Sean’s Pen {technically speaking}
@seangon.bsky.social
Community Broadband Evangelist at ILSR (co-parent of this baby here www.communitynets.org) • Internet Scribe • Telecom Infrastructure & Policy Plug • Monopoly Board Flipper • Books/Movies/Music Connoisseur • #BlackSky Walker
👨🏾💻📚
👨🏾💻📚
Reposted by Sean’s Pen {technically speaking}
Grok stands as the clearest example of an AI that is both ideologically aligned and operationally embedded in a social media platform, says Matthew Kirschenbaum. Its mechanisms should be taken apart under bright lights, in much the same way people learn how to defuse a bomb, he argues.
Grok is an Epistemic Weapon | TechPolicy.Press
Elon Musk's Grok claims to be truth-seeking while shaping discourse and amplifying ideology, argues Matthew Kirschenbaum.
www.techpolicy.press
January 13, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Grok stands as the clearest example of an AI that is both ideologically aligned and operationally embedded in a social media platform, says Matthew Kirschenbaum. Its mechanisms should be taken apart under bright lights, in much the same way people learn how to defuse a bomb, he argues.
One reason I enjoy working on digital equity issues from a community broadband perspective ….
It’s an area where local communities can exercise real power and get real results that improve quality of life and expand economic opportunities
It’s an area where local communities can exercise real power and get real results that improve quality of life and expand economic opportunities
A new study has found that Chattanooga, Tennessee's decision to build their own affordable community-owned fiber broadband network has driven $5.3 billion in economic benefits back to the community.
From my colleague and friend @seangon.bsky.social:
From my colleague and friend @seangon.bsky.social:
Chattanooga’s Municipal Fiber Network Has Delivered $5.3 Billion in Community Benefits, New Study Finds | Welcome to Community Networks
Since 2011, a new study finds that Chattanooga's city-owned fiber network has generated $5.3 billion in net community benefits for Hamilton County. Conducted by researchers at the University of Tennes...
communitynets.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:51 PM
One reason I enjoy working on digital equity issues from a community broadband perspective ….
It’s an area where local communities can exercise real power and get real results that improve quality of life and expand economic opportunities
It’s an area where local communities can exercise real power and get real results that improve quality of life and expand economic opportunities
FCC: Mergers, monopolization? No problem b/c who cares about consumer protections?
But DEI, yeah that’s the real problem 🙄
But DEI, yeah that’s the real problem 🙄
With Anti-DEI Commitments in Hand, FCC Approves AT&T-UScellular Spectrum Sale
AT&T bought 3.45 GHz and 700 MHz licenses for about $1 billion.
broadbandbreakfast.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:01 PM
FCC: Mergers, monopolization? No problem b/c who cares about consumer protections?
But DEI, yeah that’s the real problem 🙄
But DEI, yeah that’s the real problem 🙄
I suppose 30 years late is better than never
Wow — Senators Van Hollen, Smith, Murphy, Sanders, Warren, Markey, Merkley, Heinrich have created an official internal "Fight Club."
They're challenging Schumer & Gillibrand's leadership, arguing the party is using an old, corporate-friendly playbook insufficient to take on Trump or win elections.
They're challenging Schumer & Gillibrand's leadership, arguing the party is using an old, corporate-friendly playbook insufficient to take on Trump or win elections.
Chuck Schumer Faces Pushback From a ‘Fight Club’ of Senate Democrats
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I suppose 30 years late is better than never
Predictable scam alert
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Predictable scam alert
Not that the BEAD program established by the infrastructure law under Biden to build new future proof networks was perfect
But with this admin, everything they touch turns to instant enshittification
But with this admin, everything they touch turns to instant enshittification
the corporate press softsells it, and "AI" gets all the attention, but this administration really is trying to impose a ban on all federal and state oversight of corporate power
Trump revives unpopular Ted Cruz plan to punish states that impose AI laws
Cruz plan to block broadband funding lost 99-1, but now it’s back—in Trump form.
arstechnica.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Not that the BEAD program established by the infrastructure law under Biden to build new future proof networks was perfect
But with this admin, everything they touch turns to instant enshittification
But with this admin, everything they touch turns to instant enshittification
Reposted by Sean’s Pen {technically speaking}
In an era filled with tech dipshits who never developed emotionally past the age of 13 & use their wealth to become odious monsters ...
