Fiona Charles
@fionaccharles.bsky.social
Workshop designer/facilitator, keynote speaker, gardener, dog lover, choral singer, and (recovering) software test/quality consultant
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
“Policy should not be driven by a dogmatic faith that deregulation will always and inevitably liberate innovation.”
“Policy should not be driven by a dogmatic faith that deregulation will always and inevitably liberate innovation.”
The EU has let US tech giants run riot. Diluting our data law will only entrench their power | Johnny Ryan and Georg Riekeles
The GDPR is Europe’s defence against digital oligarchy and child harm. Deregulation plans are misguided, say Johnny Ryan and Georg Riekeles
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:33 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
“Policy should not be driven by a dogmatic faith that deregulation will always and inevitably liberate innovation.”
“Policy should not be driven by a dogmatic faith that deregulation will always and inevitably liberate innovation.”
Reposted by Fiona Charles
Don’t you just love the way 🇺🇸American media and pundits insist on soft-pedalling neoNazi Trump’s crimes?
“illegal extrajudicial killings” instead of “murdering people you know nothing about in little boats.”
🤷🏼🙄🤷🏼
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/u...
“illegal extrajudicial killings” instead of “murdering people you know nothing about in little boats.”
🤷🏼🙄🤷🏼
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/u...
November 11, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Don’t you just love the way 🇺🇸American media and pundits insist on soft-pedalling neoNazi Trump’s crimes?
“illegal extrajudicial killings” instead of “murdering people you know nothing about in little boats.”
🤷🏼🙄🤷🏼
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/u...
“illegal extrajudicial killings” instead of “murdering people you know nothing about in little boats.”
🤷🏼🙄🤷🏼
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/u...
Reposted by Fiona Charles
New Canadian website called Common Goods to shop for only Canadian items #Canada
#BuyCanadian
Website link here commongoods.ca
#BuyCanadian
Website link here commongoods.ca
November 11, 2025 at 7:34 PM
New Canadian website called Common Goods to shop for only Canadian items #Canada
#BuyCanadian
Website link here commongoods.ca
#BuyCanadian
Website link here commongoods.ca
Reposted by Fiona Charles
Beyond a doubt the most moving depiction of Canadians at war that I've ever read: I weep with pride every time I read it. Lest we forget. Alden Nowlan, Ypres, 1915. peggyblair.wordpress.com/2025/02/15/a...
Alden Nowlan, Ypres, 1915
This is Canada Flag Day, the sixtieth anniversary of our Canadian flag, and in light of the threats we are facing from the US, it seems appropriate today to post this poem by Alden Nowlan. It alway…
peggyblair.wordpress.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Beyond a doubt the most moving depiction of Canadians at war that I've ever read: I weep with pride every time I read it. Lest we forget. Alden Nowlan, Ypres, 1915. peggyblair.wordpress.com/2025/02/15/a...
Reposted by Fiona Charles
AI is already superhuman. So are libraries, cars, and calculators. Not a reason to abandon the strong history of science-led digital policy in the EU.
Please sign if you have a PhD in or near AI.
#digitalGovernance #AIEthics
pads.c3w.at/form/#/2/for...
Please sign if you have a PhD in or near AI.
#digitalGovernance #AIEthics
pads.c3w.at/form/#/2/for...
CryptPad
pads.c3w.at
November 11, 2025 at 7:45 AM
AI is already superhuman. So are libraries, cars, and calculators. Not a reason to abandon the strong history of science-led digital policy in the EU.
Please sign if you have a PhD in or near AI.
#digitalGovernance #AIEthics
pads.c3w.at/form/#/2/for...
Please sign if you have a PhD in or near AI.
#digitalGovernance #AIEthics
pads.c3w.at/form/#/2/for...
Reposted by Fiona Charles
STOP road deaths. Now! NOT accidents; incidents.
Rates per capita:
• Canada & Australia more than double Sweden, Singapore, UK, Norway.
• US: sadly 500% higher rate than those countries, and over 100% higher than Canada or Australia
By Hannah Ritchie bit.ly/3WLZPeC
Rates per capita:
• Canada & Australia more than double Sweden, Singapore, UK, Norway.
• US: sadly 500% higher rate than those countries, and over 100% higher than Canada or Australia
By Hannah Ritchie bit.ly/3WLZPeC
November 11, 2025 at 5:21 PM
STOP road deaths. Now! NOT accidents; incidents.
Rates per capita:
• Canada & Australia more than double Sweden, Singapore, UK, Norway.
• US: sadly 500% higher rate than those countries, and over 100% higher than Canada or Australia
By Hannah Ritchie bit.ly/3WLZPeC
Rates per capita:
• Canada & Australia more than double Sweden, Singapore, UK, Norway.
• US: sadly 500% higher rate than those countries, and over 100% higher than Canada or Australia
By Hannah Ritchie bit.ly/3WLZPeC
Reposted by Fiona Charles
Big Tech is plotting a $100M lobbying and campaign spending blitz to block AI regulation at the state and federal level.
