
PSNI remains undefeated in the art of data protection
February 4, 2026 at 4:51 PM
PSNI remains undefeated in the art of data protection
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
UK pro-Palestinian activists not guilty of aggravated burglary at Israeli firm's factory reut.rs/4a0pqbe
UK pro-Palestinian activists not guilty of aggravated burglary at Israeli firm's factory
Six British pro-Palestinian activists were acquitted on Wednesday of aggravated burglary relating to a 2024 raid on a factory operated by Israeli defence firm Elbit, with a jury unable to reach verdicts on charges of criminal damage.
reut.rs
February 4, 2026 at 12:15 PM
UK pro-Palestinian activists not guilty of aggravated burglary at Israeli firm's factory reut.rs/4a0pqbe
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Floored by this story. A man wrote a pollite email to a federal prosecutor objecting to the deportation of an Afghan seeking asylum. DHS responded with an administrative warrant to get the man's info from Google, then visited his home to intimidate him.
DHS Hunts Down 67-Year-Old U.S. Citizen Who Criticized Them in Email
The Department of Homeland Security is using a little-known tool to go after its critics.
newrepublic.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Floored by this story. A man wrote a pollite email to a federal prosecutor objecting to the deportation of an Afghan seeking asylum. DHS responded with an administrative warrant to get the man's info from Google, then visited his home to intimidate him.
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Incredibly good work from @techpolicypress.bsky.social - an inventory of the known AI and data surveillance arsenal being used by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. www.techpolicy.press/dhs-ai-surve...
DHS AI Surveillance Arsenal Grows as Agency Defies Courts
A Department of Homeland Security AI inventory contains details on new tools used by ICE and border patrol agents in Trump's deportation campaign.
www.techpolicy.press
February 2, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Incredibly good work from @techpolicypress.bsky.social - an inventory of the known AI and data surveillance arsenal being used by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. www.techpolicy.press/dhs-ai-surve...
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Last week in Minnesota, I watched ordinary people risk their lives to protect their neighbors. In the process, they not only won a significant—though not final—victory against authoritarianism, they proved virtually every MAGA social theory wrong. (gift link) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
January 27, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Last week in Minnesota, I watched ordinary people risk their lives to protect their neighbors. In the process, they not only won a significant—though not final—victory against authoritarianism, they proved virtually every MAGA social theory wrong. (gift link) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
Really interesting thread on who actually has to bell the cat if the EU believes Grok is violating the DSA to apply sanctions and guess! What! It’s good ol’ Ireland 🙈
I just checked and apparently the process is the Commission contact the Digital Services Coordinator's in the platform's established member state (in X/Twitter's case Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán) who apply for a court order from Irish court to ban the platform in the EU.
Question for you, or other EU policy experts out there, Steve, but what formal process does the Commission have to go through before imposing extreme sanctions (i.e., an EU-wide ban) on a platform like X? Does it need to go to a full vote? In which case, I imagine Hungary might exercise its veto?
January 27, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Really interesting thread on who actually has to bell the cat if the EU believes Grok is violating the DSA to apply sanctions and guess! What! It’s good ol’ Ireland 🙈
Reposted by Bernard Keenan
From the NY Post. You know they are really scrambling when they are running "The gun was no angel" stories.
January 25, 2026 at 1:53 PM
From the NY Post. You know they are really scrambling when they are running "The gun was no angel" stories.