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
November 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
In an era filled with tech dipshits who never developed emotionally past the age of 13 & use their wealth to become odious monsters ...
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
My ILSR colleagues @ronmknox.bsky.social and BLP host Danny Caine welcomed Cory Doctorow as a podcast guest on Ron’s Who Shall Rule Substack for a wide-ranging talk about Doctorow’s new book on Enshittification
Dope convo about the problems of the platform economy & some possible solutions
Dope convo about the problems of the platform economy & some possible solutions
Enshittification and How To Fight It: A Conversation with Cory Doctorow
We have a new cool podcast, hooray!
www.whoshallrule.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:01 AM
My ILSR colleagues @ronmknox.bsky.social and BLP host Danny Caine welcomed Cory Doctorow as a podcast guest on Ron’s Who Shall Rule Substack for a wide-ranging talk about Doctorow’s new book on Enshittification
Dope convo about the problems of the platform economy & some possible solutions
Dope convo about the problems of the platform economy & some possible solutions
It’s similar to an idea floated by some policy analysts who say an online sports betting tax could help shore up the Universal Service Fund
“If the government is going to sanction something with proven harms, why not tax it to fund something with proven benefits?”
“If the government is going to sanction something with proven harms, why not tax it to fund something with proven benefits?”
November 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
It’s similar to an idea floated by some policy analysts who say an online sports betting tax could help shore up the Universal Service Fund
“If the government is going to sanction something with proven harms, why not tax it to fund something with proven benefits?”
“If the government is going to sanction something with proven harms, why not tax it to fund something with proven benefits?”
Dem-Gov candidates in WI are pushing to legalize weed in order to fund broadband expansion
Call me high but I kinda like the idea, esp since the Trump admin is doing its damndest to undercut fed broadband initiatives
Call me high but I kinda like the idea, esp since the Trump admin is doing its damndest to undercut fed broadband initiatives
Legalize Marijuana To Fund Broadband Access Expansion, Wisconsin Democratic Candidates For Governor Say - Marijuana Moment
With a year to go until Wisconsin voters are set to elect their next governor, the majority of the current candidates are making clear that they will support efforts to legalize marijuana—in part to f...
www.marijuanamoment.net
November 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Dem-Gov candidates in WI are pushing to legalize weed in order to fund broadband expansion
Call me high but I kinda like the idea, esp since the Trump admin is doing its damndest to undercut fed broadband initiatives
Call me high but I kinda like the idea, esp since the Trump admin is doing its damndest to undercut fed broadband initiatives
Reposted by Sean’s Pen {technically speaking}
More recently, Roth has been threatening to pull billions in already awarded broadband grants if states enforce net neutrality or engage in any meaningful oversight of this country's shitty telecom monopolies.
This, it should be said, is illegal. As my colleague @seangon.bsky.social explores here:
This, it should be said, is illegal. As my colleague @seangon.bsky.social explores here:
Experts: Withholding BEAD Funds Because of State Affordability Laws On Shaky Legal Ground | Welcome to Community Networks
Legal analysts are questioning the recent assertion by the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that the agency can legally withhold federal broadband deployme...
communitynets.org
November 4, 2025 at 1:49 PM
More recently, Roth has been threatening to pull billions in already awarded broadband grants if states enforce net neutrality or engage in any meaningful oversight of this country's shitty telecom monopolies.
This, it should be said, is illegal. As my colleague @seangon.bsky.social explores here:
This, it should be said, is illegal. As my colleague @seangon.bsky.social explores here:
It’s infuriating, even if completely predictable, to see the BEAD program get hollowed out like this along with any semblance of concern for the millions who still don’t have access to such an essential service
November 4, 2025 at 7:46 PM
It’s infuriating, even if completely predictable, to see the BEAD program get hollowed out like this along with any semblance of concern for the millions who still don’t have access to such an essential service
I’ve lost track of how many laws this admin has either side-stepped or flat out ignored
But here’s another one I wrote about it
This time the assertion is they will withhold fed broadband $$ b/c of state efforts to address the monopoly driven affordability crisis in broken broadband markets
But here’s another one I wrote about it
This time the assertion is they will withhold fed broadband $$ b/c of state efforts to address the monopoly driven affordability crisis in broken broadband markets
NTIA admin Arielle Roth recently said her agency will withhold federal broadband deployment funds fr any state that enacts affordability laws
Legal experts say it should be "laughed out of the room"
But it may be enough to dissuade some states from moving bills forward. Our story here 💻🌐📶⬇️
Legal experts say it should be "laughed out of the room"
But it may be enough to dissuade some states from moving bills forward. Our story here 💻🌐📶⬇️
Experts: Withholding BEAD Funds Because of State Affordability Laws On Shaky Legal Ground | Welcome to Community Networks
Legal analysts are questioning the recent assertion by the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that the agency can legally withhold federal broadband deployme...