We must stop this takeover before it's too late.
We must stop this takeover before it's too late.
November 11, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Big Tech is plotting a $100M lobbying and campaign spending blitz to block AI regulation at the state and federal level.
We must stop this takeover before it's too late.
We must stop this takeover before it's too late.
Reposted by Fiona Charles
Every objective good of modern urbanism is ultimately subject to the will of politicians.
In today's world, working to improve one's community must take politics into account.
Ignoring this reality imperils your efforts, no matter how well-intentioned & logical they may be.
In today's world, working to improve one's community must take politics into account.
Ignoring this reality imperils your efforts, no matter how well-intentioned & logical they may be.
November 11, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Every objective good of modern urbanism is ultimately subject to the will of politicians.
In today's world, working to improve one's community must take politics into account.
Ignoring this reality imperils your efforts, no matter how well-intentioned & logical they may be.
In today's world, working to improve one's community must take politics into account.
Ignoring this reality imperils your efforts, no matter how well-intentioned & logical they may be.
Reposted by Fiona Charles
It’s not 11:11 on the West Coast but I’m out early. Sassoon knew his way around both a trench and a pen.
November 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
It’s not 11:11 on the West Coast but I’m out early. Sassoon knew his way around both a trench and a pen.
I find this allegation difficult to believe. If it is true, then “indifference to evil” doesn’t cover it: evil is the correct word. (Full disclosure, I detest ppl killing wildlife for sport, too.)
The allegation here is that wealthy tourists paid to be able to shoot human beings. Perhaps killing wildlife wasn't enough for them. If true, psychopathic scarcely begins to cover it.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Milan prosecutors investigate alleged ‘sniper tourism’ during Bosnian war
Groups from Italy and elsewhere alleged to have paid Serb soldiers to shoot Sarajevo residents during siege
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:28 PM
I find this allegation difficult to believe. If it is true, then “indifference to evil” doesn’t cover it: evil is the correct word. (Full disclosure, I detest ppl killing wildlife for sport, too.)
Reposted by Fiona Charles
If we go on strike, our union of 12,000 workers are calling on customers to NOT BUY STARBUCKS.
Sign our pledge to not cross a picket line and we'll send you local calls to action - nocontractnocoffee.org
Sign our pledge to not cross a picket line and we'll send you local calls to action - nocontractnocoffee.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:54 PM
If we go on strike, our union of 12,000 workers are calling on customers to NOT BUY STARBUCKS.
Sign our pledge to not cross a picket line and we'll send you local calls to action - nocontractnocoffee.org
Sign our pledge to not cross a picket line and we'll send you local calls to action - nocontractnocoffee.org
Reposted by Fiona Charles
Some of the stray dogs living near Chernobyl have recently turned blue. This confused scientists for weeks, until they realized they had simply been rolling around in chemicals from a nearby set of portable toilets. 14/10 for all
November 10, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Some of the stray dogs living near Chernobyl have recently turned blue. This confused scientists for weeks, until they realized they had simply been rolling around in chemicals from a nearby set of portable toilets. 14/10 for all
www.thewhig.com/news/local-n...
All of this! And *please* take a little time to clear snow and ice off your car properly. So you can see out of every window, but also so all that white stuff doesn’t blow off your car into someone else’s face. Please.
All of this! And *please* take a little time to clear snow and ice off your car properly. So you can see out of every window, but also so all that white stuff doesn’t blow off your car into someone else’s face. Please.
OPP urges caution as winter driving conditions arrive
The OPP are advising drivers to slow down and be prepared this winter season. Advice following a busy Sunday with over 120 collisions.
www.thewhig.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:42 PM
www.thewhig.com/news/local-n...
All of this! And *please* take a little time to clear snow and ice off your car properly. So you can see out of every window, but also so all that white stuff doesn’t blow off your car into someone else’s face. Please.
All of this! And *please* take a little time to clear snow and ice off your car properly. So you can see out of every window, but also so all that white stuff doesn’t blow off your car into someone else’s face. Please.
Snow before Remembrance Day this far south in Ontario should be banned. My partner yesterday, walking with ultra caution in the freezing rain on top of snowy sidewalks, “I’m not wearing ice cleats on my boots November f***ing 9th!”
November 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Snow before Remembrance Day this far south in Ontario should be banned. My partner yesterday, walking with ultra caution in the freezing rain on top of snowy sidewalks, “I’m not wearing ice cleats on my boots November f***ing 9th!”
Impressive article about how we could empower & require ethics in tech practitioners. Without legally enforceable oaths like those she describes, codes of ethics like those of the ACM or BCS are merely aspirational. IME talking to tech audiences, most aren’t even aware that these codes exist.
Solutions-oriented accountability for tech, published in @uxcollective.bsky.social
Put significant thought and research into this one.
Hoping it resonates and prompts some bigger conversations:
uxdesign.cc/a-hippocrati...
Put significant thought and research into this one.
Hoping it resonates and prompts some bigger conversations:
uxdesign.cc/a-hippocrati...