communitynetworks.org
November 4, 2025 at 12:50 AM
I’ve lost track of how many laws this admin has either side-stepped or flat out ignored
But here’s another one I wrote about it
This time the assertion is they will withhold fed broadband $$ b/c of state efforts to address the monopoly driven affordability crisis in broken broadband markets
But here’s another one I wrote about it
This time the assertion is they will withhold fed broadband $$ b/c of state efforts to address the monopoly driven affordability crisis in broken broadband markets
Reposted by Sean’s Pen {technically speaking}
Anyway, yet another reminder that "debate me bros" were always full of shit, and anyone who claims that they were actually about free speech or real discussion over ideas is lying or gullible.
www.techdirt.com/2025/09/17/t...
www.techdirt.com/2025/09/17/t...
The “Debate Me Bro” Grift: How Trolls Weaponized The Marketplace Of Ideas
Among the attempts to create hagiographic eulogies of Charlie Kirk, I’ve seen more than a few people suggest that Kirk should be respected for being willing to talk to “those who disagree with him”…
www.techdirt.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Anyway, yet another reminder that "debate me bros" were always full of shit, and anyone who claims that they were actually about free speech or real discussion over ideas is lying or gullible.
www.techdirt.com/2025/09/17/t...
www.techdirt.com/2025/09/17/t...
Because of course they did
Another “victory” in the War Against The Poor
Another “victory” in the War Against The Poor
FCC Adopts Higher Rate Caps for Prison Phone Service
The agency also proposed satellite licensing changes.
broadbandbreakfast.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Because of course they did
Another “victory” in the War Against The Poor
Another “victory” in the War Against The Poor
I gotta look for that! I just grabbed cultural bio on Octavia that I haven’t started yet …
October 25, 2025 at 4:37 AM
I gotta look for that! I just grabbed cultural bio on Octavia that I haven’t started yet …
Partaking in one of the few things that bring me a lil joy these days: watching Steph and my Warriors hoop
October 24, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Partaking in one of the few things that bring me a lil joy these days: watching Steph and my Warriors hoop
Happy to see Route 50 cite our work
And its especially nice to see the outlet highlight two Black communities we have a had the pleasure of supporting: Wave 7 in Enfield, NC and Delta Interfaith in East Carroll Parish Louisiana
And its especially nice to see the outlet highlight two Black communities we have a had the pleasure of supporting: Wave 7 in Enfield, NC and Delta Interfaith in East Carroll Parish Louisiana
Insightful story here by Route 50 that cites our own @sportshotchris.bsky.social on how federal policy failures and disinvestment keep Native and Black farmers offline but also includes examples of how community broadband is providing a way forward in solving the digital divide
Broadband’s broken promise: How federal failures and funding fights keep Native and Black farmers offline
Across the US, Indigenous and Black farmers face ‘digital redlining,’ a web of barriers to affordable broadband even as billions in federal dollars flow to internet providers. Rooted in high costs, po...
www.route-fifty.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Happy to see Route 50 cite our work
And its especially nice to see the outlet highlight two Black communities we have a had the pleasure of supporting: Wave 7 in Enfield, NC and Delta Interfaith in East Carroll Parish Louisiana
And its especially nice to see the outlet highlight two Black communities we have a had the pleasure of supporting: Wave 7 in Enfield, NC and Delta Interfaith in East Carroll Parish Louisiana
Reposted by Sean’s Pen {technically speaking}
Anyone who has used the internet for 5 minutes could tell you this exact thing was guaranteed. That the company makes it possible is entirely intentional.