A Hippocratic Oath for tech… with teeth
From Frankenstein’s dilemma to the Greek agora, history offers blueprints for building tech industry legitimacy.
uxdesign.cc
November 10, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Impressive article about how we could empower & require ethics in tech practitioners. Without legally enforceable oaths like those she describes, codes of ethics like those of the ACM or BCS are merely aspirational. IME talking to tech audiences, most aren’t even aware that these codes exist.
Crackdowns at the beach heighten Syrian women’s fears for their freedoms
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
“But will that actually mean freedom for Syrian women?” was my 1st question on reading that the dictatorship had fallen to Islamist fighters. Sadly, it seems I was right.
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
“But will that actually mean freedom for Syrian women?” was my 1st question on reading that the dictatorship had fallen to Islamist fighters. Sadly, it seems I was right.
Crackdowns at the beach heighten Syrian women’s fears for their freedoms
One year after Islamist fighters took power, the chilling effects of a new conservatism become clear in idyllic Wadi Qandil
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Crackdowns at the beach heighten Syrian women’s fears for their freedoms
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
“But will that actually mean freedom for Syrian women?” was my 1st question on reading that the dictatorship had fallen to Islamist fighters. Sadly, it seems I was right.
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
“But will that actually mean freedom for Syrian women?” was my 1st question on reading that the dictatorship had fallen to Islamist fighters. Sadly, it seems I was right.
To resist AI optimism is often cast as anti-progress or naive luddism. But progress worth pursuing requires refusing the illusion that faster, cheaper and more standardized is the same as better.”
There is much to ponder in this thoughtful article.
There is much to ponder in this thoughtful article.
What we lose when we surrender care to algorithms | Eric Reinhart
A dangerous faith in AI is sweeping American healthcare – with consequences for the basis of society itself
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:23 PM
To resist AI optimism is often cast as anti-progress or naive luddism. But progress worth pursuing requires refusing the illusion that faster, cheaper and more standardized is the same as better.”
There is much to ponder in this thoughtful article.
There is much to ponder in this thoughtful article.
Reposted by Fiona Charles
🎯🎯🎯 I wouldn't buy a used car from the lot of 'em!
November 9, 2025 at 3:08 AM
🎯🎯🎯 I wouldn't buy a used car from the lot of 'em!
Reposted by Fiona Charles
Six people died from tampered Tylenol and the company pulled 30 million bottles off the market. ChatGPT is accused of urging seven people towards suicide, and OpenAI just assures us they’re still working out the kinks. Billions in investment, zero accountability.
OpenAI faces 7 lawsuits claiming ChatGPT drove people to suicide, delusions
OpenAI is facing seven lawsuits claiming ChatGPT drove people to suicide and harmful delusions even when they had no prior mental health issues.
apnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Six people died from tampered Tylenol and the company pulled 30 million bottles off the market. ChatGPT is accused of urging seven people towards suicide, and OpenAI just assures us they’re still working out the kinks. Billions in investment, zero accountability.
Reposted by Fiona Charles
As civil rights groups warned 7 years ago.
Facial recognition errors can have life-altering consequences. In @techpolicypress.bsky.social, CDT’s @jakelaperruque.bsky.social warns that ICE’s new approach — treating AI matches as definitive IDs — violates currently-understood DHS policy and endangers civil liberties.
ICE’s Reckless Reliance on Facial Recognition Puts Us All In Danger | TechPolicy.Press
Jake Laperruque raises the alarm on ICE’s reckless use of facial recognition and its risks for wrongful detainment.
www.techpolicy.press
November 6, 2025 at 5:51 PM
As civil rights groups warned 7 years ago.
Reposted by Fiona Charles
The elimination of USAID was an unforgivable moral atrocity that should haunt Trump, Elon Musk and Marco Rubio for the rest of their days and beyond
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 2:36 AM
The elimination of USAID was an unforgivable moral atrocity that should haunt Trump, Elon Musk and Marco Rubio for the rest of their days and beyond
Reposted by Fiona Charles
"World's first potential trillionaire has killed 600,000 people, including 400,000 children" is the only headline that anyone should ever read about Elon Musk
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 1:33 AM
"World's first potential trillionaire has killed 600,000 people, including 400,000 children" is the only headline that anyone should ever read about Elon Musk
Reposted by Fiona Charles
While researching my current column, I had trouble finding something PM Carney said in a speech in either Factiva or Google, so I tried asking ChatGPT-5 to search for it. This was its internal response.
It hallucinates in basic searches. It can't write truth. It can't copyedit. What is it good for?
It hallucinates in basic searches. It can't write truth. It can't copyedit. What is it good for?
November 7, 2025 at 1:42 PM
While researching my current column, I had trouble finding something PM Carney said in a speech in either Factiva or Google, so I tried asking ChatGPT-5 to search for it. This was its internal response.
It hallucinates in basic searches. It can't write truth. It can't copyedit. What is it good for?
It hallucinates in basic searches. It can't write truth. It can't copyedit. What is it good for?