October 23, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Anyone who has used the internet for 5 minutes could tell you this exact thing was guaranteed. That the company makes it possible is entirely intentional.
Good to see NDIA join the fight to restore the Digital Equity Act
Our story - written by @karlbode.com - really shines a light on how epically idiotic this admin’s disregard for the law is, to say nothing of the damage it inflicts on its own base (rural communities, Veterans & older adults)
Our story - written by @karlbode.com - really shines a light on how epically idiotic this admin’s disregard for the law is, to say nothing of the damage it inflicts on its own base (rural communities, Veterans & older adults)
The Trump administration's illegal “termination” of the Digital Equity Act continues to have devastating real world impacts on everything from affordable broadband access to protecting Americans from skyrocketing online scams
Our story here on how the legal fight expands as the fallout increases 🌐💻
Our story here on how the legal fight expands as the fallout increases 🌐💻
A Constitutional Crisis in Broadband and The Fight to Restore Digital Equity Funding | Welcome to Community Networks
The Trump administration's illegal “termination” of the 2021 Digital Equity Act continues to have devastating real world impacts on everything from affordable broadband access to protecting Americans ...
communitynetworks.org
October 23, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Good to see NDIA join the fight to restore the Digital Equity Act
Our story - written by @karlbode.com - really shines a light on how epically idiotic this admin’s disregard for the law is, to say nothing of the damage it inflicts on its own base (rural communities, Veterans & older adults)
Our story - written by @karlbode.com - really shines a light on how epically idiotic this admin’s disregard for the law is, to say nothing of the damage it inflicts on its own base (rural communities, Veterans & older adults)
We should all be studying this book in the U.S. because something tells me we might be on the …
"Digital Authoritarianism in the Making" examines how the Russian Internet space has transformed into the Runet, a censored & surveilled instrument of Russian national sovereignty, imperialism, and repression. Available #OpenAccess: mitpress.mit.edu/978026255367...
October 21, 2025 at 2:06 PM
We should all be studying this book in the U.S. because something tells me we might be on the …
Reposted by Sean’s Pen {technically speaking}
The entire "free speech on campus" moral panic was manufactured to blackmail us into making space in intellectual life for bigots and charlatans who couldn't get there on their own merits. Its a DEI scheme for fascism. Congratulations to everyone who took it at face value.
“Following his lecture, Yarvin will debate the legendary British historian David Starkey on history and the future of conservatism.” Everything about this is so cursed. Masks off at the University of Oxford.
October 20, 2025 at 2:13 PM
The entire "free speech on campus" moral panic was manufactured to blackmail us into making space in intellectual life for bigots and charlatans who couldn't get there on their own merits. Its a DEI scheme for fascism. Congratulations to everyone who took it at face value.
And let the church say …
jesus doesn't want AT&T to face accountability for the illegal harvesting of sensitive cellular location data!
it is known
it is known
October 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
And let the church say …
This has been well established theologically 🙄🤦🏾♂️
jesus hated the regulatory state and wants Exxon to be able to indiscriminately pollute the water table
Chip Roy: "The truth is the marxist, radicals, and Islamists the Democratic Party promoted this weekend, they cannot handle the truth. The truth is that there is a king and that king is Jesus. And the president has been willing to say it, & Charlie Kirk was willing to say it & he got killed for it."
October 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
This has been well established theologically 🙄🤦🏾♂️
Remember the good ol ancient days when the “scandal” was Obama’s tan suit or his remark about clinging to guns and religion?
Now we have toddler behavior in the White House and it’s totally “normal”
Now we have toddler behavior in the White House and it’s totally “normal”
President Denies Reality Of Massive Nationwide Protests While Posting Videos of Himself Dumping Shit On Citizens
"The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command…. And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed–if all records…
"The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command…. And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed–if all records…
President Denies Reality Of Massive Nationwide Protests While Posting Videos of Himself Dumping Shit On Citizens
"The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command…. And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed–if all records told the same tale–then the lie passed into history and became truth." —George Orwell, 1984 This past weekend witnessed what may have been the largest single-day political protest in American history.
www.techdirt.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Remember the good ol ancient days when the “scandal” was Obama’s tan suit or his remark about clinging to guns and religion?
Now we have toddler behavior in the White House and it’s totally “normal”
Now we have toddler behavior in the White House and it’s totally “normal”